Cherry Blossoms of White Death
Author's Note : This chapter will be done in Inuyasha's POV. Finally, the chapter everyone has been waiting for, (I hope). Anyway, this is the start of all the ghosts and the All God's village. I don't plan on making the story line exact to the one on the game. I plan on using some of the Inuyasha characters as ghosts too. Also, I intend on putting up a notes, memos, journal entries from the ghosts. If you like that, then I'll post more of them. If not, I won't. Although, I think, they would really help build the story. Please, notice that I don't own Inuyasha nor Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly. I will not repeat this again. Thank you reviewers!
Inuyasha : Don't be stupid! Of course you don't own me! I own myself. You got that!
Hamona : Yeah, sure. Whatever.
Inuyasha : Are you even listening!
Hamona : Huh? What was that?
Inuyasha : I said-
Sesshoumaru : (picks Inuyasha up and throws him across the room) Pay him no mind. He is, for our purposes, not here.
Hamona : Don't have to tell me twice.
Sesshoumaru : So it would seem.
Inuyasha : What was that for!
Sesshoumaru : Did you hear something?
Hamona : Nope, not at all.
Chapter Seven - The Lost Village
" In a dark, dark, place... "
It had been ten days since I had last spoken to the man named Masumi Makimura. He had been a man from the outside world. The only other person I had met, aside from the people that lived in this house, that it. The first time I had seen him, I had been so interested in talking to him, but now all I could do was wonder what really happened to him? I probably wouldn't wonder such things under normal circumstances, but these weren't normal, after all. I had heard on the news he had gone missing. Rumor had it he had gotten lost in the forest, yet I felt as if something more became of him. Something terrifying, beyond my imagination.
All I could do was wait until he came back. Wait until the news bombarded with his name and in big, bold letters stated: FOUND! That is, if it ever happened. To tell you the truth, I held unwavering doubt that, that would not come to pass. Call it lack of faith. Call it loss of hope. Call it what you will. But strangely enough, I just had this eerie feeling in the back of my mind telling me he had gone away to a place, in which, he would never return from. 'Had he died?' I knew I didn't know the answer and I would only drive myself insane with the ongoing questions. So I decided it would be best to just keep my mouth shut and my mind closed off from anymore thoughts. But that didn't really work because the thoughts always came back...
I sat at the edge of my bed, staring out my window at the clear, blue sky. Wishing the same two wishes over and over: I want Masumi to be okay and I wish to be free from this place. Would my wishes come true? I doubted it. Besides, I was old enough to know better then to bother with such childish ideals. 'If only I was still small; if I could start again. Would I be happy now? Would things be different?'
Kaede was still sick with the flu and I was growing more worried about her condition. She was quite old and I could already see the funeral flowers blooming. Soon they would be the only thing I had left to remind me of her once walking presence. That aside from her memory, of course.
Everything that had happenened over the past ten days was making me depressed. So worried, so worried. I was driving myself ill, but I couldn't stop it. Something bad was going to happen. I just knew it. I could actually feel it. Feel it, growing in between the cracks within the wooden flooring. See it, looming behind the backs of every person that I came in contact with. I could even taste the bitterness of it from the raindrops that fell yesterday morning. It was everywhere, all around. Warning me of it's arrival. All I could do now was listen, and wait for it like I was waiting for Masumi Makimura.
I was tired of looking out the window so I messed with the hem from my unraveling bedspread. How bored I must be! Surely, there was something more to do? But there wasn't. There was never anything. Always the same thing, over and over, non-ending. That's why I had to get out. I had to escape. No longer was this type of life bearable for me. I just couldn't tolerate it anymore, at all. Maybe I was just restless? Maybe I wasn't...
That's when I saw something in the corner of my eye, outside the window. Someone running into the woods. 'Who could it be?' I wondered, jumping up from my bed and rushing to the window for a better view. The only clue was a trace of flowing silver hair. "Sesshoumaru!" I shouted flying out of my room, down the steps, past the kitchen, and out the front door. I slammed it loudly behind me and broke out in a run knowing I had to catch up to him.
