ELIXIR OF LIFE - Prologue #04: I suppose it would be a regret, then.
byline: Anubis C. Soundwave
Rin smiles, humming to herself as she combs her hair.
Sesshoumaru walks up to her. "I take it that Sasaki's servants treated you well," he says.
Rin nods. "They were rather kind for human beings," she says.
"I suppose so. Being that you are human, Rin," says Sesshoumaru, "you must eventually rejoin your own kind."
"I know," says Rin, sighing. "If humans were as likeable as Kujuurou, it wouldn't be so bad."
Sesshoumaru smiles slightly. Her attraction to Sasaki is quite evident, he muses. "You are no longer a child," he says to Rin.
"I...do enjoy his company," says Rin, blushing, "even though we can only be friends."
"Has Sasaki taken liberties with you?" asks Sesshoumaru, wary.
"What do you mean?" asks Rin, her eyes bright and guileless.
"I wanted to make certain that he did you no harm," says Sesshoumaru.
"Kujuurou would never hurt me," says Rin. "Even if he wanted to," she continues, "he would have to face your wrath, Sesshoumaru-sama."
"Indeed," says Sesshoumaru. It astounds me, he says to himself, how my concern for Rin's-a human's-welfare is so...unremarkable. "Still," he continues aloud to Rin, "be cautious. There are men in this world who are not as wise as Sasaki."
"Kujuurou..." says Rin slowly. "He's old enough to seek a wife now."
"Would being his mate please you, Rin?" asks Sesshoumaru.
"I...I like him," says Rin. "But he sees me as a child still."
Kujuurou, in bed, stirs; he awakens slowly. He notes a lump under the covers next to him.
"Your sense of humor still fails to amuse me, Kuroda-dono," says Kujuurou, annoyed.
"I thought you'd be lonely, Sasaki-kun," says Jirogorou with a coy smile, "as you have yet to bring Rin-dono to your bed."
Kujuurou scowls at Jirogorou.
"It would also please your retainers that you would continue your family's noble line," Jirogorou continues.
"There's entirely too much pressure from those insufferable wretches," Kujuurou spits. "I am little more than peasant stock myself, and they only tolerate me because oniisama...." Kujuurou trembles, unable to finish his thought.
"Sasaki-sama died well," says Jirogorou, "with honor, fighting his chosen foe. No other fate would have suited him."
"I know," says Kujuurou, rising from his bed.
"And now, you are his right hand among the living," continues Jirogorou. "Go and claim your bride."
"I have already asked Sesshoumaru-sama for Rin-dono's hand," says Kujuurou.
"And he has denied you," says Jirogorou.
Kujuurou nods.
Jirogorou slips out of Kujuurou's bed. "It would be wise of you," he says, "to disregard Sesshoumaru-sama's will in this matter. It is Rin-dono you wish to marry," Jirogorou continues, "and her will is greater than his in this regard."
"Do you honestly expect me to defy my master?" says Kujuurou.
"I expect you to determine his true will," says Jirogorou, "not to obey an order blindly. Sesshoumaru-sama wants to be certain that Rin-dono will be happy with humankind before he will return her to us."
"I can't pretend that Rin-dono will know happiness and peace with me," says Kujuurou. "We are in an age of war and sorrow."
"All the more reason why you are best suited to protect her," says Jirogorou.
"More than Kohaku-kun, who is not a man of war," asks Kujuurou, "and therefore doesn't live a blood-stained existence?"
"The yokai hunter?" Jirogorou sneers. "He is Sesshoumaru-sama's choice?"
Kujuurou glares at Jirogorou.
"I am not bound to Sesshoumaru-sama as a vassal," continues Jirogorou, "so I am within my rights to say that he is wrong. Even I-a broken-minded wretch-am a better choice for Rin-dono's mate than Kohaku-kun."
"I shall not defy Sesshoumaru-sama...not even for Rin-dono," says Kujuurou.
"If this is true, Sasaki-kun," says Jirogorou, "then she will surely know sorrow." He leaves Kujuurou's bedchamber.
Kujuurou stares at his empty bed.
Several months pass.
Toshitada sits on a fence, peeved. "To think that I am relegated to this," he mutters, "after all of my victories from the past three years."
Shippo grins at Toshitada. "Maybe you could ask Naotohide for your old place back," he says.
"No," sighs Toshitada, "not even knowing that his thick son has wandered off to parts unknown. But fear not, Shippo-kun," he continues. "I had considered your suggestion for a moment...compared to this."
"You're protecting the Sasaki house from intruders," says Shippo.
"It's boring," pouts Toshitada. "Though it shall be mercifully brief, once the wedding ends tomorrow."
