Disclaimer: All characters from the series Inuyasha that appear in this fanfic rightfully belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I do not own anything in regard to their creation; I have Rumiko Takahashi to thank for that.
Author's Notes: It's somewhat discouraging to see no reviews and very few reads since the last chapter. I'm not sure if it's actually reflecting the popularity of this story or if the site is still manufacturing. Regardless, I shall persist and continue my updates here and on archiveofourown. If there are readers seeing this and are indeed experiencing difficulties with this site, I would recommend using the other site at your ease.
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(No beta-reader for this chapter).
Chapter 47-Mayhem of Worlds
"Miracles seldom occur. You create such a phenomenon with your strength." -Sesshomaru on miracle
"It may save you once, but don't depend on it frequently." -Kikyo on miracle
The graceful Inu Queen touched the abundant grass, her paws stroking the beautiful lawn spread across the vast plane, protected by an ancient barrier. A mere few steps ahead, an equally stunning Kitsune daiyoukai stood, with her snow-white fur blowing majestically in the breeze. Her nine tails fanned out behind her like a king's royal cape, adding a glorious air that surpassed the capabilities of imitation for the Inu Queen and her lone tail.
Neither the two mighty daiyoukai uttered a sound. Their heads turned as one, their eyes darting towards a singular spot in the sky. For only a moment, there was nothing except the gentle draft caressing their coats. Then all of a sudden, the breeze transformed into a ferocious gust, threatening to sweep everything away from beneath their feet. Yet the two daiyoukai stood firmly, unperturbed as a giant phoenix soared in with blazing youki that burned as intensely as the sun. The mythical bird landed to create a circle with the others, and all three shed away their natural shapes.
Imbued with a subtle sheen of youki, the white dog demon shrank in size as she took on the form of a stunning woman. Her long, shimmering locks of silver fell behind her back, parted into twin tails. She was adorned in a lovely purple and white kimono embellished with a profusion of butterflies in shades of green and yellow. A dark blue layer sat on top, worn loosely from her elbows. Her two furry pelts hugged her shapely figure, one encircling her torso while the other collecting at her feet.
Simultaneously, the large white fox shrouded herself in a typhoon of icy winds as she morphed into a tall voluptuous woman with maroon eyes and a pair of furry ears atop her head. Dark hair, flowing past her waist, swayed to the tune of the currents. Dancing alongside were the ends of a white pelt similar in appearance to that of her canine companion. The rest of the furry attachment was looped around the arm that was exposed. Wearing a one-sleeved blue kimono that parted to display her legs and a pair of azure sandals wrapped snugly to her feet, she possessed an allure that could make countless men swoon.
Lacking the grace of her comrades, the scarlet phoenix shifted into her human form in a burst of angry flames. Her ashy strands of hair were braided, traveling down her back to her waist, with the tips aglow with a touch of fire. A crimson streak painted the hair near her forehead, where a gleaming gold headpiece with a fiery rosy gemstone in the center rested. Her choice of outfit was a black kimono, with intricate patterns of golden and silver swirls adorning the fabric. Nearing the feet, the back of her garment parted and spread out, generating an impression of tail feathers. Despite the elegant outfit that seemed fit for a ball, she was also armed with arm braces and heeled combat boots, as if prepared for a battle instead of a dance.
"You're late." The leader of the Kitsune clan decided to speak first, opening their exchange with a stern, reprimanding tone. She eyed the latecomer with scrutinizing eyes, narrowed as maroon met deep crimson in a face-off.
"Hey, we're meeting right outside your territory. I may be the strongest but you have the advantage here since I had to travel the most distance," the gray-haired woman scoffed, emphasizing her dissatisfaction with a dramatic wave toward the area. For a transient moment, the other two wondered if she was going to set the lawn ablaze. Alas, she refrained from the action. "Well, that just shows my commitment to this meeting. I'm a busy daiyoukai, alright? And don't get me started on the mess that the idiot Tekkai and her stupid daughter Abi caused me. Those imbeciles were trying to usurp the throne!"
"Oh? That is rather ambitious of them. Alas, a folly reserved for only the most foolish," the Inukimi commented, partially amused.
"Of course, those pesky buffoons were easily defeated. But they survived and fled north. Now that silly chicken has the sympathy of her new supporters, the Birds of Paradise. How ridiculous! Do they seriously believe in her stupid cause after all the crimes she's committed against my glorious nation? I'll destroy her and her pathetic little group once and for all..." Were she a lesser youkai, then she might have been tempted to bristle. The mere thought of the traitors begging weaklings for help was ruffling her feathers. "Argh, and I should be doing that! Yet… as much as I hate them being free to do whatever they want, there's a consensus that getting involved with the Birds of Paradise is prohibited right now."
The woman donned in blue nodded curtly in understanding. "I see. Lest the Yourou clan deem it a violation of their honor, for meddling in their affairs."
"And though a small clan, the Yourou clan holds much influence in the Northern Lands, with the kokuho, the Black Tortoise of the North, in their leader's possession. However, unrest stirs in the north. Any further disruptions may cause further havoc. It is a situation that ought to be avoided if possible," the Inukimi added, sharing her opinion with a seriousness that would've made even her son do a double take.
