(Italics) – Actions
Italics – Thoughts
Rin: (singing over her breakfast) Here we sing around the fire of mystic tales of old! I lift my voice to grace the ears of listeners' hearts so cold! I dance to join the sprites of winds and prove my heart is true! Now come with me, and we shall see the world reborn anew!
Sess: (listens to the song as he reads the newspaper at the table next to her)
Jade: (cooking over the stove) You must really love to sing, Rin! It shows in your voice. You're words flow like magical spells. I want to dance with you around a fire after that! But, Sesshoumaru needs his breakfast…. (ears slump as she continues to make the dog's omelet)
Sess: (doesn't look away from his paper) If you really want to dance around a fire, it won't mean much during the day. You should do it at night with a full moon above you.
Rin: (blinks) You mean like the time we…. (stops quickly before she says too much)
Jade: (presents the dog his food) Now that I think about it, you guys camped out a lot. Did you dance and sing around the fire back then?
Rin: (smiles up at her failure to take in the amount of time transpired) Well… I did! (starts to talk about how life was before their lives changed)
Sess: (pauses reading as he remembers the memories Rin doesn't talk about) Dancing and singing around the fire…. You always loved to sing around the fire… didn't you, Jade?
Jade: (claps with excitement) Well then, why don't we do that over dinner tonight?
(Blank looks)
Jade: Let's go to a camp ground and dance around a fire! We can sing and tell stories, and I'll cook!
Sess: (cocks an eyebrow) Don't you have college papers and story chapters due?
Jade: (awkward pause) I'll just finish early! (dashes for the study) I, Jade the Inujin, do not own Inuyasha or the original story. I made up some extra characters to add onto my favorite characters from it though. Enjoy my chapter! (runs for her room with a bag of pita chips and humus dip) Now, I have to read my text books, and my homework is done!
Sess: (looks down at Rin) Does this mean that I have to find a campsite? (looks slightly ticked off)
Rin: (pats him on the back) Don't worry Lord Sesshoumaru! I'll help!
Ch37: Revenge is a dish best served cold…
The gurgle of the river flowed through the dog's ears as he approached the rest of the party. He had wanted to insure that the two, young humans weren't hurt after their rushed escape from Naraku's castle. He was still surprised that the spider had done nothing to the teenage girl, but who was he to complain? Sogi had accompanied him and managed to ruffle some fur in the lord's tail. Now that the river current's song touched his superior hearing, Sesshoumaru had once again calmed his mind.
The first thing that caught his golden eye was Jade. She was sitting on the bank with Rin, reverted to her half-breed form. He recalled seeing her before he'd left. Her left wing had been limp against her back. The bleeding had ceased, but it would take time to heal. She had once told him that her wings had been ripped off, and it had taken centuries to re-grow them. How long would it be before they were healed, he wondered.
"Jade?" He called to her upon reaching the bank, "How is your wing?"
The teen glanced over her shoulder at him. "It'll be fine, Sesshoumaru. I just have to let it heal. No flying for me anytime soon!" She grinned as a small laugh left her throat. However, the lord understood Jade's verbal code by now. Her childish smile didn't distract him from the real answer. It was bad; it really hurts, and it won't go away anytime soon.
Still, Sesshoumaru knew she was covering in front of the child. With a tired expression, he replied, "That sounds promising. Take care until it heals then. Don't push yourself. I don't need to carry you everywhere." She made a huff, but his message was heard; she smile slightly.
As an awkward silence settled, like clay in a calm, untouched river. Jade snapped her fingers, grabbing everyone's attention. "Hey, Rin," she said with enthusiasm, "Mitchel wanted me to ask you something. How old are you? I never really knew myself, so I guess I'm just as curious."
The child stared at her friend, rendered speechless by the question. Much to the entire party's surprise, Rin looked up. It was clear that she didn't know, but her eyes found someone who did: Sesshoumaru. She blinked at him, expecting him to answer for her.
Jade glanced up at the prince. "She doesn't know?"
"It's not that," Sesshoumaru replied. "She never truly knew how to keep track of time. In her village, the medicine woman told the villagers how old she was. After I took her into my charge, she told me how old they said she was. I use the change of leaves on the day I revived her as my reference to her day of birth." He paused to think. He thought of how the forests had appeared to him recently. "Judging by the present state of the trees, this would be about the time of that day."
