InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rulers of Four Directions ❯ Life Beyond the Gate ( Chapter 11 )

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters in this fan fiction are the property of Rumiko Takahashi. The original characters and plot are the property of Chiaztolite, who is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Summary of Previous Chapter: Rin, who had awakened in the afterlife, learnt that her heaven was not next to her master, but a meadow where she often waited for his return. Sesshoumaru, touched by Shouri's kindness, let her stay by his side while he mourned Rin's death. Zoichi, during his talk with Yuusou, implied that Sesshoumaru unexpectedly arrived at the Eastern Lands to take the position of Lord Shogo's heir.

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Rulers of Four Directions

Chapter 11: Life Beyond the Gate

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“What's hell like?”

 

Slowly, Sakki closed her eyes. Rin had asked her the question before she left the girl's realm. It was such a simple question, considering she was a being of the afterlife, and yet so difficult to answer. What hell was like, no one could ascertain the answer. The possibility of its shape was infinite. It was a realm with many different faces depending on the creator. But one thing was certain: it would not be a pleasant place to reside for all eternity.

 

When she opened her eyes, she found herself inside of a palace. Gigantic, soaring red lacquered pillars were lined up on one side of the wide passageway where she stood. The other side was flanked with rows of elaborately patterned wooden screens. Her presence was belittled by the grandeur of everything around her. She caught a glimpse of the white sky between the pillars. In that realm, in her realm, the sky was an eternal white oblivion.

 

“... Hello?” She impulsively called out. Was that a slight quiver she heard in her voice?

 

But the only answers were echoes of her own call.

 

She trod the gleaming wooden floor of the long, spacious passageways. Her footsteps did not make even the slightest sound; it was a realm where everything was utterly still and silent. She stopped to stare at the ever-lasting pure white sky. Moving slowly, she approached the row of columns at a snail's pace. The soft pad of her elegantly tapered fingers touched the smooth, gleaming surface of a blood red lacquered pillar. Her eyes gazed far into the distance, staring at the white, bleak scenery outside the massive palace.

 

She leaned her back against the pillar, softly thumping the back of her head against the strong, smooth surface. Again, she closed her eyes, letting her knees softened and slowly collapsed beneath her, dragging her back down the hard post. Pressing her knees against her chest, she buried her face beneath her folded arms, letting her long wavy hair enveloped her in a cocoon. Through the curtain that was her hair, she blankly stared at her feet that were covered with white tabi socks and black geta slippers.

 

If heaven was the place one cherished the most, then what would hell be?

 

Whether her realm was heaven or hell, Sakki could not tell. Was it a place she cherished most? Was it a place she despised most? Was it a meaningful place when she was alive? How would she be able to answer all those questions when she had no recollection of it? Many years had passed since she first stepped foot in the realm, yet she still could not remember anything about it. Despite her loss of memory, she had kept coming back to this place, as if she sensed a deep attachment to this empty palace. And yet every time she was here, loneliness struck her stronger than it ever did.

 

A red ball, its size was no bigger than a ripe melon, slowly rolled to her feet and gained her attention. She looked up only to see a silhouette of a young boy swiftly ran passed her. Who he was, she could not tell as he had run away before she could catch a glimpse of his face. Quickly, she lifted herself up to follow him.

 

“Wait!” She called out. It was certainly unexpected, and even impossible, to encounter another being in the realm for it was hers and thus, no other could exist there. So how...?

 

She followed him to a corridor where the white light did not reach. The boy disappeared into the darkness. She remained at the mouth of the dark, lonely corridor, seemingly unable to get herself to delve further in. The corridor was pitch black and she could not see the end of it, even with the superior eyes of an immortal. She lingered there with clenched fingers, contemplating if she should chase the mysterious boy down the shadowed passageway.

Just when she had decided to pursue the mysterious boy, she felt a tug on the sleeve of her kimono, preventing her to move forward. She turned around, her eyes widened when she saw a child holding onto her sleeve. A male or female, no one could tell for the child's body was burnt black. It resembled a lump of melting flesh sprawled on the floor; its eyes were nothing but red bloodshot webs, staring straight at her. And when it opened its mouth and spoke, its voice was inhuman, like the hoarse whisper of death.

`...Onee-san...'

==========

 

“Onee-san? Hey, Onee-san?”

