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: Sesshōmaru and Kagome discovered it had been Chikatani all along who used the subjugation potion to bring them to the afterlife. They met Haku-Ō, the Death God, who revealed he wanted Sesshōmaru to be his champion to defeat and kill Zetsubōmaru.

The Way to Elysium

Chapter 20: Irrevocable, Inevitable Changes

Kagome stood up together with Chikatani when they saw King Kaien entering the realm. He came in through a portal of some sort. An imposing figure, he looked the way she remembered him from her brief visit to his Elysium. Once again, she was struck by the astonishing resemblance between the four-thousand year old King and his grandson. She wondered if, three millennia from now, she would look at Sesshōmaru and think of this moment.

Three-thousand years.

Her heart clenched when she realized the foolishness of her thoughts. Millenniums were far beyond her expiry date as a human.

Would Sesshōmaru still remember her after three millennia had passed?

She bit the inside of her cheek for thinking such maudlin thought. For now, the King evidently remembered her. He began to smile when his eyes landed on her. But, as soon as he caught sight of Chikatani standing not far away, the beginning of that smile froze on his face. Then, as he recognized the inu, his eyes widened in surprise and wonder.

"Chikatani?" He asked in disbelief. "Is that you?"

Chikatani fell onto his knees and perfectly executed a formal bow.

"My King, it has been too long," he said without lifting his forehead off the ground.

"Chikatani," the former king said once he reached the former servant. "You, of all people, should not kneel for anyone, least of all I. You have protected Sesshōmaru when I had failed to do so in life. For this, you have my eternal gratitude."

There was a little quiver on Chikatani's shoulders, but he made no move to rise.

"My King," he said. "It would be improper for me to be on my feet in your presence."

King Kaien studied the bent head with a grave expression on his face. He sighed.

"I see," he finally said. "You have left me with no other choice. Very well, since you insisted. I have not knelt for anyone since I ascended to the throne over two thousand years ago. But, for you, I will."

Kagome gaped as the King began to lower himself. Fortunately, before his knees touched the ground, Chikatani came to his senses and leapt up to his feet.

The King stopped. Kagome exhaled the breath she did not even know she was holding.

"Hn. You've just saved me the embarrassment of never being able to get up again," he said, though he exhibited no feebleness whatsoever as he rose to his full height. His dry humour, however, made both Kagome and Chikatani smile.

The King clasped Chikatani on the shoulder and studied him from head to toe, taking note of the deep crimson garb, the changing colours of his eyes.

"Chikatani. What have you done to yourself?" He chided gently. "How are we going to get you out of it?"

Chikatani merely bit his lower lip, not providing any answers. King Kaien shifted his attention to Kagome.

"Miko, I am glad to see you looking well."

"Thank you, Kaien-Ō," Kagome replied. "I am happy to have another chance to see you before I go back."

The King graciously nodded. He looked around.

"Where is Sesshōmaru?"

Kagome did not answer, but merely gazed at where Sesshōmaru sat amidst the swaying crimson spider lilies. The King followed her eyes, and a look of understanding fell upon his face.

"I see," the King murmured. "Yes, of course, it's just like him to do that."

He clasped his hands behind his back as he watched Sesshōmaru a little longer.

"I will speak to him," he decided.

Sesshōmaru's mind was in such turmoil he hardly noticed his grandfather's arrival. In fact, the King had to flare his yōki to announce his arrival, since a more subtle greeting was lost on the younger daiyōkai.

"I can see there is much on your mind," the King said gently.

Sesshōmaru stood, because it was clear his grandfather was not going to join him down on the ground amongst the lilies. They started walking, though they had no particular destination. It seemed more sensible than merely standing still.

"Grandfather, were you aware of Haku-O's plan to bring me here?"

The King frowned. "I was aware that he planned to reunite us somehow. I was not aware of the particulars, or what roles the miko played in his scheme."

"I asked about her role, but both Chikatani and the Death God were very opaque with their reply. They merely said I cannot be the one to die, someone else has to."

The King scoffed in derision. "Cunning and devious as usual. Sesshōmaru, do not trust the gods too much. We pray and we offer them tributes, constantly seeking their blessings and protections. We feed them our fear and adoration. But, at the end of it, all they care about is their own amusements and glory."

"He's even made Chikatani his servant now," the King continued. "Poor child. What do we have to do to release him from his contract?"

The reminder of Chikatani's predicament tightened the knot in the deep pit of his stomach. He tried his best to push it aside and reserve the matter until he could speak to Chikatani in private.

"What is the extent of Chikatani's involvement in bringing you and the miko to the afterlife?" The King asked.

"Chikatani used the subjugation potion to first kill her, then have her betrothed — my half brother — to request my aid, and finally for me to chase after her into the underworld. These are the commands I know of, at the very least."