The Kitsune daiyoukai's gaze flickered over to her second companion before returning to the first, her scowl never waning as she commented, "Since inaction is what your clan has chosen, then we ought to expect none of the usual trouble from you after the meeting adjourns. I, for one, have no intention of cleaning up any more mess from you. Or anyone else for the matter."
"You make it sound like you're bored whenever we go adventuring. Instead of going back to your tedious meditations, you must admit that it is more fun whenever we gather. Wait..." the Fenikkusu daiyoukai trailed off, realizing that the key question was being overlooked. Placing a hand on her waist and curving her lips into an eager smirk, she turned to the former Lady of the West. "Actually, what was the purpose of your summons? Do you have some exciting tales or journeys in store for us?"
At that inquiry, even the usually inexpressive queen of foxes shifted her focus and perked her ears.
The Inukimi hid a chuckle by lifting her arm to cover her face with her sleeve. It was an expression of merriment, though only she would know its genuineness. Returning her arm to the side, she answered, "I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint, ladies. It is nothing of the sort. It is but a mere favor I have to ask."
A favor? Requested by the Inukimi? Now that was a rare occasion that instantly elevated both of her comrades' curiosity.
"Ask away! We're listening." A grin manifested on the Fenikkusu demoness, which only broadened as the Inu Queen informed them of a special ritual and the Lord of the West's ambitions.
The vast wasteland of the underworld was nothing more than a barren, desolate place. A lone woman in an unadorned robe and a white haori with red edges hurried across the vast space, her movements as swift and steady as she could muster. Sweat dripped from her forehead and her breathing was labored, highlighting the strain of prolonged running. Yet, unlike what the signs usually suggested, the exhaustion was not from physical duress. In this ethereal realm, all exertion left its toll on the soul.
It was a strange sensation. Here, the laws of nature worked in a way that eluded the general understanding. Rather than being burdened by physical exhaustion, she was plagued by a lethargic fatigue that permeated her mind. For someone who operated on strong logic, Kikyo found it challenging to adjust to the drastic change. Still, she must persist and adapt, for the Netherworld was rife with incomprehensible phenomena that defied all forms of common sense.
For instance, a peculiar feature she took note of was the absence of any wind. The air was stagnant and devoid of life. Even as she habitually tucked some loose strands behind her ear, running did not prompt a single piece of her long hair to billow behind her. On any other occasion, she would have sought her white ribbon, which Sesshomaru seemed to have confiscated and left somewhere while she had been made to stay on bed rest.
The thought of the daiyoukai elicited a deep pit of anxiety within her, one she struggled to brush aside as she strived for her rationale to prevail as the decisive factor for her actions. Yet, it was far easier said than done. The unresponsive talisman she had supplied him to facilitate communication in the event of separation sparked mental alarms to screech. Generally, two scenarios tended to precede such a result: interference with the spiritual link or circumstances preventing the individual on the opposite end from responding. As she continued through the seemingly endless gloom, she could only pray it wasn't the latter.
The darkness gradually shifted to a lighter atmosphere as she placed her feet on the path they had previously trekked on. It continued to emit a soft glow that brought her closer to the large black orb. As she mustered her courage and drew closer, she felt the otherworldly chill as the disembodied souls of the deceased shifted restlessly within her. Thankfully, Tenseiga intervened once more to lend its support, providing her a dome of azure protection.
Offering a brief moment of silent gratitude with a gentle touch of her finger upon the blade, she cast her glances out towards the surroundings. For some inexplicable reason, no longer did the grounds appear bare — was it masked by a spell of invisibility before? She could now discern the various objects scattered across the bare terrain. A multitude of stones lay before her, bathed in a ghoulish reddish light from the orb looming above. They varied in size and shape, resembling a marble miniature of a demonic creature. As her brown orbs skimmed over the sculptures, she saw the fear registered in many. A few were showing agony, with their stone bodies cracked or broken.
Dread settled like a rock in her heart as her eyes fell upon a tall statue. Clad in combat-ready boots, a ballooned hakama, a decorative obi, a kimono adorned with the crest of the Inu clan, an armored breastplate, and his distinct pelt draped around the right shoulder, he was the very image of her companion. However, the majestic appearance couldn't belittle the grim reality of the situation. His beautiful mane was stiff and dull, as permanently frozen in position as his widened eyes were. 'No… Sesshomaru… Am I too late?'
"I have delayed you far too long, Kikyo. If you yearn to save the future you share with him, then you must first shatter this past that binds you and determine his current position. It is there that you will confront your most formidable adversary — the governor and the law of this realm. Stop him before he snatches the demon lord's soul and leaves him eternally petrified." The chilling message of her sensei rang in her ears with clarity. The impact of its meaning threatened to make her legs collapse and crumble like the toppling of a tower of cards stacked haphazardly upon itself. Yet, she refused to bow to despair, and instead mentally repeated Midoriko's words as her thoughts raced with possibilities.
Since the Lord of the Netherworld was responsible for the daiyoukai's pitiful state, hunting him down would surely give her a chance to reverse the curse done on the Inu demon. The logical side of her mind reminded her that the ruler of this realm would be an incredibly formidable opponent, particularly when they were within his domain. However, her frantic emotions quickly trounced the logic that tried to dissuade her actions, shattering it into shards before it could try and hold her back.