 

Sakki blinked several times as she gradually realized where she was. Lush green grass and colourful flowers as far as the eyes could see, bright azure blue sky and floating white clouds... This was that little girl's realm. Rin was kneeling on the grass before her, staring at her with quizzical look on that naive, innocent face.

 

“Onee-san,” She said. There was a hint of childish impatience in her voice. “Why did you space out? You promised you would play with me.”

 

“Oh... that's right.” Sakki faintly said as she rubbed her temple with the palm of her hand. The incident during her last visit to her own realm had troubled her for quite some time. Who the boy and the burnt black child were and how they entered her realm, she still could not comprehend. The sight of the scorched creature had caused her to shut her eyes tight, as if in denial that all those were real. And when she reopened her eyes, it had disappeared and she was as alone as she had ever been. The unsolved mystery had haunted her mind ever since.

 

“I'm sorry, Rin.” She told the awaiting girl who was still looking at her questioningly. “What would you like to play?”

 

“I think we should play…” Rin said as she slipped her hand into one of her kimono sleeves and fished out four small pouches. Each pouch looked like it was filled with beans or similar kernels and wrapped in rainbow-coloured fabrics.

 

“Tadaaaa…!!” Rin happily announced as she showed off those bean bags to the other female who still maintained her impassive demeanour. “Let's play juggling bags!” She excitedly said.

 

“Juggling bags?” Sakki asked, as if the two terms were foreign to her ears. The slight frown on her forehead prompted Rin to respond,

 

“Yes, it's very easy. Here, I'll show you.”

 

The little girl gathered all the bean bags in her left hand and held them firmly within her grasp. She counted silently from one to four before tossing the first bag high in the air. As she passed the second bag into her right hand, she readily caught the plunging first bag. The act was smoothly repeated until she was constantly passing, throwing, and catching with both hands, juggling the four bags altogether.

 

Sakki watched the little girl closely, captivated by the unfailing rhythm of those hands, of those rotating colourful pouches. She was mesmerized even further when the girl opened her mouth and sang, her voice that accompanied her juggling was sweet and clear.

 

“Sunset on the mountains, the fall trees aglow. Brilliant shades of autumn - crimson red, tan, yellow. Maple leaves and ivy adorning the tall pine trees…Weave a beautiful pattern here at the foot of the mountains…”

 

As the rhyme ended, the last bag fell into the girl's welcoming palm. With a big smile on her face, Rin looked up at the silent female.

 

“You're quite a master at this.” Sakki told her.

 

“It's your turn!” Rin said as she offered the four bean bags. “And you should sing along too. It really helps.”

 

“Sing?” Sakki repeated, obviously appalled by the suggestion, as if Rin had asked her to die a second death.

 

“Yes.” Rin insisted. “Trust me, it'll help.”

 

With obvious hesitation, Sakki accepted the four bean pouches offered to her. She might be able to bring herself to play this ... game, but no one would be able to force her to sing as she performed it. Following Rin's example, she placed all bags in her left hand. As she heaved a deep sigh, she tossed the first bag high in the air. Then, they both witnessed the bag fell flat on the ground, uncaught. For a moment, there was silence until Rin looked at Sakki and said,

 

“You know you were supposed to catch that?”

 

“… Yes.” Sakki finally said after a pause, seemingly taken aback by the simple, natural occurrence of the bean bag falling onto the ground when uncaught.

 

“Let's try again.” Rin encouraged her, as she unknowingly forced Sakki to toss another bag.

 

Complying with the human girl's wish, Sakki picked the bean bag up from the ground and one more time, threw it into the air. She put her best effort to juggle all four bags but soon after, her hands missed them and they fell onto her lap. Rin's both amused laughter and encouragement accompanied her following attempts and yet time and time again, those bean bags hit the ground. Trial after trial only proved one thing: she wasn't very good at it. But then, after what felt like the hundredth try, she somehow managed to juggle the little pouches for quite a few rotations. The amusement, as well as the sound of Rin clapping, almost put a smile on her face.

 

But the sudden voice of a young boy, whispered directly into her left ear, caused her hand to freeze in the air.

 

`Onee-san, you're such a klutz…'

 

Swiftly, she turned to her left, ignoring the bean bags that fell onto her lap and rolled off to the ground. But there was no one there, nothing but grass and flowers.

 

“Did you hear that?” She asked faintly as she scanned her surroundings.

 

“Hear what?” Rin asked confusedly.