Jade's brown eyes sparkled, excitedly. "So…" she paused for the effect, "… today's Rin's birthday! We should celebrate! What do you want to do, Rin? Today is your special day. We'll do whatever you want for the day!" Her beaming face forced everyone to gape, even Rin herself.
"Don't say such ridiculous things." Takashita spoke up from her grassy seat. "It's simply foolish to allow a child to make such a decision." For a brief moment, the party realized that the doll was even there. She had been so quiet the night before, save her directions to Naraku's castle. Now, her annoying pessimism had returned to make up for its absence. Sesshoumaru turned to rebuke her, but Jade beat him to it.
"You know what, Takashita," Jade said, calmly standing, "shut up." The doll gasped in shock at the statement. "You should learn the value of verbal tact. I, for one, am really sick of your mouth. Today is Rin's day. If you don't like it, you can sit on your butt right there and pout the whole day for all I care." She finished with a sarcastic smile. Jade's speech silenced Takashita. The party wondered why it had taken so long for someone to snap back at the sassy female.
Tugging on the teenager's shirt, Rin bit her lip, gathering the courage to speak. Jade looked down at her and smiled sweetly. Blinking at her friend innocently, Rin opened her mouth, "I… I want… to go to the Sea."
The males of the party gaped at the request. Memories flooded their minds of their last trip to the Sea of Japan. The unpleasant reflection unsettled the prince more than he would have liked to admit.
Takashita noticed the new tension immediately. "What's wrong with the sea?" Jaken glanced at her, uncertain if he should say anything. Sogi sat silently on Kaze's head. The wolf glanced around, confused by the strange silence. Sesshoumaru had to look away. The remembrance of that day wasn't anything he treasured. The doll blinked at their responses. "What's going on here? I missed something…"
"Then a beach party it is!" Sesshoumaru looked back at Jade in surprise. She smiled brightly, picking up the child and embracing her tightly. The little girl couldn't help laughing with gay at the other's passion. The prince gaped in awe at the affection Jade poured out into the child. It was heart-warming. He forgot the bad memories as a small smile broke on his face.
"Alright, Rin," he said, "we will go west then." Jade smiled at him in an unspoken thank you. She turned her head back to the child. Their noses touched, making them laugh lightly.
The party watched the two with mixed emotions. Jaken was unable to hold back a physical cringe at the sight. The mage and wolf tilted their heads to the right, internalizing their thought processes. The doll also tilted her head, yet hers leaned left. She must have been thinking on the same plane as the rat and wolf, for they held the same expression on their faces. It was like watching a mother and child…
The lord grinned at his first memories of the teenager. Jade Carden had evolved from a rebellious adolescent into a maturing, young woman. She never ceased to leave him amazed, and he knew he was developing into something right beside her. He laughed internally, "I amaze myself…"
By mid-day, after an impressive sprint, the party caught sight of the deep blue of the Sea of Japan. Rin slipped off of the panting Kaze's back, gaping at the sparkling water. Everyone watched her, waiting for her to give them some kind of reaction. A bright smile spread across her lips, and with a childish laugh, the little girl ran towards the beach. "It's so beautiful!"
Jade ran up behind her. "Isn't it? You couldn't have picked a better place in a thousand years, Rin!" Joining hands, the two twirled about, laughing with pure happiness.
Sesshoumaru smiled at the sight. The images before him were priceless. He stood near them, commenting or replying every now and then. For most of the time though, he watched. The two women he cared for most in the world were right before him. It was a pleasing thought to know they looked so happy together. If only he could see himself with them without ruining his perfect image.
After everyone was settled on the beach, the party began. Rin and Jade sucked Kaze into a game of fetch. Sogi couldn't help but laugh at the wolf's zeal over the stick. Sesshoumaru occasionally threw the branch whenever it fell his way. As this activity carried on for some time, Jaken and Takashita hung back from the action.
Using Jade's earlier speech as justification, they sat out under a nearby tree. Takashita glared at the teen, who was seen laughing with the prince. Jaken stared warily at the water out of pure paranoia. The awkwardness of this bothered the doll. She still had no clue why the Sea was a touchy topic. She had tried asking them, but the question was pushed aside because it was 'Rin's Day'. Jaken was always a last resort, but then again, that seemed to be her only option.
"Jaken," Takashita said in a light voice, "why was there such a strange silence after the child's request? What is so bad about a body of water?"