"I see." The King nodded. "So, that's how they did it. When you first told me you were not able to revive the miko with Tenseiga, even though she had never been revived before, I thought it odd. But— if Haku himself willed her death…"

"Grandfather. How was Chikatani able to use the subjugation potion?"

"It is a weapon after all. As long as they can get their hands on it, anyone can utilize it. To what degree, it depends on the skills of the user. It is possible to set simple commands with the potion. But, it could be that only Zetsubōmaru can use it to its full potential."

"Haku-Ō spoke of irrevocable, inevitable change that would provoke Zetsubōmaru to unleash the true power of Sokushi."

The King flashed him a sharp look. "Did he tell you what it is?"

"He deems you more suitable to tell me."

The King was silent for a long time. "The inevitable change. It is the rise of the humans, of course."

Sesshōmaru's previously steady steps faltered. He was nearly forced to a halt.

"Sesshōmaru. The era of daiyōkai is ending," the King said. A shadow of mourning passed over his face as he stared at a faraway place. "In fact, the era of all yōkai might soon come to an end."

Sesshōmaru shook his head. "Grandfather. Surely, you cannot be saying—"

"Centuries, sometimes millenniums of mating, only produces one or two children," the King said, ignoring his protest. "Though we are blessed with extended lifespan, from the reproduction point of view, it almost seems as if we are not meant to survive the test of time at all. But the humans, on the other hand, have no issue with multiplying their numbers rapidly. Uncontrollably, even. How much time will it take before they dominated this world? How much time will it take before our kind, the yōkai, would be the one needing protection?"

"Protection," Sesshōmaru repeated incredulously. "From humans."

King Kaien sighed. "Sesshōmaru. Doubtless, what I am telling you sounds implausible to your ears. Yōkai needing protection from humans? How absurd. Just think about it for a moment. Over the years, their numbers will grow exponentially, while ours will dwindle. There is strength in numbers, you know that. When we are in the position of minority, we would be the exception, not the rule. We would be the strange ones. The oddity. The ones to be sequestered and feared. When fear comes into play… it can be a powerful instigator. How soon before we become the ones to be hunted, and exterminated?"

The mere thought of anyone — yōkai, humans, or hanyō — hunting him and those he placed under his wings brought his protective instinct to the fore. He nearly snarled.

"Then, we will fight, just like we have always fought those who threatened us."

"You are a powerful daiyōkai, capable of taking care of yourself. You always will be. But, not all yōkai are born to fight. Who would protect them?"

Sesshōmaru had no immediate answer to the question.

"Fighting could only get us to a point," the King spoke again. "Perhaps we could hold them off for a few years, but eventually we will be outnumbered."

"We are not without resources."

"The same could be said for them. The humans will gain knowledge. They will learn how to use the raw materials this earth has to offer. They will come up with weapons that even our fangs, claws, acid whips, or swords, cannot defeat. It does not take much imagination to envision the world centuries from now will be vastly different from the world as we know it."

It was evident the King had spent years, perhaps centuries, thinking about this matter.

"What do you have in mind, Grandfather?"

"We need a permanent solution that does not require constant fighting, which would inevitably lessen the numbers that are already small to begin with. I have spent many centuries trying to figure out a plan that would ensure the longevity of our race. In the last couple of centuries prior to my death, the answer became more and more clear to me."

"The answer?"

"The answer," King Kaien said. "— is to assimilate with the humans. Immediately."

The answer stunned Sesshōmaru to such degree that he halted his steps. The King noticed, and he too stopped. Turning around, they stood face to face.

"The era of daiyōkai and full-blooded yōkai might be ending, but our race does not have to disappear completely. In fact, it must continue, side by side with the humans. It will be a difficult and uncertain future. But—" the King trained his bright amber eyes on Sesshōmaru. "— if there was a king who understands both sides of the coin: the demons and the humans. If such king stood at the helm for this drastic change, perhaps… Just perhaps, such future is possible."

Sesshōmaru refused to be coy and pretended he did not understand the meaning behind the King's words. He resisted the urge to clasp his palm on his face and laugh.

"And— you believe I am suitable for such a role? When they say I despise humans above all else?"

"Do you, truly?" the King asked. "Despise humans?"

Sesshōmaru could not answer. For centuries, he had despised Izayoi, a human, for the role she played in his father's death. But, when the truth surrounding Izayoi's relationships with his father and mother was revealed, it quickly disabused him of that notion.

Did he despise human?

He considered them weaker beings with shorter life spans. The difference in inherent strengths between yōkai and humans was unmistakable. This was a fact that would remain true. But— so many things had happened over the years that made his own prejudice no longer so black and white.

What about Rin?

What about Inuyasha?

