Chapter Twenty-One

Our lives were bound by the same thread that connected to the existence of the Shikon jewel. We lived during the age where the half demon Naraku sought to destroy and conquer every aspect of this world, but he reached far beyond his understanding. In his relentless quest for dominance over us all, we destroyed him instead…or better still, you might be able to say he managed to destroy himself. Kagome was able to successfully dispose of the jewel by the use of a single wish that nearly tore her away from our world forever. It took her three long years to discover in her heart of what she truly wanted…and that was to return to this world and live alongside the man she had fallen in love at the age of fifteen. Without her presence in this world, I would probably never have found Sesshomaru wounded in the woods near my village when I was young.

When I was alive the first time, I stayed by Lord Sesshomaru's side, even when he went into battle. But I was not always allowed to accompany him. There were times where he knew that I could be hurt, or even killed if I sought to stay by his side. I had already died twice before the death of Naraku, but when it came to those last hours of his life, I was almost killed again. Lord Sesshomaru was later told by Lady Kaeda that I needed to live among humans before making the choice of which life I desired to pursue. Even though living with humans taught me a great deal about life, I knew in my heart from the very beginning that I wanted to stay by Sesshomaru's side. I knew I loved him when we first met, but I didn't know how deep that love was until he left me behind in the village of his brother, Inuyasha. For years, my desire for him remained dormant within my heart, believing that if he knew, I would be rejected and he would be disgusted and leave, never to return. I was wrong to believe that.

Lord Sesshomaru's feelings equaled my own, though he hid them well whenever others were present. But it didn't take long for our friends and family to discover what was happening between us. He tried to deny it…and even got annoyed when Master Jaken began to notice Sesshomaru's intentions for me and tried to point it out. I, on the other hand, was never positive of his feelings until I challenged him. I threatened to leave him and my new friends behind to return to Kaeda after I had attempted to mark him like he had marked me. He ended up destroying my bedroom wall just as I was about to walk away. Needless to say, our lives became intertwined and we endeavored to create a new life of our own, separate from the evil spirits of our past.

I was later introduced to his new army as his mate and wife. I had never felt so happy and free of the burden of living as an ordinary human girl. Instead, I was living by Sesshomaru's side as an equal almost. I never questioned his love, even though I knew of his hatred for humans. I have been credited as his reason for his tolerance of them, though some still find it difficult to believe that he has changed in the way of his thinking. If it is true that I am the cause of this wonderful change in him, than me dying with the knowledge of this is not so bad. I only wish that I had been able to give Lord Sesshomaru the son that Sakuya had murdered in his pursuit of my demise.

Oh Miho…I am so sorry…for everything. I am to blame for all of this. I am the weak one and I should never have allowed myself to be reborn into this body with you, living like a parasite along with your soul. Our lives are coming to an end because of me and it is unfair to you. It was never my intention to bring you into darkness upon my death. If I were to be given the chance to change this fate, I would sacrifice my soul in order for yours to be spared. I will do that for you because I have already lived two lives before now. Sesshomaru knows that I could be reborn again someday, but you have not even been given the chance to live your first life. If we are to die, I will ask Lord Sesshomaru to revive you so that you might have a chance to live freely without the burden of my history eating you alive. It is possible for my soul to reawaken in your body, but it is my deepest wish that he allow me to be reborn again in another time so that your soul will be free to thrive.

Try as she might, Rin's memories and declarations of her history and future did little to spark Miho's attention in the space of their mind. Nothing worked, and it left the young woman aching and alone. Her heart, though it was not literally hers, clenched in fear. Miho, please answer? At least let me know that you understand? Or maybe that you don't? The heat built up behind dark brown eyes, forcing them to water and glisten beneath the fading comfort of star light.

Dawn was fast approaching, giving the night a chance to sleep while the sun rose up to paint the land in its golden rays. In that moment, one twinkling spark of radiance caught her tear stricken gaze and with all of her might, she focused her energy and began to wish with everything that she possessed in her dying state. Upon the beauty of your starlight, I wish to be heard and understood…Miho please…say something…anything…

Although it was nothing more than a childhood game that she and a few other children had participated in when she was in her early youth, for a moment, Rin decided that it couldn't hurt to at least try…and it failed.