The toad squawked at the question. "Please, Takashita," he replied, averting her eyes, "don't ask such things. It would be bad luck to speak of such events while we are here."
Sighing heavily, the doll stuck out her lower lip. "It isn't fair! I'm always left in the dark. I know I was gone for fifty years, but it's just not right to not include me in on everything." With a feminine huff, she looked away, waiting for her guilt trip to take hold. She added a few sniffles for added misery.
The frog gaped in shame at her. Tears welled within his bulging, yellow eyes. "Taka…" His voice cracked as he caved to her manipulation. "I'm sorry you've felt so isolated… If you feel so strongly to be that much a part of us, then who am I to fret over omens?"
Takashita wiped an imaginary tear from her left eye. Turning back to look at her pawn, she sniffed. "Thank you, Jaken. You have always been such a wonderful comrade. Please, tell me why everyone was troubled."
"Some time ago," Jaken spoke softly, as if secrecy would protect them from the unknown, "we came to this beach for recreation. However, Lord Sesshoumaru and Jade almost lost their lives here." The doll gaped at him. Lost to the sea? Why would they return? More importantly, what had they faced that could harm the Fearful Prince?
"You know," Jade frowned, watching Kaze gnaw on the stick, "I should have gotten a cake back home before we left." Crossing her arms, the young person realized that there was nothing she could do about it now. Walking up to the child and wolf, she rubbed the animal's head. Kneeling on the other side of the albino wolf, Jade ruffled his back, causing him to rigorously wag his tail with delight. "Hey, Rin," she asked, "how old are you today?"
"I don't remember," Rin replied with a silly smile. "Lord Sesshoumaru would know. He has a great memory!"
"You have picked up on Jaken's flattery, Rin," the dog said from behind Jade. "We'd better fix that soon."
Standing, Rin called her wolf as she ran down the rocky beach. Kaze shot up instantly, barking excitedly. "Stay where we can see you, Rin!" Jade called after them.
"We will!" Rin replied, smiling sweetly.
"Ten." Jade blinked up at the lord, who was watching the child at play. "She is ten years old now."
"Ten?" Jade gasped in awe. She stood up beside him, glancing back at the little girl. "Ten years old, she sure has grown since I first met her in that village. She was shorter then, if I remember correctly. She was so worried about you, Sesshoumaru. It broke my heart to see her cry alone; I had to help her… and now, I've grown more attached than I ever imagined. She even brought me to you…" Her eyes softened at the memories.
The look didn't escape Sesshoumaru. He looked at her, asking, "How do you mean?"
"I do not know how to explain it," she replied, in her angelic voice. Her soft, brown eyes sparkled like the night heavens. "I cannot truly understand it myself. All I know for sure is that this child is very dear to my heart… just as you are."
The wolf padded up to the girl, carrying flowers in his jaws. Sogi said something about Kaze picking the wildflowers for her. Rin's smile melted the hearts of everyone who saw it. The dog and teen were no exception. Within their heart of hearts, the same overwhelming emotion of affection swelled.
"Sesshoumaru," Jade spoke up, back in her normal voice, "I plan on sticking to our promise. I want to always be a part of Rin's life. I can't imagine my life without her in it."
Turning his head to smile down at her, he replied, "I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't see either of you apart, ever." Jade smiled back at him. For a moment, they stood there, staring into each other's eyes; they both wanted to add to their promise, but the female ran off to join the child. Collecting seashells was the new activity.
As the sun sank beneath the watery horizon, a bright bon fire sprang to life on the beach. The waves' roar and the fire's crackle brought music to the party's ears. Grabbing a hollow log, Jaken created a drum beat to blend a more musical environment. Takashita strummed the bow string to intensify the underscore. Rin grinned widely. Words filled her spirit, forcing her to stand.
"Here we sing around the fire of mystic tales of old! I lift my voice to grace the ears of listeners' hearts so cold! I dance to join the sprites of winds and prove my heart is true! Now come with me, and we shall see the world reborn anew!"
The child repeated her song over and over again. The mood continued to build; the music swelled, and nature itself seemed to change as the words prophesied. Sogi clasped his hands to the beat. Sesshoumaru tapped his foot in time with Jaken's drumming, eyes closed and taking in the spell. Kaze howled after Rin's verse and ceased when she would start again.
