InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Rulers of Four Directions ❯ Three Legged Table ( Chapter 12 )

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: Sakki, who was able to relate to Rin's desire to live, brought her back to life. Rin was reunited with Sesshoumaru, Kohaku, and Jaken. Unwilling to let Sesshoumaru forget about her, Sakki put a mysterious curse on his hand.

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Rulers of Four Directions

Chapter 12: Three-Legged Table

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“A curse?” Shouri repeated.

 

She stared at Lord Shogo with a frown on her previously smooth forehead. She, along with Yuusou and the Lord of the Western Lands, had assembled in her grandfather's study so early in the morning, just after the little girl Rin was brought back to life. Though incomprehensible as it was, the girl appeared alive, brimming with health.

 

The inu princess stole a quiet glance at the Western Lord who sat silently across the room. He appeared quite calm for one who had a `curse' bestowed upon him. Had he gained this new tranquility when he learnt the revival of his precious ward? She had witnessed their reunion that morning and was unable to suppress a smile then. He was a master of his own emotion and yet, restrained joy had managed to colour his commonly impassive mask. She lowered her head as she tried to hide a small smile that suddenly graced her face. When she elevated her gaze a brief moment after, she had regained her previous solemnity.

 

“What do you mean by `curse', Grandfather?” She inquired.

 

“Though some may call it a lethal disease...” Lord Shogo said as he produced a small, sharp silver knife from a small lacquered box set in front of him. “... But this ominous thing, I'd rather call it a `curse'.”

 

He paused to take Sesshoumaru's right hand that was afflicted and solemnly examined the black, coin-sized spot. His eyes narrowed, his forehead burrowed in concentration. When he looked up to stare into the golden eyes of his grandson, his gaze was intent.

 

“It is one of the Death God's many powers, used to eliminate those of flesh and blood.” He said. “A certain substance... venom, if you wish, potent enough to kill within seconds, is inserted under your skin and into your veins to dirty your blood.” He continued, tapping the pad of his index finger on the black spot on Sesshoumaru's hand. “As time passed, the dirty blood will spread through your body and cause your flesh and bone to deteriorate, triggering death.”

 

“So it is actually... a disease?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

“Once it is applied, death is a certain outcome.” Lord Shogo dryly replied. “Thus I think `curse' is a more appropriate name for it.”

 

The lord pressed the sharp tip of the silver knife on the center of the black spot, carefully applying more and more pressure until he drew blood from the skin. The beads of blood that trickle from beneath the small yet sharp blade were so dark and thick that they appeared black.

 

“I have never been fond of breaking curses...” Lord Shogo stated as he pinched the skin around the wound, careful as not to spread the afflicted blood further. “Your grandmother, on the other hand, was superb at it.”

 

“My grandmother?” Sesshoumaru repeated, eyes narrowed slightly at the first mentioned of the Lord's mate, the mother of his own mother.

 

“Your grandmother, Kisa.” The Lord said.

 

Yuusou and Shouri exchanged glance, for the mention of their late grandmother was few and far between. Each and every mention of her name reminded their grandfather too much of glorious days that had passed and thus, he did not speak of her often. Apparently, this morning was an exception.

 

`Kisa...' Sesshoumaru mouthed the name silently, sensing a strange familiarity. Kisa... where had he heard the name before?

 

“Kisa, the yokai healer?” He asked, raising both eyebrows when his memory suddenly returned to him.

The lord stared at him as if he was nothing but a silly child, always asking the obvious, the unnecessary questions.

 

“Yes,” Lord Shogo eventually confirmed. “Kisa, the infamous yokai healer. Boy, had your mother taught you nothing? Nothing of your heritage, your lineage?”

 

Kisa, the yokai healer, was a name he had once read in an old book of history. Not much was known about her, but the known facts were all of her greatness, and her beauty. She was greatly respected for her skills in poison and medicine. Deemed to be one of the most beautiful yokai in history, it was said that she possessed the kind of beauty that a book would take pages to tell.

 

Sesshoumaru merely stared at his grandfather. He could not deny that his mother was never very good at explaining anything about his ancestral history or, as he gave Shouri a quick glance, something as crucial as his sole blood sibling for that matter. He saw her catching his glance and for a brief moment, their gazes locked. As usual, she looked exquisite even in her most modest garment, a simple white kimono with simple embroidered design, even with her waist-length silver hair unadorned.

 

As Sesshoumaru looked at her, his little sister, he was reminded of Lord Shogo's decision to have him as the bearer of the news. It was another unfinished business, another delicate and perplexing matter which although not as urgent as others, was gravely important. And by all Gods, he was still uncertain as to what his decision would be.