Fortune seemed to favor her, for she was spared the effort of searching. Movements came from the ground near the immobile Sesshomaru, the shadows becoming animate as they twisted and twirled until they materialized into the silhouette of a humanoid figure clad in a veil of inky black. The diminutive entity resembled the colossal giant that had emerged before them previously, and like before, the sole discernible feature was the inhumane eyes. Glowing with a bizarre violet, they exuded authority and an unreadable intent as they inspected the daiyoukai with undisguised fascination.
A darkness-shrouded hand reached for the statue, only to immediately pull back as a projectile hurtled through the air in the space where his hand had been. An unbelievable amount of purification power surged through, producing a bright arc of bright purple that temporarily shredded the ominous darkness with its radiance.
Though it never made physical contact, the Lord of the Netherworld felt a numbing sensation that tingled through his arm. His purple eyes enlarging in incredulity, he whirled his head toward the source and found himself staring at a loaded bow, the string pulled back by a human miko whose aura was heavy with hostility.
"Lay a hand on him and your head will be next." For the first time in a long while, Kikyo hissed and allowed her fury to soak into her chilling voice.
Though she was conscious that her deed was like a child playing with fire, her apprehension for Sesshomaru overshadowed her rationale. To have charged in without much of a plan wasn't like her, especially since she knew that her opponent held an overwhelming advantage here. It was a reckless advance that bore a striking resemblance to the brash actions of the Inu brothers. But with Sesshomaru's life at stake, her capability for reasoning faded and was dominated by her intense desire to keep him safe.
Within the ethereal plane that remained impervious to the living, the essence of the soul reigned supreme rather than the body that contained it. Therefore, the miko was unhindered by her afflicted shoulder and could fully charge her spiritual bow with an arrow constructed out of the same condensed energy. She held the loaded bow in place without any physical exertion, with the arrow pointed squarely at the target.
"A display of greatness, unmatched and worthy of my attention." Unperturbed by the threat, the Lord of the Netherworld narrowed his eyes and spoke. Although his gender remained indistinguishable from his voice alone, it had lost its ominous echo that caused the land to quiver and tremble. Instead, there was a hint of admiration intertwined in his words. "None ought to have escaped the Wheel of Reincarnation. A pioneer you prove to be, human. Here, you stand before me, unchanged. An undertaking that is remarkable even with the aid you have availed yourself to."
Kikyo didn't think she had blinked. The movement had happened faster than what was deemed possible. One moment, the humanoid silhouette stood appeasing her as he had with the daiyoukai. In the next, he was levitating above the ground, his legs crossed and an elbow on his knee so he could lean his head into his fist. Kikyo could only stare in astonishment. There had been no shift to detect, nor any indication that she should have let her arrow loose. 'I didn't notice him move. I didn't sense any motion. How is that possible?'
Amused by the bewilderment written upon her expression, he beckoned her with his free hand. "Approach me. I seek a closer proximity for my evaluation."
She made no indication of hearing him so he emitted a disgruntled snort and added, "No harm shall befall you from my gaze. Curiosity, long suppressed by the monotony of my mundane days, has been reignited in me."
When it became apparent that she remained unmoved despite his words, impatience seeped into his tone and he offered no room for objection. "You're the catalyst for the dissolution of my realm. If you wish to avoid annihilation, then come, human… Now."
There was no need to increase his volume. His voice naturally projected strength, acting like a roaring tsunami that flooded the entire realm. So absolute was his power that Kikyo found herself struggling to fight against the pull that gripped her soul and was ultimately forced to compel. Slowly, she edged closer bit by bit, cautiousness in each measured step as she kept her weapon at the ready while maintaining a vigilant eye on him. 'He holds unimaginable power here. I cannot defy him using force. I must observe and discover an opening.'
As she neared him, Tenseiga emitted more power and fortified the protective barrier surrounding her, condensing it into a bluish outline that wrapped around her being. She could sense the sentient sword's determination to protect her, though be it from responding to its master's wishes or out of necessity was uncertain. Taking the cue, she mentally primed herself, lest she succumbed to the same trick and was dragged back into the Wheel of Reincarnation. If nothing else but for the sake of her pride, she refused to be forced into wearing that skimpy green skirt ever again.
Her internal preparation had been unnecessary, for it seemed the Lord of the Netherworld had no intention of attacking. She was even able to situate herself between him and the frozen Sesshomaru, with the former drifting back a little to allow the room.
The ruler of the deceased studied her as he had professed he would, his fingers stroking his chin as he nodded, "It is clear to me. Fragmented your soul indeed may be, yet of the highest purity, it is."
"Yet a lone soul without any connections to the world around them. An easy prey, ripe for the taking — Is that what you're thinking?" she retorted, unable to completely mask the undertone of anger even as she attempted to assess his character.
"Not just a simple quarry. I would not be conversing with you if I perceive naught of potential in you." The shadow hovered over to her side, utterly untroubled by the presence of the arrow poised at him as he took a better look at Tenseiga. "The sword of life and the garb of my Netherworld — both tools at your disposal. With them, you may withstand this realm of enshrouding darkness. However, believe not for a moment that your mere survival shall offer you triumph."
"I assure you, I shall go far beyond merely surviving," the miko stated coldly, with more assurance latched on than one might normally hear from someone at a disadvantage. "Tell me: will you free Sesshomaru from his stone prison? Or must we contend on a spiritual plane and engage in a battle of spirits until only one of us remains?"