The empty silence within the void of her thoughts filled her heart with sadness. Despite being in the arms of Lord Sesshomaru while whizzing through the early dawn in the direction of their homeland, Rin felt truly alone inside of herself. For the time being, it seemed that there was nothing that she could say to bring the grieving Miho any comfort in regards to their impending death. I don't know why, but it feels as though I am destined to die again…like no matter if we arrive in time to transfer myself back into my previous form, I am bound for death once more. Lord Sesshomaru, forgive me for thinking such dismal thoughts. Would you be terribly hurt if I were to forfeit my existence before the time comes? I could not bear to live knowing that I was the cause for Miho's demise. What shall I do?

Rin jerked violently within Sesshomaru's grasp upon receiving an unexpected reply. I WILL NOT ALLOW THAT!

Sesshomaru charged toward a parting in the tree line and landed square in the center of it before he set the female down onto her feet. Rin was too busy clutching Miho's skull to ease the pain of Miho's sudden shout. It caused one of the worst headaches that either of them had ever experienced. That was not necessary, Miho!

Rin heard Sesshomaru question her, but she ignored him since Miho responded at the same time as he. I needed time to think. I heard everything you had said, Rin. I just needed to process it all and then come up with a plan of my own.

While the pain in their skull subsided, Rin's sucked in a deep cleansing breath. You have a plan? What do you mean you have a plan?

Miho took a few seconds to speak again. I have gotten to know your family through your interactions with them over the past few weeks. I could not imaging the pain that they had to of endured upon your horrifying death. And it has come to my attention that they are still suffering, even now. Sesshomaru stands over us, frightened that this may be the last time that he may ever speak to you in this moment, though he does not show it in a way a normal human would. His heart, strong as it is, will shatter if he should ever have to suffer through losing you again…I have never known someone to feel that way for me. It does make me sad, but because I have never known or experienced such love from another, I am willing to sacrifice my soul in order for your survival because my own end will not cause such grief.

Upon hearing Miho's plan, the tears began to streak down her face. Her throat tightened in anguish, and Rin had to bite her lip to keep from screaming her protests. Your end will not cause anyone grief? Is that what you really think? Rin swallowed to loosen the knot that had formed within their throat. You have a sister who loves you enough to have set you free from that vile cage of a Geisha house. Kasumi stood up for you, knowing full well that she would be beaten for doing so, just to cause enough of a distraction so that Sesshomaru's sister could come along and release you both from captivity! You shared your body with me, despite not having a choice, and then accepted my fate as your own so that there might be a slim chance that I could be returned to my family. After everything that has transpired between us, our fates having been combined, you assume that there is no one out there to grieve over your passing? If I were to survive and you were not, I would grieve over you, Miho…Kasumi would grieve…Your life, your soul means something to me. I will keep fighting for us if I have to, until we are either parted with our lives intact, or separated by the demanding force that is the nature of the underworld.

Miho remained silent. Rin continued. Either we both live, or I die. I will not accept anything less.

A weak voice echoed within the blackened void of their thoughts. I would never forgive you, if you sacrificed yourself for me.

Rin sighed. I know…

Moments later, without having said one word, Sesshomaru and Rin were in the air once more aiming for their final destination which was still more than a day's journey from their current location. It wasn't until after the sun had risen over the horizon that Rin finally eased Sesshomaru's fears. "Lord Sesshomaru, I had a bit of a dizzy spell that caused a sudden excruciating headache. I didn't mean to upset you, if that it was I did."

Sesshomaru glanced down into Miho's eyes and saw Rin's soul shining through them. Her innocence was still visible, and it filled his heart with a feeling of happiness that he was never capable of displaying. Without smiling, he nodded. "You are still feverish, Rin. I am afraid that this journey is killing you faster, am I correct?"

In her heart, she knew he was right, but she refused to reveal her fading strength. "Do not worry, my Lord. We will be just fine." She smiled weakly, trying hard not to let her pain show.

Sesshomaru was not fooled in the slightest. Miho's scent was changing. She was no doubt sickly. Her blood was weak with an impending doom, which made him slice through the air at double the speed. Passersby from the villages below could spot their presence in the air like a falling star left over from the fading night. "Do not be so worried, Lord Sesshomaru. Rin only seeks to ease your troubled heart."

Startled, Sesshomaru glanced back down into Miho's eyes, seeking Rin's light glowing within them, but found only the soul of the young Maiko staring back. "Where is Rin?" Was all he could say through his surprise.

Miho, through salty tears and a thickening voice, whispered words that lead to Sesshomaru's worst nightmares. "Her soul is too weak to keep mine dormant, Sesshomaru…she is dying."

Author's Note: And so Miho has risen again!

OliviaAR