Oasis in the Desert by Alon

Chapter 1

In a land and time far from Japan and the Sengoku jidai, one country was split due to their environment and habitability. The North became riddled with snow and frost, becoming a place where individuals were forced to build impenetrable fortresses. The East had an abundance of greenery, with mountains and forests that stretched further than the eye could see. They relied on nature and the land, following traditional ways of hunting and gathering. The West was surrounded by water and life. It was a labyrinth of rivers and ponds that created the ultimate space for internal trade and quick travel. Lastly, the South was an abundance of sand. The extreme nature and limited ability for life caused them to develop technology greater than the other three. They were able to survive as individualistic countries with minimum contact for a number of centuries. It was not as if these nations were on bad terms, simply that each had their own agendas and were content in their own land.

The greed of wanting to conquer each other was settled by an age-old agreement: If any kingdom would wage war, all others would act together to quench that empire’s existence. Due to this, there was peace for millenniums.

However, the individualistic habitation of living beings as well as gradual time created an issue. Or, as expected, multiple issues. For over hundreds of years, they have been at a stand still in technology. Travellers have spread word of new and amazing things that they’ve seen in other places, but none had the knowledge to spread it to other nations. The lack of technology also meant that these people were limited in their abilities and what they could do. The growing world needed greater discovery and excitement. There were not enough expeditions and exploration.

The lack of widespread communication stunted them as superior species.

Globalisation was absent in this world. It wasn’t even a term.

And so, one kingdom, more courageous and assertive than others, set to rectify the growing issue.

.

.

The blazing sun burned the small group of travellers. Their foothold sank with each step, the trailing sand shifting only to encase them again. In the distance were hills of sand dunes, never ending, and clear skies only meant that their heavily clothed bodies were even more affected by the heat. Their horses had died earlier, and although their clan was riddled with monstrous strength and powers, the weeks of traversing have dwindled them down to almost nothing.

They were, effectively...

“Bloody freaking lost, aren’t we?” A foul mouth spluttered out as he trudged forward, flicking his silver hair to the back. “This is so stupid, that last town could barely sell us water and we still need to go further into this dust hole.” They were a party of four. Previously well-adorned, lavish clothing were now crumbling into a disarray of threads.

“Shut your trap. Your voice is giving me more of a headache than this constant sun.” Another set of lips parted, wiping the sweat on his jaw with the back of his hand. His long, black hair was tied into a high ponytail, tanned skin shone with a layer of dampness.

“You shut up,” the silver-haired mutt childishly retorted, looking back at equally glaring blue eyes.

The heat was obviously a bother to the both of them, edging their already lit flames of anger.

“Why don’t you make me?”

“I will bloody make you—”

Piercing stares had a spark of electric irritation between the two.

A relaxed voice called from the front, interrupting them. “It’s time to eat.”

Ears perked up, heads turned at the same time towards the announcement and then the pair trudged faster forward, forgetting the previous argument as quick as it came. They hovered around the crouching red head, simultaneously speaking, “Hiro, hurry it up.”

He passed the dried portions of meat to their eager hands. “The only time you two are in sync is when it’s time to eat,” Hiro crossed his arms, watching the two wolf down the meal, “right, Inuyasha; Koga?” They ignored the mediator, sitting on the soft sand and facing away from the down wind.

Green eyes looked upwards to see that the leader of their current pack had continued to venture forth, having already reached the top of the next sand dune. Leaving the two behind, his nimble legs caught up, hot rushing desert air scorching past his skin. The neko yokai had previously advised to return to their kingdom and come back when they were better prepared. They miscalculated the harshness of the weather, the lack of available resources as well as complexity of navigation. However, he knew he was not about to give up and return with nothing to show of their expedition. Their leader was stubborn, strict, and had a temper that even their lord could not control. Hiro finally reached the top of the dune, where a tall individual also stood. Long, silver hair flowed gently from the wind; his usual calm exterior had a layer of sheen on his forehead.

They moved to the top of the sand dune, hoping that the elevated ground would reveal a landmark, a settlement, people, anything—But it was the same. More and more mounds of coarse earth and dust.

