Disclaimer: Not again… XP
Author's Notes:
As you saw, chapter 2 was posted early! I forgot to mention that, really…
And this chapter was posted late … And I am sorry for that! I had 2 AP tests to study for and a math final. AP tests suck hardcore! XP
The upside? Summer's almost here! Know what that means? MORE WRITING TIME! Yes! I'm totally excited! I'll actually have time to write:D
Also, for you music lovers! I picked out a theme for Tomo in Moon's Blossom. Her theme will be "Davy Jones" from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest! I think this piece is so beautiful and it fits her perfectly. Very sweet yet extremely dramatic … I love it with all my heart! And I can't get over how PERFECTLY it fits! O.O
I have yet to pick out a theme for Sesshomaru, but I'll decide soon! ;p
Oh! And I changed the theme for this story. It will be "Remember When It Rained" by Josh Groban. The original theme was "May It Be" by Enya, the ending theme for Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. However, it just seemed out of place for this story and what I have planned for it. Therefore, I changed the theme to something more suiting. :D
Okay. There's my, erm … notes…
Happy reading!
Music Pieces:
Chapter 3: Take Leave, Take Care – "Nephilim" – Yasunori Mitsuda – Xenosaga: Episode 1: Der Wille zur Macht
I came to consciousness from my disturbed sleep, something inside me urging me awake. Opening my eyes, they were briefly blinded by a shining white figure standing before me. Without imposing or receiving threat, I glared up at the white figure that had wakened me. My eyes widened slightly as a glowing hand warmly brushed the side of my cheek, the form kneeling before me.
"Sesshomaru." I heard a barely audible, whispering voice echo. I lowered my eyes for a moment before raising them to the white mass once again. That voice … it was…
Without warning, the figure drew back without a sound, realizing my recognition of it. Nay, it was not an it; it was a her. I stood with suspicious yet unbelieving eyes as she turned and ran, her feet making no sound on the ground as she did. Once she reached the screens to the hall, she paused, looking over her shoulder for a moment as if beckoning me to follow before her white ghost phased through the screens.
Taking the few needed steps, I reached out a slid the screen away to reveal her once again. She stood at the end of the hall in an almost majestic position, looking over her shoulder to be sure I had followed. With her confirmation, she turned and continued to run to her right down the hall and to what I knew was the front entrance to the manor.
I followed her unconditionally, my curiosity and disbelief driving me as she led me into the early morning air, the sun threatening to peak over the crest of the land and light the world. At the manor gates, I stopped, unsure where I was being led to. Her figure stopped at the tree line ahead, turned and facing me, waiting for me. Where was she leading me?
I couldn't leave the manor. What could drive me to leave Rin and Jaken behind? This familiar white figure was leading me somewhere, and I should trust her with my life. But how did I know that this was not a figment of my imagination or a trick to leave me off guard. A slightly grieved frown curled my lips as I stood firmly in place, staring after the white ghost which I so dearly wanted to see again.
I couldn't leave. I couldn't leave, and she realized that. She lowered her head slightly and her glowing white figure faded away mournfully. I felt my own sorrow rise as I watched her fade.
It had been two days since that dreadful anniversary … yet I wondered why she appeared now. What has driven her to contact the living? The morning sun made itself known, shining onto me and relaxing me as I returned to the manor.
I continued to see that white figure for another two days. Strange was that neither Rin nor Jaken had ever seen her; either that or they hadn't told me of their encounters. It was only after I had woken up to see her standing before me once again that I began to take into consideration to her purpose.
And here I was again. I stood from the mat upon which I slept, my solemn eyes never leaving her white light as she sat nearly against the wall at the screens. Her legs stretched out before her, her feet against the ground as her fingers interlaced together at her knees and her head hung low. But once I had risen, she turned her head as if to look at me, inquiring if I had finally decided to follow her.
I had.