"I think you're just mad because Kujuurou didn't invite you," says Shippo.
"It makes little sense," says Toshitada, "considering that Sasaki-dono is merely the host. A pair of peasants are marrying."
"Who's the bride?" wonders Shippo.
Rin joins Toshitada on the fence. "I am, Toshi," she says, "remember?"
Toshitada stares at Rin, astonished at the young maiden's beauty...and continued artlessness.
"I'm marrying Kohaku tomorrow," Rin continues.
"Then you certainly shouldn't be out here, Rin-dono," says Toshitada. "Even for a peasant girl, your behavior is improper."
"I've always sat on the fence before," says Rin. "I've even seen your mother and grandmother sitting on a fence in Kyoto."
Shippo snickers; Toshitada kicks Shippo, annoyed.
"What...?" grins Shippo. "She was talking about Ran-*"
"Shut up!" hisses Toshitada, blushing.
Rin stares at Toshitada a moment. "Your grandmother Ranka is quite lovely for her age," she says.
Toshitada buries his face in his palms. "'Ranka'...isn't my grandmother," he mutters.
"But I recall Ranka calling you a 'precious grandson'," says Shippo, a mischievious twinkle in his eyes.
"You shall cease toying with Rin-dono's innocence," spits Toshitada, "and trying my patience, you miserable kitsune!"
Shippo sticks out his tongue. "Good luck with guard duty," he says.
"If Ranka isn't your grandmother," asks Rin, "then who is she?"
Toshitada grins crudely. "She-Ranka-doesn't exist," he says. "He, Fujioka Ryouji," continues Toshitada, "is my honored grandfather...who is, distressingly, a cross-dresser."
"Why does it distress you, Toshi?" asks Rin.
"Ojiisama dresses...as a woman would dress," says Toshitada patiently, "and behaves as a woman would behave."
Rin stares at Toshitada, befuddled. "How exactly should he behave?" she asks.
Toshitada fumes. "Like a man!" he spits. "It's one thing to desire other men; it's another to dress and behave like the fairer sex to deceive and lure unwitting men to your bed."
"So your grandfather wouldn't upset you if he dressed and acted more like Oda?" asks Rin.
Toshitada stares at Rin, speechless. "On second thought," he says, thinking of rumors regarding Oda and a young page, Mori Ranmaru, "perhaps ojiisama isn't so distressing."
"I'm glad that you feel better about your grandfather's decision," says Rin. "He makes a lovely grandmother."
"I...suppose he does," grins Toshitada sheepishly.
Rin smiles at Toshitada.
"You...should return to Sasaki-dono's castle, Rin-dono," says Toshitada after a moment, "and prepare for your wedding."
Rin sighs. "I don't know if I want to marry Kohaku," she says. "If it were Kujuurou I was marrying," Rin continues, "I wouldn't even question it."
"But you have accepted Kohaku's proposal," says Toshitada, "and it's far too late to rescind it."
"I suppose it would be a regret, then," says Rin, smiling wistfully.
"I'm certain that in time, Kohaku will make you happy," says Toshitada.
"I can hope," says Rin. "Though I'll never get to see Sesshoumaru-sama again-because Kohaku's a yokai hunter."
"Is Sesshoumaru-sama Kohaku's enemy?" asks Toshitada.
Rin shakes her head. "Kohaku only hunts yokai who threaten humans directly," she says.
"And such behavior is beneath Sesshoumaru-sama," says Toshitada, "so their paths would never cross as foes."
"It's still sad, though," says Rin, trembling. "Sesshoumaru-sama, Jaken-sensei, and Ah-Un...are the only family I have."
"Though you will lose one family," says Toshitada, "you will also build a new one with Kohaku."
Rin sighs, smiles at Toshitada, then leaves.
Kujuurou appears, pointing his washizaki at Toshitada's neck. "It would seem that I have little cause to hope, Kouma-kun, that you would serve as a competent guard," he spits.
Toshitada smirks at Kujuurou. "All of this concern for a bride you shall never wed, Sasaki-sama," he says.
"I am happy for Rin-dono," says Kujuurou. "Even now, she is beautiful. You would do well, Kouma-kun, if you could manage to protect her on her wedding day. I take my leave of you." Kujuurou leaves.
A few hours later, Kujuurou enters a barn, dressed only in his yukata. He yawns as he places a lantern on a nearby lantern hook.
A moment later, Kujuurou sees Rin: asleep on a blanket atop a bale of hay. He approaches Rin, then gently nudges her.
Rin wakes up, blinking her eyes, and she studies Kujuurou.
"Rin-dono," says Kujuurou, "there are better places for a young bride to sleep."