 

Exactly, Sakki thought. Hear what? There was no other creature around them. No birds or winds existed there. There was nothing that could make any noise, let alone speak. But those words, though whispered, sounded so clear.

 

“Onee-san, you're such a klutz.”

 

Rin's words prompted Sakki to glare at the little girl.

 

“…What did you just say?” Sakki asked, her eyes narrowed into a pair of purple slits.

 

“I said…” Rin's voice faltered as she sensed the sudden tension in the female's demeanor. “… that you're such a klutz…”

 

“Oh...”

 

Sakki wiped her face under Rin's watchful gaze. Needless to say, the incomprehensible illusions that had haunted her lately deeply troubled her, causing her elegantly arched eyebrows to stitch together. With her fingers, she combed the curled tendrils of her long raven hair away from her heart-shaped face.

 

“I'm sorry, Rin...” She finally sighed as she gathered her usual composure. She looked at the little girl, who had been staring at her since the delusion. “Is there anything else you want to play?”

 

Rin shook her head. She rose to her feet and tangled her fingers together behind her back as she stretched her spine. Tilting her head sideways, she stared at the raven-haired, purple-eyed female whose identity was still a mystery to her. She gathered that Sakki was a soul collector of some sort, the one who picked her up from the realm of the living. Anything beyond that was yet to be revealed.

 

“Onee-san, you're really bad at juggling bags...” Rin finally said. An honest comment from an honest child. “Even Jaken-sama is better than you are.”

 

Sakki gave the little girl a look when the remark reached her ears. To hear that she was worse than the minuscule green imp was... truly something.

 

“So I think I'll just wait for Sesshoumaru-sama to come pick me up.” Rin continued as she toyed with the grass underneath her feet. “Then I'll play with Jaken-sama.”

 

Sakki kept her silence as she listened to the little girl's words. It was quite apparent that Rin still expected her Sesshoumaru-sama to come and bring her back to the realm of the mortals. The little girl truly believed it was an impending rescue and yet, the immortal female knew it was merely a daydream that would not come true.

 

“Rin...” She called the little girl. She opened her mouth to speak yet closed it almost in an instant, as if not sure if she should relay this truth to the hopeful little girl. She contemplated her decision during a long period of silence as Rin stared at her with questions in her eyes.

 

“Rin,” Sakki called her again. “Listen to me very carefully.”

 

Rin plopped herself back down on the grass; her big black eyes stared at Sakki as she waited for the older female to speak.

 

“Rin, I know you are waiting for your Sesshoumaru-sama to take you away from this place...” Sakki said with her mellow voice. “But your wait is futile. He will not come. He cannot come.”

 

“But...” Rin protested. Agitation started to creep into her face, causing her voice to waver. “But with Tenseiga...”

 

“It is true that there are very few mortals out there who have the power to revive the dead with the swing of a sword.” Sakki explained. “But that can only happen when your soul has not travelled far into the afterlife.”

 

Sakki paused to put her hands on Rin's shoulder.

 

“Rin, “She continued. “I am well aware that you had been revived twice before. But during both of those times, your soul had only passed the first gate of the afterlife. Do you know where you are now?”

 

Sakki waited for Rin to answer. But the girl, whose eyes stared at her in both dismay and disbelief, remained as mute as a statue.

 

“This realm, your heaven, lay beyond the third gate of the afterlife.” Sakki told her. “No mortal can travel this deep into the realm of the dead.”

 

`Unless...' A small inside her head spoke. Immediately, she brushed the thought aside. After all, it was a method so far-fetched that it might as well be impossible.

 

“So...” The little girl sounded choked. She paused to swallow hard. “...Sesshoumaru-sama will not come no matter how long I wait?”

 

“No, Rin.” Sakki answered gently. “I'm sorry.”

 

“So...” Rin's chin wobbled as tears formed in her eyes. “I won't be able to see Sesshoumaru-sama ever again? And Jaken, Ah Un, and Kohaku?”

 

“Rin...” Sakki said patiently. “As I have once said, you are dead and they are still alive. At this moment, you don't belong in the same world as theirs.”

 

“But I don't want to die!” The little girl suddenly cried out, tears started to roll down her cheeks.

 

“I don't want to die...” She sobbed again. Her trembling hands moved to cover her face as she wept, her shoulders shook with her grief. “I don't want to...”