 

Once Lord Shogo finished extracting as much blackened blood as he possibly could, he applied some salve on the wound before wrapping some bandages to protect it completely.

 

“How is the Lord's wound, Grandfather?” Yuusou, who had kept his silence until this moment, asked.

 

“I must say it's quite strange...” Lord Shogo sighed. “This curse, once applied, should have spread throughout the body in a very brief moment. A few seconds at the most... But yours,” He paused to stare at Sesshoumaru. “Yours have not grown since it was bestowed upon you. The progress of the disease is extremely slow, which is quite unusual. But from this, I think it is safe to assume that her goal is not to kill you.”

 

“Then... what is the purpose of this `curse'?” Yuusou inquired further.

 

“I cannot be sure.” Lord Shogo answered after a few moments of musing. He turned to Sesshoumaru who had been silently eyeing the bandaged hand. “What do you think, Sesshoumaru?” The lord asked.

 

Sesshoumaru did not take his eyes away from his hand. The incident taking place just that morning was replayed in his head. The twinkle in her eyes, the smile on her lips as she laid her hand on his... There was no sign of hostility in her presence. Yet again, there was no sign of anything. A creature filled with riddles, she was. Her entire being was blanketed in thick aura of mystery.

 

`What do you think you're doing?' He had asked her.

 

`You will soon find out.' She simply answered.

 

Sesshoumaru finally lifted his head to stare at his grandfather, who was expecting his response still.

 

“It is quite simple.” He answered calmly. “She wants me to search for her.”

 

There was a brief pause as they mulled over his answer.

 

“But what for?” Yuusou asked. “Any business between the two of you should have ended when the human girl is returned to this realm. Why is she trying to prolong this...” He hesitated for a moment, as if searching for an appropriate term. “...unnatural relationship?” He finally completed his words.

 

“I do not know.” Sesshoumaru answered truthfully.

 

“This sounds like a trap.” Yuusou said, staring at the silent Lord Shogo before his gaze returned to his cousin. “You should not go.”

 

“Fortunately, this is not your decision to make.” Sesshoumaru said as he started to rise to his feet. “Besides, even if it is a trap, she cannot harm me. Her effort is futile.”

 

“Where do you think you are going?” The lord inquired.

 

“I am going to find her.” Sesshoumaru answered, deadpan.

 

“With that thing on your hand?” The lord asked, his forehead frowned in disapproval.

 

Sesshoumaru lifted his right hand and brought it to the same level as his face, the afflicted part of his limb was facing Lord Shogo.

 

“Well, can you heal this `curse', or whatever it is?” He asked.

 

“No, I cannot.” Lord Shogo answered readily.

 

Scoffing softly, Sesshoumaru began to stride towards the door to the chamber, ready to start his search for the mysterious female who had dared to lay a curse on him.

 

“Well then, I will not dignify your question with an answer.” He said.

 

“Wait, Sesshoumaru.” His grandfather stopped him. “I may not be able to rid the curse on your hand but I certainly know someone who can.”

 

“I do not think it is necessary.” Sesshoumaru said as he stared at the lord over his shoulder. “As you have mentioned, the spread of the curse is extremely slow. I will find her before it has any chance of seizing me.”

 

“Perhaps you are correct.” Lord Shogo said. “But where would you begin your search, Sesshoumaru? Do you know anything about her? Searching for such a being without any clue will only waste your time.”

 

Sesshoumaru turned around to face the lord, his eyes narrowed as their gazes collided.

 

“Are you saying this `someone' you spoke of may know something about her?” He asked, sensing his own interest rising.

 

“He is an immortal creature who resides on the Mountain of Gods, just on the other side of the forest.” Lord Shogo explained. “A very wise sage, and also an old friend of mine. He should be able to answer your questions about this being you seek.”

 

“Very well.” Sesshoumaru said after a brief moment of contemplation. “How can I find this “immortal sage”?”

 

Lord Shogo turned his head to the side, his hand moved to throw a gesture towards his granddaughter who had been sitting there quietly.

 

“Shouri will take you.” He calmly said.

 

For a period of time that seemed to stretch forever, Sesshoumaru did not respond. He shifted his gaze back and forth between his grandfather and the female inu who returned his every glance with a dash of astonishment on her face.

 

`You sly old dog...' The young yokai lord hissed inwardly. It took little effort to construe the intention behind the suggestion. And as if his silent musings were heard loud and clear, Lord Shogo gave him a smile, undoubtedly a proof of the elder yokai's enjoyment.

 

“To reach the Mountain of Gods you will have to pass through the Forest of No Return. It is not an easy journey for one who is unfamiliar with the territory.” Lord Shogo explained. “You will need a guide. Someone who knows the way well. She can help you.”