"You possess a stout spirit, but your ability to recall events is dismal. Surely, you could recall our first encounter? You, alongside that demon, are far too full of yourselves, as though you are larger than life." Despite his words, he did not sound offended by her insolence. Before she even had the chance to ponder the reason for his leniency in contrast to his treatment of Sesshomaru, he offered her the answer himself. "Alas, you have prevailed against the verdict imposed by the law. Loathsome as it is to confess, you are an aberration that has breathed life into this stagnant kingdom. Every anomaly ought to be eliminated. Yet, this realm tolerates your existence. I, too, shall abstain from action and allow you this precious respite."
There was much to interpret. Fortunately, logic prevailed over emotion, finally quelling the blazing fury that had ignited upon discovering the fate that had befallen Sesshomaru. Taking a deep, calming breath, she took her time for a lucid assessment that should have taken precedence. All in all, she and Sesshomaru were intruding within this realm. Yet, the Lord of the Netherworld seemed to have relinquished his possible antagonism toward her, offering her the opportunity for a cordial discussion. That was a favorable development that only the most impertinent fool would deny.
Lowering her bow only a bit but keeping the arrow nocked, she spoke with a degree of suspicion. "It would appear that you harbor no interest in resolving this issue through violence... at least not in the current circumstances. My inclination is similar to yours. I, too, do not wish to shed blood. Nonetheless, if you persist in seeking to imprison Sesshomaru, then you leave me with little choice but to resort to force."
"A provocation?" The entity crocked his head to the side, a fist returning to his cheek and Kikyo absentmindedly noted that he had a penchant for the poise. His posture remained flaccid, a great disparity from the authoritative form he had showcased in his debut. All things considered, he even sounded slightly amused that there was a brash fool who dared to oppose him.
"I do not jest," was her solemn reply.
As soon as those words left her lips, her muscles tensed in preparation to defend herself. Yet, no gale of destructive power came. Only a huff of air erupted from his nose, contributing to a noise that sounded like a snort. "Speak your mind if you wish, but know I won't have to lift a finger to witness you writhing in anguish. To revive the demon would become an addendum to the already transgressive action. The law is unmerciful. What price would that bear for you, I ponder? How long until you bow your head and beseech death's comforting caress?"
Kikyo was silent for a few seconds, her brows creasing in deep contemplation before returning to their original position. "... To see me brought low and overwhelmed with anguish — Is that what you want?"
"Embellished yourself, you have. An entertainment you have afforded as no jester has before, but you have nothing I seek. You cannot offer it to me. I expected nothing from you. Likewise, hold no expectations of me, for I am beholden only to the law of this realm." Maintaining his lax posture, he used his other hand to direct his index and middle finger toward So'unga. This time, he made his movements detectable to the miko. With a curl of his fingers, the sword of hell broke out of its inert state like something thwarting out of ice. It recovered its original color, emanating a sense of vitality that greatly contrasted with the inanimate stone it was affixed to.
'The petrification is reversible.' A subtle ray of optimism twinkled within the miko's dark eyes. If the weapon could return to normal, then so should its owner.
"Did you not hear what I said? Do your ears fail you as much as your memory? Or has the allure of the demon blinded your diminutive mind and led you to delusions?" As if reading her thoughts, the entity quickly dispelled any optimistic notion. "The sword's reversal is possible, for the dragon's soul slumbers within. The demon, meanwhile, I cannot free. His soul has succumbed to the void, and his husk mirrors his soulless nature."
"Where is his soul?" A frown quickly clouded her face as she realized that even the governor of the underworld could not bend the laws of his realm. He occupied the peak of the hierarchy, yet his authority lacked the scope that she had first assumed was omnipotency. He too was constrained to adhere to the rules here. The knowledge did not bring about much reassurance, though it did offer her a viable weakness to possibly exploit.
The Lord of the Netherworld gave a dismissive wave with his hand. "Departed. Lost to all tethered to the three realms of this world. Such is the mandate of the law. Upon expiration, the souls of humans may rejoin the cycle as a brand new incarnation. The souls of demons, on the other hand, are shunned and subjected to the whims of causality. As for your demon, his has been plucked, and forced into another life in a universe different from ours — Some outworld denizens would call it being 'isekai-ed'."
'Isekai' was an unfamiliar term and as Kikyo, so should the word 'universe'. Yet, the miko had retained some vague memories of the other life within the wheel, which provided some basic understanding. In the present, she refrained from dwelling on the mind-blowing knowledge like the world being spherical and being one of countless 'planets' in the 'universe'. She briefly contemplated if Kagome's textbook definition lacked context but terminated the notion before it could get anywhere.
"Is this what you mean by the price that must be paid? What compensation, what offering must I provide to liberate Sesshomaru from his stone prison?"
"Not liberation. You will need to carry out a resurrection." He saw the miko open her mouth and was swift to cut her off before she could start. "Denial alters no reality, human. The demon has perished, his life silenced. No thought, no feeling, and no soul remain. The demon you knew has vanished. Seek him, and your end shall mirror his."
He had severely miscalculated if he had thought that would deter her. For a split moment, hearing him confirm Sesshomaru's death had indeed come close to crushing her spirit. Breathing became a struggle, with her heart throbbing so intently against her chest that she thought her ribs would collapse from the strain. His instant 'assurance' after that, however, proved to be his misstep. That meager opportunity to see him again was enough to convince her to risk her everything for that miraculous chance.