"I know," says Rin, smiling softly, "but can you see the moon and stars from a bed?"
"In the right bed, you may," says Kujuurou as he sits next to Rin.
"Please, Kujuurou," says Rin. "Show me the best way to look at a full moon...like you did once before."
Kujuurou stares at Rin as she lies back on her blanket. Rin-dono, wearing only her yukata, reminds me...that I am a man, he says to himself.
Rin takes Kujuurou's hand in her hand, smiling up at him.
Kujuurou leans over Rin. "It would be an honor, Rin-dono..." he says, his need evident in his eyes.
Rin trembles a moment, then starts to reach up to kiss Kujuurou.
Kujuurou gazes at Rin, her eyes bright with new desire, then sighs as he places a hand over Rin's lips and kisses her forehead. "This honor...is for your husband," he says.
Rin frowns, then looks into Kujuurou's eyes. "You could be my husband," she says.
"It's not that simple..." Kujuurou sighs.
"It is if you want it to be," counters Rin, looking away from Kujuurou.
"I..." Kujuurou begins; his words trail off as he notes tears in Rin's eyes. "Words...are inadequate," he whispers, kissing away Rin's tears.
Rin pushes Kujuurou away, angry. "Don't treat me like a child!" she spits.
Kujuurou stares at Rin. "Child...?" he says softly, chuckling. "Rin, you are no child to me."
"What am I to you, Kujuurou?" Rin demands.
"You are the woman I want," says Kujuurou. "I love no other."
"Then take me," says Rin.
"You don't know what you ask me to do," says Kujuurou. "What I...want to do."
"Are you denying me because I'm a peasant?" asks Rin.
Kujuurou laughs. "As if I care what my retainers think," he scoffs, "though to be fair to them, they are sensible enough to like you."
"Then why...?" asks Rin.
Kujuurou stands, then picks Rin up, carrying her out of the barn. "I must obey my master," he says, "whether he is right or wrong."
Several minutes later, Kujuurou arrives outside Rin's bedchamber, holding Rin in his arms.
Rin touches Kujuurou's collarbone. "Couldn't you be my husband...for tonight?" she asks.
"No, sweet Rin," says Kujuurou as he sets Rin down on her feet. He draws Rin close. "I wouldn't be satisfied with a single night," he adds in a whisper.
Rin starts to open her mouth...
...but Kujuurou places a finger over her lips. "We will not deceive Kohaku, either," he continues. "That is beneath us both."
"Then... Good night, Kujuurou-san," says Rin, bowing.
"Good night, Rin-dono," says Kujuurou, turning away from Rin as she enters her room.
Kujuurou glances back briefly, then winces as he sees the door shut.
"I will honor you," says Kohaku to Rin, "and cherish you until the end of my days."
"And I..." says Rin, trembling. She briefly glances at Kujuurou, then turns to face Kohaku, her expression resolute. "I will honor...the pact we have made," she continues.
Sango studies Rin, confused. "Why does she sound like a soldier steeling herself for a long siege?" she asks Miroku.
"I don't know," says Miroku. "Your brother's grown into a nice enough young man. If only Rin had been old enough to wed sooner," he continues, admiring Rin's beauty."
"Sesshoumaru would have murdered you," snorts Inuyasha, "though I have no idea why he even bothers with that particular human girl. Of course, if it hadn't been for him," he continues, rolling his eyes, "Rin would be marrying Kujuurou, not wasting her time with Kohaku."
"You're not the most reliable source of love advice, Inuyasha-dono," says Jirogorou quietly.
"You'd have to be a fool not to see that Rin and Kujuurou love each other," says Inuyasha. "Hosting this wedding has to be torture for him, but it's his own fault for obeying Sesshou..." Inuyasha trails off, sniffing the air as he growls.
A large group of poorly-dressed vagabonds enter the wedding hall.
A retainer approaches the leader of the band of vagabonds. "What business has brought you to us?" he demands.
The leader: a large, muscular man with long and wavy dark hair, smirks at the retainer; he looks toward Rin and Kohaku. "I came," he says, "to wish Rin a lovely wedding night."
Rin stares at the man, confused. "I...don't know that man," she whispers to Kohaku.
Kohaku frowns, nudging Rin behind him.
"I don't like this," hisses Inuyasha. "Those men smell like blood. Is Toshi blind!?"
"I have no reason to believe that Kouma-kun would be in league with such distateful vagrants," says Jirogorou. "This is obviously a juvenile prank on Kouma-kun's part to embarrass Sasaki-kun for making him stand watch."
"If it's a prank," says Inuyasha, "then it's gone too far."
"What was your reason for this insult, Kouma?" demands Kujuurou, glowering at Toshitada.