 

“...So be it then.” Sesshoumaru replied, maintaining the calm and composure in his voice.

 

“Very well.” Lord Shogo said, looking somewhat pleased. “You shall leave early tomorrow morning.”

 

==========

Late that night, Sesshoumaru took a leisurely walk along one of the paths in the expansive garden of the eastern palace. The bright moon above, aided by the fiery stone lanterns flanking both sides of the path, illuminated his passage. It had been a while since he had an opportunity to unwind, especially since his discovery of his sister's existence, their journey to the eastern lands, Rin's death and now, as he stared at his bandaged right hand, this `curse'.

 

But strangely, the affliction on his hand did not fill him with concern, as ominous as the curse sounded. He felt oddly calm, as if the matter would surely take care of itself. Rin's revival had put his mind back at ease. The little girl was now alive, safe and sound within a chamber in the palace, sleeping peacefully. He had hesitated to let her sleep because the last time she fell into slumber, she did not wake up until six days after. But after Lord Shogo had assured him that the sleep was needed to cure her fatigue, and she would surely wake up in the morning, he let her rest with Kohaku and Jaken watching over her.

 

His musings were interrupted when he reached the end of the long winding path, where a small pavilion stood amidst hundreds of bright green fireflies. His eyes narrowed when he spotted a figure standing within the pavilion. His nose caught the creature's scent, a human scent. How strange it was to encounter a human within the walls of the eastern palace, he thought as he flexed his fingers, preparing his talons should they be needed.

 

It was the figure of a male human, he could clearly tell, standing with his back to the entrance to the pavilion. He had long black hair that cascaded just passed his shoulders; his figure was clad in clothing that appeared quite refined. As if he had eyes on his back, he turned around to stare directly at the motionless yokai lord. A relaxed, unsuspecting smile slowly bloomed on the man's lips, causing the yokai to question the identity of the human. But after studying the scent and the face, the yokai lord came to realize who this human was.

 

“It is quite late and you choose not to rest?” The man in disguised asked.

 

“Hn.” Sesshoumaru scoffed softly as he stepped into the pavilion. He could not stop himself from observing the human form standing before him. The transformation was indeed imperceptible that a lesser being would not have even the slightest suspicion. In short, all humans and almost all demons would be fooled.

 

Almost.

 

“What is the meaning of this?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

“This?” The man repeated the question as he casually leaned his back against the carved wooden railing that encircled the perimeter of the pavilion. Slowly, he closed his eyes and shook his head, turning the shoulder-length raven hair into longer silver-coloured mane. And when he opened his eyes, his previously black orbs had became amber.

 

`Yuusou.' Sesshoumaru murmured inwardly. Just as he thought.

 

“You transform into human?” The yokai lord asked suspiciously.

 

“At will, yes.” Yuusou answered with the same relaxed smile still plastered on his face.

 

“Why?” The yokai lord questioned. It was a strange and unique ability indeed, but undoubtedly useless. Why would a demon willingly become a human even just for a split second? The reason for such unnecessary effort was truly beyond him.

 

“It comes in handy at times.” His cousin answered calmly.

 

Sesshoumaru only scoffed softly as a respond. Both males let themselves fell into silence as the faint continuous sounds of crickets and trickling water filled their ears.

 

“What a beautiful night...” The eastern yokai sighed as he stared at the moon, at the peaceful surrounding. “We should drink together.” He jovially suggested. “What do you say, Sesshoumaru?”

 

“I do not drink with those I do not trust.” The yokai lord replied dryly.

 

Yuusou could not help but chuckle when he heard his cousin's unfriendly, sarcastic remark.

 

“You say such interesting things, do you know that?” He said, an amused smile still graced his lips.

 

Sesshoumaru's only response was a derisive smirk. He let his eyes follow the movements of a bright green firefly that was drifting aimlessly around him as he savoured the pause in their conversation.

 

“That Southern inu...” Sesshoumaru started to speak as the image of the mysterious inuyokai from the south popped into his head.

 

“His name is Zoichi.” Yuusou promptly said.

 

“How did he come to be under Lord Shogo's wings?” Sesshoumaru asked, ignoring the other male's interruption.

 

Yuusou did not answer for a moment, but Sesshoumaru noticed how his cousin's previously relaxed stance suddenly tensed at the question. Though it was extremely slight, the subtle change did not escape the yokai lord's observation.

 

“I cannot answer that question.” Yuusou finally replied.