 

Speechless, Sakki stared at the little girl who was now crying inconsolably. Rin's plea struck her, stirring the memory of her past. With a slight quiver, her hand moved on its own to graze the black strip of fabric that encircled her throat.

 

`I don't want to die...'

 

Yes... She knew those words all too well. Did she not say something like that once, a long time ago? Did she not also beg for her life to be spared as her blood, her life-giving fluid, gushed out from the slit on her throat?

 

Sakki stared at Rin's drooping head, unable to come up with anything that could put a smile back on that face. The meadow that was silent without even the sound of the wind, was now filled with the sounds of the girl's grief. She pursed her lips and lowered her head.

 

“I'm sorry, Rin.” Was all she could say before she .

 

==========

The moon was at its last quarter and yet it was still shining so brightly, Sakki thought as she stared at the night sky. The strong wind fluttered the long billowy sleeves of her garb, tousling her luxurious wavy raven hair, rippling and lifting the white sands around her. She kept her eyes on the big silver moon. That crescent form... It reminded her of a certain yokai that had oddly occupied her mind as of late.

 

She shook her head to rid her musings, pushing him out of her mind even just for a brief moment. As she scanned her surroundings, she realized she was standing on the white dunes of the eastern palace. Again, it was an incomprehensible act on her part. She had no business here and yet, why did she bring herself to this place? She turned to face the massive stone gate of the eastern palace. The sight of the crescent moon carving on that smooth stone surface brought that certain yokai back into her mind.

 

She could not deny her interest was piqued. The curiosity was somewhat intoxicating. What was he doing at that moment? Was he still by the little girl's side, mourning her death?

 

She finally surrendered to the questions, letting her curiosity dictate her body. With practiced ease, she leaped high over the soaring stone wall that surrounded the eastern palace. Her legs swiftly carried her to her destination: the tight cluster of tall bamboo plants not far from the pavilion where Rin's body was rested, her hiding place the last time she spied on the object of her interest.

 

Stealthily, with utmost care not to make her presence known, she settled behind the dense row of bamboo. The cluster of leaves conveniently concealed her in their shadows. With careful fingers she parted the leaves, her pair of amethyst eyes glimmered in the darkness. Yes, he was there. She could see him clearly as if it was day, standing unwaveringly by the corpse of his ward. And he was alone, without the company of his remaining dependants or the female inu she saw last.

 

She crouched even lower, but her eyes did not leave the male yokai for even a second. She knew her behaviour was beyond ridiculous. Her duty was completed the moment she harvested the girl's soul and yet, she still sought for this male despite the Death God's warning, despite knowing that he possessed a sword that could turn her into ashes.

 

But those amethyst orbs were not the only pair fixated on the Lord of the Western Lands. The immortal female was not the only one interested in the yokai lord. Two vigilant golden eyes were also quietly watching from the veranda of the eastern palace.

 

Yuusou perched on the carved wooden railing that separated the veranda and the garden. He sat there with his back comfortably leaned against a wooden pillar; one leg dangled off the edge of the railing, the other bent at the knee and pressed against his chest.

 

“So now you have to vie with him not only for the position of Shouri's brother, but also for the position of the heir to the eastern lands...”

 

Yuusou could not deny that Zoichi's words had captured his interest greatly. True, the sudden appearance of the Lord of the Western Lands had presented Lord Shogo with another candidate for the heir of the eastern lands. And since the Western Lord was of eastern blood, he was naturally quite a suitable contender.

 

He shifted his gaze when sounds of footsteps reached his ears. He moved to rise to his feet when he saw Lord Shogo approaching. But the elder yokai stopped his move with the gesture of one hand and so, he settled back down. The lord stopped beside his first grandson, his gaze also landed on the object of the young yokai's attention.

 

“What are your thoughts on our visitor, Yuusou?” Lord Shogo asked.

 

“An interesting daiyokai indeed.” Yuusou replied, earning an approving nod from the elder. “To say he is unapproachable is a huge understatement.” He added as he rolled his eyes.

 

“Certainly...” The aristocratic ruler responded. A small frown appeared on his forehead. “Although I do not know where he got this trait from. As far as I can recall, the late Lord of the Western Lands had always been quite cordial.”

 

“Surely he did not inherit the trait from Lady Isha?” Yuusou asked with a fond smile.

 

Lord Shogo scoffed softly at the mention of his daughter.

 

“His mother is such a character that I cannot imagine he learnt to be so aloof from her.” He dryly said.