This left Jade, who had been sitting closest to the fire. As Rin's singing and the music flooded her mind, she let herself absorb them into her spirit. She closed her eyes and swayed to the rhythm, slowly rising from her hunches. Her feet began to tap, memorizing the beat. Kaze's howl awakened something within her, sending her into dance.
Takashita and Jaken continued to play, watching the female dance around the bon fire. Rin picked up her verse again. Sesshoumaru opened his eyes to see how fluid the teen's body moved. Her long, dark hair swirled freely about and behind her, and its silhouette in the flames gave the impression of an aura. Her entire body was alive as if Rin's wind sprites had possessed her. He couldn't tear his gaze away. Suddenly, she leapt into the air, over the tall tongues of flame. Landing in a crouch, she glanced at them with a wild look in her sparkling irises. Standing, she motioned with her hands a message louder than the music around them: Come join me.
With a smile full of thrill, Rin ran up to Jade, grasping her open, right hand. Jade smiled down at her a moment. Her eyes returned to the party. With the toad and doll playing, it was clear she wasn't looking to the rat or wolf. Her brown eyes locked with a pair of golden ones. Sesshoumaru blinked in surprise. "She couldn't want me to dance," he thought.
Rin turned to look at him as well. Her eyes seemed to sparkle for a moment. It startled him for a second. Was that the same sparkle as Jade's or just the reflection of the fire? Slowly, he began to feel something stir within him. There it was! That perfect image he had envisioned of them, but this time, it had room for him; if fact, it needed him in the picture. He stood, removing his swords from his hip. Much to Takashita's surprise, he walked up to the two females. As he grasped Jade's left hand, the teen smiled brightly. They broke from each other's grasp and danced freely about the blaze. They flowed like sprites of fire. Caught in the moment, Jade opened her mouth and pierced the night air with enchanted song.
"Here we sing around the fire of mystic tales of old! I lift my voice to grace the ears of listeners' hearts so cold! I dance to join the sprites of winds and prove my heart is true! Now come with me, and we shall see the world reborn anew!"
The merriment continued well into the night. When they finally allowed the fire to die down, the party fell asleep on the beach. All was quiet and peaceful; however, none of them were aware of the eyes that bore down upon them. In the distance, ocean blue irises burned with rage at the sight of the group. "At long last," the watcher thought, "you have returned, murderer. Now, my vengeance can be attained…"
The next day, Jade awoke on the sandy grass to the beautiful sight of the sunrise over the Sea. The image was breath-taking. Her eyes fell to the child in her arms, still sleeping peacefully. She smiled warmly. Next, she looked at the slowly rousing party. Kaze was stretching and yawning on the other side of Rin. How cute. Jaken was draped over his log from the night before, and Takashita was lying on her side beside him; both were still dozing. Sogi was awakened by a wolf's morning yelp. Blinking lazily, her brown eyes grazed the rest of the beach. Instantly, she awoke fully. "Sesshoumaru?"
Everyone woke, startled by her outburst. They all looked about, but the dog was nowhere to be seen. Jade stood, staring at the water in terror. "No," she thought, worried, "please say he hasn't been taken. Not again… Not again!" Kaze barked at the influence of her aura. He and Rin could feel her fear, and it stirred them just as much as it did her.
"Kaze! Calm down!"
All eyes darted behind them. They gaped at the prince, standing with a boar over his shoulder. Dropping the dead beast, he knelt before the wolf. Rubbing his head behind the ears, Sesshoumaru smiled at the creature. "What stirred you so, Kaze? I go to find a meal, and you sound an alarm. Everything is fine, young wolf, so calm yourself."
Kaze tilted his head, indulging in the head rub. The rest of the party breathed a sigh of relief, except Jade. She had to turn away. As the others prepared the meal, she stood near the water, her back to them. She couldn't look at them. Tears fell from her eyes in torrents. "I thought he'd been taken again," she thought, ashamed of herself. "I felt so helpless, like I could do nothing to bring him back… to me. What's wrong with me? I'm still shaking! I can't let them see me like this! I can't!"
Takashita glanced at the aloof teenager. She hadn't joined them to eat, and she hadn't even helped to prepare the meat. Something was amiss. "What's going on with her? Does this have anything to do with their last encounter here? What exactly happened?"
After breakfast, Jade joined them. It was time to leave. Gathering their few belongings, Sesshoumaru washed Toukijin's blade of the collected sand. Shaking it dry, he turned to return. Suddenly, a clear, thin tentacle sprang from the water, grasping the lord's wrist. "What?"