 

The mood around them had shifted from merely awkward to pure tension as Sesshoumaru watched his cousin staring far into the garden, fixating his eyes on the darkest parts with unreadable expression on his face. The eastern yokai placed both of his palms on the railing, letting the solid block of wood bear his weight. Then with a quiet voice, he said,

 

“There are three subjects we Eastern creatures absolutely cannot discuss in this place. First is the origin of Lord Shogo's beloved granddaughter, Shouri.” He paused to give Sesshoumaru a meaningful glance. “Second...” He paused again. “...is the `Battle of the North'.”

 

“The Battle of the North?” Sesshoumaru repeated with a frown on his forehead.

 

“Yes.” Yuusou nodded, smiling slightly. “The Battle of the North.”

 

Sesshoumaru let the name silently rolled off his tongue. Such an epic name deserved to be jotted down in books of history, yet it was the first time he had ever heard of it. Certainly, it was an unusual occurrence for a knowledgeable and aristocratic yokai such as himself.

 

“And what about the third subject?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

The smile on Yuusou's lips widened as he stared straight into Sesshoumaru's narrowed eyes. His face, though calm, held such a strange and indecipherable expression that the Lord of the Western Lands could not help but feel a nudge of curiosity.

 

“I cannot tell you.” Yuusou slowly said with the same mysterious smile still on his face. “But you see, I have an inkling that you will find out soon enough.”

 

His untroubled stance that momentarily disappeared had returned, apparent in his every gait as he swerved around and started to leave the pavilion. His movements caused the other male to notice a long braided cord that was tied around his waist. The loose cord swung and swayed with each of his movement, as if demanding attention. Sesshoumaru observed the cord quietly. Under his careful scrutiny, he realized it was a thin belt made of braided threads that appeared to be one's hair. Its excess length hung on the side of the wearer's hip. The hair was so fine and possessed the most mesmerizing shade, with colour that changed according to the movements and lights.

 

`Chameleon hair...' Sesshoumaru thought.

 

It could only be female hair, he deducted, for only a female could possess hair of such beautiful texture and colour. It could be understood as an intimate offering, for no female would ever cut off her hair for just any male. But who she was, he could not even begin to guess.

 

“A question for you, Lord of the Western Lands.” Yuusou suddenly exclaimed before he disappeared into the night, immediately ending the yokai lord's musings. “Can a table stand strong when it only has three legs?”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned at the question, a riddle more likely. He remained within the pavilion, watching the first grandson of Lord Shogo vanishing into the shadows. Silently, he mulled over the clues thrown so casually at him. A table, traditionally built with four legs with one leg at each corner, could not possibly stand strong with only three. The four legs represent four corners: East, West, South, and North. Yuusou, himself, and that Southern dog, Zoichi, filled in the positions of the three corners. Only one remained unknown: the North. This could only mean that they were searching for the heir to the Northern lands.

 

Sesshoumaru rolled his eyes. The riddle was so easy he could have died of boredom.

 

But almost immediately, his eyes widened with sudden realization.

 

The heir to the Northern lands and the Battle of the North… Undoubtedly, the two were related. But the question was, how?

 

The faint sounds of footsteps interrupted his musings, causing the ever-vigilant yokai lord to raise his head. He caught the familiar scent of Lord Shogo, and saw the silhouette of his grandfather's figure slowly looming from the direction where he came from. When the lord appeared before him, Sesshoumaru gave a slight nod as a sign of his regard.

 

“Sesshoumaru. Why are you still awake, boy?” Lord Shogo asked as he approached the pavilion. There was fraternal warmth in his tone. “You have had several difficult days recently and will encounter another tomorrow. Should you not be resting at this late hour?”

 

“I do not tire so easily.” Sesshoumaru simply answered.

 

Lord Shogo smirked at the nonchalant remark. He climbed the two steps at the mouth of the entrance to the pavilion and observed the fireflies floating around them.

 

“Quite early in the year to see so many fireflies...” He commented.

 

Sesshoumaru gave the insects a brief, dismissive glance. He cared not for those fireflies. Yuusou's little riddle, as easy as it was, along with the three forbidden subjects, caused questions to fill his mind.

 

“Grandfather,” He called and immediately, he stopped. It was the very first time he called the lord `grandfather', a title he deemed so intimate. It was unintentional and yet, the word had already been spoken and there was no way to take it back. He remained still, seemingly frozen in time due to the carelessness of his own tongue.

 

He watched Lord Shogo raising one eyebrow, a sign that the slip of tongue did not escape the elder's keen hearing. But the lord seemed more amused than anything else, proven in the movements on the corners of his lips.

 

“That's quite alright.” Lord Shogo said, encouraging him with a slightly amused smile. “After all, you are the son of my daughter. Proceed with your inquiry.”

