Author's Notes:
First thing first, a guest left a comment about this story, you mentioned that you actually skipped over this story but came back to it. I want to say thank you so much for your review and I'm glad you took chance on this story. I also wanted to address your comment about whether or not Rin's brothers will be coming back. They will be but don't expect them until later down the line, they have an important role to play.
Well this was probably the hardest thing I have ever. This chapter is very angst, very heavy and if you are sensitive to life's dark issues, be warned. This chapter also comes in at over 8k words so definitely be sitting down and comfortable when you start reading this. The entire story from chapter 1 to this chapter comes to 202pgs. 😮
A lot of research went into this chapter and you will see why once you start reading. Please be patient as you start reading, it may not make sense at first but keep reading. There is reason why I included so much history in this.
Without further ado...
Chapter 12
In the Begining
Silence….
There was only silence in the beginning.
Silence and nothing….
The universe was nothing, but a beaten shape otherwise known as … chaos.
Silence and chaos.
It stayed this way for eons, the concept of time unknown…..
Until…..
A noise was emitted.
It was the first of its kind.
It was foreign….
It was strange….
It was…..
Particles….
Particles of varying sizes started to rise but…..
Not all particles were created the same….some rose faster than others. The particles that could not reach as high as its companions stayed below….
Thus, the particles that rose high in happiness formed the clouds and then Heaven.
The heavier particles that stayed below formed a large mass.
This mass was later to known as….Earth.
When Heaven was created, the first three gods appeared:
Amenominakanushi
Takamimusubi
Kamimusubi
But once appearing, the three gods went into hiding.
….
….
Then the gods Umashi-ashi-kabi-hikoji and Ame-no-toko-tachi sprung forth.
But….
….
…
These gods also went into hiding.
With the gods in hiding, two other gods arose:
Kuni-no-tokotachi and Toyo-kumono.
With this generation of gods now present and standing firm, the last of the gods were created:
Uhijini and his younger sister Suhijini
Tsunuguhi and his younger sister Ikuguhi
Ōtonoji and his younger sister Ōtonobe
Omodaru and his younger sister Aya-kashiko-ne
Izanagi and his younger sister Izanami.
These were the primordial gods of Heaven.
Izanagi and his sister Izanami looked from heaven and created land below on the blue and green world.
Soon after they created the gods of Japan.
Amaterasu the sun goddess was first to be born followed by many brothers and sisters.
Some of the other gods were close in nature to their brothers and sisters. Amaterasu was there the day Ame-No-Uzume was birthed. She was the goddess of dawn and dancing. Since her gift was close to the sun, she hence in a way become Amaterasu's assistant.
The gods wander the heaven enjoying their time together. Amaterasu and Ame-No-Uzume tending to the sun and dawn as destined by Izanagi and Izanami.
The sun goddess watched as man took their first steps. The gods deemed them to be interesting and left them to the vices.
The sun goddess also watched as youkai came into existence.
Again they were interesting as well but…..left them to their vices as men were.
But the gods and goddesses also watched as dark gods come forth.
Otherwise known as….. demons.
Amaterasu watched as demons perverted men by whispering into their ears.
She watched men do wicked things to each other and shook her head in sadness.
They were not to interfere with the actions of men.
That was their rule and no one was the exception…..
….
….
Centuries passed with the gods staying in their realm, merely observing from afar.
Occasionally one of the gods would wander down to the lands staying hidden, merely to observe them. Nothing more. They would return indicating that men were still as they were and return to their godly duty.
Amaterasu was there the day Ame-No-Uzume was chosen to observe. It was the goddess's first time, and she was overjoyed.
"Now Ame, please remember, you are to stay hidden. No one must see you." Amaterasu stated, preparing the young goddess.
The sun goddess stepped away from Ame-No-Uzume, pleased with her appearance. She had dressed the dawn goddess in a long kimono with a heavy but light cloak that would conceal her from any prying eyes.
"Yes, mother! I know." Ame-No-Uzume answered with a beaming smile.
Amaterasu only smiled in amusement. The sun goddess did not give birth to Ame-No-Uzume, but the young girl always called her mother. Ame-No-Uzume insisted because it was Amaterasu who was there for her since birth, so she thought of her as her mother.
Ame was such a free spirit. She was beautiful, with long dark hair. She had pale skin with large dark eyes and a slim build. She had such grace in her movements. At times when the gods gathered and music was playing, Ame was the first to dance to the music. Her jovial spirit shining through. The other gods would laugh and clap to her movements.
Ame-No-Uzume was beloved by all.
This is why Amaterasu was concerned about her visiting the lands. Ame was so kind that she did not see the evil that men or youkai could do.
Amaterasu could only hope Ame would follow her directions as stated and come home promptly on time.
"Ame, you promise to not interfere with anyone, no matter what?" The sun goddess asked.
"Yes, mother!"
"And that you will speak to no one?"
"Yes, mother!" Ame sighed out.
"Ame, I only repeat this because men or youkai cannot be trusted with our knowledge. If they found out who you were while down there….my child….you do not know. You only observe and come back once the time is up."
'Yes mother, I understand. I will stay hidden and only watch. I shall make you proud, I'll be back on time." Ame-No-Uzume said with a soft smile.
Amaterasu could only nod, "Yes Ame, come. Let us see you off."
Amaterasu led Ame-No-Uzume to the point where the gods could transport to the lands below.
Turning to the face the goddess, "Not a minute longer than necessary, Ame. Once the sun sets, come back immediately."
The dawn goddess smiled and stepped through the entryway.
Amaterasu sighed and walked back to the other gods.
The rest of the day went as normal for the gods, when the sun set Amaterasu made her way back to the site to wait for Ame.