What about… Kagome?

The King watched him quietly. "Even if you entered the afterlife despising humans, I dare say things have changed, haven't they? Very recently." The King gave a pointed look towards Kagome who was still sitting amongst the spider lilies, conversing with Chikatani.

It was true that his outlook on humans had been drastically softened. Kagome had an enormous influence on that change. He could not pinpoint exactly when he had stopped seeing her as his brother's human, and simply as… her. Kagome.

Now, he saw the strength of her character. He saw the essence of her soul. He saw all the little facets that fabricated her into a beloved person that went far beyond flesh and blood.

She had taught him all those things. And perhaps, despite the pure yōkai blood running through his veins, he had shown her that he was capable of more than just killing and inflicting pain and devastation in his wake. That he was more than what he let others see.

Had they not overcome their prejudices, together?

Though— to teach two vastly different races to release their hatred and misgivings and view each other without bias, suspicions, or distrust… Could it be possible? Was it an idealistic utopia that the King envisioned, or a world of peaceful coexistence that could truly exist?

If a stubborn dog like he had once been could be taught a lesson, perhaps he could make others of his kind see the same?

"The union between yōkai and human need not be mandated, but encouraged," the King added. "Though, if the yōkai king already has a human mate, many of his people are bound to follow his example."

That was the hope, but Sesshōmaru knew there were those of his kind that were prideful. They would not fold so easily. They would fight, perhaps to the death, to maintain the purity of the blood. To maintain 'the yōkai way'.

"Did you speak to Zetsubōmaru about your intention?" Sesshōmaru asked, though he had an inkling what the answer was.

King Kaien nodded. "I did, a few years before you were born. He was my heir apparent. Naturally, I wanted him to support my vision of the future." His mien turned sorrowful.

"Though deep in my heart I knew he would rebel against it, I had to give him the chance to understand and join me in my efforts. When it did not happen, I knew… Zetsubōmaru should not be King. He would sooner devour those who approach him for aid than he would lift a finger to help them. Though he is powerful, intelligent, and an extremely skilled warrior, there is not an ounce of compassion in his heart. Only the desire for perfection, and thirst for domination."

Zetsubōmaru had perceived the King's vision of the future as a threat to the purity of the blood he held precious above anything else. In response, perhaps in his efforts to stop the wheels from turning, he plotted his own father's death.

"Still, the question remained," the King continued. "Who should be King? One of your cousins? You may not know this: Zetsubōmaru shielded his children so much from the corrupting influences of their grandfather, they were raised without me knowing them at all. I do not know if they grew up just like him, or differently. Though I dare say—" He glanced at Sesshōmaru. "Recalling their treatments of you, they inherited too much from their father."

Sesshōmaru had not thought of his cousins in a long time. He did not know them as anything else other than the cruel tormentors during his childhood.

"Years passed and still I wondered: who should be my successor? Then, you were born. And—" Here he paused to laugh softly.

"My grandson. I do not claim to have the gift of foresight. But, there were some events in my life when I felt so strongly about a decision. When I was young, around your age, in fact, I had a strong inclination to travel to the North. My parents tried their hardest to dissuade me, as the journey was as arduous as it was dangerous, but I paid them no heed. That journey led me to finding my mate, your grandmother, and I mated her upon sight. Zetsubōmaru was born not long after, and then your mother. Centuries later, your father asked for your mother's hand. Despite the court's protest, I felt strongly that they should be together. I was right, because their union led to your birth. Though you were born without the crescent moon, though by custom you should have been tossed into the ocean… When I looked into your eyes, I saw infinite possibilities. For greatness. Again, I went against the demands of the court and insisted that you lived."

It was an astonishing list of events. "You knew from so early on?" Sesshōmaru asked.

"No." The King smiled. "Like I said, I do not claim to have the gift of foresight. But, I hoped."

They continued to stroll.

"Truth be told, Sesshōmaru, I was not entirely certain that you should, or would, be King. Even in the afterlife, one does hear some things from the world of the living. I had heard of your cold disposition, your ruthlessness, your unflattering views on humans. It was not until I saw you again on the shores of my Elysium that I knew for certain. When we crossed swords that first time, I realized: like a true swordsman, you wear your heart on the edges of your sword. I could feel your soul resonating in the metal of your blade. It is noble and just. Ruthless, true, but not without compassion. Furthermore, and this is the most wondrous thing of all…"

Stopping again, the King turned to look at Sesshōmaru and smiled.

"You did not come alone. Just when our race is in the brink of extinction. Just as I spend every waking moment thinking about how we could ensure our people a brighter future, you appeared on the shores of my Elysium. With a human woman. And not just any human woman, but one who hailed from the future. Tell me— do you think these are coincidences?"