"I am no stranger to a cruel fate. Once, I would have abided by the course that destiny prepared. Now, however, I intend to battle against the tide of fate until the bitter conclusion," she proclaimed, enunciating each word with as much resolve as she could muster. No odds and expenses would derail the heart fixated on bringing him back. Regardless of whatever or whoever might obstruct her, she would remain stalwart with every fiber of her being.
The governor of the deceased did not seem impressed. His eyes ran over the deserted sculptures with a simple glance before returning to her with an almost haunting stare.
"Was it a misjudgment on my part to state that you shall share his fate — a mockery of the tribulations to come? No, no. You shall face anguish you've never been able to fathom, all in pursuit of but a glimmer of his presence. And still, gamble you would? Truly a fool that overestimated herself you are," he said matter-of-factly. The scarcity of compassion evident in his words reverberated throughout the vicinity, puncturing the air like a dagger wielded by a ruthless slayer.
"Cease uttering any further words of deterrence. My resolve cannot be undermined." Dispersing her weapon, her hand went over to her chest and she clutched the fabric of her clothing. Her heart thumped with robust and tenacious beats, stimulated by the desire to be reunited with Sesshomaru. "No anguish can surpass that of abandoning him… I did so once and caused him unimaginable pain. Never again shall I leave him to his lonesome unless it is his wish. Lead me to him."
The sword of heaven responded to her heart's plea with a frantic rattling. The disturbance it caused caught their attention, and two pairs of eyes fell upon the sheathed blade that seemed to be on the verge of leaping from its scabbard.
"Tenseiga?" Gripping onto its hilt, Kikyo exposed the steel to the cool air. The edges were outlined with a faint blue glow. Dimmed as the light was, it was a bright contrast to the dark surroundings. Squinting a little, she stared at the polished surface. As expected, she received no epithet, nor was there any magical inscriptions that appeared on its surface to aid her in her interpretation.
"What is it? What are you trying to say?" Its commotion turned into a fierce vibration, yet it continued to remain equally uninformative. The elevated amplitude did nothing to promote her understanding and provided only more frustration, making her start to comprehend Sesshoumaru's occasional irritation towards the blade.
While Kikyo continued to grapple without a translator, the governor of the deceased had an expression of amazement coating his purple orbs. Much like a child discovering a new toy for the first time, he leaned his head in as close as he could without coming into contact with the kekkai that Tenseiga had erected.
"Do not stand there gaping, human. Make use of the sword of life and penetrate your body."
"What?" If Kikyo hadn't been gawking, she certainly was now. Even though she was a woman known for controlling her emotions and maintaining a self-commanded demeanor, she couldn't conceal her astonishment. Never in a hundred years did she anticipate the words that would leave the shadow's unseeable lips. Despite her best efforts to make sense of the words and their meaning, numerous inquiries surged like an avalanche. First of all, no longer was she planning on stabbing herself with a piece of steel — just the very concept of self-harm triggered a rush of phantom pain in her shoulder. Secondly, assuming she were to inflict a wound, how could she slice skin with a blade incapable of drawing blood?
"Bloodletting is unneeded, the blade can do without it," the Lord of the Netherworld said coolly, solidifying her suspicions that he could read her mind. From observations, the ability could only allow him glimpses of her foremost musings. Loathing it all the same, her lips subconsciously pursed, though she refrained from making any remark as he continued, "Its purpose is to tether your soul to this existence. A minimal undertaking to balance you on the precipice, lest you vanish within the distorted continuum and your essence dissipates."
'Cryptic,' the miko thought to herself, mildly annoyed. Alas, minimum credit was warranted since the explanation had improved her sense of understanding. Twirling the hilt with her fingers, she aligned the blade with her body and drove it into herself without any hesitation. Only a tiny gasp emerged from her lips when Tenseiga slipped into her body. No laceration. No blood. Her body had absorbed it as it would to the souls of the deceased brought by her Shinidamachu.
The kekkai shielding her disappeared the moment Tenseiga fully did. But there was no turbulence from the souls within her body. Was it because the sword had stabilized her from the interior? Was it due to the Lord of the Netherworld's will? Or was it a combination of the two factors? Regardless, it was trivial and undeserving of much contemplation compared to the situation at hand.
"Trials, commence," the shadow declared, leaving no room for any rebuttals. The superiority he exuded returned to his tone, and his words pierced her spine as if they were tiny spikes. He raised the limb that was not serving as a cushion for his head and performed an extravagant gesture with it.
A sweeping chill assaulted her body, causing her to tremble involuntarily as her legs lost their normal sensation. Confused, she peered down and saw that they had taken on the hue of white granite, with a smattering of gray streaks. Her heart hammered rapidly, spawning a creeping sensation of horror. The effect encroached on the lower part of her body, turning her flesh into cold, immaculate marble. Her aura spiked and her fingers twitched uncontrollably, her spiritual weapon re-manifesting in her grip.
"Don't move, unless seeing him no longer entices you. Vie against my power will only prolong your discomfort."