Amaterasu started to pace when the sun disappeared and Ame still had not appeared.
"Where is she?" Amaterasu said, looking worriedly to the entryway.
This was not like Ame. She always listened. The sun goddess only grew more concerned as the night stretched on with Ame not returning.
Amaterasu hurriedly went to her brother Tsukiyomi.
"Brother! Ame-No-Uzume has not returned from the lands of men. Are you able to detect her?" Amaterasu asked him in a pleading voice.
Her brother Tsukiyomi stood from his perch overlooking the moon and glanced down. Concentrating, his eyes scanned the world below. After a long silence, Tsukiyomi turned and sadly shook his head.
"I cannot feel her aura anywhere sister."
Amaterasu gasped, clutching her chest, "No….she has to be down below. Where else would she be?! Try harder, please!"
Tsukiyomi stepped forward to hug his sister, "Sister, I cannot feel her. The only thing I can think of….."
Amaterasu pushed away from her brother, "Tell me!"
"Someone or something took her and … she is being hidden from us now." Tsukiyomi said in a sad voice.
"No….please no…." Amaterasu sobbed out.
The Heaven grew dark, the sun refused to rise as the gods wept over their missing sibling. The gods did everything they could to find their beloved Ame-No-Uzume but….
Ame-No-Uzume remained hidden, her aura missing from the lands.
The dawn goddess had been missing for over two weeks now…
In desperation, Amaterasu ventured into the part of Heaven where it was rumored the first three gods were hiding.
"Amenominakanushi! Takamimusubi! Kamimusubi! Please! One of your beloved children is missing. She is pure, she is love…please….where is she?" Amaterasu sobbed out.
Silence.
Still crying, Amaterasu fell to her knees, "Please! I will do whatever you ask! Please! Where is she? Help us!"
Silence.
Amaterasu grew angry now, she shot to her feet and still crying, cried out, "WHY!? YOU HAVE STAYED HIDDEN SINCE BIRTH AND HAVE DONE NOTHING! AME-NO-UZUME NEEDS US! YOU ALL ARE NOTHING BUT…..COWARDS! WE HAVE DONE EVERYTHING IN YOUR STEAD! WE WILL FIND HER ON OUR OWN!"
Amaterasu turned to leave but felt the ground shaking under her.
Suddenly everything grew dark and a voice that was neither male nor female called out, "You dare to call us cowards my dear Amaterasu?"
"Are you saying you're not?" Amaterasu said in a hardened voice.
"WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE WORLD WAS DARK? WHERE WERE YOU WHEN THE PARTICLES STARTED TO FORM CREATING HEAVEN AND EARTH? WE WERE BUT ALONE WAITING FOR THE LIGHT…WE LONGED FOR DAWN THAT NEVER ROSE. WE WERE ALONE FOR EONS WAITING FOR THE DAY DARKNESS WAS NO MORE. CALL US COWARDS…WE LIVED IN DARKNESS FAR LONGER THAN ANY BEING SHOULD."
The Heaven rumbled at the gods' words.
Amaterasu stepped back. The sun goddess looked down, fisting her hands into her long robes.
"I claim not to know what the darkness is like as you waited for birth… I only know what I have seen and felt. I know the here and now. You and others have stayed hidden for far too long…..If you wish to stay hidden then so be it but please….Ame-No-Uzume is missing. If there was ever to be one thing you do, please please tell me where to find her." Amaterasu asked. She lowered herself to the ground, bowing, pressing her forehead and palms the cool surface in a sign of deep respect.
Silence only lingered but the sun goddess stay as she was, not moving from her bowed position.
"LOOK TOWARDS THE ISLAND OF ONOGORO."
Amaterasu all but sobbed out, slowly standing, "Thank you….thank you.."
"BE WARNED AMATERASU….SHE WILL NOT BE AS SHE ONCE WAS. TAKE KAGUTSUCHI WITH YOU. YOU WILL NEED HIS FIRE."
The darkness suddenly lifted, and Amaterasu moved to her feet.
She bowed, whispering, "Thank you" once more before fleeing in search of her brother.
The god of destructive fire Kagutsuchi and the sun goddess made their way to the island of Onogoro. All the pair detected was nothing. Ame's aura nowhere to be found. Amaterasu concentrated, putting all her energy into the surrounding area around her.
There!
"Kagutsuchi, this way! I can feel her!" Amaterasu called out.
Both gods hurried in the direction of where Ame's aura was coming from. They reached an empty valley.
"Amaterasu….there is nothing here," Kagutsuchi said, looking around.
"No…she's here…..something is blocking our view…." Amaterasu whispered.
She stepped forward and reached out a hand. Her hand touched a barrier that was invisible, it sent electricity pulsing into her body when she touched it. Stepping back, Amaterasu called, "Here! Kagutsuchi, use your fire here."
Kagutsuchi concentrated, forming a large ball of fire, and focused it on the spot where Amaterasu pointed to. Launching the fireball, the barrier sizzled but would not give way. Gathering all his strength, Kagutsuchi formed another larger fireball and released a beam of fire in continuous bursts. The barrier sizzled but started to crack under the intense heat to where it finally disintegrated.
Both brother and sister moved forward to see a large mountain with an opening in front. The gods ran forward into the cave, praying they were not too late and Ame was unharmed.
They were met with darkness at first, Kagutsuchi created a small ball of fire between his fingers and led the way. They continued down the narrow path until they came to a large opening. Their eyes scanned the large cave-like structure until they both looked upon a small form laying on the ground on the opposite side.
Amaterasu gasped and rushed forward.
Her heart immediately broke upon the sight that laid before her.
