Intermezzo: Hana no Hakujou
(Confession of the Flower)
During a dark and windy, moonless night, something sinister stirred in the air. It was a bloodthirsty spirit of menacing power. The spirit was ancient, and had been wandering the surface of the earth for many eons. In another time, it possessed a cruel war lord who was later taken down by his own vassals. In another time, it was a geisha that killed her suitors and drank their blood until she was burned as a witch. Yet another time, it was a part of a demon that lived in the mountains, who tore unfortunate passersby by limb from limb and ate their hearts. That was until the beast was defeated by a little brat half-demon named Inuyasha. Those who vanquished it did not notice the spirit that possessed the demon had escaped from harm. But again, it lacked corporeal form.
In a field near Yamazaki castle lay a make-shift graveyard for the dead of a battle dating back sixteen years prior. It was mostly a grassy field, without headstones and any other landmarks to indicate where Yamazaki Makoto was buried. But it bore no flowers for an evil man was buried there, one who would slay his own kin for the sake of power. The spirit thought possessing the dead was rather distasteful, but it had no choice. It had wandered too long without a body and it could feel its strength waning. Possessing forest animals was not enough now. It needed to kill again. Seeping into the earth of the grassy field, it searched for the most malignant soul. And there it found Yamazaki Makoto.
"You, of the Yamazaki Clan. Do you wish revenge on those who killed you?" asked the evil spirit.
Revenge? asked the dead soul of Makoto.
"You are caught here between heaven and hell for your sins against your family, caught by the curse of your brothers as each of them died and knew it was you who had slain them. And then you yourself were slain in battle by those who would take revenge for those dead brothers' demise. You lingered painfully for a fortnight and died in writhing pain. Do you seek revenge? Those who have killed you have prospered. They have taken Yamazaki Castle. They have taken control of the clan. Yet you still lie here in limbo, rotting away in the ditch they carelessly buried you in. If you come with me, you may seek revenge," whispered the spirit to Makoto's soul. "The west wind tells me that the next generation of the Yamazaki line has appeared once more. The offspring of your rival brother Ryunosuke and Saiyo, the woman you loved, survived. Seek your revenge against their child, for the love you were denied; for the world you never conquered. Let me guide your rage, your jealousy, and your hate."
Yes, I will seek my revenge, hissed the soul Makoto. The spirit joined with the dead corpse of Makoto, using the grave dirt to give him form once more. Then, it proceeded to raise the dead of the others also buried in the field.
000
Rin blocked her opponent's attack with a grace that awed the crowd around them. She was armed with two short swords, one in each hand, and after she had blocked the spear's attacking thrust, a second thrust followed. This she dodged with a slight tilt of her body to one side, and the spear's tip came dangerously close to her shoulder. Now he was open. Pushing down with both hands, the spear bent to the ground, and Rin jumped onto it. She used her body's weight to counterbalance the slight bounce in the bend of the shaft. Timing it just right, Rin was on the offensive and in a lightning quick attack, she leaped into the air and suddenly both blades were coming down hard on her opponent's block. The blades dug into the handle of the spear, but not having enough weight to slice through it, Rin pushed off with her arms, using her levitation stone's power to do a backwards flip and she landed directly behind her opponent. One bade came dangerously close to inserting itself into the nape of his neck.
"I've won," panted Rin, still holding the blade steady in her hand.
"So you have, Meiyuuri-chan" smiled Jun'ichiro.
"Please don't call me that," winced Rin. "That name sounds so formal. Just call me Rin," she said.
"You know I can't do that," he laughed.
Many months have passed since she first met her cousin Jun'ichiro at the tea stand at the crossroads in the forest. Her cousin was the lord of a vast fiefdom, ruled by her mother's family for generations. Again, Rin found herself living the life of a Hime-sama at his castle. Her days were filled with lessons, gardens and people. The only thing different here was that she was always surrounded by human conversation and constant company, something she lacked when living with Sesshomaru-sama.
A servant handed them white linen cloths to dry themselves from their exercise. Rin, dressed in her practice clothes, fanned herself with her long sleeve. Having bound her chest with a long strip of linen, she found herself envying the men in the dojo who could go bare-chested. The small crowd that gathered in the large dojo nodded approvingly and then continued with their morning exercises. Many were in awe of Rin's abilities, though all in the dojo were men. The daughter of Lady Saiyo, who was remembered for her legendary beauty, never ceased to amaze them in what she could do. Both well mannered and beautiful, she was very mysterious. Here, she was known as Meiyuuri-sama, a beautiful stranger who was revealed to be the last remnant of the Yamazaki clan. That was the name her mother had given her, although she preferred her nickname, "Rin." Many wondered where she had been trained. No one knew of the levitation stone that she wore hidden from view at all times.
