MIRROR OF SOULS

Disclaimer: Thank you Rumiko Takahashi for your genius and I have not gotten any renumeration for making this story.

Author's Note:

Thank you for your patience in waiting for a long time for this story to get updated. I hope that you enjoy this chapter and please cross your fingers that my muse will stay with me longer so I could finish another chapter.

CHAPTER 34

THE CALL OF TENSEIGA

The Land of Rus [ancient name of Russia]

"Ah, look at his one, huh?" A dirty and calloused hand grabbed a weapon from the pile on the cart. "He-he-he! This looks like a mean weapon, da? Yeah, hah!"

"Oh yeah. That looks...hey! The hell you doing...? Knock it off! You almost took my head off!" There was a scuffle and a clang of blades.

"Aiieee!" a bloodied pinkie rolled under the cart. "You asshole! Shit!"

"You fucker! Stop messing around, I say! You're gonna..." but he stopped as someone was coming with a heavy tread.

"What's happening down here, huh?" The two men cowered down in fear as the big man punched the two smaller men. "The master told you two idiots to take these in the warehouse! You lazy bastards! Move your hides!" The two men were sent tumbling and one of them hit his head on the edge of the cart, stunning him. The big man hauled the stunned slave and shoved him against the other. Still dizzy, he held on to the front of the cart to steady himself, stumbling all the way.

They waited for the metal door to close behind them before they vented their irritation to each other. "You are so stupid!" he spat as he clumsily wound a dirty piece of cloth on his shortened pinky finger, wincing as he did so.

"You are more stupid!" The smaller one retorted and held open the door to the dark room. A brazier near the door provide the only illumination in the room. Shelves occupy the room making the room gloomy. "Let's finish this," the taller one gruffly said. "Hate this place." he grabbed the first item on the pile and began tossing them to a ledge up on the rough hewn wall. They did the same to the other items until their cart had been emptied. Finished, they shuffled out and hurriedly slammed the door.

Up on a rough shelf sit Sesshoumaru's Tenseiga and Bakusaiga, Jaken's the Staff of two heads, Rin's various taiji-ya paraphernalia and her battle-axe, Shippo's kitsune effects and sword. They have all been removed from their owners and tossed roughly like so much garbage up on this shelf. Around the dark room other forgotten items have also been tossed haphazardly adding to the accumulating pile of sad personal effects that their owners would never touch ever again. But suddenly one of the items on the rough shelf glowed and began to pulse strongly.

~O~O~O~

The Western Lands

"Well done, men. You are all dismissed." It was with a controlled feeling of relief that Takuma, Lord of the North and Second Cardinal dismissed the gathered ranking members of the western military force, returning their bow. "Jiro-sosui, please remain."

Commander Jiro stayed in his seat as Lord Takuma affixed his seal of office on the scroll presented by the scribe in order to make the minutes of the meeting official. The new commander waited while the scribe made another mark on the parchment and the northern lord affixed his seal once more as the interim head of the western lands.

As Jiro waited for the necessary procedings right after a formal meeting such as this his eyes landed on the silver ring on his right hand. Like Lord Takuma, the ring is his official seal of office and he remembered the reason why he was bestowed this honor...

"Rise Jiro of the kitsune realm and soldier of the West. From this day forth your title of lieutenant of the western army would cease. Henceforth, you will now hold the rank above it as commander of the western military. This honor is bequeathed upon you for your loyalty by the spilling of your blood and life in defense of the West and its people. Tenseiga returned your soul fom the afterlife for the Sword of Heaven deemed you worthy of its power. " Sesshoumaru gestured at the ring on the pedestal where it previously held other items of honor for Lady Kagome, Rin-taisa and Lord Shippo.

The shuffling of the document pulled Jiro back to the present day but the memory left him with a light heart. The head scribe and his apprentice inserted the rolled paper in a long tubular case and closed it carefully. Their duty done, both scholars bowed low to the lord and commander and took their leave.