The more Sesshōmaru thought about it, the more miraculous it seemed. If the King had continued with his list of events, he would have pointed out he had placed Sesshōmaru under Chikatani's care. And Chikatani was the one who had chosen Kagome to accompany him in his journey through the afterlife.

"Sesshōmaru. Now, you have two choices in front of you. Will you fight for the past, or the future? It is no secret Zetsubōmaru fights for the glory of the past. If — or when he realizes no one, not even himself, can stop the wheels from turning, he will use Sokushi to put an end to everything."

If I could not have the world at my feet, then no one could have it. It was just the sort of thinking Zetsubōmaru would adopt.

"It is a heavy burden I am placing on your shoulders, my grandson. And hers too. The time is near when you must care not only for the inuyōkai, but for all yōkai. You might be the last daiyōkai of your generation to survive, as it is. But your miko will help you navigate the changing world. With you as king, and her by your side as your queen, our people might have a chance."

"The way I am now, I'm still learning how to be a daiyōkai. How am I expected to know how to be a good king?"

"A good king," Kaien-Ō repeated. "Sesshōmaru. I am afraid that question will plague you for years into the future. Perhaps it will never stop. Even if you have become a good king, you will question how you can become a better king. But, you see," the King smiled again. "Just asking the question is an indication that you are on the right path."

His grandfather clasped him on his shoulder. "Sesshōmaru. I know this is a lot to take in. Do not give me an answer now. It is a grave responsibility, and you must think on it carefully. But know this: in my heart, you are my successor. There is no one else I would rather see leading our people to a safer shore, and to a brilliant future."

Sesshōmaru tried to swallow the heaviness that was now weighing on his chest, to no avail. Though it had always been his ambition to fight the strongest being… though it had always been his goal to exact revenge on Zetsubōmaru, he had never desired the throne of the Southern Isles.

His pack was small — it had always been. Ah-Un, Jaken, and Rin. He was content to keep it that way. Then, when Kagome consented to be his mate, their number would grow. He would welcome her, and any pups born from their union, with tremendous joy in his heart. It would be a larger pack, but he had not an ounce of doubt in his abilities to keep everyone protected and cared for.

Safe.

But— should he accept the role his grandfather wished to assign to him, he would be taking on not just a pack, but an entire race. His duties and responsibilities would be multiplied by a thousand-fold.

It was enough to make anyone, even the strongest daiyōkai in the western lands, feel weak in the knees.

The King must have seen how his face had turned a deathly pallor, and witnessed the slightest stagger in his gait.

"Breathe, my grandson. One little step at a time," he said, patting Sesshōmaru on the back. "Let us work on getting you a second tail. Defeating Zetsubōmaru is still a priority. Everything else can come after."

"The Death God is certainly impatient to see Zetsubōmaru dethroned," Sesshōmaru commented dryly.

"Hnn. Haku was born with the proverbial golden spoon in his mouth. He is a young god, born with the knowledge of the universe and immeasurable power any deity could ever hope for. He would never understand what it means to struggle like the mortals do." The King waved his hand. "Do not pay him any mind. Leave him to me."

They were nearing the place where Kagome was sitting with Chikatani.

"I will keep the miko company while you speak to Chikatani." The King said and began to walk further ahead.

"Grandfather, wait for just a moment. Please."

His grandfather turned and looked at him expectantly.

"I need to ask you." It took everything Sesshōmaru had to prevent himself from getting too warm in the cheeks. "How does one take a mate?"

Kagome had not taken her eyes off of Sesshōmaru since King Kaien went to spoke to him. They were both a pair of small figures in a distance now, having walked so far during their conversation.

She looked at her companion. Lost in his own thoughts, Chikatani had fallen silent a while ago.

Now, Sesshōmaru and his grandfather appeared to be turning around and making their way back. Kagome made her move to stand up. This seemed to have broken Chikatani's musings. He followed.

"Kagome-sama," he called her when Sesshōmaru was still out of earshot. "Would you… grant me a favour?"

"A favour?" She turned around to face him fully.

He nodded. "When King Kaien and Sesshōmaru-sama go to speak with Haku-Ō, do not follow them."

"Why not?"

"Please come with me instead. There is a place I would like to show you."

A peculiar and mysterious request, Kagome thought.

"Does this have anything to do with Sesshōmaru?"

Chikatani nodded. "Everything is to do with Sesshōmaru-sama."

Kagome was quiet for a moment. Though Chikatani was being secretive, she knew he would not do anything that was not in Sesshōmaru's interest. His countenance was grave; her curiosity was piqued.

If it was for Sesshōmaru…

"Then, I will go with you," she told him.

The King took Kagome for a stroll, leaving Sesshōmaru alone with Chikatani.