Green eyes tried to track their location to no avail. “Sesshomaru. How’s it looking?”

Molten orbs darted from one side to another, absorbing all possible movements and potential landmarks. But he saw nothing. His superior eyesight could not even see a single moving animal. Even though he, visually, was unable to observe anything out of place, something in his canine instincts told him more. It was an inaudible sigh, “there is naught.”

Hiro handed the male a piece of jerky. “It’s expected. After all, the South is famed for this. If we’re lucky, we might reach their Capital in a day, if we’re unlucky, maybe a week.”

Biting into the tough meat, the dog demon said nothing.

With a call of more food, the half-yokai went back down to the arguing duo, leaving the concentrated male to stare down the mountains of sand.

Under the advice of Hiro, even Sesshomaru knew it was a wise decision to turn back. They were simply unprepared and lacking in travelling equipment as well as information. However, his pride as an alpha male prevented him from doing so. To return so soon meant failure, and he has never failed in his life. Not as a child. Not as a martial student. Not as a commander. And definitely not as a pack leader. In the least, he thought to himself, the city must be reached.

Suddenly, his pupil picked up a different movement, a clashing wind.

It was coming closer. Whirring against the ground.

He noticed it.

But he noticed too late.

The usually calm being turned to shout at the other three.

Now he understood why there were no animals to be seen.

No movement in the sand.

With a last growl, it resonated in the other demons’ ears—

Dust storm!”

It picked up even quicker the moment he alerted the others. They scrambled to gather themselves, producing cloths to wrap around their eyes, nose and ears. All the towns they had come across warned them of this phenomenon. However, it was the first time they experienced one. With preparation in place, the group hoped that the storm would pass quickly, like a wind down a valley.

But they, having lived in a peaceful city of water for centuries, did not know the severity of sand.

The tornado of dust hit them with force, toppling all but Sesshomaru to the ground. They could see nothing, was unable to reach each other. Usual sharp senses made the experience worse as, eventually, even the usually prideful demon had to kneel.

He heard muffled shouting, but was unable to make out what it was.

Whirring noise and bricks of sand flew through his body.

The tempest plummeted him, for what seemed like hours, until he lay flat.

He felt dehydration trickling down his throat and throughout his body.

There was no energy left in him.

Eventually, as the dust storm blew over, there was nothing but sand left in its wake.

The party of four was nowhere to be seen.

.

.

Choking.

Sesshomaru awoke to himself choking.

However, he was unable to open his eyes. Exhaustion and paralysis forced him immobile.

But still, he was choking.

The sensitised demon felt fingers jam into his cavity, opening up the airway as cool liquid poured in simultaneously. He violently coughed, expulsing vast amounts of dirt and debris. A pair of arms pulled him upright, stroking his back. He heard something being spoke, a language of some sort. Gentle hands examined his body, pushing and tugging, making sure that no bones were broken and no internal damage caused.

Then, suddenly, one of his eyelids was pried open. His vision was still a blur, but clear blue eyes stared into his own. They shut as quickly as they opened. He felt a cool cloth trail against his face and neck. The demon wanted to speak, but what came out was a violent cough, gasping for air. He was given more water, of which he quickly lapped up.

Struggling, he finally managed to open his eyes.

It was a stranger. A woman. Her face was impassive; various beads were embedded in her hair. Against the bright of fire, her dark hair glistened as a few wavy lengths were braided. Azure eyes became dark grey in the orange light.

She blinked, startled by his piercing orbs. The woman opened her mouth, speaking a form and structure of words that he could not recognise. She openly scratched her head, speaking even slower, before realising that the male probably could not understand her.

A cold wind blew up against them, causing the heat of the fire to spark and dwindle. Golden eyes watched her as her head perked, surveying the sparse area of sand. Moments passed and she relaxed, seeming to grab something behind her.

A chill ran down his spine, the obscenely hot desert in the day became ghastly cold during the night. While normally he was not as affected, his weakened body protested against him.