Jade looked up to see Sesshoumaru struggling. "Sesshoumaru!" She ran forward with Dragon's Breath drawn, "I'm coming! Hang on!"
Rin gaped. "Is that a jellyfish arm?" Kaze barked, running up behind Jade. What in all the hells was going on?
The prince held his ground against the tentacle's pull, but he had no idea how long he would last this way. Jade jumped from his right, bringing Dragon's Breath down upon the tentacle. In that moment, he caught sight of a female – sitting on a rock in the water – throwing something he couldn't make out. A second later, Jade screamed and fell to the ground beside him, reeling in pain. A grey stake of coral had impaled her right leg, deeply rooting itself in her thigh.
"Jade!" Sesshoumaru called to her. The pain left her at a loss for words, only wails left her mouth. "Damn…" The dog's voice faded into a deep growl. Using his tail, he picked up Toukijin, shakily raising it. His eyes flickered crimson as he snarled at the strain. "I have to cut this thing and get to Jade!"
Before he could bring the blade down, an electric current rushed up through the tentacle. The dog cried out in shock, the red leaving his eyes. His blade fell to the ground. Rin screamed as all the pain around her broke her down. Takashita gaped in horror, frozen where she stood. As the animal vassals watched helplessly, Jade looked up in time to see the Fearful Prince collapse to his knees and then to the sand. A scream filled her throat as the tentacle dragged him into the water.
"No! Sesshoumaru!" Jade cried out as he vanished beneath the waves. Her entire body shook violently, from pain, fear, and helplessness. "Someone!" She cried to her friends, "Somebody, help him! Please!" Tears gushed down her face. Why? Why did it have to happen like this? Why was she so useless? Her weakness engulfed her. She couldn't do anything for him. Not like this! The very thought of touching the coral made her cry in agony.
Suddenly, she felt the pressure release. She blinked her tearful eyes clear to see the cause. Beside her, Takashita knelt, coral in hand. She had pulled it out? They locked gazes for a moment. The doll broke the glance, saying, "I didn't do this to help you. This has to do with saving Sesshoumaru. I can't swim, and I doubt the others would be of any use. So, you are the only one who can help him."
Jade nodded in disbelief. It was the first time Takashita had ever actually done something to aid her. She couldn't help being stunned. The doll glared back down at her from the corner of her eye. "Hurry up, fool!" Jade nodded, again, this time with more authority.
With great difficulty and no assistance, Jade stood on her left leg. Wobbling awkwardly, she realized that she would have to transform to function at all. Releasing her wings through her shirt, Jade gasped, stumbling. The left wing fell limp against her back, throbbing. Voices blended around her ringing ears. Clasping her hands on the sides of her head, she engulfed the right wing about herself and her lifeless wing. The transformation was much slower, perhaps from pain, but it was complete. Retracing the wings into her back, the Star Child leapt over the water, diving in.
"Don't mess up, bird freak," Takashita glared after her from shore. "I can't afford to lose him yet…"
Golden eyes blinked lazily. A muffled gurgle reached sensitive ears. "Am I dead?" thought Sesshoumaru. "I remember that strange surge in my arm forced me into darkness. What then? Jade! I hope she's alright. Where in the hells am I?"
His superior vision found darkness all around him. Reaching up to feel his surroundings, his hand met a strange barrier; it felt fluid to his finger's touch. At his hip, Tenseiga shook. The prince gaped at the warning. "I'm inside a bubble?" Looking about him, he blinked as Tenseiga gave off a light, illuminating the area.
Swallowing, Sesshoumaru realized he was underwater. Forms moved outside of his clear bubble. "Merfolk…" The sword vibrated again. He sighed lightly. His bubble wouldn't protect him forever. Air was running out, slowly making him sink.
It is time you paid for your crime, Dog. The lord glanced around. Where had that voice come from? Was it inside his head?
"What have I done?" Sesshoumaru wasn't sure if he would get an answer, but Jade always managed like this. He'd just have to hope he had half her luck, the good kind.
A form swam right up to his bubble. It appeared to be male, judging from the physical anatomy, and he wore authority on his visage. I am Naga, ruler of this Sea. My mate was Lady Osaka, my queen. You took her life as I will take yours. The voice boomed in the prince's mind. He frowned. This wasn't looking very good.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Sesshoumaru replied honestly. "I have never heard of a Lady Osaka, dead or living."
