Just a short musing that's been running in my head for too long. Besides. I've always wanted to see Sai and Sesshomaru playing Go.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters mentioned.
Recovery
The little boy, not more than 5 years old, approached the injured giant white dog. Knowing that the child meant no harm, the canine only kept still; not even a growl escaped its jaws of razor-sharp teeth. The child saw the fresh, blood-red wounds under its fluffy white fur. What surprised the canine was, the child ran to get some water and herbal plants, cleaned and treated its wounds.
On the National Geographic cover page, it read: Recovering Lost Names. The article covered a recent project by a group of historians, archaeologists and scholars on Japanese history, who have successfully translated old documents and journals dating back to the Heian period, related to the ancient Fujiwara clan. The written evidence that may shed some light on those 'whose names has been omitted' from formal historical documents, one of the scholars said. Some might also include locations of their last resting place. A few were identified, the article wrote, including a lesser-known cousin of the then-reigning emperor. He might have held an important position in the court, a cultural anthropologist concluded, according to the records and descriptions he'd translated and studied, and based on the 2 portraits depicting the nobleman- in elegant silk, long dark hair tinged purple under the silver moonlight, slender fingers placing a stone on the kaya goban. He did not live past his early 20s, another historian hypothesized; it is highly possible that he had commited suicide after losing his honor, coupled with the lack of evidence that suggested he lived longer than 30 years. They never found his grave, nor even a single bone; a pity, an archaeologist sighed. Soon, the tragic story of the emperor's 3rd cousin was known to everyone across the world. He was Sai of the Fujiwara noble. Fujiwara no Sai.
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A white stone was placed on the goban, capturing a few black stones along the way. Black retaliated, but the effort was in vain.
"I resign."
Thanks were exchanged as both players bowed.
"It is an impressive game, Fujiwara-sensei. I am indeed glad to have the chance to spar with you."
"No indeed, Sesshoumaru-dono. It is I who must thank you… for recovering my place in history, and telling my story."
The Ruler of the Western Range remained stoic, but something flickered in his golden eyes when he saw his guest's downcast face.
"I am just doing what I could to repay your kindness towards my father. But," he continued, "It was your student who identified you and sparked the trail that led to your discovery. He should receive his credits."
The Heavenly Court High Official was speechless. However, a smile gradually formed on his face. Shindo Hikaru, and their unfinished game. Maybe he should pay him a visit later.
Yep, Sesshoumaru is one of the historians involve in the project, as well as being one of the sponsors for the project. A daiyoukai working on environment rehabilitation and history preservation :P And Sai received a new task from his Kami-sama--as a patron spirit for Go players :P