"..." Kikyo surrendered to the dominating influence invading her body, even as her nerves screamed with the desire to repel this foreign essence. It was not long before her fingers ceased feeling, and the bow she crafted with her spiritual powers absolved into specks of light. Her greatest chance of fighting back was gone. The loss of her weapon left her feeling more vulnerable, but no other option existed other than to leave herself at his complete mercy. Even though she had unraveled little in the way of his intentions from their conversation, she at least knew that her death was not on his current agenda. She could only hope that his mercy would prevail. Taking several shuddering breaths, she forced herself to cooperate as her upper torso started to lose its original colors.
"Ah, yes, forgotten I have almost… Are you not intrigued as to why I am willing to render assistance?"
Her glare became the sole method of communicating her frustration. The question's timing could not be deciphered as anything other than the intent to ridicule, for he had opted to speak only moments after her neck was locked in place and her lips were sealed in stone. The belief that a condescending smirk was hidden somewhere within the shadow cloak was cemented within her head. The silence was intended to create suspense, a means to torment her.
"It's because I know you will offer a performance I have never seen, human. Your only solace is the knowledge that time is infinite in this world, for the Netherworld shall watch and wait until the end. Do not doubt my words — it will be excruciating. Entreat if you favor. Writhe if you will. Beg if you must. However, this is your only chance, for only a miraculous display will spare you a demise steeped in agony."
By the time he had finally decided to answer, his voice had become warped, like she was listening to him speak while underwater. But even without the distortion, they hardly registered. A suffocating tightness constricted her chest, reminiscent of the agony she felt when Utasgi had sought to snatch her soul. Her lungs were somehow being deprived of oxygen. How that was possible in a realm where her corporeal body was inconsequential was lost to her.
Darkness swarmed her vision but she could tell it wasn't due to the lack of oxygen. At its last stage, the petrification was robbing her of her sight. The last thing she saw was the Lord of the Netherworld calling So'unga into his hands, with dark tendrils spiraling around its scabbard.
The sight of a formidable figure wielding a powerful weapon should have been considered horrifying. However, her mind had slipped into a haze, rendering her incapable of recognizing any risks. Instead, her thoughts remained incoherent save for a single fleeting reflection. 'Ugh, I've been rendered unconscious far too often since arriving here... How pathetic… This ought not to become a recurring occurrence…'
Though her will sought to combat the situation, it wasn't strong enough to persist as her soul was expelled from the Netherworld.
In an elegant manner befitting a noble lady, Sara knelt and plucked the herb from the soil, taking extra care to avoid tearing out the roots. For this particular one, only the top half was necessary. Leaving the base untouched would prompt regrowth, which could be re-harvested.
A woven basket, used for carrying various herbs, was positioned next to her and half-filled with a mixture of different samples. She added the newest addition to the top of the pile in the basket, mentally noting all the other ingredients she would need for the ritual.
'Hmm, almost done. A few more herbs and I can brew the elixir,' Sara thought to herself, pleased with her progress. She cast her gaze toward her garden, her pride and joy. Having a large space reserved for herself had its perks. The former Asano had used her abundant spare time since becoming an aberration to grow a variety of plantations, which flourished from her efforts. The herbs of many kinds were finally being given a purpose as a favor for her handsome lord.
A wisp of malevolence snapped her out of her reverie. She stood up, instantly alert. "Who's there? Show yourself!"
"Asano Sara, I see you have not grown complacent during your many years of pointless longing. I would commend your vigilance, if concealment were my primary concern." From the shadows of a tree appeared a towering man, shrouded from head to toe with a white, furry baboon pelt. Only his eyes, ablaze with crimson light, were visible through the holes where the baboon's eyes once were.
The intruder carried an air of conceitedness, giving the idea that being discovered was a part of his plan. Sara knew it was no bluff; he had announced his presence on purpose. He was already far too close for her comfort and she hadn't picked up on it. Had he wanted to, he could have easily attempted to ambush her before she could have realized anything.
"How? How did you sneak by undetected?" She hadn't intended to give voice to the thought, but the question was stuck to her tongue like a thorn needing to be removed.
"I have my ways. That is a secret you won't need to know," the man chuckled. His laughter wasn't loud but it brought a nervous feeling to the pit of her stomach. He kept his hands hidden in his pelt, like he was trying to keep her guessing whether or not he was holding a weapon.
"Keep your paltry tricks to yourself. Why have you come? Don't try to tell me you've come here to flaunt something so trivial in my face." Her blue eyes shifted cautiously, scouring her territory for signs of movement. The area was unnaturally quiet, as if every living creature had chosen to evacuate and leave the two alone. While that meant she didn't have to worry about the possibility of being outnumbered, it also suggested that her allies were nowhere in sight. The uneasiness grew with the arrival of the realization that something might have happened to her people without her detecting it.
Despite her movement being clandestine, the man had noticed without much effort. "Your guards won't be coming to your aid. I've made the arrangements to keep them away. Henceforth, they will be serving my interests. As shall you. What do you say?"
"You came all this way for my cooperation? I'll have you know that I have no interest in assisting a coward who hides his face behind a carcass," Sara responded mockingly, raising a challenging eyebrow at the intruder.
She had conjured numerous guesses as to why he was here. However, none were as ridiculous as the desire for her aid. Considering the time frame of his appearance, she assumed he had some connection to either Sesshomaru or Kikyo. Her graceful brows knitted to form a sharp frown. "The timing of your appearance is far too concise to be a pure coincidence. You bore ill intent towards my Sesshomaru-sama, don't you? You won't act on it while I stand."