There were so many things to say, so many questions to ask, yet Sesshōmaru found himself somewhat tongue-tied. This was a foreign sensation. But he had encountered so many surprises and so many unusual situations lately, he should be accustomed to it already.

He decided to delve straight into the matter at hand.

"Chikatani, why the subjugation potion? You, of all people, understand how it feels to fall victim to it. I never thought you could be the one to use such method."

Chikatani lowered his head. "Sesshōmaru-sama. If I had known any other way to ensure your cooperation, I would not have employed it. I know it was not honourable, and it is nothing that you, or Kagome-sama, deserved. I beg your forgiveness."

Sesshōmaru paced back and forth. His claw-tipped fingers raked a trail along his silky tresses. "I must know the commands you set when you used the subjugation potion on us."

Chikatani was silent for a moment. "Because you need to know if your feelings for Kagome-sama are real?"

Sesshōmaru nodded. "Though I am confident my soul and my beast have recognized her as my true mate, I would like to hear it from your lips."

"I chose an errant yōkai and dipped its claws in the subjugation potion. My first command was for it to approach the village, and launched an attack on Kagome-sama. Second: his comrades must let her face the yōkai alone. Third: she must not move when the yōkai strikes her with its killing blow. Fourth: Inuyasha-sama must contact you to request your aid in resurrecting her." Here, Chikatani paused.

"I knew you would answer your brother's call for aid, even if it was only to satisfy your curiosity. When you arrived and you inspected the miko's corpse, you smelled the residue of the subjugation potion on her chest wound and fell under its influence. The commands resumed. Fifth: you must take her to your mother's palace and insist that she opens the portal for you. The sixth command, and the last, was for you to enter the afterlife and not stop until you find her."

Sesshōmaru flashed Chikatani a wide-eyed look. "Those are all the commands?"

Chikatani nodded.

"You were the one who provided me with a boat upon my entry into the underworld?"

Chikatani nodded again. "There are several entrances into the underworld," he explained. "You happened to enter from a different entrance than the one Kagome-sama arrived at. Since you entered from the ocean side, you required a vessel to reach her side."

"I see."

Chikatani fell onto his knees in front of Sesshōmaru. "Waka-sama, I have done nothing to command you to develop any feelings for the priestess. This I swear. Any attachments you feel for her are born from your own free will."

Sesshōmaru sighed with relief. His soul and his beast were true and free from outside influences after all.

"I believe you." He observed Chikatani, still kneeling on the ground. "You are no longer required to kneel for me, or refer to me as 'young master'. Are you not the servant of the Death God now?"

"Haku-Ō is well aware that I serve him so that I can serve you. We have always been clear with each other on that front."

Sesshōmaru arched a brow. He was surprised to know Haku-Ō, a god, would even allow such a thing. The mysteries of the Death God knew no bounds, it seemed.

"I have not thanked you," Sesshōmaru said; his voice softened. "For your numerous assistance in the Asphodel Meadows. That time with Gaudia, with Grief, and… well, whatever the last creature was called. You have rescued us many times. I am once again in your debt."

Chikatani looked up and shook his head. "Sesshōmaru-sama, there is no debt. Everything I have done, it was done without conditions. I am simply happy to be able to aid you."

He lowered his lashes and stopped for a thoughtful pause. "Although… Sesshōmaru-sama. In future, please refrain from getting locked in a passionate embrace until your battle is fully concluded." Chikatani ignored the low growl that came from the daiyōkai's direction. "If you had been harmed, there would have been severe consequences. Indeed, it was a such treat for me to see you so lost in the clouds of romance, but—"

"It would be the last time I endanger her, and myself, in such foolish manner," Sesshōmaru intercepted in a clipped voice, ignoring the heat of embarrassment that scalded his cheeks.

He had to admit to himself, it had not been his finest performance. He had been overcome with joy of finding his mate and let his guard down, and in turn he had placed Kagome in direct path of danger. If anything were to happen to her… He shuddered; the grisly image his mind conjured earned his beast's attention. It began to rumble menacingly and prowl, ready to protect their mate at all cost.

He smoothed the beast's ruffled furs until it settled back down, satisfied that at least, for now, there was no imminent danger to their mate.

When Sesshōmaru looked at Chikatani again, he saw his former caretaker was smiling. Widely. And right then and there, he realized: it might be impossible for him to be cross with Chikatani.

"I am sorry," Chikatani said, though he did not look remorseful at all. His teasing smile gentled and turned bittersweet. "It's just that… back then, I never thought I would live long enough to tease you about your love interest." He chuckled a little. "Well, as it turned out, I didn't. But— with some twisted turn of events, I got to do it anyway. Somehow, it makes me feel very happy."

"Chikatani. Something like this… makes you happy?"

