Unbound: The Iron Maiden

Unbound: The Iron Maiden - PART 1

NOTE:  The Council is first introduced in Conquering the Samurai, Episode 4.  In case you didn’t read it, here’s what you need to know before starting this fanfic.

**The Ayakashi Ghost Guild High Council (commonly referred to as the “the Council”):  Consists of three ghost agents; chosen for their unwavering bravery and loyalty to all human and daemon-kin.  And three daemons; chosen for the power they wield and the respect they command.

Ghost Agents currently serving on the Council: 

Master Nina:

The only female ruling on the Council.  Head of the Takahashi line, she comes from a long line of famous ghost agents.  All of which have served on the Council.  Of note, her family was instrumental in the creation of the Guild.

Master Sublumenal:

Leader of the Guild’s Western division and the youngest ghost agent in history to sit the Council.  He is a superb commander, and is currently undefeated in combat.

Insa:

Status:  DECEASED.  Executed for his crimes of maltreatment and murder.  All his titles have been stripped and his accomplishments stricken from Guild records.

Daemons currently serving on the Council: 

Professor Yata (Anima):

His wisdom and expertise are highly valued within the Guild’s ranks, and he was often consulted by ghost agents for guidance and advice.

Dracula (Phantom):

The Phantom rarely speaks, often choosing to be a spectator rather than a participant.  Despite his perceived lack of general awareness, he was one of the oldest and wisest Phantoms in existence.

Emperor Sutoku (Phantom):

No one knows how Sutoku gained a position on the Council, especially after his failed attempt to gain control of the Guild.  Many believe it is a tactic to keep him under the Guild’s influence, others believe Sutoku is secretly pulling the strings.  His true intentions remain to be seen.

 
**The Masters:  Little is known about the Masters.  Their existence is acknowledged by all ghost agents and daemons, but their identities remain a mystery.  Though the Council leads the Guild, it is the Masters who control it.

CHAPTER 1

Jestoni knocked again, adjusting his hat so it sat lower on his brow.  He was starting to get angry.  He’d spent a great deal of money in search of the daemon in question, and considering the amount of gold he was about to hand over to this bounty hunter, you’d think she’d at least have the decency to be on time. 

The door opened without a sound, stopping short against a thick chain lock.  “What do you want?”  A man asked through the crack. 

“I’m a traveler in search of the Merchant of Life.”  He stated the phrase Dora instructed him to give upon arrival.    

The man closed the door, the sound of the chain rattling against the metal frame as he unlatched it.  Once more the door was pulled open, this time wide enough for Jestoni to pass through.  He entered cautiously; prepared for anything and everything.

“Follow me.”  The man grunted, his heavy footsteps echoing through the hall as he led Jestoni further into the darkness.

“Where are you taking me?”

When the man said nothing, Jestoni didn’t press him for an answer.  He hadn’t gotten a good look at the man, but he was almost positive he wasn’t the kind of guy you wanted to piss off.  He decided to keep his mouth shut.

“Wait here.”  The man said, opening a door and motioning for Jestoni to enter. 

He stepped into the room, the bright lights blinding him for a minute.  “Is this where Dora is going to meet me?”

Jestoni turned back to the door just in time for it to slam shut in his face. 

“Thanks.”  He muttered.  “Nice meeting you, too.”