Standard disclaimers: The rights of Ruroken belong to the creator, Nobuhiro Watsuki, Sony, Shueisha and most likely some other big name companies. I am borrowing them only for fun, I don't make money with this =^^=. Author's notes to this story: First: This 'piece' is a side story to Firuze Khanume's work 'Of Legendary Creatures And Mystical Beasts', it tells the story from Saitou's and Tokio's POV. The basic idea and plot-line is from her, most research is done by her and of course she pre-read all chapters. But I adopted the story a little bit and included my 'own legends': the old myths and legends of Northern Europe =^^= THIS FIC CONTAINS A MIXTURE OF ASIAN, ORIENTAL, EUROPEAN MYTHS AND LEGENDS AND DOES NOT FOLLOW ONE CULTURE EXPLICITLY. It is a 'universe' made up by Firuze and I've included some of my own ideas. Second (again): I am not following any culture very closely, they will be mixed with each other just how it fits my interests... Furthermore, I am afraid that I know more about Japanese myths than about European myths =^^=. This is an 'alternate universe' taking this into consideration. I DON'T WANT TO HEAR ONE COMPLAINT THAT I AM NOT FOLLOWING JAPANESE MYTHS. I know this myself... and I warned you =^^=. Oh, and of course this is not following history... I've read enough about history in general and the Shinsengumi especially to know this =^^=. Third: I'm not a native speaker, most likely mayor grammar and vocabulary mistakes might be ahead, hopefully you will not be distracted by them. Forth: mmm, the prologue might be confusing, but I promise that with the next two chapters the focus will be on Saitou and Tokio =^^= ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- PROLOGUE: PROPHECY A hooded figure wrapped in a black cloak became visible in a cloud of fog. "From the realms of Demons, Hagen is sent to prevail the shadows and the darkness in all of you." Opposite from him a flame rose and out of the crackling fire a man stepped, the hood of his black cloak turned down, so that one could see his red hair. "From the realms of Jinni, Iridara has come to preserve the elements fire and ice, and the magic for all of us." Between the two, a third figure in a cape appeared, out of now where as it seemed. "For the realms of Human, Bardar is speaking to protect the earth, the sky and the oceans for you all. Representing The North, The East, The South, and The West." A forth person, sitting on a throne, settled back relieved as he felt no obvious animosity among the representatives. But what did he expect? For the first time in hundredth of years they had taken initiative and asked for this meeting. "For the peace and balance of the cosmos, the Highest Council has come together on your demand. I, Ishtar, was elected to guide you all and see to your decisions. So tell me; of what is your concern?" Iridara took one step forward, not after casting a deadly glance at Hagen first, as Ishtar uneasily registered. "The First one has been chosen. Created in peace. From the shadows and out of the mist. Guarded. The Second is to come. Born in fire. Rosen in chaos. From the dark and into the blood. Branded. The Third will follow. Disturbed by destruction. From light and into the dark. Stained." Ishtar stood up. The news was too important to be ignored, justifying their coming together, the disturbance must have been noticed by them all. And all realms wanted their share of this unique opportunity. "The balance shall be the highest aim." Hagen took also one step forward. "The first has to follow the First." Bardar interrupted quickly, seeing his advantage slipping away. "But the second is to come before the first! Even before the Second! This isn't according to our intentions and interests!" Ishtar tried to ease the situation, the last thing he needed was a fight between humans and demons. "We have no influence on this. It takes its own time on its own account. Hear my advice: The second shall be before the Second, but destination will take part. The third remains the last, chosen for the Third." Excitedly, Bardar moved forward. "The power for the First will be delivered through The East and The West. We will take care for the deliverance of power." Ishtar raised his hand to the not existing ceiling "It shall be." "Through red and white the Second has to go. Brought by The North." "It shall be." "Solution and resolution for the Third. Served through The South." "It shall be." Hagen snorted and murmured. "As if Ishtar would dare to oppose you, fool." But he nodded, too, and bowed in front of the second best sorcerer he had ever known. Only one had been better, he had been a magical being himself...it hadn't served him well, he was dead now. And had taken his secret with him into his grave. Ishtar observed and proclaimed his final decision. "The power shall be controlled through passion. The chaos shall to take place before creation. The destruction shall be avoided by devotion." All leaders of the three realms confirmed him "Power through passion. Chaos before creation. Destruction guarded by devotion. It shall be." Hagen immediately vanished into the mist and sorrowful Iridara shared his concern looking behind him. "The flow of time is like water. The continuous, constant flow is in steady progress, uncertain is the future. A disturbance could occur." Negligent Ishtar waved his hand. "Actions and reactions will take place when the situation demands it." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The three Norns had been listening to the agreements while spinning fates for Mankind, for Jinni and even for Demons. They interrupted their work for some seconds to consult with each other. "Fate shouldn't be fore-ordained." Urdhr picked up the next threat: 'envy'. "Life shouldn't be this easy." Verdhandi worked 'jealousy' in. "We have so many options:" Skuld marked reaching behind her, revealing 'ambition' and offering 'war' and 'death' to her sisters. Busily the Norns let the spindles dance again, continued their spinning of every lifeform's fate. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hagen was home in his realm and instantly ordered his direct underlining to him. "How was the meeting going?" Kris demanded to know, a powerful demon controlling the ones living under the Northern Earth. Angrily Hagen threw his cape into one edge, burying a squeaking Goblin under its heavy fabric. "As expected. The beasts are going to come. It is inevitable." Eagerly Tengu, the mighty demon ruling over the Eastern underworld leaned forward. "What was the result?" Enraged Hagen slammed another Goblin - unfortunately standing beside his throne- on the cheek, sending him into the pile of bones in the farest corner. "The humans want to control them all and the Jinni want to have their share of them. As expected this fool Ishtar eagerly accepted their ideas." This was nothing Kris could accept. "They have controlled the earth long enough! It is our turn! There are some mighty witches in my area endangering us again!" An evil grin crossed Hagen's features. "It is our time to come, my dear, anxious friend, it is. Trust me." The last sentence was a command and not an option as they all knew. "And when will we act?" Hagen rested his head on his hand and eyed his underlining intensely to be sure to have their full concentration "We will have our own plot of disturbances and distractions." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- started: June 2002 finished: November 5th 2002 first posted: February 24th 2003 mmm, some more notes... some names are actual names of the mentioned 'persons', some are made up =^^=. And MANY, MANY thanks to Firuze for bearing my attempts and correcting my mistakes =^^=. I hope you liked it and it wasn't too confusing... the next chapter will be a LOT clearer, playing in Edo/Tokugawa-period. With our favourite character =^^= Ja ne, Mara