The dawn goddess, the goddess that was so loved by her siblings laid unconscienced. Her hands and feet were bound, completely nude. Bruises covered her small, emaciated body. Amaterasu's eyes traveled down her body to see finger size bruises on her hips and thighs.
Amaterasu wept, no words needing to be spoken to understand what Ame had been put through.
The sun goddess removed her outer robe and draped it across Ame's body, Kagutsuchi cut through the ropes that bound her feet and hands.
"Who would dare defile one of us?!" Kagutsuchi growled out as he picked up Ame's body.
"I do not know brother," Amaterasu said, softly crying.
The gods returned to Heaven to their waiting brothers and sisters. Once stepping onto their holy ground, everything fell silent.
Amaterasu walked ahead of Kagutsuchi who cradled the small form of Ame-No-Uzume. Tears streamed down Amaterasu's face as she walked. All the gods followed behind in silence, the gravity of the situation slowly seeping in.
Kagutsuchi followed the sun goddess into a secluded area of heaven and placed Ame onto soft blankets, Amaterasu began the process of examining Ame, taking inventory of her wounds. Kannon the goddess of compassion and mercy joined her. Kagutsuchi quietly left, leaving the goddesses to work.
~oOo~
All the gods waited anxiously on the news of their young sister. Hours went by before Amaterasu finally appeared from the room where Ame was being kept.
Silence lingered before Amaterasu's voice finally spoke.
"She is….." The sun goddess stopped, what was there to say…
"Amaterasu….please…..we want to know, she is our sister." One of the gods softly pleaded, tears filling their eyes.
Taking a deep breath, "Her purity is no more…." Amaterasu sadly answered.
The gods gasped in shock, some becoming angry wanting retribution. Others openly weeping, clinging to each other.
"She is also pregnant," Amaterasu added, her head hanging low.
Shouts started ringing out.
"THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"
"HOW CAN THIS BE?"
"WHO DID THIS TO HER?!"
Amaterasu raised her hands to silence her brothers and sisters.
"She does not remember anything. Whoever took her, they were smart in their planning. Whoever it was seemed to sense what she was and drugged her somehow. She remembers going to the lands and merely watching but everything goes blank."
Inari stepped forward, "What of the unborn child?"
Amaterasu turned sharply to Inari, "What of it?"
"We do not what the child is….it will be part god but….what of the other half?"
"I do not know…" Amaterasu said quietly.
"Perhaps its best to cur the unborn child?" Hachiman the god of destruction and war said, stepping forward.
Amaterasu shook her head in disbelief at her brother, "After what she has been through, you would choose to put more stress upon her?! She is our sister!"
"Perhaps what Hachiman states is the best course of action, Jizo can see the soul of the child," Susanno added. The god of seas and storm turned to look towards Hachiman, nodding in agreement.
Some of the other gods nodded in agreement.
"ENOUGH!" Amaterasu called out.
All the gods fell quiet at Amaterasu's outburst.
"My brothers and sisters….I know we are all upset about Ame but to cur the unborn who did nothing?! Her purity was taken from her by force…..I refuse to take anything further from her."
Inari looked towards the other gods and slowly stepped forward, "We are sorry Amaterasu….we grieve for the injustice that has been afflicted upon our dear sister…but the fact still stands she is pregnant and with the child being of mixed heritage, it cannot stay here with us. Only gods can reside in Heaven…what if the child's father was a… demon that did this to her? A demon cannot stay here."
"I know Inari…I know….I will find a solution to this. I will handle this. Please go, return to your duties." Amaterasu sighed.
Amaterasu watched as the gods departed, Kagutsuchi being the last to leave. The god of fire stepped forward, placing his large warm hand on Amaterasu's shoulder, "Whatever you decide sister, I will stand behind your decision."
"Thank you, brother."
Kagutsuchi then left leaving Amaterasu alone outside the chambers of where Ame was.
Stepping back inside, Amaterasu found Kannon gently stroking Ame's hair. The dawn goddess was laying on her side, curled into a ball.
Amaterasu could hear the young goddess weeping, the sun goddess sat next to Ame, gently cupping her cheek.
Ame looked up with red-rimmed eyes and sniffled, "I'm sorry mother…..I'm so sorry…"
Amaterasu gasped, quickly saying, "There is nothing for you to be sorry about little one. This was not your fault. We should have never sent you to the lands of men. They do not deserve your kindness or your love. The fault lies with me. I should have pulled you from the assignment."
"Amaterasu…." Ame whispered, her eyes intense.
Amaterasu gasped, Ame never used her name when speaking to her….
"Yes, little one?"
"…It….was a demon…..and…he said one…day…..someone would come for my child," Ame said in a small voice, her entire body trembling by this point.
Amaterasu and Kannon both looked towards each other in worry.
Amaterasu gently said, "Shh….I won't let anything happen to you or your child. Sleep, you need to heal." She then quietly chanted a spell, putting Ame into a deep sleep.
~oOo~
The following week went by, the Heaven quiet. All still felt the effects of what was done to Ame.
Amaterasu stayed by the Ame, only leaving when Kannon would come to watch over her.
She was currently pacing the cool grounds. After much thinking, Amaterasu had decided the fate of the child would be decided by Ame. It was her child after all.
With her resolve made, Amaterasu went back to Ame's room. She came in to find the dawn goddess sitting up, quietly listening as Kannon told of a tale from long ago. Amaterasu stood by listening, merely watching Ame.
Ame-No-Uzume was healing, the bruises on her body fading. She was starting to eat again but her spirit…Amaterasu was not sure if her spirit would ever truly heal from what happened to her. Now Amaterasu had to ask the young goddess something that she may never recover from.