"Saiyo-sama would be proud of you. Soon you'll be able to take over the governing of your lands, and the Yamazaki clan," he marveled.
"I want nothing of that, Jun-san," she grimaced. "I'm glad that you have taught me my father's fighting style. But, I really don't think I'd do well leading a clan. I wouldn't know where to start."
"Start at the beginning," he smirked. "You've already been introduced to them. Your father's followers will be proud to serve you."
"But I am a woman. They would not willingly follow me if I were not the only one left in my family," she sighed.
"Regardless," insisted Jun'ichiro. "They will follow you. Your clansmen are masters of the martial arts. They could not respect you if you could not fight. Surprisingly though, you seem to have a knack for it, and it seems your prior mentor has made my job much easier. Your clan members have seen what you can do. You've almost mastered the technique now. They are eagerly awaiting your decision for you are the hope of the clan for the future."
She never told him of the magic stone around her neck. Rin never mentioned where she had stayed for eleven years after the death of her parents. She only told Jun that she was taken in by a kind master, a prince in his own right in a faraway land. Her skills and knowledge were a testament to his kindness towards her. Rin explained that she had left only to find her own destiny, but said nothing else. She wondered if he would think of her differently if he knew the truth.
"You have a small army at your disposal, Rin, and several warriors to lead them under your family's banner. You could establish your own kingdom in a month if you wanted to. The neighboring lands are no match for you. I can help you too," he smiled.
"You know that I care not about those things," laughed Rin. She looked down at her hands, now blistered from constantly practicing with her blades. Her decision to learn her father's technique was a way for her to try to know her father better. It was the only thing left of him now. "I think I still prefer the simple life of planting flowers and playing the flute." She looked at him. Jun'ichiro's expression became a bit more serious now, although she found it rare that her cousin was ever serious. Like the older brother who died long ago, Jun also teased her with good humor, and was quite generous with her. She knew that he cared for her.
"Seriously, Rin. If we join forces, then both our clans can prosper," he said. "The warlords of the distant lands are becoming stronger. I fear the worst for the future of our family and its lands." Hesitating, the turned to put his spear back into place. Unable to face her, he said quietly, "I know you haven't the stomach for battle. But your clan has been leaderless too long. My presence is a mere stewardship, and I cannot lead them informally. Your father's followers, I think, would prefer someone of his blood leading them, and ruling the Yamazaki inheritance."
He hesitated. "We could marry, you know, and continue the line. If you want, I can take the reins and you can stay in the gardens and play your flute." He paused. "I just want you to be happy, Rin. But I also see the need to protect our people." Without another word, he leisurely walked out of the dojo into the early winter morning.
Rin said nothing and returned to her chambers to change. There was a lot to think about. Sesshomaru-sama had similar worries. Rin never thought that she would have to shoulder the same burden. She suddenly felt sorry for Sesshomaru-sama. Her servants helped her out of her garments and dressed her in a warm, pure white robe. She declined the rich, finely embroidered kimono and the servants served her tea and breakfast, leaving the kimono hanging in place alongside the wall. As she ate her breakfast in silence, Rin wondered what had become of her favorite kimono; the one with the small yellow daisies floating in blue water. Her mind began to wander into the past, once again.
A forest scene began to form in her mind. Tall and striking, Lord Sesshomaru led the way, followed by the short imp Jaken, who was pulling the two-headed Ah-Un's reins, while little Rin rode in the saddle. They had always been a peculiar ensemble, but Rin didn't realize how strange their troupe appeared until she pictured it in her mind again. She had not thought of her former companions for a while now, being occupied with the pursuit of her own life's path. Rin wondered how they were both doing.
Sesshomaru-sama, Rin had said, realizing that her stomach was grumbling. She was a growing girl, after all. Rin is hungry! Can we stop and find some food?
Troublesome girl, grumbled Jaken. Don't complain! Be patient and maybe we'll –
Rin is going to go get something to eat, she called out, ignoring Jaken and hopping off of Ah-Un.
Rin! Wait! Don't just run off—said, Jaken, startled by her audacity.
I'll be back! She headed off in search of food.
Hey you little--! HEY!! Jaken was still protesting loudly when he heard Sesshomaru-sama call his name.
Be quiet, Sesshomaru had said.
"You were always looking out for me, weren't you, Sesshomaru-sama?" said Rin aloud, sipping her tea and staring out of the open door that revealed the garden beyond.