I ran as fast as my legs could carry me, using my arms as shields to repel outstretched limbs that stuck out in my path. My heart thudded under the sudden rush, and my throat became coated with a sticky dryness. I swallowed hard a few times hoping to clear it, but it only seemed to make it worse. So, I just tried my best to ignore it. I hadn't ran in a long time, so I was finding out how out of shape I really was. It wasn't that I was over-weight or anything, it was just I felt like my entire body would explode if I continued on any further. It was sad because I was already feeling like this and I had only just begun to run.
I wanted to sigh to release my frustration, but I knew if I did, I would just have to wave goodbye to catching up with Sesshoumaru.
After awhile of non-stop running, I could hear leaves crunching beneath the footsteps of someone ahead of me. I didn't want to rush to conclusions believing it was him because I wasn't sure if it was. There was a possibility it was squirrels sprinting to safety into nearby trees. Yet, the more I focused my attention onto the sound I noticed that they seemed to be right beside me. As if, someone was running next to me. I kept glancing over my shoulder, turning my head to the side, waiting to see someone. Anyone! But no one was there. Ever.
I started to feel very uneasy about it like I was being followed by some invisible person. Sure, it sounded stupid and I would have laughed about it; if it wasn't happening to me. Always to me. I wonder if Sesshoumaru was having this problem? Maybe that's why he ran because he felt like he was being chased? Then again, he was being chased.. by me.
I found myself wanting to yell out to him. Call out his name. Remind him to wait for me, but I knew if I did, I would quickly feel stupid and regret it. I knew he wouldn't wait on me. The jerk! Regardless, of what little "peace attempt" he had made with me. It hadn't changed anything. Not that I had EVER expected it to. I knew he would never change. He was just too cold. Such a distant, uncaring person. Someone that I would always try and reach out to, but before I could grab ahold of him; he would crumble away like sand against my fingertips. It was useless to wish for him to be different, yet even if I didn't understand him. At least, I knew now somewhere within his heart; he held warmth for me. And I was thankful for it, even if it was a diminutive part. It WAS there!
I stopped running for a moment beginning to wander what had happened and where I was. The sunlight that had once settled peacefully over the forest was gone, and now it seemed to be night? I struggled to see what was infront of me but the only thing I could make out was darkness. 'What the hell? What is this? ' I stopped walking and spun around thinking maybe I was seeing things. Yet, there was nothing but darkness.
I waited there for awhile blinded by the new surroundings and angry at my slow adjusting eyes. Once I could see somewhat of where I was going, I started walking again. Only to stumble over a overgrown root I didn't see! I growled outloud, swearing furiously, and wanting more then anything to be able to kick the root across the forest floor as hard as I could with my foot, but I had learned my lesson in not doing that.
I continued to go foward. Down the small path that seemed to unfold just for me, almost like it was beckoning me to follow. Over all, I had a hard time keeping my eyes glued to it, since I couldn't see anything, but I just kept telling myself to move ahead and avoid trees.
A few trips and new bruises later, I found myself in a large clearing, glowing with murky torch light, on top of a enormous hill, shrouded in dense fog that danced along with the air. 'Where is this...?' I wondered, looking around at the gloomy area. My eyes fell on a small, crimson butterfly fluttering off into the distance, away from me. I turned my head and followed it's uneven pattern until it disappeared near someone. Someone? Wait...
My brother?
"Sesshoumaru!" I called out, rushing over to him like a dog eagerly awaiting his master. I had finally found him!
Upon my closeness, he turned around slowly. Swarms of blood red butterflies poured away from his body and dispersed into the night sky. I shuttered slightly from the sudden rush of coldness before folding my arms firmly against my chest. Sesshoumaru's eyes scanned me over before he turned his back to me again. I sighed, knowing I was out of my mind, if I had expected him to be happy to see me too.