After hearing Kannon finish her story, Amaterasu came and sat on the bed next to Ame, "Little one….I am sorry to ask you this question but it must be asked. We will all love you no matter what you decide."
Ame looked up with apprehension in her eyes, waiting.
"Your child….do wish to carry to term or….did you wish to remove it? We can call Jizo, he will see to the child's soul, make sure it arrives in the afterlife." Amaterasu said gently.
Amaterasu kept her face blank, this had to be Ame-No-Uzume's decision. She could not allow her personal feelings to get in the way.
Ame looked towards both goddesses, not speaking. Silence permeated the small room they occupied. After a long moment of silence, Ame finally answered, "The child deserves their life. It may not have been conceived in love…but I feel that this child is important…I can feel…..her…..growing already. When I was born, the gods chose to create me. They did not have to, but they created me as….. me. I choose to allow this child to live, mother."
Amaterasu let a breath she had been holding and a few tears escaped.
"Mother, I appreciate you and Kannon staying with me, it's ok if you both wish to be free for a bit. I'm tired and wish to nap." Ame said with a small smile. Her eyes holding a tiny bit of warmth.
'Maybe she will be ok…..in the future…' Amaterasu thought to herself.
"Yes Ame, we will leave you to rest. If you need anything, only call out. We shall come at once."
"Yes, mother."
Both Amaterasu and Kannon then left, leaving the exhausted dawn goddess behind.
Once in the hall, Kannon turned to Amaterasu, "You did not tell that her child cannot stay here…"
"Yes…I will tell her when the time is correct. For now, let her have some peace."
~oOo~
The following weeks turned into months as Ame continued to heal. The vibrancy Ame was held slowly returning to her. The dawn goddess had good days and bad days. Occasionally she had nightmares, but Amaterasu was there wiping away her tears and holding her close.
When holding the dawn goddess to her breast comforting her, Ame would whisper, "Someone will come for my child one day Mother…..please don't let them take her away from me."
Amaterasu would shush her, promising that no one will take her child from her, and she would be protected.
The following days after Ame's nightmare, Amaterasu wandered back to see the first gods.
The sun goddess knew she was pushing her luck with the gods, but she needed to find a way to help Ame and her future daughter.
Ame's daughter…..
Even though Ame was only a few moons along, Amaterasu could sense the growing aura of the child.
The unborn child was powerful….
The aura radiating from Ame's womb was something she had never felt before.
It only begged two questions to come to Amaterasu's mind:
What kind of demon did this to Ame?
And…
What kind of power would the unborn child hold being of demon and goddess heritage?
Amaterasu sighed reaching the area of the first gods.
Finding her courage and praying that they would not turn her away, Amaterasu gently called out, " Amenominakanushi… Takamimusubi… Kamimusubi…. I request your help but once again. I know I dare to ask much from you but….Ame's child…..she will carry to term but the child cannot stay with us due to their heritage. What am I to do? I dare not cast an innocent to the lands of men. They are vile, murderous…there must be something I can do. There must be a place for her daughter to grow and be loved."
Amaterasu waited in silence.
Knowing she could not leave until she had an answer, Amaterasu waited.
She waited as the sun set and rose again.
….
Finally, on the third day of her waiting, an unfamiliar genderless voice softly called out, "You are persistent sun goddess Amaterasu."
Amaterasu gently smiled and bowed, "When it comes to my charge Ame, I will not falter."
Amaterasu stepped forward, "Forgive me, I do not recognize your voice from our previous encounter."
"We are Umashi-ashi-kabi-hikoji and Ame-no-toko-tachi, the second of the gods to emerge after the first went into hiding."
"Ah, I am honored and humbled by your presence," Amaterasu answered with a bow.
After a moment of silence, Amaterasu asked, "You understand my plight regarding Ame's unborn child?"
Silence.
Taking a deep breath, "What am I do to?"
Amaterasu was only met with more silence. She did not sense any hostility nor anger. Believing (or rather hoping) they were merely thinking over her question, Amaterasu took a seat and waited.
After a half-day of nothing but silence, the genderless voices called out, "Go to the Tree of Ages, the answer you seek is there."
Amaterasu bit her lip and asked, "Which is?..."
Amaterasu waited on a reply but none came. Understanding that there was nothing else, Amaterasu turned to leave. Just before leaving, she heard, "Time."
Amaterasu stopped, turning back, "Time?..."
Silence.
The sun goddess nodded and simply said, "Thank you."
~oOo~
After speaking to her brother Tsukiyomi on the whereabouts of the tree, Amaterasu found herself standing before a very large tree on the lands of men. She reached forward and gently touched the bark and felt herself being pulled. She blinked and found herself standing in front of the same tree but now the sky was dark and the ground glowed.
Looking around, Amaterasu jumped when she heard someone say, " Umashi-ashi-kabi-hikoji and Ame-no-toko-tachi sent you."
Turning she found a woman dressed in red and white robes. She had long dark hair pulled back into a low ponytail.
"Yes….I was not aware that this tree had a spirit."
"Hmm…think of me as more of an echo of someone who was." The woman answered.
Amaterasu slowly nodded.
"I was sent here, the gods explained I would find the answer I am looking for regarding Ame's child."
The woman merely nodded, not speaking.
"I must confess I am…..perplexed by how a tree can help me in this situation."
The woman tilted her head, still not speaking.
"Are you able to…..assist me in determining their answer?"
The woman shook her head no, softly smiling.
Amaterasu spent the next hour merely pacing, wondering why she was sent to this tree.
"They said time…" Amaterasu whispered to herself, tapping her chin.
The Tree of Ages…..
Time…..
The Tree of Ages….
Time…..
Time!