000
Jaken plodded along the dirt path with his staff making simultaneous impact with the ground alongside his right foot. The air was getting colder as the sun began to set, and he pulled his robes closer around him. Jaken glanced up at Sesshomaru's figure ahead of him. Jaken had no idea where they were going, but he hoped it didn't start raining. There were dark menacing clouds up ahead. He dared not ask where they were going. A few weeks ago, Sesshomaru-sama had told him to prepare Ah-Un and they left the palace shortly thereafter. Lady Akiko and her father had sent a messenger to bring notice that they intended to make another visit, but Sesshomaru-sama did not respond. He merely sent a servant to tell them that Sesshomaru would not be present at the palace, and he left without much ado. Currently, their journey was still a mystery to Jaken, but he followed Sesshomaru-sama nonetheless. He would follow him to the ends of the world if need be. One did not question Sesshomaru-sama. His master was in a very strange mood. He had not said much during the entire journey. Something was clearly bothering him. At times like this, Jaken wished Sesshomaru was more open with his thoughts. Jaken was tired, and hungry and slightly damp from the cold dewy air.
If Jaken knew his master's true thoughts, he might have passed out from the shock. In truth, Sesshomaru's thoughts were a puzzle to himself, but he was certainly very concerned; for both himself and the subject of his thoughts. He would never admit this to anyone openly. When Lady Akiko and her father threatened to visit him again, Sesshomaru inwardly cringed. He was not keen on seeing anyone; and had not been for a while now. His thoughts had been preoccupied for quite some time with the beautiful tune of a flute. A few weeks prior, he had started meditating on this tune, something he had memorized though only hearing it once. In his meditation, the tune had relaxed him and he drifted off. But he had awoken in the middle of the night with a very bad feeling. His Inu instincts were alerting him of danger, but not for himself. Something was about to happen.
Having watched over her for eleven years, Sesshomaru had to admit that he was very much in tune with Rin. It was a strange connection they had. As a child, Rin would often get into trouble, and Sesshomaru was always on the alert, as many times in the past, his enemies would try to get to him through her. It never ceased to amaze him how he still tolerated her presence throughout his travels. This continued even as she blossomed into a human woman; a very beautiful, warm and caring human woman. Though Sesshomaru hated humans generally, he made allowances for her. At first, it was because she was a small child; helpless, beaten and picked on. She had no protector or defender and he pitied her. He pitied her because she had shown him kindness, in spite of her own woes. She was selfless. This was a concept that Sesshomaru was not very familiar with, although it was an attribute he knew his father had possessed. Sesshomaru had always admired his father, who was perhaps the greatest leader of the Inu Clan.
Thus, Sesshomaru took Rin under his wing. He even took it upon himself to see her properly educated and trained in protecting herself. In a way, Sesshomaru was trying to make sure she had all she needed so when there came a time to let her go, he could make arrangements for her to live with humans. He could tell that she had always been very attached to him and he did not know exactly when he would let her go. It really wasn't until Lady Akiko and her father had broached the subject that he realized Rin had been with him for so long already. Her presence was so familiar, like Jaken's. Rin was like the morning sun; both would always greet Sesshomaru on a daily basis.
It was not unexpected as he had personally brought her back from the dead with Tenseiga, his father's magical sword. He wanted to test its power. But still, he found it odd that he should be able to tolerate her for such a long time. He attributed this to simple reasons. She was innocent and unsullied by human failings such as greed, envy, vanity or gluttony. She was selfless and wanted only to be helpful and be looked after in return. Rin was unique. She did not fear Sesshomaru, like everyone else did.
Sesshomaru did not know what exactly it was he felt for Rin. He had watched her grow up and protected her because he had an affinity towards her. And she had proven her loyalty time and again. She had helped him in unexpected ways during battles, she had saved Jaken several times, and Rin acted without thinking of the danger to herself. This was something that Sesshomaru did not find in the demon world. Pureness of heart.
Sesshomaru-sama! He pictured her smiling up at him as a five year old child. Totally and completely trusting her life to him; a stranger and a demon.
Sesshomaru-sama! Her voice echoed in his head. She smelled of fresh flowers and living earth whenever she came near him.
Sesshomaru-sama! Her graceful step was trailed by the fine robes he acquired for her. She would always call his name if she was in need of aid.
Sesshomaru-sama! A smile as brilliant as the sun beamed at him.
Sesshomaru-sama! Rin was still sweet and innocent, even after becoming a beautiful young woman. She had retained all the characteristics that made her unique.
Suddenly, Sesshomaru became very angry. Abruptly stopping, he pulled out his sword and summoned his ken-ki. A glowing blue aura surrounded the blade and he swung wide. The tree nearest to him was cut in half instantly, despite its girth. It teetered to one side, and then fell over with a loud crash that sounded throughout the deep forest.
This Sesshomaru does not care for anything or anyone!
He began to realize that his long-time mantra was not true at all. Jaken, still wide eyed in horror at the sudden outburst, made a mental note to stay clear of his mater's sword swing. They continued their journey as night approached.