I walked over beside him, gazing at the mist filled village down below. The only lighting seemed to come from the torches from the hill we were standing on. That meant that everyone was asleep or not there. Or worse... not alive. I shuttered at the possibility before giving Sesshoumaru a strange look. He turned to face me, knowing I had something I wanted to say. "What is this place?" I questioned. My voice came out weak and shaky. I coughed a little, hoping to clear it. "The lost village." Sesshoumaru mumbled sounding more like he was telling himself this, instead of me. "The lost village?" I repeated, quietly.
"I heard a story once, about a village that disappeared during a festival. People who get lost in the woods become trapped." His usual dull, amber eyes flashed excited after he had finished speaking. 'Why would he get so excited about something creepy like that?' I wondered, shifting uncomfortably in my standing position, keeping my eyes locked on the seemingly ancient village that loomed just below my feet. I secretly wondered how the village had remained standing all these years. It seemed that even the roofs of the houses looked like they would crumble at the slightest touch.
"I wonder, could this be that place?" Sesshoumaru added after a few moments. His expression became more thoughtful as he silently pondered the question. I remained quiet, not wanting to speak up and voice how I felt about the situation. After all, I didn't want to ruin his little "lost village" theory. Yet, I couldn't stop myself from releasing a snort that told him my thoughts exactly. As soon as it came out, he turned his head to glare at me. His icy orbs burned razor sharp holes though my body and I found myself having to look away. Secretly wondering how he had managed to know what I had done when he couldn't have known! Maybe he was more aware of what was happening around him, then I gave him credit for. Maybe he was more aware then I was…
"I don't recall ever asking you for your opinion." He snapped, turning on his heels and walking soundlessly away. My gaze darted after him, but I found my legs didn't do the same. Where did he think he was going, anyway? I knew for a fact I didn't really give a damn, but I didn't want to stand there alone. So, I decided to sprint after him. At least now, I wouldn't have to worry about him not coming back. I would make sure he came back! We would leave here together. No matter WHAT the circumstances were. I promised myself this, so I could only make sure to see it through.
Once I caught up with Sesshoumaru, I dived infront of him knowing this was the only way to get him to listen to what I had to say. He stopped abruptly, his eyes immediately burning with flames. "Where the hell are you going?" I asked. Although, it seemed like such stupid question at the time. I still bothered myself with asking it.
"To the village, of course."
"Are you nuts? Is your brain broken or something! You don't even know what kind of people live here!" I exclaimed. The words came out loud. Alot louder then I had expected them to, and they seemed to bounce back and forth in my head before they finally disappeared.
"Are you finished? " Sesshoumaru mouthed impatiently, pushing me aside and striding past me; showing his arrogance to the fullest. I tightened up my fist, glaring at his back angrily. I swear if there would have been a rock lying around I would have thrown it at him! Yet, all I could do now was force my legs to chase after him. I HAD to keep the promise I made with myself. At no account would I let him get away!
Immediately he noticed me walking behind him.
"Now, is it me or are you following?" He asked, not bothering to face me to speak. "What's wrong with going back the way we came?" I questioned, ignoring what he had said to me. "Be my guest. I, myself, don't feel like going back home." He said, his tone unmistakably bitter. Deaf or not, he still knew how to make his voice sound that way. "Wait, I'll come with you." I told him, speeding my pace up to a jog just to keep up with him. I wasn't sure if he had seen what I said because I didn't see him turn to focus on me, not once.
"Unfortunately, I have no intension of being around you any longer." He spat out, shoving me away from him with such force I lost my balance and crashed to the dirt floor. "You bastard!" I screamed knowing that he didn't hear me. That only made me more mad!
Sesshoumaru stopped walking and turned around; seeing what he had done. His cold expression softened but only a little. "Inuyasha, go home." He said. "What's the big idea! Why can't I come along!"
