White Death

Chapter 2: White Birth


Not that long ago, he had left behind the river's miko. It always pained him to watch them sorrow, but Lily's time as a human was over. Yes, she had been cut short, but it was not his own fault.

Death made his way silently through the sleeping realm of river and keep. All the original servants save for two lay in mystical hibernation, conserving their energy stores and hoping that some day the ancient river in the above world would flow again. He himself had been present and lurking when the head housekeepers had broken the emergency orb after the spring lord had relayed news that the entrance was sealed.

Death and Life alone were able to pass the gates of earth and shell now, and for the past several years he had come to take the spirits of the weak away to a new and stronger life, to reward them for their faith.

Life was now waiting for him here. His beautiful mate had been taking care of the pregnant mothers that had been down here. This was the last one, and he would collect her soon. First though, the healthy child must come out, the last being to be awake in this ancient fortress, one of the few children that had survived their gestation.

This had only been possible because there was a soul worthy of the position that she would now fill. The Death Guild and the Council of Life had both agreed that young Lily was the most appropriate soul to occupy this body now sliding out of the humanoid carp spirit into the shining hands of the other spirit. King Yama himself had placed the stamp of approval once it had been presented. The child deserved to remain with her friend, even if neither of them would ever know who the other truly was.

The ghostly white dragon rounded a corner and witnessed the last of the birth, delighting in the healthy cry from the young carp child born in humanoid form. It was good that this shape was the one, she could be too easily swept away by the river if in her proper form. The tiny seed pearl would grow in this body, and perhaps be even larger by the time of her next incarnation.

"Welcome back Lily."

Life's white skin shone with an inner light like the sun or stars, and her midnight hair was a river of birth around her form. She never wore proper clothing, her hair provided all the curtaining that she needed. Ruby lips were curved in a smile matched only by violets that were her eyes.

"Those two share a strong connection."

"Yes, they do. As long as I can remember these two pearls have been close. Rare among their kind."

"Kohakunushi will be eased from some of his pain when he realizes the spirit has been returned."

"With his sacrifice, he has earned it."

The pale carp woman the child slid out of dissolved bodily, spirit ready to leave the worn out shell. All her life she had waited patiently for her duty, and now it would pass to her daughter. Death smiled gently. It was beautiful to see the grace with which this one readied herself.

"Yes Scale. Your daughter is healthy and strong. You may return to the Sea Beyond and rest."

Opening his gaping maw wide, the glowing fish shape swam happily to be consumed and pass to where all fish go after death. He felt her pass through him, and when passage was finished, he smiled for his mate.

"I need to go now. The old servants are coming to investigate the baby's wails and your presence. Will you wait for them?"

"Yes mate."


Two feeble looking old servants wobbled near the child. They had seen with their Sight the mother's soul departing with Death. The presence of Life herself intrigued them, but they knew better to speak. She was too powerful, and even a word from her could be destructive unintentionally.

Instead, the white fish and white salamander bowed low to the Lady.

Silently, she held forth the bundle. The old lizard took it carefully in his arms, watching as the Dragon of Life faded from view.

"Another child. It is good that some have survived to be born."

"Indeed. Lord Kohaku will be pleased to find that some of the unborn had survived when he returns to us."

Blue eyes gazed tearily up at the old ones, and they melted into smiles. She was so new, and yet her eyes held such sorrow, as if she had lost something important. In a way, this was true. Her mother had just passed away, and her father had been dead since the river seige.

She looked so much like her parents.

"She needs a name."

"She needs food first you old coot!"

The pair made their way through the darkened and magic laden halls by memory. Boiled rice was all they had to offer for one so young. It would have to do.

"What's this in her bundle?"

A single purple river lily had worked its way out of her scaled blanket.

"A lily. I haven't seen one in years."

"Let's call her Lily."