Silence! The anger in the merman's eyes made it clear that he would not listen to any arguments. The dog crumpled his brow. This was not good at all.
He will make a fine meal indeed, Lord Naga, came another voice within his mind. Can I eat him? Sister Osaka always did have excellent tastes. Sesshoumaru looked behind him. There, he saw a mermaid, gazing at him lustfully. He barely suppressed his glare. No one would ever devour him, not Naraku or anyone else.
Do with him as you please, Kyoto. Naga's voice bellowed in Sesshoumaru's mind. Only after I kill him may you do as you please.
The prince scrambled his memory for any Lady Osaka's. Nothing came to mind. Randomly, he recalled the last time he had come to the beach above. The voice that had forced him into darkness had been silence by Jade. What had she silenced? "It must have been a mermaid…" he resolved. "That means Jade would be faced with these creatures. Not in her condition, she wouldn't last an hour. Damn! What course of action do I have?"
Something from above caught his eye. Looking up, he saw Jade's white form diving straight down toward them. He gaped in disbelief. "Jade, no," he cried inside his mind. "Not now! Go back! Damn it all! It's you they're after!"
The merfolk backed away from her at the initial surprise. The Star Child touched the surface of the bubble, smiling with hope. The Light, radiating from her, surpassed Tenseiga's. Her glowing hair flowed about her form, distracting him for a moment. She was absolutely beautiful. Suddenly, it hit him. He couldn't even see the surface; how was she this deep under the water without fainting?
Land walker! Naga yelled mentally, regaining his composure. How are you able to reach here without air? He clenched his webbed hand, preparing to strike.
Jade turned to look at him. Nothing but calm resided within her eyes. She had no way to respond verbally to the male. Opening her eyes wide, Light engulfed her eye sockets. I am not bound to mortal limitations such as air and breathing. My home has no air at all, yet I do not expect a mortal being such as yourself to understand the ways of my kind.
Naga gaped at her. She had tapped his mind, yet the presence in his mind was unfamiliar. He blinked as the female's calm clenched his thoughts. What was she?
Now, you will answer my question. Jade stared straight at him, serious and calm. Why did you abduct Lord Prince Sesshoumaru? What is your quarrel with him?
"They seek my life because I killed one of their own," Sesshoumaru answered, quickly. Jade turned to look at him, surprised that he had heard her mental voice. "I killed their queen, Lady Osaka. Her mate, Lord Naga, wants his revenge on me."
Jade's eyes gaped. The Light vanished from them as her sparkles returned. This was about the mermaid she'd killed almost a year ago? They thought he had committed the deed that had actually gone relatively unknown to him. This was her fault. This was all her fault!
Sesshoumaru looked at her eyes. The sparkles dimmed as they had after she had killed Kamachi. Sorrow, pain, and guilt were present where her hope once had. If they had been on dry land, he thought he might even see tears fall from those very eyes. She reached for his bubble again. This time her hands sunk within the barrier. She took his hand in both of hers.
I will deal with this matter, she said with a sad smile, her eyes glowing dimly. You should return to the beach. Our party anxiously awaits yourarrival.
"Not without you!"
I will return to you. I swear it. Her hands retracted outside the barrier, resting on the surface. Closing her eyes the bubble glowed brighter. The thin air thickened with a cool breeze inside. She was forcing oxygen to diffuse inside from the water. Releasing her hold, Sesshoumaru began to rise. More air was making him float up, back to the surface.
"Jade! Don't be foolish!" The lord yelled back to her. "I don't need you to sacrifice for me!"
Nor you for I, Sesshoumaru, she said, the Light built up again in her eyes. She turned back to the wary merfolk.
Our prey is getting away! Kyoto growled, making a tidal disturbance. She started after the dog, but something stopped her. Why couldn't she move her tail? Looking down, she gaped at the glowing white eyes.
You will not touch him. Jade's voice boomed in all their minds. You are mistaken. It was I who killed Osaka. All eyes stared at her. I seek no justification. I merely did the deed to protect someone precious to me. Osaka tried to take that person from me, and I defied her.
No! Naga mentally cried. That cursed dog slaughtered my Osaka!