 

“Then... Grandfather,” Sesshoumaru repeated, this time a little more certain. Though the word still felt strange rolling off his tongue, there was a sense of odd comfort and acceptance.

 

“What is the Battle of the North?” He finally asked.

 

Lord Shogo's relaxed and amused expression changed completely when the question reached his ears. It was as if the lord had just seen a ghost. His face was now tense, almost menacing.

 

“The Battle of the North?” He repeated, his previously solid voice had been reduced to a mere hiss.

 

After a tense moment of silence, he swerved around, turning his back on his grandson. He stared at the deep darkness at the far end of his sprawling garden. The unwelcomed memories of the past started to creep into his head. He shut his eyes tight to rid them but they kept returning, soiling his peaceful mind.

 

“The Battle of the North is the event that leads to the extermination of the Northern inu clan.” He quietly said. “Needless to say, it is one of the events in the history of inu that I regret the most.”

 

“And there are no survivors?” Sesshoumaru asked.

 

“I don't know...” Lord Shogo answered, shaking his head slowly. “I certainly hope there are.” He heaved a deep sigh and turned around to face the younger yokai.

 

“This is too dark a topic to be discussed on such a lovely night.” He said, forcing a smile. “Tell me, Sesshoumaru, do you like it here? How do you find your brothers, Yuusou and Zoichi?”

 

“They're...” Sesshoumaru paused to search for words to describe the two yokai. “... interesting in their own ways.”

 

“Yes, they are.” Lord Shogo gave him a smile that could only be construed as assent.

 

“Yuusou appeared before me in a human form, just earlier.” Sesshoumaru mentioned. “Did he transform using a charm, similar to that of the fox demons?”

 

“No, no.” The lord answered him as he shook his head. “Yuusou is quite a master in manipulating his youki. He is able to eliminate traces of his demonic energy, allowing him to transform himself into a human. Quite interesting, is it not?”

 

Sesshoumaru provided no comment to the explanation and merely kept his silence. Truth be told, he was more interested in finding out more about the Battle of the North and the third forbidden subject than to learn about his cousin's ability. But it was quite clear that Lord Shogo was not about to divulge the information so willingly. He shifted his eyes to gaze upon the same sky the lord was observing; the shape of the moon that night resembled the emblem imprinted on both their foreheads.

 

Indeed, it was a lovely night, he thought to himself.

 

==========

When Sesshoumaru came out of the gate of the Eastern palace early the next morning, accompanied by those in his pack, the inu princess was already outside waiting for them. She was standing before a large dog-like beast with tail split into two. The size of the beast must have been four times of a full-grown horse; its snow-white mane was long with a healthy sheen. There was a deep indigo crescent moon emblem on the beast's forehead. The appearance of the beast reminded him of his own beast form, only smaller.

 

She turned around with a small smile on her lips when she sensed their presence. She combed her fingers through the beast's pure white mane, earning a deep, fond growl from the creature. She rubbed its enormous head, murmuring endearments in its ear as she let the dog-like creature nuzzled her palm to savour what looked like morsels of meat from her hand.

 

“This is Ki.” She told them, her hands remained entwined within the beast's glorious mane as she gave it a warm, gentle look. “He is my ride, and a very good friend...”

 

Enthralled by the large white dog that appeared soft and deceivingly docile, Rin ran towards animal with outstretched arms, impatient to feel its thick pelt. But Sesshoumaru's quiet yet stern order stopped her.

 

“Rin, give your regards to the lady first, and ask for her permission.”

 

The little girl immediately slowed down her steps. With obvious efforts to curb her enthusiasm, she calmly approached the inu princess who was observing her with interests.

 

“Please accept my regards, my Lady.” She said, lowering her head in respect. “My name is Rin.”

 

Shouri nodded, her keen eyes never left the little girl who was showing tremendous improvements in health compared to her condition on the day she was brought to their lands. The youthful rosy colours had returned to her plump cheeks and the greyness of her skin had completely disappeared. She appeared healthy, not to mention animated.

 

“You have had quite a few difficult days, Rin.” The inu princess said. “It must have been hard on you.”

 

Rin clasped her hands together behind her back and swayed from side to side in a relaxed manner. She shook her head.

 

“Uh-huh. It wasn't too bad.” She chuckled. The little girl continued watching the large white dog that was still rubbing its head against the gentle hands of its mistress.

 

“Shouri-sama,” She called. “Can I pat your... friend?”

 

The inu princess looked at Ki, who opened its eyes to reveal the clearest, most mesmerizing pair of amber eyes. Specks of shimmering gold adorned each eye, with a jet black pupil as its center. She gently whispered something in its ear and slowly, it lowered its head to reach the level of Rin's hand.

