Chapter 4: A New Beginning
The sun rises from the east and sets in the west.
That was Rin's guiding principle on her journey east away from Kaede's village in early dawn. It was an easy tip she learned from Kagome.
She left in silent haste, unsure how far her homemade mixture could disguise her scent. Hopefully it would slow down InuYasha and Kirara from tracking her down.
As for the human villagers, she also took precaution. As she exited the village, she made sure to travel on the grassy plots that grew alongside the road. She didn't have time to cover her footsteps, but she tried her best to reduce the footprints made.
And Sesshomaru? It was over 2 weeks since their last box exchange; he was probably preoccupied.
After passing the Goshinboku Tree and the Bone Eater's well, she arrived at the foothold of the mountains just as light began to shimmer in the sky.
Not bad for timing but no time for rest.
Her plan was to cross the mountain range and reach one of the villages on the other side by nightfall. She wouldn't seek shelter with anyone; she'd just stay in the nearby forest and resume her journey eastward by dawn the following day.
Rin was familiar with these villages; Kaede, her and Kagome had taken some trips to help heal the sick. She didn't want to be recognized so staying nearby was the safest option. Only upon reaching an unknown village would she consider taking overnight residence.
It isn't like it was her first time sleeping overnight in the forests; she just hadn't done it in a long, long time.
After her uneventful journey over the first mountain, she passed the closest village before settling on a thicket of trees by sunset.
To avoid unwanted attention, she didn't dare make a fire.
As she settled against the tree trunk of the largest oak tree, she realized she hadn't eaten at all. Even as she nibbled on her dried snacks, her mind was preoccupied.
Am I trying to carve my own path? Or am I trying to run away? Both?
Run away from the invisible bonds created by Sesshomaru while determining my own path?
I had a pretty good life going for me in the village. I just still felt wrapped up in Sesshomaru's plans about me.
Plans that he never consulted with me.
Was I selfish in not leaving a note behind for Kaede-sama? I hope she understands. I hope they all understand.
I just wanted to find a path that was not pre-selected. One defined by me and only me.
If Sesshomaru somehow fits in the picture, that'd be nice. But it would be on terms we agreed on equally.
These thoughts swirled around Rin's head as she ate and then rubbed her homemade hidden scent mixture underneath her yukata. The sweat from her travels earlier in the day might have worn off the intensity of the mixture.
No chances were to be taken.
By the time she was finished, the sun had settled into slumber as night woke up to take on the evening. The villagers nearby had turned in for the night.
The stars displayed their shimmer against the night backdrop as Rin admired them.
So beautiful.
As Rin was only past the first mountain, she knew the forest was free of harmful youkai. Kaede's village had a reputation of hosting the youkai and humans that defeated Naraku and countless formidable youkai.
Any youkai who dared to disrupt the peace in the villages by the mountain range was asking for the death penalty. Youkai knew better; there were easier human prey elsewhere.
With the dangerous youkai gone, the surrounding lands allowed itself to heal and thrive amongst humans, friendly youkai and spirits.
Forests poisoned by miasma were healing. The new trees provided better air quality for the humans.
Friendly youkai and spirits began to occupy the forests, protecting the humans if needed. In turn, the humans gave offerings as thanks.
Dried patches of grassland became enriched farmland for edible crops and herbs. The new growth spurred the forests to grow back.
This was an ecosystem that didn't care whether you were human, youkai or spirit; as long as you came with good intentions, you were welcomed.
And that was what Rin understood after all her years living here.
So beautiful.
With that, Rin fell asleep against the oak tree, admiring the shimmering backdrop. She needed the rest for the journey ahead.
Fate seemed to be on her side. If she had settled on the other side of the oak tree, she would've seen the crescent moon watching from high above, triggering old memories of a white-haired youkai.
And later in the evening, a large four-legged, two-headed creature was flying across the sky, searching the lands at night. A smaller figure carrying a long staff could be seen riding on top of this creature. Both beasts would have sighted Rin's sleeping figure, if the oak tree had not shifted slightly.
As if it was the most natural thing to do, the large oak tree rustled its branches alongside the wind, curling itself to provide Rin coverage.
The flying creature sped off, unable to detect the missing girl.
And as Rin slept soundly against the tree, the oak tree watched over.
Thank you everyone for your kind words.