Takuma lifted his head to the ceiling and gave out a noisy sigh. "Argh! Lordy, I need a strong drink!" The Northern lord blinked in relief as his neck muscles relaxed. "Do you guys always have these long meetings every week?" he grimaced.

"Yes, my lord." Jiro poured another cup of tea for Takuma and himself and smiled when the northern lord's face fell. "But not as orderly, I'm afraid."

"Well, that's good to know. Different strokes for different folks, I guess." shrugged the neko lord as he looked around noting the silence that once more reigned in the fortress now that the meeting has been concluded. Having a noisy and happy household at the northern lands with a feisty mate and an even feistier daughter, life in his castle was far from boring so he was struck at the loneliness and quietness of Sesshoumaru's household. "Is it always this quiet here, Jiro?"

It has been about more than a month since Sesshoumaru and his small company departed from the shiro and it has also been that long since Takuma has been managing the West for his friend. The only reason why Takuma had not been worked to the bone managing both kingdoms was because his mate is an efficient leader in his stead. Though he misses his mate Akiko and his daughter Yuki they make time to visit him at the West and aleviate the oppressing silence.

The commander smiled, "It used to be like this quiet before lady Kagome came," and then Jiro promptly fell quiet.

"You miss lady Kagome?" The northern lord asked with a smile, noting the smile that escaped Jiro's lips at the mention of the shikon miko.

"Yes, my lord. She brought much happiness to lady Rin and to the fortress."

"Oh, really? And how about my old pal, Sesshoumaru? Was he also glad to have the miko as company?" Jiro couldn't help but snort much to the intrigue of Takuma. "Now I am intrigued by that snort," he smirked.

"I dare not divulge the reason, my lord. Sessoumaru-dono might not ressurect me again if he learns about it." Both men chuckled. "Let me just say that there was never a dull moment since she came." At Takuma's lifted brows the new commander elaborated with a small smile in a confindential tone. "I hope you do not get offended my lord if I say that Kagome-sama is quite like Akiko-sama in some ways."

But instead of being offended Takuma laughed out loud at the comparison for his mate keeps him on his toes and doesn't give him a quarter when it comes to arguments and debates. "Is that so?" Takuma continued to chuckle. "I bet Sesshoumaru hated that. He always wanted to get the last word."

"Rin-taisa is precious to my master as his daughter and she also brought much happiness here when she was a small child but now that she has grown I'm afraid she takes her responsibilites quite seriously." Jiro said.

"Hai," Takuma sighed, nodding as he looked at the clear green tea. "Yes, I'm quite proud of her. She has exceeded even Sesshoumaru's expectations. Before she came into his life my friend has been quite the self-centered boor that everyone loathes," he chuckled. "I honestly do not know why we became friends. But he changed after he brought her back to life." Takuma slid a glance at Jiro's surprise. "Oh? You didn't know?"

"No, my lord." Jiro had fully known that he died after battling Hoyo and he was disoriented when he opened his eyes again and the Western lord was standing over him with the glowing Tenseiga. "Was it...was it Tenseiga...?"

"Hai. Tensiga, the sword that could bring back the soul from the underworld. But he hated that sword and he said that it was an insult to even wear it on his side."

"Why my lord?"

"Oh, he said that it was a useless sword and he'd rather have Inuyasha's Tetsaiga which could decimate a thousand in one swing." Takuma nodded to the servants who entered bearing small laquered tables containing their repast. Takuma and Jiro waited in silence until the servants left after serving them their sake and their supper. "Where were we? Ah yes. Tenseiga. Did you know he killed the lord of the underworld to get her soul back?"

Jiro's head snapped back at the northern lord. "Th-... the lord of the underworld?" A shiver of fear ran down his spine at the words, shaking his hand holding his own teacup.

Rin's godfather nodded, his eyes far away. "In his desire to make Tenseiga more powerful my friend inadvertently risked Rin's life and she lost her soul once more."

"Excuse me, Takuma-sama. Once more? For...for the second time?" the commander went wide-eyed at Takuma's nod. "So it was true what I heard...Rin-taisa died... dear kami..." he whispered.