 

“Ki normally does not like strangers...” Shouri said as she vigilantly watched the little girl rubbing her hands against the beast's soft, fury pelt. “But as long as I remain with him, it's alright.”

 

“What is he?” Rin asked as she savoured the silky smooth feeling of Ki's hair between her fingers.

 

“Ki is a dog demon who does not take a human-like form.” Shouri responded as she laid her cheek on the side of its neck and firmly patted its strong shoulder. “He remains in his beast form, always. And he cannot speak either. Not in human language, at least.”

 

She released the white dog demon and turned to regard Sesshoumaru, who was standing only a few paces away from her.

 

“Are we ready, Taisho-sama?” She asked him, still using the detached term of “Honourable Lord” to address him.

 

Sesshoumaru did not answer, for he was much too intrigued by her garment to even voice a response. She sported a pair of form-fitting hakama pants with ends tucked into a pair of black knee-high boots. She also wore a male's dark indigo kimono top underneath the metal armour vest covering only her torso. The end of her kimono sleeves was tucked underneath a pair of metal gauntlet that matched her armour perfectly. Her beautiful silver hair that usually spilled down her back was piled up and neatly tied behind her head. Only a few strands of hair were let loose to softly frame her heart-shaped face.

 

“She's wearing male clothing!” Jaken muttered under his breath as he watched the inu princess with mouth gaping wide. “That is quite liberal for a daughter of nobility.”

 

Sesshoumaru had to admit it was interesting to see his sister clad herself in male attire. But considering they were going to a dangerous place, it would be best that she was dressed in garments that would allow her to fight without obstacles. Certainly, the Lord of the Eastern Lands would rather have his precious granddaughter dress like a male than to have her killed because she tripped over some stupid kimono. He turned around when he heard the gate of the Eastern palace opening once more. Lord Shogo and Yuusou appeared from beyond the gate, undoubtedly to see them off.

 

Yuusou strode towards the inu princess who was still gently patting the snow white pelt of the giant dog.

 

“Do you need a boost?” He asked.

 

“No.” She lightly said as she effortlessly leaped to straddle Ki's back comfortably.

 

The male inu stared at the female with solemn expression on his face. He gathered the brown leather reins that hung from the collar around Ki's neck and handed them to its rider.

 

“It is spring.” He said.

 

“Yes, I get that.” She told him with a small chuckle.

 

“It is spring,” He repeated as he gave her a stern look. “Many beasts within the forest have just awakened after a long winter sleep and most likely, they are hungry.” He paused for a moment. “Try your best to slip through the forest unnoticed. Whatever you do, do not bleed.” He warned. “The scent of blood will throw them into frenzy. It is still too early for the hunt. And surely, you do not want to be the one being hunted.” He gave her a meaningful look.

 

“... I understand, Nii-sama.” She said, taking the reins he offered and clasping them tight within her own grip.

 

Sesshoumaru remained silent even when he heard her regarded Yuusou as her “Nii-sama”, her “older brother”. He merely turned his back on them. Lord Shogo was a cunning yokai indeed, he thought. It was not without purpose that the lord sent the female inu to guide him to the home of the sage. Their journey would provide ample opportunities for him to get to know her, and for him to decide if he wanted to take the long-life responsibilities of an older brother.

 

“Sesshoumaru,” Lord Shogo called, earning his grandson's attention. “I surely hope you will return to these lands once your journey is concluded. I believe there are still things you wish to ask me.”

 

With the slightest movement of the eye, Sesshoumaru stole a glance at his cousin. The quick glance was promptly returned and for a brief moment, their gazes collided, though neither one of them utter a word.

 

“And I do wish you will be joining the hunt.” Lord Shogo continued.

 

“The hunt?” Sesshoumaru repeated questioningly.

 

“Every spring, we hunt as a group.” Shouri explained from the back of the white dog. “We enter the Forest of No Return to hunt.”

 

“The beasts are most alert during this season.” Yuusou added with a small chuckle. “It is quite entertaining.”

 

“And what do you hunt for?” The yokai lord asked, looking up to stare at the inu princess who was ready to take flight on her ride. She smiled at him and answered,

 

“Poison.”

 

==========

 

Lord Shogo had always found his palace oddly quiet and lonely whenever any of his grandchildren was away. With Zoichi and Shouri, along with Sesshoumaru and his pack, gone to carry their tasks, only Yuusou remained. But his first grandson was nowhere to be seen that night, adding the silence and loneliness to the vast palace.