 

“It has been a while since we saw the lady.” Yuusou casually commented.

 

There was a short pause before Lord Shogo gave an answer.

 

“She is quite a stubborn one.” He stated. “She has promised herself not to return to these lands empty handed.”

 

“But she has found and sent over so many.” Yuusou said. “The servant Rikio and the others... All those pure-blooded inuyokai were found and saved by her.”

 

“True.” Lord Shogo nodded in agreement. “But those are the ones she just happened to find... She is yet to find the one she is searching for.”

 

“Ah yes...” Yuusou sighed. A tiny smile appeared on his lips. “The missing link...”

 

“In any case...” Lord Shogo turned to face his eldest grandson. His expression was suddenly laced with unusual unease. “That matter is not what I came to discuss.” He paused for a moment. “I have received news that the rebellion has again caused unrest in our lands.”

 

Yuusou narrowed his eyes. When Lord Shogo spoke of `the rebellion', he undoubtedly was referring to a mysterious group of yokai who had been causing upheavals not only throughout the otherwise peaceful eastern lands, but also their neighbouring regions. The cause of the rebellion, as well as the goals of those rebels, was not widely known. They had started their riots only a few years back, and since then had been causing unrest at least twice a year. Time and time again the Lord sent his army to subdue the revolts and yet, they kept resurfacing.

 

“Who would you send to deal with this?” Yuusou asked.

 

Before the Lord had the chance to answer, their conversation was interrupted. Zoichi strode down the passageway towards them. As usual, he was clad in attire suitable for battle. He lowered his head slightly to regard the Lord of the Eastern Lands.

 

“Grandfather,” He greeted. “You have summoned me?”

 

“Zoichi,” Lord Shogo called young Southern inuyokai. “I have heard disconcerting news that the rebels are again destroying the peace in the northern parts of our lands. I shall send you to suppress them. Assemble your army straightaway.”

 

Zoichi's eyes flinched when he heard Lord Shogo's command. This was the first time the Lord commanded him to lead an army to subdue the rebellion. The task had always been given to one of the high-ranking military officers of the eastern lands. Could this be an opportunity to prove his worth?

 

Zoichi nodded and after lowering his head one more time, he turned around to take his leave. But the Lord's last call halted his steps. He turned his head sideways to reveal only his profile, waiting for the Lord's words.

 

“Do not do anything rash, Zoichi.” Lord Shogo warned. There was a fraternal tenderness in his voice. “Remember to always keep your vigilance.”

 

“I hear you, Grandfather.” Zoichi said as he nodded. “Worry not. I will return with victory.”

 

Yuusou and Lord Shogo watched Zoichi's leave in silence. Soon after the Southern-descent inuyokai disappeared from their view, Yuusou turned to his grandfather.

 

“Grandfather, would it not be better if I am the one going?” He asked.

 

“It is not like you to worry so much, Yuusou.” The Lord commented, noticing the slight frown that sullied the youth's handsome face.

 

“I truly do not understand your decision to send Zoichi.” Yuusou said. A faint hint of fluster had seeped into his voice. “You, of all creatures, know very well who those rebels are. What will Zoichi do when...”

 

“...When he learn who he really is?” Lord Shogo continued Yuusou's words, silencing the younger yokai. “Precisely. This is a test for his loyalty. And conscience.” The Lord stared deeply into his grandson's eyes as he continued. “And I will put my faith in Zoichi, believing that he will fulfil my expectations.”

 

For a moment, Yuusou stared back at his grandfather in silence.

 

“If that happens...” He finally said. “... then all is well.”

 

==========

As one of the immortal beings of the underworld, Sakki possessed the power to move from one realm to the other by will alone. All she had to do was shut her eyes tight and form a wish. When she reopened her eyes, she would find herself at her destination.

 

This time, she found herself returning to Rin's realm of lush green grass and rich, vibrant-coloured flowers. She scanned the vast meadow, searching for its sole resident. But at a first glance, Rin was nowhere to be found. It was not until Sakki searched again that she found the little girl, sleeping amongst the grass and flowers. Slowly, carefully as to not awaken the girl, Sakki approached her. As the female studied the slumbering face, she noticed those red, swollen eyes, the tear-streaked cheeks. The girl had evidently cried herself to sleep.

 

Sakki kneeled down beside the sleeping girl. Her hand moved to gently graze Rin's jet-black hair, carefully brushing a few strands off her face.