The guilt returned with a full force, manifesting into the pressure in his chest. It was unbearable.

"Chikatani. Your contract with the Death God. Is there no way—"

"Sesshōmaru-sama," Chikatani cut him short. "Let us return to the King and Kagome-sama. They surely are waiting for us. And, in turn, Haku-sama is also waiting to resume the discussion with both you and the King."

It was evident Chikatani did not wish to discuss his contract with the Death God, perhaps because it was irreversible, and so — what was the use of speaking about it?

Sesshōmaru balled his hands into fists.

Somehow, he would find a way.

King Kaien graciously kept her company while Sesshōmaru spoke with Chikatani. Kagome was glad of the chance to converse with the old king. Once she returned to the living realm, she might never have another opportunity.

"Your highness, may I ask a question?"

The King nodded. "You may, miko. I will endeavour to answer."

"Why Chikatani?" Kagome asked. "Amongst everyone in your service, why did you choose him? If the purpose was to keep Sesshōmaru safe, would it not be more sensible to choose a soldier, or a warrior, to provide protection?"

King Kaien heaved a deep sigh. "I did consider it. But—"

With lidded gaze, he watched Sesshōmaru together with Chikatani.

"But I wondered: what kind of lesson would that child learn from a hardened warrior?"

"Lesson?"

"Miko, for every child who is conceived either in lust or in love, one thing should never change: his first love must be his parents. For Sesshōmaru who could not have his mother or his father by his side, I felt it crucial that he had someone who could show him what love was."

The King had been the first person to enter Princess Yōhime's birth chamber after her son was born. As soon as the door opened, the first thing he saw was not his new grandson. It was Chikatani's face as the servant gazed at the newborn pup.

Chikatani had been looking at the pup with so much love.

The lowest-ranked servant, seen fit only to wipe Princess Yōhime's perspiration during her labour. And a Prince, born without a crescent moon on his forehead, whom one day would be King. Only moments after the birth, they had somehow formed a bond.

When King Kaien witnessed this, he felt that strong premonition in his chest again. Somehow, he knew: Chikatani should be by Sesshōmaru's side.

"Though I love my grandson," he continued. "I knew that in my capacity as the King, it would not always be possible for me to be by his side. And so, in my absence, in his parents absence, I wanted him to have someone who loves him."

Kagome watched Sesshōmaru and Chikatani together. Chikatani was smiling, while Sesshōmaru looked… well-chastised, if she was to be honest. She felt laughter tickling her chest. She had never seen that expression on his face before. Perhaps there was no one else other than Chikatani — dead or alive — who could chastise Sesshōmaru, the daiyōkai of the west, without suffering permanent damage.

"Well, it was all a gamble," the King said. "I had no idea how it would all turn out." He sighed. "And now, for the sake of watching over Sesshōmaru even after death, Chikatani had forgone his everlasting bliss in Elysium to be an indentured servant to the death god for eternity."

The King looked troubled, and no wonder. From the sounds of it, the bond between Chikatani and the Death God was designed to be permanent. How would they break it?

"Even so," Kagome replied. "It turned out rather well, I think."

King Kaien looked at her with surprise before a gentle smile appeared on his lips. "You would be the better judge of it than I," he told her. "Has the time you spent in the afterlife with my grandson been full of surprises, miko?"

"It has proved to be… most educational, King Kaien."

The good-natured laughter that came out of the King startled her, as did his question:

"What is your name, miko? I never asked you."

"Oh. It is Higurashi Kagome, Your Highness." She reddened.

"Kagome," King Kaien repeated. He gave her a brisk nod. "I will certainly remember it."

Shortly after, Sesshōmaru returned with Chikatani tailing behind him.

"Miko, come," he said as he reached out for her hand. "We will corner the Death God once more and prod him to return you to the living realm."

Kagome's eyes met Chikatani's in silence. When she made no move to take the proffered hand, Sesshōmaru tilted his head in question.

"Actually, Sesshōmaru," Kagome said. "I think I'll hang back this time. I'm sure you, the King, and Haku-Ō have plenty to discuss." At his arched brow she added: "I'll stay here with Chikatani."

"I will take care of her and ensure she is unharmed," Chikatani promised.

Sesshōmaru gave him a look. An odd promise, considering Chikatani had "taken care" of Kagome and caused her death, setting off an avalanche of events which brought them to this moment.

"I think he means it," Kagome said when she sensed Sesshōmaru's hesitation.

"I am certain he does," Sesshōmaru replied. "Though I do sense another plot brewing behind my back, and that I am helpless to stop it. That feeling is becoming more and more common as of late."

Both Chikatani and Kagome stared at each other again. Both had no response to give, though Kagome had the grace to at least look a little sheepish.