"If not for Miyoga's advice to use the Meido jewel Rin's soul would have returned to the underworld for the second time and this time for eternity." Takuma sighed at the memory but he suddenly felt an unusual quietness from his companion. "Jiro?" Takuma looked at the commander's far away look; the young man looked as if he was listening at something and not being rude as to ignore what he is saying. "What is it Jiro?" Frowning, he reached over and shook the man and took note of his glazed eyes. "Jiro!"

~O~O~O~

The Land of Rus [ancient name of Russia]

Feeling like a conqueror Rylanion pushed open the castle doors and announced, "This is a great day!" he shouted to no one in particular. His voice bounced back from the cavernous interior, sounding hollow and empty but the pale youkai ignored all of that and instead his face broke into another wide smile. Ever since he came back from that forest he could not believe his luck that in one fell swoop all of his problems were solved that easily. "Oh! This calls for a celebration!" the man eagerly went to the bureau and poured himself a generous goblet of wine from one of its extensive selections of wines and alcohol. He swirled the deep red liquid and savored its wonderful bouquet just like he would be savoring the windfall he was given. "Yes indeed," He looked around at the dreary place he called a castle at the various kinds of objects big and small that litter the place; they are all trophies and mute remnants of past conquests and lifetimes. In his mind he could recollect where he got the object and how he got it. "Well, my lovelies, never fear for you will not be lonely for long. I have new friends for you to meet. Just be patient." His amused and diabolical laugh rang up the rafters.

Up in Kagome's room, under the bed, the Mirror of Souls in the yellow knapsack glowed and sang a song so sad and disconsolate at Tenseiga's pulse. Inside its mirrored surface Kagami, the entity of the mirror, sensed the danger that has befallen its new mistress and her group. The mirror and the blade chimed and hummed as if talking to each other, glowing and pulsing. As the last notes of their communion faded the Mirror of Souls glowed once more and vanished in a twinkle of light.

~O~O~O~

The Western Lands

The only occupant at the receiving room turned when he heard murmured voices and footsteps approaching and tensed. There was a time in his life when such footsteps meant he would need to be on his guard in case of an attack or that he is readying himself and his weapon for an attack. That was almost a decade ago; eight years to be exact. So knowing that anyone who would be approaching would either be Lord Sesshoumaru or Rin, the young man forced himself to relax. But he was not prepared to see the two people that he had not seen for a long long time.

"One-chan!" Kohaku excitedly ran to his sister and in moments he was within her warm embrace.

"Kohaku!" it was all that Sango managed as she held her brother tight, her voice choked with emotion and her eyes misting.

"My goodness, Kohaku-kun. How you've grown!" With a wide smile Miroku grabbed the young man's bicep in greeting after his sister reluctantly let him go.

"It is good to see you as well, Miroku-gikyōdai [brother-in-law]." The strapping young man returned the grip, a wide smile also on his face. "Why are you both here?"

"We have been given a task by Sesshoumaru-sama." was all the houshin said. "How about you?" but suddenly the boy stood stiffly and didn't reply. Miroku froze at the boy's expression. "Kohaku?"

"Kohaku?" Sango looked at her brother then at Miroku worryingly; she had not seen that glazed look on his eyes for years since they have defeated Naraku. Her heart pounded and her palms turned cold.

"Kohaku-kun!" Miroku grabbed the boy's shoulder strongly hoping to shake him off of his trance.

~O~O~O~

"Huh?" Jiro was suddenly jarred into reality and focused on the worried face of the northern lord. "I was..." he blinked and looked around.

"What happened, man?"

"It was..." Jiro gulped.

Suddenly, there was a firm knock on the frame of the shoji. It forced the northern lord's attention. "Hold that thought." he patted Jiro's shoulder. "Yes? Enter!"

An attendant opened the screen and bowed low. "My lord, forgive the intrusion. I bring news; the houshin Miroku and the taiji-ya Sango are back."

"Ah, wonderful! Bring them here and prepare rooms for them."