 

“...Sesshoumaru-sama...” She heard the girl muttered softly in her sleep. A bead of tear appeared on the corner of her eye, wetting her eyelashes. Sakki watched the teardrop slowly trickling down the girl's smooth cheek. She lifted her hand and pressed it against her chest when she felt a tug from deep within. It was something she had not sensed in a long, long time. The pang in her heart, though very slight, did not fail to create small ripple that slowly spread through her entire existence. Her narrowed eyes appeared sorrowful as she lowered her hand from her chest. Why did she feel pain when she looked at this girl?

 

Once again her hand moved to wipe away the teardrop that damped Rin's cheek. But the slight touch caused the slumbering human to jerk into awareness. Abruptly, Rin sat up. Her swollen eyes almost appeared feral as she looked around frantically, as if she was searching for something. She calmed down when she saw the immortal female kneeling by her side.

 

“You've been crying, Rin.” The female said. The tone of her voice was as aloof as ever.

 

Rin chuckled softly and rubbed both her eyes with the knuckle of her index fingers. When she looked at the immortal female, she tried so hard to smile but almost immediately, she burst into tears once more.

 

“I'm sorry...” She sobbed, obviously trying hard to keep her voice from wobbling too much. “I'm just... missing Sesshoumaru-sama and everyone else so much...”

 

Sakki sat still watching Rin trying to erase signs of her weeping from her face. The effort was not very successful. Her rubbing made her eyes even more red and her skin blotchy.

 

“Well, if you must know...” Sakki told her. “Your Sesshoumaru-sama seems to feel the same way. He greatly mourns your death.”

 

“Really?”

 

For a moment, Rin's face lit up. But a few seconds after, that upward curl on her lips turned upside down and she was crying again. She laid her head on Sakki's lap, her tears wetting the female's immaculate black kimono.

 

“I really did not want to die...” Rin softly sobbed as she curled up on the soft grass. “I do not want to die...”

 

Rin's lamentation had prompted Sakki to once again press her hand against her throat, fingering the black choker that adorned her neck. It was those words again that caused the pang in her chest. She laid her hand on Rin's head, gently caressing those black tresses of the weeping girl.

 

Yes... she understood now. This little girl, with that plea and desire to live, reminded the female of herself long ago. Was her desire to live back then as strong as Rin's? Her plea had granted her immortality, but was the life of an undead what she had desired? Would she turn her back on Rin, and tell the girl the only consolation was to get used to this life beyond the gate?

 

“Do you...” Sakki started to say. Her hand that was grazing Rin's head suddenly stopped. “... wish to return to your Sesshoumaru-sama's side, Rin?”

 

`What am I saying...?' She muttered herself, silently. `Am I really offering her another chance to live?'

 

She knew it too well that reviving the dead was one of the biggest offences she could do to anger the Death God himself. And yet, her outstretched hand answered her own question. The little girl stared at that hand with widened eyes before shifting that stunned gaze to the female's face with eyes filled with disbelief.

 

“Onee-san...” She called, but her voice was no louder than a whisper. “Are you saying...?”

 

“Take my hand.” Sakki said, almost commanded. Her open palm remained motionless. “And I will take you to your Sesshoumaru-sama.”

 

==========

In the realm of the living, the sky had turned orange with a tinge of violet when the sun began to rise above the horizon. Morning had finally arrived, chasing away the darkness of night.

 

Jaken paced back and forth on the veranda of the eastern palace. He stopped every so often to steal a glance at his lord who was still standing before the pavilion where Rin's body was placed. The green imp was at complete loss as to what he should do. He had never encountered this type of situation with his master before. Sesshoumaru-sama had never been in such a state, which the faithful vassal could only describe as inconsolable grief, that the almighty daiyokai turned as still as a statue for two whole days.

 

Kohaku stood still nearby the pacing toad yokai. His eyes stared far into the garden, observing the Lord of the Western Lands. Rin's death was a tragedy to all of them, even for Jaken. Though the tiny green yokai did not say much about the matter, he mourned her death in his own way. But the depth of the daiyokai's grief touched the boy's heart, and opened his eyes further to the misconception of yokai's cruel, cold, and heartless nature.

 

Jaken decided to descend into the garden and approach the pavilion. The toad yokai stood next to his master, stealing a quick glance at the yokai lord who still kept his silence.