You are wrong. Jade stared straight at the angry merman. I killed her because she wanted to eat the person I hold most dear. He knew nothing save what I told him. I risked my life for him, and I would gladly do it again. I hold no regrets whatsoever.
All the merfolk present looked at her in awe. Her presence had shocked them enough, but her determination and resolve matched her demeanor. Naga couldn't help but wish Osaka had been such a faithful mate. The dog was blessed by Fate.
"Who is this female?" Kyoto asked herself. "I don't remember her on the beach. The only one that came to oppose Lord Naga's tentacle whip was that female with the short blade. I poisoned her with my coral, so where did this one come from?"
Letting go of Kyoto's tail, Jade looked at Naga again. I have no reason to fight you, but if I must, I will fight each and every one of you. That is your choice.
The merfolk looked to their king. He returned her gaze, reflecting on all she had said. In all the years he had known Osaka, he remembered how prideful she was. She always said she was the most beautiful, had the best voice, or was the strongest. She never let insults go, even if she simply imagined it. Her pride had clashed with this land walker, and she was defeated.
You have proved your loyalty is pure, land walker. Naga swallowed his anger and pride as he continued. Your case is sound. We can say nothing against you. Go now, and return to your mate. May we never meet again.
Jade blinked in surprise. Placing her right hand on her chest, she bowed her head slightly with closed eyes. It was a sign of farewell or ending among her people, but at that moment, it seemed to be the most suitable gesture. She left, quickly. Unfortunately, the ever curious Kyoto wouldn't drop her questions. She swam after her from a safe distance.
Back on the beach, a dripping wet Sesshoumaru was busy trying to calm the frantic child. Seeing his mistress in distress, Kaze whined and pawed at her arm, occasionally nudging with his nose. Jaken was squawking up a storm, and Sogi was trying desperately to silence him for the simple purpose of shutting him up. Takashita was a bit distracted, staring at the wet dog. She bit her lip as dirty thoughts flooded her tainted mind. In the discord and pandemonium, Sogi glanced up in time to see the white clad woman rise for the Sea.
"It's Jade!" Everyone turned to look at the water, even the doll. She was waist deep when they noticed her. She smiled, sweetly. Her long, brown hair stuck to her slim form, dripping with sea water. Sesshoumaru gaped at her, at first in awe of how well proportioned she was then with relief. He and Rin rushed to meet her at the water's edge, embracing her.
The angelic woman gasped in surprise. "Was I missed this much? I am flattered." She wrapped an arm around each of them.
"I was so worried, Jade!" The child's voice was heart wrenching to listen to. "It's all my fault! If I hadn't wanted to come here, you and Lord Sesshoumaru wouldn't have been in any danger! Please, forgive me!"
"Nonsense," Jade stroked the child's head. "It happened the day after your request. You are blameless as a lamb of any fault, little one." The sobbing calmed, but Rin's arms remained tightly clenching around the woman's waist. She sighed lightly and turned her head toward the male. "Why do you cling to me so, Lord Prince?"
The dog held her shoulders tightly in his arm, seemingly silent. However, his dripping hair covered the few tears that escaped his eyes. "Don't do that."
Jade blinked, unsure of what he meant. "Do what, Sesshoumaru? Have I angered you in some way?"
"Don't send me away from you when you are in danger." The seriousness struck the woman. He had been worried about her. Though she knew it was cruel, she felt glad to know he had felt that way. "I'm not a youth, ignorant and foolish," he added, grasping her tighter. "I can take care of myself. If you ever scare me this way again, I will never let you out of my sight."
A smile spread across Jade's lips. She closed her eyes, hugging him a bit tighter. "As you wish, so be it then."
A sudden chill ran through her body. She gaped. What was happening to her? A second chill made her shutter. The prince looked down at her. She stared ahead at nothing, trying to discover the problem. It hit her with a third chill, much strong than its predecessors.
"Rin," Jade knelt before the child, "I need you to do something for me." Hugging the little girl, white wings burst from Jade's back. She cringed at the shooting pain in her back and left wing. "Pluck one of my feathers, little Rin."
The ten year old blinked at the female. The pain in her back told her the angel was suffering. Still, Jade had a habit of knowing what she was doing. Reaching under the other's arm, Rin grabbed a white feather. It was incredibly soft! Rin almost dropped it in surprise.