A bow. "Also a man named Kohaku is also seeking Lord Sesshoumaru."

"Did he say his purpose?"

"Only that he was part of the shard hunters that defeated Naraku."

"Oh? Is that so? Well," Takuma shrugged, "send him here as well." he nodded.

Another bow. "My lord, there is also another person who is looking for Lord Sesshoumaru..."

"Who is it?"

"A youkai otter, my lord."

Takuma blinked and he and Jiro exchanged looks of bewilderment , "An otter, you say?"

~O~O~O~

With a big sigh Lord Takuma looked at the odd gathering of people in front of him. He leaned back and couldn't help but shake his head and trying his best to take in the stories they told him; one was a former pack mate of Sesshoumaru eight years ago, Kohaku. Takuma turned his attention to the most surprising one of all the river otter, Mizuta. He too was brought back by Tenseiga.

"I was so worried that if I die my little Kanta would be be all alone by himself." Mizuta looked down at his little pup sitting beside him. "We lost his dam [mother] ten winters ago."

Miroku looked up at Takuma and the others, "We happened to come across little Kanta dragging his father's head in a sack so he could reunite the two. It was fortunate that we found Mizuta-san's body but sadly it's not as easy as getting them together but by then it was too late." The monk and the taiji-ya both nodded at the memory of the little otter's wails. "Sesshoumaru-sama was passing by and used Tenseiga."

"Hmp, Miroku that's not exactly what happened. He never wanted to use Tenseiga." Sango frowned and looked at everyone and then at Miroku. "Inuyasha, Kagome and Shippo asked and almost begged him to use the sword, remember?" Sango threw a glance at the Northern lord. "He turned his back on us and said it's not his business." she said bitterly and then sighed deeply. "I apologize, milord. I realize he is your friend..." but Takuma gently waved away her apology.

"I am aware of my friend's character, Sango-san. You do not need to apologize for what you said. As a matter of fact, Commander Jiro and I were just talking about that him before you all arrived." Takuma crossed his arms, becoming serious again. "So...each one of you have been ressurected by Tenseiga and now it has been calling you?" the two seated men nodded to him. "How about you Jiro-sosui, were you the same?"

"Aherm, Takuma-sama," he took a deep breath. Jiro spoke up for the first time after they have retired to the dining hall at the Northern lord's insistence. "I also have a confession to make. Hai, Tenseiga has also reached out to me." The silence in the dining hall became palpable broken only by Kanta's soft slurps of soup.

It was Miroku who broke the silence, "Pardon me, may I ask when it happened?" he slightly leaned forward from his seat beside Sango.

"It happened today," Jiro nodded. "Mine was while I was talking to Takuma-sama."

"It happened today for me." Kohaku looked both at Jiro and Mizuta, the river otter who also nodded. Takuma found himself looking at the young man with narrowed eyes. Ah, he remembered Rin-o bāchan [goddaughter] telling him stories about this young man and how Kohaku almost killed Rin due to Naraku's manipulations. Something akin to anger almost rose from Takuma's chest as he looked at the lean young man sitting beside the female demon hunter but he tamped that feeling aside.

"Tell me the feeling when it happens." Miroku nodded to Kohaku first.

"I was talking with you and one-chan when I was pulled in a white place and something was calling me..." both Jiro and Mizuta nodded their agreement; both men looked shaken.

Miroku prompted, "What is the voice? Man? Woman?"

"N-no, houshin-sama..." Mizuta chimed in, "uh, actually it's in your head." he pointed at his own. "You actually hear your voice but...but you know it's not your voice, " his face was slightly contorted in his effort. "Does it make sense?" The otter felt marginally better at the other's nods.

"I agree with them, houshin-sama." The monk turned to Jiro who was looking at him with intensity. "It's a disembodied voice and it's telling us to follow it."

Miroku rubbed his chin, deep in contemplation, "Follow where?"

Takuma suddenly sat up straight, his face pale. "To where Sesshoumaru is."

~{}~O~{}~