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama,” He said hesitantly, then carefully asked the question that had occupied his mind as of late. “Until when are you going to remain here?”

 

His lord prolonged the silence for a moment longer but finally, unexpectedly, he opened his mouth to speak.

 

“Jaken,” He called his vassal, who slightly jumped at the mention of his name. “Prepare for journey.”

 

The toad yokai's jaw dropped when he heard his master's first command after a long, long stretch of silence. He could not help but feeling extremely ecstatic at the prospect of being on the move again.

 

“Finally, my Lord!” He exclaimed. “You've finally devised a plan to bring Rin back from the land of the dead and now we're going to pursue it?”

 

Sesshoumaru emitted his usual scoff as an answer. He turned around and started to walk away from the pavilion, followed by his ever-faithful Jaken.

 

`Whether or not Rin stays in the realm of the dead is for this Sesshoumaru to decide.' The yokai lord stated inwardly. `But before that...'

 

“Sesshoumaru-sama...!”

 

A voice as familiar as his own called him, prompting him to stop dead in his track. He could not believe his ears at first and when the call was repeated, he slowly turned around. His eyes widened in such astonishment that even he, the notoriously impassive yokai lord, was unable to conceal.

 

Rin was sitting on the edge of the stone platform she had lay on for the past two days. Slowly, though her legs felt weak, she touched the sole of her feet on the ground, putting an attempt to get herself up. But immediately, her legs lost their balance and she started to fall to the ground. Almost flying, Sesshoumaru rushed to her side and propped her body before she hit the ground.

 

“Rin,” Sesshoumaru called her name, still found it quite difficult to believe that the girl had suddenly came back to life. “What on earth...?”

 

“My legs...” Rin cringed as she rubbed her calves. She looked up at his face and managed a smile. “I guess they fell asleep after not being used for a few days...?”

 

“Rin...” Sesshoumaru called the name again before he enveloped the little girl in a hug. He had yet to comprehend how she returned to the realm of the living but for now, he would allow himself to relish the elation and relief that washed over him. The embrace lasted only for a very short moments before the yokai lord distanced himself to stare at the girl's face.

 

“What had happened, Rin?” He inquired.

 

But before Rin had a chance to answer, a shrill cry reached their ears.

 

“Rin!!” Jaken shrieked as he came running, Kohaku followed not far behind him. The toad yokai waved his two-headed staff in mock rage, but tears of joy were streaming down his face at the sight of Rin, alive and seemingly well.

 

“You stupid girl!” He scolded her. “Do you know how much trouble you had caused Sesshoumaru-sama?!” The toad yokai paused to sniff and wiped his tears with the sleeve of his earth-coloured garb.

 

“Isn't this wonderful, Rin?” Kohaku said, a smile of joy was on his lips as he fell on his knees next to her. “You're safe now.”

 

Sesshoumaru observed his ward who just returned from the realm of the dead. She seemed her usual self, smiling and laughing with joy; her black eyes glittered with excitement, her whole body appeared to be filled with high spirits. He gazed beyond her shoulder and spotted a shadowed figure standing beyond the cluster of bamboo plants not far from where they were. His eyes narrowed at the sight of her, observing them quietly.

 

Sakki stood there for a moment, watching the reunion between Rin and her master, along with his companions. The female's mysterious purple eyes were fixed on the little girl's face, seemingly entranced by the elation that was clearly displayed on that innocent facade. She seemed so happy.

 

`Good for you, Rin...' Sakki whispered inwardly before she turned around to retreat.

 

“Wait.”

 

The familiar voice of a male caused her to halt her steps. She stood still, clearly aware that he was standing not far behind her. Then slowly, very slowly, she turned her head to regard him from the corner of her eye. His face, just like hers, remained impassive. Turning fully on her heel, she stared deep into those unreadable golden eyes. She maintained her silence, waiting for him to speak.

 

“Why did you do it?” He finally asked. “Why did you bring her back to life?”

 

A good question, she noted. In fact, it was a question that even she could not answer.

 

“I don't know.” She replied truthfully.

 

“Will there be any repercussion to your action?” The male asked after a few moments of silence.

 

Sakki did not answer for a moment. Truth be told, she had not given the possibility much thought.

 

“You need not concern yourself.” She dryly said as she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin high. “I will be fine.”

 

Again, they both fell into silence. Slowly, she became aware now that the girl was revived, there would be no more reason for them to seek each other, not even for revenge. As time passed, everything would return to normal, everything would be forgotten. She would be forgotten.