The Death God returned just at the right moment when Sesshōmaru and King Kaien were ready to speak to him. He plopped on his throne, lounging with his legs crossed as he had done before.

"So. Finally," he drawled as he gazed upon Sesshōmaru and the King with heavy lidded eyes. He propped his chin on his knuckles. "Are we ready?"

"Haku," the King sighed wearily, as though the Death God had asked the same question a hundred times and he had to give the same answer the equal amount. "When I told you Sesshōmaru is not ready, I meant he is not ready."

"And when I said we are running out of time, I meant just that. The Prince needs to be prepared to fight. Fast, or we would all be under the mercy of Zetsubōmaru and Sokushi. Get. him. ready."

The King was silent for a moment before he took one step forward.

"I understand that someone in your position expects to be obeyed by those around these parts. But, I have been slaying demons long before your creator even conceived the mere idea of you, god. Do not tell me what to do."

The Death God arched one brow. For a moment, the orange sky of dusk seemed to darken just a touch. King Kaien, however, stared back unflinchingly. A moment later, Haku-Ō retreated, leaning back in his throne.

"Then, when will he be ready?" His voice was calm when he asked.

"When I declare he is."

"More waiting, then?" Haku-Ō asked softly.

"Are you familiar with the flower named 'Empress of the Night'? It blooms only once every ten years. The wait is long, but once bloomed, its beauty is unmatched."

"I'm not certain if likening your grandson to a flower works in his favour, King Kaien. You might want to rethink the analogy."

The King pointedly ignored the god's criticism. "No one understands the urgency more than I, and Sesshōmaru himself. Let us conclude this chat, so we can get back to the matter at hand."

"Very well." Haku-Ō opened his hands, supposedly concluding their discussion.

"Now that we have reached the end of our conversation," Sesshōmaru said. "The miko Kagome. Will you allow her soul to return to the world of the living?"

Haku-Ō turned around in his throne, gazing at a far away place behind him. As though by magic, as soon as he rotated his upper body, a stone path appeared behind him. It winded up towards a towering gate that glinted in the horizon.

"Do you see it?" The god asked. "If you follow the path, it will take you to The Ivory Gate. Beyond the gate is the world of the living. You may take her back anytime you choose, and then return to resume your training with your grandfather. I will bestow upon you a temporary marker that will allow you to pass between the realms unimpeded."

"Is that all it takes?" Sesshōmaru frowned. It was much easier than he thought.

Almost too easy.

"Not quite," Haku-Ō replied. "There are two simple conditions. First: you may not look back at her while you lead her up the path, not until you have reached the gate. Second—" He paused. "The miko must drink the water from the river Lethe."

Somehow, that sounded ominous. He could hear his grandfather exhaling a heavy sigh beside him.

Sesshōmaru narrowed his eyes. "What is the implication of drinking from this river?"

"The river Lethe is also known as the river of Oblivion," Haku-Ō explained. "After the miko drinks from it, when she awakens in the living realm, she will have no recollection of anything that happened to her in the afterlife."

Sesshōmaru's heart stuttered to a stop. The tight strings that had wrapped themselves around his chest increased their tension before they snapped completely.

"She will forget everything?"

"It would be as if she had never died."

Understanding dawned. It felt like acid poured on broken skin.

"This is why I could not be the one to die," he said quietly. "Because to be resurrected, I would have to drink from the river of Oblivion, and forget everything that happened here."

Haku-Ō stared at him with an emotion that looked almost like sadness. "We cannot spend so much time and effort to talk to you, have you met your grandfather and gone through training, only to have you forgotten everything as soon as you return to life."

This time, Sesshōmaru could not resist the urge to put a trembling hand to his face.

His chosen mate. Losing all her memories of time spent together in the afterlife.

"Everyone who has died and entered two of the realms of the afterlife: Asphodel Meadows or Elysium, must drink from the river Lethe, after which his or her soul will be reincarnated into the body of a newborn, and thus the new life will begin," Haku-Ō said. "However, we recognize that we took the miko's life prematurely. And so— now, we will restore it to the way things should have been. She will not be reborn in a new body. Her soul will return to her original body, but without the memory of the time spent in the afterlife."

The way things should have been.

Meaning… she would return to the life she had led, and would have led, if she had not died.

A life with Inuyasha.

Suddenly, Sesshōmaru realized: until this moment, he had not known true pain. Not when he lost his left arm. Not when Inuyasha used Kaze no Kizu on him for the first time, which gave him the grave injury that led to him meeting Rin. Those pain were nothing.

Not even when his grandfather, and Chikatani, died. The anguish had been debilitating then, too.

But, somehow, this felt worse.

His ears were ringing with the beast's enraged howling, and he closed his eyes in his futile attempt to temper the agony. His words came out of his mouth in barely a whisper.