Amaterasu's eyes widen as realization set in. She quickly turned, "Tree of ages and time…are you able to see into the past?"
The woman nodded yes.
"So, then you can also see into the future?" Amaterasu said with hope.
"Yes," The dark-haired woman answered.
"And this tree….does it act as a….door to different timeframes? A gateway of some sorts?" Amaterasu asked, the pieces finally connecting in her head.
Time was her answer. If Ame could not keep her child, then Amaterasu could see that her daughter was moved through time to a place where her father or whoever was going to come for her could not find her.
But…..
Who would be coming for the child?
The young girl would grow, her powers would manifest one day. For now, they could place a seal on her that can hide her aura but eventually, that seal would break, and she would need someone to protect her.
She needed a…mate.
A strong mate.
Someone that can counterbalance what she would become.
Thinking on the present, Amaterasu knew there was no such being that could offer that kind of protection to the child when she would become of age. Amaterasu could only also see so far into the future as well.
But...
Maybe in another time…
Amaterasu stepped forward towards the dark-haired woman, "Can you show me into the future? I do not need to see specifics, only someone…..someone that could protect the girl as she grows. I do not know what powers she will have but she will need someone to be there for her, a protector. A mate that would do anything for her."
The dark-haired woman nodded and both women walked towards the large tree. The woman touched it and started scanning through time.
Amaterasu watched as what felt like a thousand of youkai images flicked by. One caught her attention.
"Wait! Go back, the image of the silver-haired man. Who is that?"
The dark-hair woman flicked her wrist and the silver hair man reappeared.
"Ah, yes. This is Inu No Tashio, his name is Toga. He is an Inuyoukai. He will be born within the next hundred years. He is destined to be the great beast king of his lands. His future is already determined. He cannot be the one to protect her but….there is another closely related to him. His kin."
"Who?" Amaterasu asked. For the first time since Ame had returned home, the sun goddess felt hope fill her soul. If they could not keep her child with them then at least they would see she had a safe and secure future.
"A son, Sesshomaru. He is…..he will be rough around the edges but….as he is as rough, he will be fiercely loyal. He will love unconditionally. Although you may need to visit him from time to time to….guide him in his humanity."
The dark-haired woman then flicked her wrist and an image of a silver hair youkai appeared. He had an ethereal look to him, long silver hair and demon markings adorning his face.
"One day he will be a Diayoukai, one of the most powerful to ever walk the lands along with his father."
Amaterasu let out a relieved sigh, this youkai…..she couldn't have asked for a better mate for Ame's child. This Sesshomaru along with his father could provide the protection the girl would need.
Amaterasu opened her mouth when the dark hair woman suddenly pulled up another image. It was a frozen moment in time of a royal-looking couple.
"Although you may have someone to protect her once she becomes of age, you will need someone to raise her. I suggest this family. This family exists at the same time as Toga and his family. They can provide her a loving environment."
"But you said Toga would not be born for another hundred years...and they are human. The timing-" Amaterasu started but was cut off by the dark-haired woman.
"Youkai age much differently than humans. Toga will be born within the next 100 years but this family will not be born for another 1,000 years. We can move the child as far into the future as we can while youkai exist. Youkai can give her the protection she needs. Humans cannot."
Amaterasu understanding the dark-haired woman's logic slowly nodded and turned back to the still image of the family. Amaterasu also knew that the dark-haired woman was correct about a family raising her. They did have someone to protect her later in her years, but she would need a family to raise her once she was born. A family to raise in her love before she would move to the Inu family.
"Why would they raise a child that has no relation to them?" Amaterasu asked.
"Because one night in their future, the queen will have a baby daughter, but the child will not survive. They will be desperate for a child to love and in their grief, they will agree to anything. As sad as the situation is, the timing works to your advantage."
Amaterasu gasped and looked towards the frozen image of the king and queen. How could she ask a queen of her kingdom to love another child that she did not carry knowing her child did not survive?
But…the nature of men was simple.
Sometimes they were driven by love to act in compassion but other times….
They were driven by greed and desperation.
If she were to approach this king and queen on the night they lose a child then the odds were they would gladly accept her. To have a second chance of raising a daughter….in their darkest hour, the parents would agree to anything.
Amaterasu nodded and stepped back.
"Wait." The dark-haired woman said, turning to fully face the sun goddess.
"Yes?" Amaterasu answered in concern.
"You need to speak to the beast king. You may tell him that his son has a great role to play in being the protector of the Makami. That is all you may tell him for now."
"The Makami?" Amaterasu asked in puzzlement.
"Yes, the unborn child. She is half-god, half-demon. A Makami."
"I see….and when do I speak to beast king?" Amaterasu asked.
"Now."
The dark-haired woman suddenly stepped forward and pressed two fingers to Amaterasu's forehead.
Amaterasu gasped and everything turned white.
…..
….
Amaterasu blinked and found herself standing outside in a garden. Taking in her surroundings, she realized she was at a palace. She heard a deep voice behind her.
Turning she saw a shoji door partially open, she slowly walked forward and peered in.
It was Toga. He was looking over a futon. She then heard cooing.
Taking a deep breath, Amaterasu stepped in and waited for the king to sense her presence.
She did not have to wait long, the beast king suddenly turned, sword drawn and ready.
"Calm yourself, Toga. I mean no harm." Amaterasu said, gently smiling at the protective father.
"Who are you?" Toga asked he posture relaxed, but his sword still stood ready.
"I am the sun goddess Amaterasu." She then tipped her head in greeting.
She heard the youkai gasped and quickly dropped to one knee; his eyes downcast. He offered his sword towards her presence, a sign of submission.
"My apologize my lady. How may your humble servant be of use to you?"
Amaterasu lightly chuckled, "All is forgiven, please stand."