"Thank you very much, Rin," Jade said. She leaned forward. Kissing the feather, she sighed heavily. "Now, do not drop it until I tell you to, alright?" Rin nodded in understanding. Jade then engulfed herself again, reverting. As the wings pulled back, everyone beheld a heaving teenager. Sweat fell from her brow like rain.
"Jade?" Sesshoumaru knelt beside her. "What happened to you? What's wrong?"
"The coral…" The young woman gasped, trembling in pain, "… It was… poisoned… I… have to… cleanse… the blood…"
Instantly, a laugh echoed in their minds. Ahahahaha! I expected no less from my sister's killer! That poison could bring a dragon to its death. Your doom is sealed, and the dog is mine!
"Rin…" Jade gaped, "Drop the feather! Now!"
You are already dead, land walker! Kyoto cackled from a rock perch. She hurled another coral at the beach.
Rin released the feather, taking her hands away. Jade closed her eyes, murmuring to herself. "Be you to live or be you to die, may Fate today decide." The feather landed on her enflamed leg, shimmering as the sun. Dissolving into her body, she glowed as if she were transforming. All froze to see what might happen.
A cry rang out as the Light diminished. The teenager had cut the coral stake in mid air! The feet startled Kyoto into fear. Jade was fine; other than the holes in her pants and shirt, there was no sign of her ordeal. Standing up from her strike, the teenager grabbed the mermaid with an ice cold gaze.
"Return to your sea," Jade spoke with a compassionate authority. Sesshoumaru was even taken aback by her commanding demeanor. It was now clear that Jade's two consciousnesses were merging. The wild, restless youth and the wise, regal Star Child were becoming one and the same. The prince gaped as an idea struck him: Could this mean her seal was close to being lifted?
Kyoto shuttered at the strong aura all the way on the beach. What was this land walker? Not human nor a youkai, she was unearthly. The mermaid began to see why Osaka had met her end to this female. She'd been in over her head! "She sliced my stake in half. She's fast and articulate. She's too strong, perhaps even for Lord Naga. What have I done? I don't want to die! Not like Osaka!"
"Return to the water, Kyoto." The mermaid gasped. "There is no reason for me to fight you or for you to fight me. Our problems are settled. Live another day." Kyoto blinked as the aura's hostility softened. It was warm. She didn't want to kill her. Staring at the brown eyes for a moment longer, the water girl nodded. Then she sank beneath the surface.
Jade sheathed Dragon's Breath at her hip. It must have flown to her hand during the flash of Light. Turning, she faced them, a stoic expression upon her visage. Quickly, it melted into her boyish grin. "What's with all the long faces? Who died?"
Smiles resurfaced as Jade's sense of humor restored the mood. Gathering their belongings, the party chatted away about nonsense. A single glare escaped notice. Takashita's spirit burned at the sight of Jade and Sesshoumaru, smiling together. "You won this time, fool of a half breed, but I won't let you have him…"
Author's Note: So sorry this chapter took so long! There were a lot of complications, but they have been settled! Shout out to Neko-chan for her amazing loyalty to A World Apart! She has truly proved herself this time. Clap people! It's like Tinker Bell in the musical Peter Pan. Clap! Anyways, Hope this chapter didn't confuse anyone… I know it seems like we went away from the story line a bit, but we didn't; I assure you! Now, I don't think anyone will be confused on Rin's age for the rest of the freaking story. I hope you all liked the bon fire scene, too. I did. It does have relativity later. I know it was a bit crammed, but that's what the day was like; crammed got the message across. I hope… Anyways, sit and wait patiently for chapter 38. Hopefully, that one won't take as long as this one did. Again, the puppy apologizes! Ja!
Sess: (watches the fire come to life) Well, the fire's started. It's your affair now. (leaves to lean against Jade's truck)
Jade: (claps with excitement) Yeah! Let me get the dinner started. (sets the pot stand up and leaves the food to cook)
Rin: (looks at the full moon above) How ironic…? Let's sing around the fire. You can dance if you want. See the moon? (points up)
Jade: (eyes sparkle and opens mouth singing) Here we sing around the fire of mystic tales of old! I lift my voice to grace the ears of listeners' hearts so cold! I dance to join the sprites of winds and prove my heart is true! Now come with me, and we shall see the world reborn anew!
Sess: (looks up to see Rin and Jade singing and dancing) You still remember that song, Jade? (stands up to watch them with a smile on his face) I've seen it, Jade. The world is always reborn when you sing. Always…