"I'm under no obligation to explain." He answered quickly casting me a little glance before walking off again. I stood up and dusted off my clothes until I had removed all traces that I had ever fallen down. If he didn't want me to go with him, then where did he expect me to go? Oh, that's right, HOME! Under no circumstances would I ever go back home! Besides, even if I did, there's no chance in hell that I would be able to find my way back. The forest was pitch black and if I left on my own I would become lost in the woods. Is that what he wanted? To forget about me so he could finally be free? Finally be able to not have a twin, anymore? What an asshole! This was so VERY typical of him; always pushing me away! I was sick of this! Sick of the way he treated me! All I wanted was him to treats me like a person! Is that so much to ask for?
Without realizing it, I could feel my eyes burning with a blurry wetness. Was I crying...?
"You are most pathetic, Inuyasha. Crying over such trival matters?" Sesshoumaru's voice cut in, confirming my thoughts, exactly. I balled up my fist and yelled, "Don't flatter yourself, jerk!"
Then, I took of running; past Sesshoumaru. Just so he couldn't see my tear stained face. I didn't want him to see how much his words always affected me. 'Damn you, Sesshoumaru!'
I could hear him coming up behind me. He moved swiftly, walking in short strides. Always so perfect; always so in tune. Always so much better then me. Was the older twin meant to be greater then the younger twin? Or was it just me? Me who couldn't keep my act together if my life depended on it. I wanted him to go away just so I wouldn't have to feel like this. It was him that should go back home! Not me. I was meant to be here.
Here... away from that stupid, cursed house that I hated so much.
I hesitated and turned around to face Sesshoumaru casting him a furious look. "Who invited you? Quit following!" I snapped and sped up just so he couldn't rush ahead of me. But before I could get further away, he grabbed onto my shoulder, and yanked me backwards to where he was ahead and I was the one that was following. "Following you, am I? I think not." He said, smirking like a fool. I growled at him and folded my arms over my chest, looking out into the foggy distance. I wasn't going to play "who gets to lead" with him. Although, he seemed to enjoy playing leader a little too much. I'd just let him have his way for now. After all, he seemed to be to wrapped up in it to tell me to get lost and go back home. So, I thought I would tell him I wasn't going anywhere before he beat me to it. "I'm not leaving until we both do. You got that?"
I waited for his reply but he didn't respond. He only walked forward, keeping his eyes locked straight ahead of him. He seemed to be at peace with the unusual surroundings. As if, he was aware of what would be lurking around every corner. I on the other hand was not. This whole place was giving me the creeps and I found myself wanting to go back home. Pathic, I know, but something didn't feel right. Something in the air, whispering to me, telling me to turn back.
'Go back home, Inuyasha. Take Sesshoumaru and run away as fast as you can! Hurry before they find out you're here!'
I just ignored it; ignored the obvious warning. I could take care of myself and Sesshoumaru, for that matter. That is, if it ever came to something like that. '(What if it does?) But it won't. (You don't know that.) Of course I do. So just shut up, will ya!'
I felt something grind underneath my shoe, which broke me free from my thoughts. I took a small step back and raised up my foot. On the ground was a small, leather bag that looked slighty weathered and beat up from over usage. "What's this thing?" I wondered out loud, picking it from the ground and opening it. All the while, secretly thinking a spider would come crawling out and bite me for invading its personal space. Yet, instead of getting bitten I pulled out a small photograph and two newspaper clippings. The picture was of a man and woman standing happily beside each other. Their faces plastered with warm smiles; that I envied. I stared at the picture for a long time until I noticed Sesshoumaru looking down at it with me. That's when it hit me. The man in the picture... he was Masumi Makimura! I couldn't take my eyes off of him. The man who had been missing... he had been here! I flumbled with the picture handing it over to Sesshoumaru who took it without hesitation. Then, I studied the other two things that had been with the picture. The two newspaper clippings..
( Two Newspaper Clippings : )
With the start of construction for All God's Dam approaching. Masumi Makimura (26),
a geological surveyor dispatched to the area, has gone missing. Mr. Makimura went to
the area to investigate the site that would be submerged once the dam was built, but
hasn't been heard from for five days.