In the corner of his eye he watched her take off her tunic, revealing only a cloth wrapping that circled the area of her breast. Sesshomaru looked elsewhere, focusing on the stars of the night sky instead. Suddenly, a layer of warmth covered him—the woman’s clothes. The regal individual wanted to protest, but was still unable to speak. Before he could move to push it away, the woman unceremoniously laid next to him. They were so close that he could feel the heat that radiated from her skin. She laid something else, a kind of blanket, on top of them both.

There was a sharp intake of breath. “Good night.

Sesshomaru blinked, ears twitching. He understood that phrase. It was close to his language. With her eyes closed, he managed to turn his head and look at her curiously.

In a split second she pulled a knife to his face, the sharp blade of metal shining against the dwindling embers.

His eyes widened, ever so slightly.

Her lips parted. “Make no mistake. We are not allies.

With that, she pulled close, breath inches away from his shoulder and proceeded to sleep.

He had no idea what she said, but his primitive instincts understood what she had meant. The knife alone already told him.

Paralysed with exhaustion, he also closed his eyes, well aware of the warmth that lay next to him.

Sesshomaru rarely dreamed.

But that night he reminisced when he was a pup.

Ever since he could remember, the land he called home had bountiful water. There were elaborate water structures, pools of warm liquid that children were able to play in. There were vast lakes and rivers and creeks to explore and become lost in. However, one particular summer, their palace was dry. Something had happened, and he remembered his mother was furious. An argument had erupted between his father and mother, but he couldn’t remember what. Izayoi pat his head, explaining that when two people love each other they tend to argue a lot. Leaving him, the human woman went to be a mediator, calming the two enraged demons and pointing out their curious son.

He watched his father shake his head, sighing, whilst his mother folded her arm in annoyance.

“Come, Sesshomaru,” Izayoi beckoned.

Like a puppy, he followed, but for some reason he could not speak.

Then, all three of them pet him, squishing him, pinching his cheeks.  

Why, he wondered, am I dreaming of this?

Sesshomaru woke, a sweltering heat encasing his body.

The woman was shaking his shoulder, bringing water to his lips.

He thirstily drank, propping himself up. During this moment, he allowed himself to look around. The sight didn’t surprise him. It was nothing but stretches of sand. His saviour made a noise and he focused his attention back on her.

Primitively, she pointed to herself, speaking and connecting various sounds. They were repetitive. Three syllables. Then she pointed to him, bright, wide eyes staring, anticipating a response. He blinked once, slowly, before realising what the female was instigating. He repeated after her, sharp claw pointing towards his chest.

“Sesshomaru.”

She smiled; still weary of this strange traveller, but having finally established a connection she was able to relax. The strangely dressed woman beckoned him to stand and follow her. The tall being’s first step was unsteady, but gradually he felt his strength coming back. Petite fingers handed him food of sorts and he inclined his head in gratitude. However, he stared at the piece of meat, oddly shaped, unusually dry.

The female tapped his shoulder. She made a crunching motion with her mouth. At his initial confusion, she pointing to the piece of meat, before repeating the chewing sounds she made.

Did she assume he did not know how to eat?

His face twitched in annoyance.

Did she think he was an idiot?

Aggressively, he bit into the thick slab of cardboard meat.

Glancing at her, she seemed happy that he was eating and turned to pack up the rest of her belongings. While the food could not be called inedible, it definitely was not an appetising piece of meat. He chewed and swallowed, repeating the motion as he continued to observe her. She dressed in lightweight garbs; the blanket that they used became a long cape that hung on her shoulders. Everything that she used to spend the night could be fastened and tucked onto her person. Essentially, it looked as if she had no luggage.

In a foreign language, she called out to him once more, pointing in a certain direction, gesturing him to follow.

“My clan mates. Have you seen them?”

She stopped mid-stride, tilting her head in confusion.

He tried, once more, lifting three fingers, “I was with three others.”

Jet-black hair swayed in perplexity. She knelt in the sand, drawing a question mark, hoping that symbols, at least, were a universal language.