"Is there no way around this?"

Haku-Ō shook his head. At least, the Death God had the grace to look solemn.

"There is only one way for the dead to leave the afterlife. It is through The Ivory Gate. And without the water from the river Lethe in her system, the gate will refuse her passage. If you attempted it anyway, it will destroy her soul and turn her into nothingness. This is beyond my power, even as a Death God."

Sesshōmaru said nothing.

"I do not understand," the Death God murmured, frowning. "Why is this so unacceptable to you, Prince? Has anything changed?

He had changed. She had changed too.

Everything had changed.

Chikatani took Kagome to a river. As they stood by the riverbank, Kagome looked around. Somehow, they had left the crimson realm of the Death God and ended up in some place similar to Asphodel Meadows. With a river running through it.

"Chikatani, what is this place, and why have you brought me here?"

"This is the river Mnemosyne," he replied. "The river of memory."

"River of… memory?"

Chikatani nodded. His mesmerizing eyes pulsed between golden and crimson as he studied Kagome.

"I have been waiting for a long time for someone to see the real Sesshōmaru-sama," he said. "Are you that person?"

Kagome tilted her head slightly as she considered the question. "My biggest regret—" she replied. "— is that I never once considered the true man behind the mask. I never tried to know who he really is."

He did not speak for a long time. The breeze made soft whistling noise in this realm, wherever this was. It combed through the feathery blades of grass not unlike those in Asphodel Meadows.

"I am offering you my memory of Sesshōmaru-sama's childhood," he finally said. "Would you like to see?"

Kagome's eyes widened.

Sesshōmaru's childhood?

As though Chikatani could hear her thoughts, he nodded. Or perhaps, she had asked it aloud.

"You… trust me with the fragile details of his past?"

He flinched as though her words were daggers to his heart. "To reveal these innermost details I know he would rather keep to himself… I would once again violate his trust and risk his wroth. But, for the sake of what these memories would do for you… I choose to risk it."

Kagome drew a deep breath.

"You've followed our journey through the afterlife, haven't you?"

He nodded. "I witnessed the events that took place in Asphodel Meadows, though I was not privy to the ones that happened in both King Kaien and Izayoi-sama's realms."

"But—" Kagome hesitated. "You do know how I… feel about him?"

Here, his eyes were once again filled with sorrow.

"Yes, my lady."

"So, you understand that I would do anything to get a better understanding of his past?"

Chikatani nodded. He bent down. With a silver cup, he scooped some water from the river. But, before he handed it over, he hesitated.

"My memories are not for the faint-hearted," he warned. "I will try… to leave out the ugly parts. But some of them might get transferred over. You need to prepare yourself. The ending, specifically, will be unpleasant."

Kagome appreciated the warning, but it made no difference. Without hesitation, she held out her hand.

"Give me the cup."

Author's note:

Haku-Ō imposed two conditions, both would have been extremely easy to fulfill had Sesshōmaru and Kagome not fallen in love with each other:

1. In the fashion of Orpheus and Eurydice, Sesshōmaru must not look back at Kagome as he led her along the path up to the Ivory Gate.

2. Prior to leaving, Kagome must drink from the river Lethe, the river of Forgetfulness or Oblivion, after which she would forget everything that had taken place since her death.

I had planned to include the scene of Chikatani offering his memory to Kagome in the next chapter, but I can't bear to leave you with what could be perceived as a cliffhanger. I also want to leave you with more food for thought.

Note that in Greek mythology, the river Mnemosyne (memory) runs parallel to the river Lethe (forgetfulness). It is not the case here, where they are far apart.

I might have made Chikatani seem so "obsessed" with Sesshōmaru that a few readers have commented and wondered if Chikatani's feelings towards Sesshōmaru cross the boundaries of servant and master. Let me assure you: there is no romance between the two, and there never will be. If Chikatani was jealous of anyone, it was not of Kagome. His love and devotion for Sesshōmaru is not the romantic kind. Everything Sesshōmaru wants for himself, Chikatani wants for his master. This includes Kagome.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, so they say. A lot of things are being dumped on Sesshōmaru's shoulders. He has to become stronger, successfully eliminate Zetsubōmaru, break Chikatani's contract with the Death God, take on the role of King, bridge the divide between yōkai and humans, and figure out how he could help his people navigate the changing world and survive the rest of time. On top of all this, he will have to deal with Kagome's imminent loss of memory.

Or… will he? Fu fu fu… 😏

As always, thank you so much for reading. Your generous comments and encouragements are the fuel that keeps me going. I'm sorry if I have not responded to your comments. I have been using every spare moment I have to write, but I will surely respond as soon as possible. If this story has touched your heart in some way, I hope you will leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.

Until next time!