Toga slowly stood and wearily watched as the sun goddess made her way to the futon to observe the small youkai child.
Amaterasu smiled down at the small infant who gazed up at her with large golden orbs. His crescent moon almost glowing on his forehead.
Stepping back, Amaterasu walked towards the shoji doors to leave.
Stopping she turned back to see Toga watching her.
"My dear Toga, raise your son well. He has an important role to play in the future. He will be the protector to…..someone very powerful. She will need his strength and …. Love."
Amaterasu felt a pulling sensation, she realized she was being called back to the past.
"We will meet again, dear beast king."
Amaterasu blinked and she was back with the dark-haired woman at the Tree of Ages.
"Thank you….I had a moment but it was enough to allow him to know his son is important." Amaterasu said.
The dark hair woman bowed, "When the time comes, simply return with the child. Be here no later than when the moon is ready to set."
~oOo~
Amaterasu held Ame's hand as she pushed.
"You're doing well Ame, keep pushing," Kannon said, the goddess was between her legs coaching the dawn goddess as her body was racked by contractions.
Ame grunted, sweat running down her face.
"That's good, rest for a moment."
Ame collapsed against the blankets behind her, panting.
Amaterasu wiped the sweat from her charge's face.
"A little more, little one," Amaterasu said smiling.
Ame had been in labor the past five hours, the baby was now crowning.
The past few months saw Ame-No-Uzume's spirit slowly return to her. Amaterasu would find her stroking her belly, softly talking to her child. Sometimes she heard her singing as well.
It broke Amaterasu's heart.
The sun goddess still had not told Ame that she could not keep her child with her. She had not the heart to tell her.
Now it was too late.
By sunset, the child would be born and….
In the months leading up to Ame's delivery, Amaterasu had talked to her brothers and sisters. They knew the child would need a seal placed upon her. A very strong seal to hide her demonic/goddess aura. The gods all thought long and hard but could not think of what they could do to create a seal powerful enough that would hold until the child came of age that would not harm the child as she grew.
Amaterasu gently turned her brothers and sisters away, advising she would think of something.
It was later that evening as she watched the moon rise when everything stopped, all noise vanishing.
Her vision was suddenly filled with a bright light that caused her to shield her eyes.
"You need a seal for the child?..." A melodic voice called out, almost in an echo.
Amaterasu tried peering through her fingers to see but all she could make out were two silhouettes.
"Yes….who are you?"
"We are Ōtonoji and Ōtonobe, we came after Umashi-ashi-kabi-hikoji and Ame-no-toko-tachi, the second gods…..On the day the child is born we will return to place the seal."
The light vanished and Amaterasu quickly looked around but found no one.
…
…
"Alright Ame, time for another push." Kannon gently said.
Amaterasu helped Ame sit up and the process started over again.
This continued on well into the night.
All the gods and goddesses paced outside waiting on news on their beloved sister.
The moon was high in the sky when a soft wail of an infant was heard.
Some smiles appeared but then slowly faded as the sad truth of what would come next set in.
….
….
"Please….let me see her!" Ame sobbed out.
Kannon wiped the child down, quickly handing her to her mother.
Once cradled in her arms, Ame smiled through watery eyes and softly stroke her daughter's head.
Amaterasu took in the appearance of the infant cradled to Ame's breast. By all intent in purposes, the small girl looked completely normal. Her head was covered in dark brown hair. She had 10 toes and fingers. Normal pink skin for a newborn child. Nothing about this child seemed demonic.
'Maybe it's a blessing from the other gods….' Amaterasu thought to herself.
Kannon tended to Ame in cleaning between her legs and the afterbirth. Once Ame was cleaned, Kannon looked towards Amaterasu and quietly stepped away.
Amaterasu sat next to the new mother, holding back the sob that threatened to escape.
"Amaterasu….I cannot keep her can I?" Ame asked. The dawn goddess looked at Amaterasu with tears running down her face. Her voice breaking by the end of her question.
Amaterasu could only shake her head no, her voice betraying her.
Ame looked back towards her infant daughter, crying.
Holding back a sob, Ame choked out, "Where…..will you…..take her?
Swallowing past the lump in her throat, Amaterasu answered, "Somewhere far away from here. Her father or whoever comes for her will never find her. She will have a protector that will love her once she becomes of age."
Ame sobbed, "Will the ones that… raise her….. love her?"
"Yes, my little one. You have my word on my honor. Sometime in the future, they are expecting the birth of their daughter but…she will not survive." Amaterasu calmly said.
"So yes…..they will raise her in love…." Ame softly said.
Amaterasu and Ame-No-Uzume watched as the small girl slowly opened her eyes and both women gasped.
She had red eyes.
"Our seal can hide her eyes." Two voices suddenly said.
Both women looked up to see other figures now standing around them. All wore white robes and looked similar in appearance to each other. There was eight total.
Ame clutched her daughter closer to her and tried scooting away.
"Calm yourself young one. We mean no harm. We have come as promised to place the seal that will hide her demonic/goddess aura from the world."
Amaterasu stood, asking, "Are you Ōtonoji and Ōtonobe?"
One figure stepped forward, "Yes, we are the generation that came with Izanagi and Izanami, the ones who created you."
Amaterasu nodded and turned to Ame who was fearfully looking between the new gods that were present.
"Shhh…Ame….they mean no harm. Your daughter has a powerful aura to her. You felt her growing in your womb…..I know you felt it."
"Yes….." Ame answered, looking back towards her daughter.
"They can help hide her aura and her eyes….her eyes will give way that she is different."
"What do I need to do?" Ame quietly asked.
"Place the child next to you, that is all we ask," Ōtonoji said.