In response, Sesshomaru also went on one knee, a clawed digit roughly depicting three other stick figures. “They accompanied me. Have you seen them?”

She shook her head, pointing to him; then displaying a single finger.

He stood, sighing, finding this way of communication to be exasperating and arduous.

Don’t worry. I’m sure your friends are okay. There are lots of merchants who are around this area.

Sharp features glimpsed downwards, witnessing a reassuring smile, even though he had no idea what she said. It was probably encouraging, or supportive, at least that’s what it sounded like.

Bare legs continued forward, scarcely waiting for the male to catch up before speeding off once more. It was clear that she was used to travelling in the sand; her movements were agile and light, she moved with the sliding grit.

Not one for complaining, the silver-haired inu followed diligently. The sun was high in the sky; there was a dirty sheen of sweat that enveloped the inches of his skin. But she looked pristine, not an ounce of fatigue was shown on her clear face. The woman was able to navigate without seeming lost. She would, however, stop at certain intervals, look at the sky, before speeding off again.

Did they develop technology that could pinpoint location? At least, that is what he had heard from various travellers that visited the Western land.

She stopped mid-run.

So did he.

She whispered something, but to him it still sounded like gibberish. Quick hands pulled him down to the earth as she began to mutter something incoherent. The quirky female pointed to her eyes, then down the valley, a good distance away from their location. The demon focused on the area, feeling a rumble from beneath them before he saw a spike protrude from the ground.

His brow slightly furrowed in disdain, and then in disgust.

The creature emerged from the ground, wart-like skin covering spikes as it trudged on six legs. Bulging eyes were perched on the top of its head as the irises darted around in frenzy. It was huge—rather grotesque in visuals and its movements were slow on top of the sand. It seemed to take a breath, and dove back down into the rust-coloured dirt.

She stood as it disappeared, brushing off the excess sand that embedded into her clothes. The woman coughed, producing a noise to catch the yokai’s attention. When he looked at her, there was a knowing glint in her smile. Initially, he didn’t understand the strange smirk, but then she lifted up her fingers and began to make crunching sounds.

Blue eyes glanced at the previous space of the creature, before chewing and patting her stomach.

Realisation hit him.

Was his breakfast that...That thing?

“You...” Speechless, he glared as she laughed. A bubble of happiness erupted that annoyed him even more.

She sprinted off, this time faster, laughing as she escaped.

.

.

In a city of marble structure and paved roads, amidst the thriving markets, laughing children and busy adults—Three despondent individuals were arguing. Well, to be exact, two of them were.

“He’ll find his own way! For God’s sake it’s Sesshomaru, we just need to do something wrong and that bastard will show up to tell us off!” Fanged mouth barked before slamming the table they sat at.

“He’s our leader, we need to gather a party and find him! It’s been three days! The more time he spends out there the less of a chance he’ll survive!” The wolf shouted back, likewise hitting the sandstone structure.

“Are you bloody hearing yourself?! Where are we going to get a freaking party? You think he’ll die of some sand?”

“By searching! Do you even know what that means?! You dumb dog! And that sand almost buried you alive!”

“I woulda been fine! Ain’t got to be scared of that crap!”

As the two raging, hot headed demons continued to argue, the half neko yokai rubbed his temples in agony. He saw the points that both of them made, but it didn’t change the fact that they sat in the middle of a foreign inn doing nothing but attack each other’s neck.

It was Hiro’s quick thinking that saved the other two idiots.

More prepared than others, he managed to tie a sturdy rope that held the three of them together. Unfortunately, his leader was too far away and it seemed like his shouting was fallen on deaf ears. When the dust storm eventually cleared, they were blown elsewhere, and luckily were able to hitch a ride with a group of other travellers.

With a dictionary in hand, bought from the rare group of merchants, he begun to make plans to find their leader once more.

Emerald eyes glanced into the busy road, an unknown language being spoken all around. Little girls and boys ran barefoot; women laughed openly and shopped leisurely while men were having a good chat at their stalls. The city was beautiful, no doubt. As if it wasn’t surrounded by an abundance of sand, deadly creatures and frightening nature. Even though they seemed happy and content, Hiro could not pinpoint any special advances they have made to better their kingdom.