"Heh, foolish woman indeed. The amount of power and allure you have squandered, in pursuit of an insignificant mutt. I cannot abide such folly. I will see to it that you learn from your mistakes." His smirk, half-concealed in the shadows of his baboon pelt, turned sinister. Miasma surrounded him, as lesser demons slithered toward them, circling them and ready to act at his command. "You may think you have a choice… but I will show you what true persuasion looks like."
Kikyo's eyes burst open instantly.
Sunlight assaulted her pupils from overhead and she was faced with a vibrant blue sky, and the leaves of a large familiar-looking tree. The tree stood tall and proud against the backdrop of the sky, a stunning contrast to the gloom of the Netherworld. Yet, she could not admire the beauty that was put on full display before her.
Intense waves of pain that she did not think conceivable assailed her. It hurt. It hurt to think. The torment was a hammer constantly smashing into her skull, overtaking her every thought and sensation. Black spots danced at the corners of her vision, yet her consciousness never wavered. Instead, she felt far more acutely aware of the agony than she had ever imagined possible.
'H-how?' Her mind raged in anguish, its cries drowned out by the incoherent screams that spilled from her lips. There was no respite from the unrelenting agony. How could such terrible misery not summon oblivion? From her chest, the scalding sensation spread like wildfire, ravishing every fiber of her body as her soul was nibbled apart by a boiling hot pincer, with chunks left to be scattered with the wind. The intensity of the pain was so great that it made the centuries-long torment inflicted by the Shikon Jewel seem like a pathetic joke in comparison.
Kikyo's body twisted, her fingers clawing at the ground that was intangible to her. She writhed as another scream was pulled forcefully from her throat. The pain was all-consuming, leaving her with the inescapable thought that a knife to the heart would be the greatest mercy at this point.
"Wayward soul… a distant world. Lacking… as you are… long until… vanquished."
Someone was talking to her. By some miracle, she had managed to catch some of the words, along with the fleeting acknowledgment that the voice was puzzlingly familiar. It sounded so much like her own that it was almost as if she was hearing herself speak to… herself? Bafflement descended, but she lacked any strength to crack open her eyelids to identify the mysterious newcomer.
Who could it be? Briefly, she considered the possibility of a hallucination induced by the pain. She had wanted the misery to end. Perhaps that was her mind attempting to turn it into a reality.
The silence that followed was almost enough to convince her that it was all in her head… that was until she felt something unevenly textured and elongated encircle her incorporeal being. How it was able to do so while she was intangible was beyond her comprehension and she could not spare the thought to wonder where it might be taking her, or for what reason.
Today was an unusual day, the spirit mused.
As the embodiment of the sacred tree known as the Tree of Ages, or Goshinboku, she had thought that her deep connection with the fabric of time and space would have allowed her foresight on what was happening in front of her. However, she was offered no insight as to why there was an equally translucent figure, identical to her in appearance. The spirit didn't need to blink, yet she did anyway, just to confirm if the individual writhing on the ground was truly real.
Did some other spirit decide to borrow the same skin as she did? From the perspective of humans, she could see the appeal, since most would consider her appearance exquisite. However, her current look was due to the quirk of fate rather than anything else. The arrow that had kept a hanyou pinned on the Goshinboku's bark for fifty years contained the spiritual essence of a powerful miko. Having absorbed it, the spirit had subsequently manifested in her form. So unless the miko had a habit of striking everything with spiritual arrows embedded with her life force, the odds of another masquerading around using the same skin were close to zero. Even in that unlikely situation, she should not be left clueless. Being an entity of time, she should have at least been presented with some information about the arrival of any creature, no matter how minor, so long as they were bound to the time flow of this world.
That left her with little possibilities. The answer she conjured seemed surreal, but it did explain why the visitor lacked a physical body.
"Wayward soul from a distant world. Lacking a proper vessel as you are, it won't be long until you are vanquished," she stated, her unfluctuating tone holding no hint of pity for the new arrival whose soul was being ripped apart before her. As wisps of light escaped from her semi-transparent form, the spirit knew it wasn't much longer before the soul would crumble into nothingness.
But the spirit had to admit that it would be a shame if her lookalike's soul was torn asunder. Her arrival was an unforeseeable factor and was unaccounted for by the karmic nature of this earth.
In this world, there existed a prophecy that held the balance of everything at stake. It foretold the demise of a mighty kirin daiyoukai, a legendary beast of myths and legends, at the hands of beings that were neither fully human nor demon. They would be an impossible entity surpassing time itself, and play an important role in stopping the Grim Comet that would cause uproar and turmoil.
The identity of the savior had been a puzzle that the spirit had been trying to solve. Despite its powers, the Goshinboku was only able to gather little hints. Sesshomaru, the Inu daiyoukai of the west, would be responsible for the creation of the one in the prognosis. He would eventually follow his father's footsteps and find a mate with human blood in her veins. However, the spirit believed that his other half could not be any mundane human; it had to be someone whose blood was strong enough to blend with a daiyoukai's to produce a non-demon, non-human being who could take the fate of the world into their hands.