Ame gently laid her daughter next to her, the small naked infant's legs and hands kicking in the air.
The gods then stepped forward, looked between themselves, and nodded.
Ōtonoji looked towards Amaterasu, "This will take all our energy to place this seal. Once we start this process, we cannot be disturbed."
Amaterasu nodded and stepped back, she looked towards Ame who was sitting quietly next to her daughter.
Soon chanting started and the gods started glowing…..
Amaterasu stayed still as stone as the chanting continued for quite some time, the sun goddess observed that the little infant started glowing. First, a purple glow morphing into iridescent. The chanting increased and rose higher in volume
Amaterasu could see Ame becoming nervous and locked eyes with her. Amaterasu shook her head no, trying to convey to her not to move.
Ame silently cried and nodded yes, staying as she was.
A burst of light engulfed the child, the entire room lightening up to pure whiteness. The child started crying and the voice said, "The seal has been placed."
Ame quickly scooped up the child, holding her close, rocking her daughter to soothe her.
The sun goddess curious now, asked, "How did you create the seal?
"We each infused a small piece of ourselves into the child creating a seal," Ōtonobe answered.
"Will that cause repercussions in the future? Is that safe to infuse a small child with that much….godly power?" Amaterasu hesitantly asked.
"…..We are on unknown ground my dear Amaterasu…..even we do not know what her future holds."
Amaterasu nodded and then asked, "How long will the seal hold?"
Ōtonoji stepped closer to the sun goddess and answered, "It will hold until her 20th year. At that point, the seal will fade, and all of her power will be unleashed. Whoever her protector is, will need to be ready. They will need to train her otherwise….the results will be catastrophic."
Ōtonoji turned to leave but stopped at Amaterasu's next question, "What….. would happen if the seal breaks before then?"
Ōtonoji turned and evenly staring into Amaterasu's eyes, "If it breaks or if she is corrupted…..Nothing but devastation."
The gods suddenly vanished.
Amaterasu using her senses could feel that the moon was going to set soon…
Turning towards the dawn goddess, "Ame….it's almost time."
Ame hugged her daughter closer, "One more moment... please…."
Amaterasu sat next to Ame, sniffling. The weight of the situation now becoming heavy.
Amaterasu allowed her charge a few more peaceful moments with her only daughter.
Ame silently cried and took a deep breath. She sniffled and handed over the small child. Amaterasu gently cradled the small girl to her chest and smiled sadly at Ame-No-Uzume.
"I promise you Ame-No-Uzume, she will be protected," Amaterasu said, giving Ame one last look before leaving the room.
As the sun goddess walked the long quiet path to the entryway to the lands of men, all were silent. In the background, the gut-wrenching wails from Ame-No-Uzume echoed throughout halls that once used to be filled with joy.
~oOo~
Amaterasu stood before the large Tree of Ages and placed her hand upon the bark. In a blink of an eye, she was standing with the dark-haired woman.
The woman peered at the infant that was wrapped in blankets, the child sound asleep.
"She is beautiful." The woman said.
Amaterasu looked down and smiled, "She takes after her mother."
The woman nodded and led the way to the tree.
"I will be freezing all of time to allow you time to speak her new parents." The woman said.
The woman turned and brought up the image of the queen who looked to be in labor. Both women watch the scene unfold before their eyes.
…..
…..
The midwife held the small child in her arms and grimaced. She turned to one of her assistants, sadly shaking her head no.
The soft panting voice of queen Kaori called out, "Please…let me hold my baby."
"My lady….I am sorry….the child is stillborn." The midwife sadly said, wrapping the child in a blanket.
"….No…..no….please no…." Kaori wailed out.
Ishida hugged his sobbing wife, both parents devastated hearing the news.
The whole castle had been waiting on the birth of the child. The air buzzing with excitement. The young prince Akashi was eagerly waiting for his sibling.
Now…
King Ishida would have to deliver the news the child did not make it.
The king held his sobbing wife to his chest, trying to comfort her.
'Why? Are the gods damning us?' Ishida angrily thought to himself.
"No, my dear Ishida, the gods do not damn." A feminine voice softly said.
Ishida and Kaori both turned at the new presence that was standing a few feet away. They both noticed she held a small bundle in her arms. They also noticed all the castle staff that was present seemed to be frozen in place, no one moving at all.
"Who are you?" Kaori asked, sniffling.
"I am the sun goddess Amaterasu and have a gift for you on this tragic night."
Both parents watched as Amaterasu gently lifted the blanket revealing a sleeping child.
Kaori gasped, her heart squeezing in her chest.
"I….do not know the pain of losing a child but…..I know the heartache of watching a loved one in pain." Amaterasu then looked down at the small little girl in her arms, smiling.
"Who is she?" Ishida asked, stepping forward to peer at the small babe.
"She is the best of her mother," Amaterasu said while looking at the small girl in her arms, softly stroking her head.
"She needs parents, she needs love. If you accept her then your job is to keep her safe, keep her happy, let her see the beauty of this world so one day if she is called upon, she will do the right thing."
Ishida turned towards his wife; he could already see what her response would be. He turned back and held out his arms. Amaterasu quietly tucked the sleeping child into his arms. The king walked back to his queen. She had her arms open, already accepting the small child as hers.
Kaori sobbed clutching the small girl, with tears running down her face, she asked, "What of our child?"
Amaterasu turned towards the window and watched as Jizo appeared. He silently walked forward and gently took their child into his arms, he bowed to the king and queen.
"Jizo will see to her, she will not be alone and will be cared for once she reaches her destination."
Amaterasu nodded at Jizo and he silently left.
"Do you accept her?" Amaterasu asked.