What had driven me to my decision, I will never know. Yet I knew it was the right one. With my eyes, I finally placed my trust in her. Standing quickly, she disappeared through the screens. With purpose, I readied myself hastily before I exited my chambers to wake Jaken and Rin. I was restless. This ghost's presence had gone far from unnoticed, and it troubled me. As I entered Rin's chambers, I found her already woken and dressed, her bedding made and person clean.
"Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru!" she piped with a smile. Upon seeing my restless expression and the excited anxiousness hidden beneath, her smile weakened slightly.
"Pack light, Rin. We're leaving soon." I informed her with suddenness that caused her smile to further fade.
"Are we traveling again, my lord?" she asked. Giving a slight nod in answer, she grinned and retrieved a small bag, gathering what she needed in a hurry. Slipping out of her chambers, I slid open the screens to Jaken's room to find him dressed and awake, yet not so nearly prepared.
"My lord!" he exclaimed as I stepped into the room. "Good morning, Lord Sesshomaru!"
"We're leaving, Jaken." I announced and with immediate haste he was much used to, he began to pack his necessary items in his own small bag similar to Rin's. As I exited his chambers, I stopped and gazed down the hall, my eyes befalling the white ghost as she waited patiently. Upon the contact of my eyes, she stalked down the right hall calmly to the front of the manor. To my left, I heard Rin's footsteps against the ground.
"I'm ready, Lord Sesshomaru." she said cheerily.
"Prepare Ah-Un as well, Rin." She nodded with an approving sound as she slumped her small bag over her shoulder and made her way to Ah-Un's stable, her feet kicking against the ground as she ran. I, too, began down the hall, Jaken very soon joining me with his own bag and staff.
With silence, he followed me down the hall. As we neared the manor's front doors, I halted to see the ghostly light briefly flash before me before disappearing through the doors. I unlocked and pulled open one of the doors, stepping out into the chilly morning air. Shutting the door behind me, Jaken and I waited in the quiet for Rin.
"My lord, may I ask where we're going?" Jaken inquired as he turned his gaze up at me. He waited for an answer in vain, for even I didn't know where we were going. What had overcome me to trust this white ghost? Was it the light itself? That one simply touch she gave me? Or was it because she seemed just like—
"Ready, Lord Sesshomaru!" Rin called as she led Ah-Un to us. I began to walk and she, Jaken, and Ah-Un followed obediently. I kept my eyes forward, ignoring the sounds of Rin sharing slices of bread with Jaken as their breakfast. I wasn't hungry, yet my stomach felt empty…
As we left the manor grounds to the east, my eyes befell the white ghost once again. She stood at the tree line, waiting for me as she had done before. Lifting one arm, she turned to the side and pointed to the east. I lifted my head slightly in confirmation and she turned, sparing a glance over her shoulder briefly before she disappeared into the forest. It was then that an absurd thought hit me:
I was following a ghost.
Was this how low I'd stooped since her death? I was following what could easily be a figment of my imagination, and illusion if not worse. My actions now could have potentially dire consequences later. The cold seasons were approaching, and it was most unwise to travel far from the manor during these months; yet here I was, following this white rumination into oblivion. Had I lost my mind?
Yet once we were in the chilled forest, and my eyes befell her hidden light once again, I knew my answer. I would have to be cautious whilst following this apparition. Trickery was opt to play a part in this somehow … but how and when?
Worse yet, why?
Okay, this chapter was kind of awkward … Sesshomaru's character was strangely undefined in this chapter, I think. He was his indifferent self, his cautious self, and his anxious self all at once…
Undefined. How strange for him. O.o
Also, this chapter was horrendously short! No worries, however. The next few chapters may be a bit lengthier. Will be, is probably more accurate. ;p
I wonder just what this little white ghost wants? You'll find out soon!
REMEMBER! I'M STILL LOOKING FOR CONTEST ENTRIES! I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ONE YET, SO SEND 'EM IN!
The Next Chapter Will Be Posted Monday (May 28, 2007)!