On his knees, Toshitada trembles at Kujuurou's snarling tone, unwilling to face him.
"Answer me, Kouma," Kujuurou continues softly.
"I...have no acceptable answer, my liege..." says Toshitada truthfully.
"Ignorant fool. Of course no answer is acceptable," says Kujuurou quietly. "Nonetheless, Kouma: you allowed those vagrants to enter my home," he continues, "so you must answer for it."
"Sasaki-sama," says Toshitada, "I cannot."
"Either you will answer to me, Kouma Toshitada," says Kujuurou, relentless, "or the house of Kouma will answer."
Toshitada's head jerks up as he stares into Kujuurou's cold, yet rage-filled eyes. "Please, Sasaki-sama," he says. "The fault is my own, and only my own. I beseech you: do not lay this at the feet of my clan."
Kujuurou scowls down at Toshitada, drawing his washizaki. "I...cannot forgive you, Kouma Toshitada..." he hisses.
Toshitada steels himself for the fatal blow.
Kujuurou strikes Toshitada on the auburn-haired samurai's forehead...with the hilt of the washizaki. "You live," Kujuurou growls, "only because your sin was not against me. You are not mine to destroy."
Toshitada's eyes widen.
Sesshoumaru approaches Kujuurou and Toshitada. "Sasaki," he says curtly, "I do not require Kouma's life. I have brought the one who needs to die to satisfy me. You will release Kouma now."
"Yes, my lord," says Kujuurou to Sesshoumaru. He returns his focus to Toshitada. "Go, Kouma," spits Kujuurou, "and do not show your face before me again...if you value your life: for I do not."
Shaking at Kujuurou's words, Toshitada slowly rises to his feet, then flees from the Sasaki castle.
"Now," says Sesshoumaru to Kujuurou's retainers, "bring the prisoner which I have captured."
The retainers look to Sasaki.
"Do it," barks Kujuurou. "Sesshoumaru-sama is my lord, as I am your lord. His commands are greater than my own."
Nodding, the retainers obey; they retrieve the prisoner: the leader of the brigands who had disrupted the wedding.
The brigand leader shudders in fear of Kujuurou. "Are you..." he asks slowly, "going to kill me again?"
Kujuurou seethes at the brigand leader, then looks to Sesshoumaru.
"I am only able to revive a life once with the Tenseiga," says Sesshoumaru gravely.
"Thus," says Kujuurou, grim as Sango approaches with Miroku, "it is Sango-dono who requires your life."
The brigand leader trembles, then clings to Miroku's leg. "P-plead with her to spare me," he begs.
Miroku escapes the brigand leader's grip. "I have no authority to intervene in this matter," he says gravely. "May the gods have mercy on your soul."
"You..." hisses Sango, taking out a katana. "You are meat to be wasted." She drives the katana into the brigand leader's heart.
The brigand leader falls to the ground, dying.
Jirogorou gazes on the dying brigand leader, disgust on his face. "Shall we at least burn the corpse?" he asks.
"I shall not grant this vagrant the dignity of fire," says Kujuurou.
"Yet we must dispose of the remains," muses Jirogorou calmly. He turns to a pair of low-caste servants. "When that thing dies," he says to the servants, "take it to the dung heap behind Sasaki-sama's castle; then, after you've cleansed yourselves, you may end your lives with these, as your debts to my house will be forgiven with this task." Jirogorou hands the servants a pair of expensive daggers.
The brigand leader dies. The two servants bow to Jirogorou, gratitude in their eyes, then carry the brigand leader's corpse off.
Jirogorou studies Kujuurou, noting blood-red armor beneath the latter's ceremonial garments.
Kujuurou notes Jirogorou's scrutiny; he scowls. "Let us retire within, Kuroda-sama," says Kujuurou. He leaves for the castle.
Jirogorou follows after Kujuurou.
Several hours later, after dark, Inuyasha approaches Sesshoumaru.
"Something's off about both Kujuurou and Jirogorou," says Inuyasha to Sesshoumaru. "They're both wearing armors that give off a foul, unholy miasma."
"Hn. So you have noticed it after all," says Sesshoumaru. "We shall have to watch them."
"You watch those two," snorts Inuyasha. "I'm going to track Toshi down and get a real answer. It doesn't make any sense for him to beg like that-especially not to Kujuurou."
Sesshoumaru nods.
"It's sad that this is one of the most civil conversations we've had," says Inuyasha.
"Do not trifle with me, half-breed," says Sesshoumaru.
Inuyasha snorts, then leaves.
"Humans...are fools," says Sesshoumaru quietly. He walks away from the Sasaki castle.