Ishida and Kaori looked down at the small girl, their answer already made. Their love for her growing every minute.
"Yes, we accept her. She will know nothing but love in our care. You have our word." Kaori said lovingly.
"As happy as your answer is, be warned, my dear king and queen. Regarding her nature….her mother is a goddess…. None of you can fathom what power she will have one day. As long as she is surrounded by the right people, people that care about her, people that will cherish her and love her, her power will remain dormant. If her innocence is corrupted…. It will be too late. None of us know what devastation she can bring upon this world." Amaterasu solemnly said.
The king and queen looked from Amaterasu back to the sleeping child who was now starting to wake.
"She is hungry…..what will you name her?" The sun goddess asked.
Kaori looked at her husband and gently smiled, "She needs something fitting of a princess. Since she is not our's but now is…..she is a gift from the gods…..a treasured jewel. I think Rin is perfect."
"Princess Rin but it's so simple….so Arina then," Ishida said smiling.
Amaterasu softly smiled, "I will alter time for the past few minutes. Only you two will be aware of what transpired for the past few minutes."
The king and queen watched as Amaterasu the sun goddess walked to the windows on their balcony and disappeared. All movements started up again.
"My lady, you did splendidly! A healthy baby girl." The midwife said, smiling.
A knock was heard on the door, one of the midwives answered it.
A small head popped in, "Is the baby here? Can I see?"
"Yes Akashi, come met your sister," Ishida said.
Akashi ran in and was lifted onto the high bed. The young prince peering at his sister, smiling.
The small royal family sat in happiness together with their new baby girl.
…..
…..
Amaterasu silently wept taking in the image before her. It was a joyous occasion for the family but her beloved Ame was the one left with no child.
Ame-No-Uzume deserved to raise her child…..
The dark-haired woman quietly said, "That is all for now. When you are ready, return to this place. There will be a message we will need to deliver to her family."
Amaterasu wiped her tears and left.
Now standing on the hard earth, Amaterasu was starting to gather her energy to return home when a deep male voice called out, "Where did you take my daughter?"
Amaterasu's eyes widen and look to see no one. With confidence, she answered, "To a place where you will never find her."
"And my dear little Ame-No-Uzume?" The voice asked with a chuckle.
"You'll never lay another finger on her again!" Amaterasu spat out, her anger growing each minute.
"….I will find my daughter…..it's only a matter of time Amaterasu….."
"And when you do….it will be too late," Amaterasu said.
Very quickly Amaterasu chanted and left the lands of men, leaving behind the voice of evil.
~oOo~
Amaterasu walked back to Ame's chamber to find Kannon pacing outside. As soon as Kannon saw Amaterasu, she ran forward.
"Amaterasu, I'm sorry! I tried to stop her but she wouldn't listen! All of us tried to stop her!"
"Kannon, calm yourself. What happened?" Amaterasu asked in worry.
"It's Ame-No-Uzume….she left. She went to the part of Heaven that is forbidden to us, the part where the first gods are rumored to be."
Amaterasu quickly nodded, "I'll handle this. Wait here."
The sun goddess then raced to the far reaches of Heaven, her steps slowed as she grew near.
Once inside, she called out, "Ame! Come, it's time to come home."
Amaterasu waited but heard nothing.
Her anxiety spiking, Amaterasu called out a bit more urgently, "Please Ame. Let us go home."
"Your beloved Ame is now home." A voice softly called out.
Amaterasu gasped, shaking her head, "No….no her home is with us."
"My dear Amaterasu…you know deep in your heart that your dear Ame-No-Uzume will never the be the same after today…she came to us…she needs to rest…..she is now home where she should be."
"No….please no….I already lost her child…I cannot lose her either." Amaterasu sobbed out falling to her knees.
"She is not lost….you may always come to visit her when you please. You mean a great deal to the young goddess."
"Will I ever see her again?" Amaterasu softly cried out.
"Yes…one day…..her daughter will need her. For now…she sleeps."
Amaterasu merely stayed as she was. She did not move for over an hour.
The sun goddess Amaterasu felt…..alone. She thought she was doing what was best but in the end….she only drove away her charge.
She drove away her...daughter.
Nothing would ever be the same.
Amaterasu finally stood and started to leave but stopped dead in her tracks when she heard Ame softly call out, "Thank you for everything….Mother."
Amaterasu kept herself from turning, and with hot tears rolling down her face, choked out, "You're welcome my little one…..I wait the day you return to us."
~oOo~
The room fell silent as Toga ended the tale of Rin's origin.
Sesshomaru gently rocked Rin in his arms who was openly sobbing, hiding in Sesshomaru's robes, whispering loving words into her ears.
No other words were spoken.
~oOo~
Author's Notes:
As I mentioned this chapter was very hard to write considering the subject matter but also because Ame had to say goodbye to her daughter. I cannot imagine what that would be like and it broke my heart writing that scene. I also choose to have Ame leave the gods because truthfully, she would never feel the same around them. Ame went to where she could be alone but accepted with no questions asked.
As we can see, everything in Rin and Sesshomaru's has been slowly been orchestrated before they were born. This will come into play later down the road.
I consider this the official end of Act 1 so hence a season finale. Act 2/Season 2 will deal with Rin's relationship with Sesshomaru and all the family members.
I know I answered some questions but there are still more questions that I will address in future chapters.
All the gods mentioned in this chapter are real according to Japanese mythology.
Regarding the word Makami, I crossed the words Megami(goddess) and Akuma(demon/devil)
Thank you for reading and be sure to leave a comment on how this chapter made you feel. Did Rin's origin surprise you? Did it live up to your expectation? What questions do you have now after reading this?
The next chapter update will be in 2 weeks!