- # # # # -
The search for Masumi Makimura (26), the surveyor missing since the fourth of this month,
came to a close yesterday. Mr. Makimura had been helping to conduct a geological survey
for All God's Dam. As of yesterday, he has been missing for ten days.
No, not Masumi. Someone who had came here looking for him. Maybe it was the woman in the picture? "Someone came here after Masumi. That must mean..." I let the sentence hang, looking at my brother with a seemingly lost expression. He stared at me with curious, amber eyes before looking back down at the photograph he held tightly in his hands.
"Masumi? That lost man? I wonder, could he be here?" He asked, breaking away the long silence that had taken over the stifling air. "Seems that way, huh? Let's go." I instantly answered and began to head off down the jagged, little path. As we walked further and got closer down the dirt walkway; the village came into full view.
The houses were crumbling and seemed to be waiting to fall apart at the chosen time. Yet, as bad as they looked they were sturdy enough to hold up. To me, the entire place looked as if it had been abandoned for long, lost centuries but someone had to still be here. How else would you explain all the lighted torches out front? Someone alive and walking had lit them, right?
I stopped walking deciding I didn't want to go in, but before I could tell Sesshoumaru my new found plans; I caught a glimpse of someone. A women, I think, walking into the first house within my viewing range. She was wearing white clothing.
"Look, someone's here!" I stated excitedly, glancing back at Sesshoumaru who's eyes were a lot wider then usual. His mouth was gaped open and he was looking forward in the direction where the women in white had disappeared. He almost seemed frightened like he had seen a ghost. "What? Do you have a problem?" I asked. Annoyance dripping like blood from my words.
He snapped out of his state of shock and glared fiercely at me before replying, "It's nothing. Don't concern yourself with me, just keep quiet." After he had spoke he pushed past me and stomped off in the area the woman had been. I followed closely behind him, scanning the empty village for anyone that was here, but the place was completely deserted. I perked up my ears as much as I could hoping I might hear someone else's footsteps but I did not. We were alone.
Sesshoumaru slid open the door and stepped inside. Once he was, he turned around and gave me a nod that said it was safe to follow. I returned the nod and pushed myself up against him. I rested my closed hands near his lower back. He shifted uncomfortably for a split second, but didn't move away from me. I found that odd but I didn't say anything. I kept my mouth closed and glanced around the small entrance room. There was enough room for us both to stand a safe distance away from each other, but neither of us made a attempt to do so. I sort of enjoyed being near to him like this; being near to him made me feel safe...
The stentch of the musty room quickly made the safe feeling go away. I frowned slightly before taking a few steps toward the wooden screen, that loomed on the left side of me. Through the cracks in the screen, I could see another room that was glowing with dim lighting. I squinted my eyes for closer inspection thinking I might could see someone in there but the room looked empty. I turned back around, facing my twin, who stared at me blankly. That's when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and a burst of cold air travel around the room. I shivered under the sudden change in temperate realizing I didn't feel so alone anymore. I felt like someone was standing right behind me, looking over my shoulder, and glaring down at me with hate filled eyes.
I spun around rapidly seeing no one. I released a sigh of relief turning back to look at Sesshoumaru who looked terrified. The same look he had before was planted on his face. "Did you see that!" He stammered. His voice came out little and frightened. The words were broken into small mumbles that I couldn't hear with my ears, but I saw what he said with my eyes. He grabbed onto my shirt and yanked me over beside him; away from the wooden screen. I was about to buy into what he said, but then I thought about it. He was only trying to scare me. He wanted me to believe there was someone behind me when there wasn't. "What are you babbling about, now?" I questioned, giving him a overly composted look. That showed him I wasn't scared, nor did I believe him. He just shook his head giving me a mad expression. I wasn't sure if he was mad at me for not falling for his trick or because there was really something there. I looked back at him as he headed through the door in front of him.
(A/N:) That's all for now. Read and review! Also, if you like Resident Evil, I'm writing a Inuyasha story with the characters living in Raccoon City before the T-virus. If you would like to read the story iscalled; Resident Evil : Ain't Afraid to Die.