 

The lord strolled down a lonely passageway in the palace until he reached a viewing platform hovering over an expansive pond, its surface was almost completely covered with blooming water lilies. He aimed his gaze upwards to admire the dark yet cloudless sky. It was one of those clear nights he so fond of.

 

“Well, well…” Lord Shogo suddenly said, his eyes never left the night sky he was admiring. “This is certainly a surprise.” As he finished the last of his words, he turned to his side to regard the unexpected visitor with a sour smile on his lips.

 

“To what do I owe the pleasure of my own daughter's visit after her 300 years of absence?” He asked with one arched eyebrow.

 

A female figure who was previously hidden underneath the shadow took a step into the light, revealing herself to his view.

 

“Long time no see, Father.” She greeted him. Her voice, though firm and confident, carried a gentle tone.

 

Lord Shogo eyed his daughter from head to toe. She had not changed much even after so many years. Still the same striking beauty, the same playful air, the same cunning smile... He was not pleased that she had been absent for so long, but he could not deny her appearance, as unexpected as it was, had brought him tremendous joy. But the elation he felt was cleverly concealed beneath his stern expression.

 

“So you waited for your son and your daughter to leave before you dared to show up?” He asked her. The question sounded more like a criticism, with the obviously deliberate emphasis he applied on a certain word.

 

“You know very well why I cannot show myself to her.” She retaliated, her head jerked in unconcealed annoyance.

 

“To tell you the truth… No, I don't.” Lord Shogo told her dryly.

 

“Father, please don't start this again.” She huffed, her annoyance was increasingly apparent. “You promised you would raise her and…”

 

“And I have done as I promised.” Lord Shogo cut his daughter's rant short. His voice remained calm and composed even during the emotional argument. “I have raised her. And if only you would see her just once, you will find she is a creature of the sweetest nature, exceedingly beautiful…”

 

“Do not speak of her.” She stopped him sternly and turned herself away from him. “I would rather not know anything about her, not even her name. Father, if you insist on discussing her, I should just leave now.”

 

There was a moment of tense, heavy silence as Lord Shogo stared at his daughter's tense posture without uttering a word. Her stubbornness was something she had inherited from him, no doubt. He noted the balled fists she placed on each of her sides, a sign of the turmoil she kept within her. He sighed inwardly.

 

“Isha…” He gently called her name. “As long as I've known you, you have always been a stubborn child. And while some may find your trait difficult, I've always been fond of it and found it endearing. But for this one matter, I truly cannot understand your resolve. Why do you deny her, your own daughter, the truth?”

 

Lady Isha kept her silence and lowered her gaze to the gleaming wood floor underneath her. She could feel her father's heavy gaze on her back, waiting for her to explain herself. Her shoulders rose and fell with a deep sigh.

 

“That child…” She spoke softly. “Sesshoumaru. He has always been such a proud child since he was very young. And he was so distraught when his father decided to take another mate, a human mate.” She sighed and turned around to return her father's gaze.

 

“I wonder how much this history influenced his view on humans...” She continued. “I don't know if he felt betrayed, or humiliated by his father's decision to go to the human. But his father's action struck him hard, and I…” She paused to briefly close her eyes and bring her fingers to touch her forehead. “I watched his character changed and warped to such an extent that he became what he is now.”

 

“I wished my daughter a life without this kind of anger and hatred.” She carried on with her words. “After watching Sesshoumaru being tormented by his own hatred and disappointment, how could I let my daughter go through the same pain? And within one brief moment of insanity, I decided to give her up.”

 

She paused to shake her head softly, her eyes wandered off to the distance.

 

“For a yokai mother to give up her newly born pup is... not an easy thing to do.” She sighed; there was a slight quiver in her voice. She squared off her shoulders and held her head high. “But I had made up my mind, and I cannot turn back.”

 

She closed her eyes momentarily to shrug off any remorse she felt. And when she fluttered her eyes open, she had regained the effortless composure she briefly lost.

 

“But this matter is not what I wish to discuss with you.” Lady Isha said. “Rejoice, Father.” She continued with a meaningful smile on her lips. “For I have found who we've been searching for these many years.”

 

The news caused Lord Shogo's eyes to widen in astonishment and sheer joy.

 

“Is that true?” He asked. “You have found the boy?”

 

“He is no longer a boy, Father.” Lady Isha said as she strived to hide a smile. After all, it had been several hundred years since her father saw him last. “He is a full-grown inu now. He has been seen traveling through the central plains with an elderly vassal and two full-blooded inu pups.”