 

She lowered her gaze to the ground, shielding her eyes underneath her long, beautifully curled lashes. Eventually, he too would forget all about her.

 

`Do something...' A little voice inside her said, goading her to take a step towards him. She followed the faceless command and slowly approached the male who was watching her every move. She did not stop until she stood right in front of him, until they were separated only by a palm's length; their eyes did not leave each other's in the process.

 

Sakki had never realized how tall he was until they stood so close face to face. The top of her head only managed to reach his chin. She had to tilt her head upwards to return his gaze. There was a certain glimmer in her amethyst eyes when she leisurely, furtively, laid her palm on his right hand.

 

Sesshoumaru arched one eyebrow when he felt her touch on his skin, her fingers felt as cold as a tombstone. He lowered his eyes to glance at that spot where their hands met before returning his gaze on the mysterious female. Quite a curious creature, she was. She had the nerve to take Rin's soul and yet, returned it without any explanation to her actions. And despite knowing that he, the wielder of Tenseiga, could easily turn her into oblivion in one swing, she still dared to come so close.

 

He gestured towards their joined hands with his chin.

 

“What do you think you're doing?” He asked her. His rich, baritone voice remained calm. Was that a twinkle he saw in her eyes?

 

Slowly, the corners of her crimson lips curled upwards to form a smile. Again, the twinkle. She lifted her hand off of his, leaving his skin feeling slightly numb.

 

“You will soon find out.” She said as she turned around. And in a blink of an eye, just like that time when they first met, she disappeared.

 

==========

 

The sounds of commotion in the garden of his own palace had caused Lord Shogo to leave the serenity of his study. He was striding down the veranda in search of the source of the ruckus when he saw Rin, the human girl who was supposed to be dead, laughing and looking very much alive. The sight caused the lord's eyes to widen in astonishment.

 

The Lord of the Eastern Lands quickened his pace. But even in such hurried state, the lord still maintained the grace and sophistication in his gait. He descended into the garden just as Sesshoumaru returned to his gathering vassals.

 

“This is extraordinary.” Lord Shogo exclaimed as he observed Rin, looking alive and well. “Come here, girl.” He commanded, gesturing with his hand. “Let me take a good look at you.”

 

Rin stared at her master, asking for his permission. Sesshoumaru nodded, letting the girl approached Lord Shogo who then studied her carefully, examining her life force, searching for remaining signs of death or the sleeping root. The lord nodded when he decided he could find none. He turned to his grandson.

 

“It is as if she had never died.” He said, before shifting his gaze back on Rin. “Tell me, girl. How did you return?”

 

“Sakki-sama brought me back.” Rin answered honestly.

 

“Sakki did?” Lord Shogo asked as he gave his grandson a quick glance.

 

Sesshoumaru was watching Rin's joyful face when he felt a sudden pang, a burning sensation on his right hand. The unexpected twinge caused his eyes to flinch slightly, though it was more caused by surprise than by pain. He stared at his right hand. A black spot no larger than the size of a small coin was there on the same place where she had touched him. The finding caused his forehead to stitch together in question.

 

“Show me your hand.”

 

He heard his grandfather spoke. When he looked up, Lord Shogo was standing before him with hand outstretched in demand. Without further questions, Sesshoumaru let the lord examined the mysterious black mark on the back of his right hand.

 

“This is...” Lord Shogo breathed, his eyes narrowed as he stared at the mark.

 

“Did she touch you here?” He asked.

 

“Yes.” Sesshoumaru simply answered.

 

Lord Shogo released Sesshoumaru's hand. Gravely, he stared at his grandson who returned the stare.

 

“She had put a curse on you.” He said.

 

“A curse?” Sesshoumaru repeated after a stretch of silence. “She had put a curse on this Sesshoumaru?”

 

Then, something unexpected happened when the young yokai lord's lips curled into an indecipherable smile. Five clawed fingers that were brimming with poison flexed as he whispered inwardly,

 

`How interesting....'

 

-To be continued-

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What a long chapter!!! And so difficult to write! Sorry it took longer than usual. I've been crazy busy with moving to a new home, work, etc. etc. Hope you all enjoyed it. More will come, hopefully sooner than later. Thank you so much for all your support. As usual, please review. I always feel so happy when I read what you think about the chapter.

 

-Chiaztolite-