Was this really the technological South they heard about?

He viewed the tall structures and smooth architecture in awe.

Though, no doubt, there must be some magic or secret to the survival of such an oasis in the middle of vast desert. They seemed to have functioning water systems as well as pipes in place that ensured easy access to everyone. The ease of navigation, exceedingly friendly people, and cheap living cost was definitely something to look into.

A chorus of shouting, repetition of a single word, broke Hiro out of his focused thoughts.

With a shout from their clan mate, the duo ceased their fighting, silencing their usual rowdy antics.

Deft fingers flipped through the dictionary, having generally grasped the alphabet system of this new language, and sought to find out what the commoners were chanting.

Shaman!

Shaman!

Shaman!

The shaman is back!

It wasn’t a foreign word to him, but other than ancient scrolls, he hadn’t heard of the word in a long, long time.

More importantly, keen senses picked up something else. The second he did, Hiro also saw both Inuyasha and Koga stand at the same time. The trio looked at each other, before sprinting out the inn.

It was a scent they were relentlessly tracking.

Difficult to describe, it exuded a musk that made many others feel like the calm before a storm.

They tried to dodge the crowd of people, but the immense pull of humans and beasts alike made it difficult to traverse.

So, of course, impatient as they are...

Sesshomaru!

Startled, various individuals moved aside, the loud voice of combined demons was shattering their auditory system.

In a split second, the individual they helplessly sought for appeared in their peripheral. He looked haphazard, usual locks of shiny silver seemed to be muted by the endless dirt and grime while his clothes were an unsightly mess. His face though, seemed clean enough, as well as carrying the usual pointed stare of indifference.

Hiro let out a sigh of relief while Koga welcomed him with a pat on the shoulder.

“Wondered when you’d come back. Took ya time,” grunted Inuyasha.

Just as the four reunited, a curious fifth person appeared.

You found your friends!” It was a chirpy voice, peering at them from behind Sesshomaru.

Golden eyes looked back, lips parting, “indeed.”

“Wait, you know what she’s saying?!” His half-sibling blurted, and the other two were equally confused.

He strode past the gaping mouth. “No.”

Now they were even more confused.

Sparkling blue eyes smiled at all of them. “Follow me. I’ll take you to the Chief.

Before Hiro could flip through his dictionary, long fingers took it out of his hands. “Follow.” Sesshomaru slid the book into his sleeve as Hiro let out a muted sigh.

It can only be assumed that the woman they were following, the shaman, held high authority in this land. Individuals bowed at her, parted ways for her, and opened all doors for her. In no time they reached the largest white marble structure of the city. Again, the soldiers opened the large slabs of pale sandstone.

Up varying stairs.

Through more sets of doors.

Passing elaborately dressed people.

Down corridors and through archways.

Finally, it seemed like they reached a noteworthy individual.

He sat on his marble throne, an old man; white beard trailing down his neck as his robes were embroidered with patterned gold. As she bowed, the woman beckoned the confused demons to also show respect to their leader.

“My Sire,” she said.

Shaman, you have returned,” grey eyes fleetingly glanced at the four strangers behind her, “who are these people?

They spoke quickly, the female excitingly telling her story with hand movements, as the king seemed to sigh at her antics. He glanced at each of them, wearing a brief frown, but nonetheless continued to listen to the passionate woman.

Ears twitching atop his head, Inuyasha whispered, “I have no idea what they’re saying.”

The red head shrugged similarly, while the tanned, rugged demon responded, “Did he call her Keyome? Is that her name?”

“Nah, her name sounded more like Kaygune.”

With confidence, the fourth individual spoke.

Kagome.”

Hearing her name, sharp blue irises stared back at amber ones.

She smiled at him, and he, in turn, inclined his head.

It was then that Sesshomaru realised.

He may enjoy this expedition more than he wanted to.

 

INUYASHA © Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan • Yomiuri TV • Sunrise 2000
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