 

There was a gleam in the lord's eyes when the two inu pups were mentioned. Lady Isha did not need to think twice to be able to interpret the gleam as a proof of his elation. Her father had always concerned himself with not only the survival but also, and most importantly, the continuation of the inu clan. There were days in the past when their clan was the largest, when pure-blooded inuyokai roamed the lands of the four directions: east, west, north, and south. But those were days long gone for today, only a small number of pure-blooded inu could be found. Though her father had never expressed it openly, she knew he yearned for the days when their clan was thriving. The mention of two pure blooded inu pups meant the greater possibility of the continuation of the clan.

 

The thought of the continuation of inu clan prompted another thought to appear in the lady's mind. A matter that was extremely delicate, yet also exceedingly important to the ultimate goal of preserving their clan.

 

“Then... there is the matter of the successor to the Lord of the Eastern Lands...” She proceeded carefully. “You have met my son. What do you think of him?”

 

“Hmmm...” Lord Shogo pondered for a moment. “He is certainly a viable candidate. Exceedingly smart and powerful, with enormous ambition too. Though I question his compassion...” He turned to look at his daughter with furrowed eyebrows.

 

Lady Isha chuckled softly, noting the fairness in her father's assessment.

 

“I do have a cold-hearted son, don't I?” She sighed. “But I believe his character is slowly changing. He never used to tolerate the presence of human but now he is travelling with two. And we both had witnessed his care for the little girl, Rin, and to what extent he was willing to go to save her.” Lady Isha paused to clear her throat.

 

“And…” She added gently. “I suspect his sister will also do him good?”

 

“She still does not know that he is her brother, and you are her mother.” Lord Shogo told her, earning a puzzled look from the female. “I have decided to leave this matter in Sesshoumaru's hands.” He explained. “He certainly has the right to be her brother but I will not force him to take that position, the same way I did not force you to bear your responsibilities as her mother.”

 

If there was a hint of criticism in the lord's words, Lady Isha chose to ignore it.

 

“What about Zoichi?” She asked. “Is he also a candidate?”

 

Silently, Lord Shogo contemplated the possibility of his adopted grandson to continue his rule over the Eastern lands. His deep, darkened amber eyes were fixated on a cluster of pink water lilies floating on the pond before him. Lady Isha approached the edge of the carved wooden railing to inch closer to her father, her eyes were watching his face that gradually grew tense.

 

“Zoichi…” He murmured softly. “Truly, he is a double-edged sword…” He sighed deeply. “Perhaps. But the mere thought of Zoichi ruling over these lands… Even I could feel the shiver down my spine.”

 

“Father, I pray that you will not regret your decision to let him live.” Lady Isha spoke, perhaps too passionately, earning a sudden, harsh glare from Lord Shogo.

 

“Isha.” Lord Shogo's stern voice stopped her. A moment of tense silence followed as Lord Shogo continued to fixed his fervent glare on his daughter. “We do not speak of that subject here.” He hissed between his clenched teeth.

 

“Forgive the liberty of my tongue, Father.” Lady Isha retaliated, still stubborn with her opinions. “But that child is truly a bad seed.”

 

“Enough!” Lord Shogo snarled angrily. And again, the eruption of rage was followed by a heavy, disconcerting silence.

 

“I will not let poisonous words like those be spoken here.” Lord Shogo spoke as his anger gradually subsided, yet his voice still carried the strain he held before.

 

Secretly, Lady Isha heaved a sigh. The long-awaited reunion with her father had suddenly taken an unpleasant turn when Zoichi entered the topic of their conversation. She worked hard to hold her tongue, striving to utter no more comment regarding the matter. And when she regained her composure, she spoke,

 

“Father...” Her words were briefly caught in her throat. “...Are you sure this is the path you would like to choose? Is Yuusou really...”

 

“I do not know if this is the path I will take.” Lord Shogo answered after a long stretch of silence. “But I do know that Yuusou is not fit to rule the Eastern Lands.”

 

Unbeknown to the two yokai, a pair of keen ears was secretly listening to their conversation; its owner was hiding himself beyond a wall just around the corner.

 

Yuusou leaned his back against the smooth, cold surface of the wall. His arms were neatly folded across his chest. His eyes narrowed when Lord Shogo's last statement reached his ears.

 

“I do know that Yuusou is not fit to rule the Eastern Lands.”

 

 

To be Continued

 

==========

I planted plenty of `seeds' in this chapter. Hope you find them interesting. It had been quite a crazy week for me. Extremely busy. And with this weekend being Canadian Thanksgiving, it seems that I will not have some peaceful time, but rather a hectic one. But I'm happy I can post a chapter between cooking the turkey and making the mash potatoes. Anyway, hope you all enjoyed it. As always, reviews are greatly appreciated.

 

-Chiaztolite-