'Whose mortal's will and blood could rival that of the daiyoukai who sees humans as inferior?' For the longest time, the spirit could not find a suitable candidate. The arrival of the stranger in her skin changed everything. Normally, a soul should have been instantly ripped apart and eradicated by the natural laws of this world the moment it was detected. Tenacious beyond imaginable, the pure and radiant soul still fought and struggled against her inevitable demise.
This unexpected newcomer could be the breakthrough that she had been searching for. As an impossible being who had transcended time and space for an unknown purpose, she could be the key to achieving the prophecy.
Eager to validate the hypothesis, the spirit sought to understand the stranger. For what reason did she come to this world? That was one of the many questions the spirit would need to address if she wanted to act on the divination.
The Tree of Ages extended its phantom roots towards the incorporeal woman writhing on the ground. While the smaller roots worked to absorb the dispersing soul particles in the air, the largest one secured its target around the waist and lifted her into the air. The woman twitched, the reaction stemmed from the pain she was in rather than being an attempt to wrestle out of her captor's grip. Unconcerned, the spirit watched as the woman was pulled towards the Goshinboku's massive trunk and absorbed.
In the time it took the spirit to blink once and reopen her pair of mahoganies, the world around her had changed. Within the interior of the Goshinboku, the open skies were no longer visible and were blanketed by the never-ending darkness. A replica of the Tree of Ages stood in the center of the domain. While it was nearly identical to the one in the physical realm, it was covered in a ghostly blue light, and its roots could be seen visible beneath the transparent ground as they stretched far underground.
The spirit moved closer to the trunk, where her lookalike was suspended within. Here, the soul would remain in stasis until the spirit determined if her breaking soul was salvageable.
"Sleep and allow me to look into the dreams of your past," the spirit murmured, her usual tone of superiority temporarily replaced by a more gentle one more suitable for coaxing another to relax. She was met with some semblance of stubborn resistance from the woman's mind, but it was nothing that the spirit couldn't bypass as she managed to pull her target into a special state of unconsciousness that would allow her to study her target's past.
Nonetheless, not even sleep could abate the woman's suffering. Her form remained rigid, her convolutions intensifying as she trembled with every accelerated but shallowed breath. Despite its powers over time and space, it seemed that not even the Tree of Ages could completely halt the process of her decaying soul. Delaying it was the best manageable course of action. It was evident that the woman's repose would not be one filled with peace, though that mattered little to the spirit. All she needed was for the woman to sink into unconsciousness so that she could filter through her memories to gather information.
Distortions were happening.
So small they were that unless one was as closely linked to time and space as the Goshinboku was, one wouldn't have noticed given how subtle they were.
But a series of phenomena were set in motion, weaving the beginning of the prophecy and leaving rippling marks in the world. All of this was due to one lone traveler who had dared to breach the boundaries of time and space in search of her lost love. Impressive as it was, the Tree of Ages knew it would be presumptuous to call her appearance a blessing. At this point, the spirit could not say with any certitude whether the outcome would turn out to be a mayhem or a miracle.
Only one thing was guaranteed among all the uncertainties: this world would never be the same again...
"Sesshomaru, I've awakened to enact the promise I've made. It's time for your trial. I'll have you repent your pathetic ways in hell!" A creature of utter malice took advantage of the opening left by the trespasser, slipping through unhindered to search for a worthy vessel that it could inhabit to run amok.
At a similar time, the disturbance allowed the Bone-Eater Well to reopen after three years of dormancy, thus permitting the return of the girl who overcame time. "Inuyasha, sorry. Were you waiting for me?"
A new era had ushered in, one that would mark the beginning of great changes.
Kikyo: You're saying I have little time. How long?
Jaken: What nonsense is this? Revert to your true form, apparition!
Sesshomaru: Who are you?
Kagome: Next on Inuyasha, "Living Another Life I".
Let's start running, I'll take you there
To the promised place
(Don't miss the starting signal)
Believe in miracles
You are not alone, let's mark the precious, same era together
(Don't let go of this hand, running through Life)
A pure soul gets heated up
-New Era (Yashahime OP1)
More Author's Notes: Combined with the notes from the last chapter, seeing the above song's snippet as well as the last good chunk of this chapter should offer plenty of indications of where I'm heading with this… Indeed, I've added the 'isekai' element to this story in order to go through with a 'sort-of-fix-it' formula for Yashahime. While it is not a sequel of Inuyasha since it wasn't written by Rumiko Takahashi, I do feel that, as a story, some of the concepts it introduced need amends. I do not plan on subjecting myself to the torture of rewriting everything, as that would require watching it and sorting through all the inconsistencies, but I will write a mini-arc where we will explore some of the plot points in Yashahime and apply some fixing so that the events make more logical and moral sense.
But more on that later. For now, since Sara and the Inukimi made an appearance in this chapter, here's some trivia related to them and the story that I've included for those who are interested:
-We've all heard how the Inukimi addresses Kikyo as the 'guardian girl' because of her role as the keeper of the Shikon Jewel. What hasn't been mentioned is how the latter refers to her. Other than the usual "My Lady", I've settled with "Heika", which is equivalent to her saying "Your Majesty". The interesting thing here is that she addresses the Inu no Taisho as "Lord Touga". Just from the titles, the implication is that the one bearing the clan's royal bloodline is Sesshomaru's mother. I went for this since she is the Inukimi, the fans' nickname meaning 'Inu Queen', and he is the Inu no Taisho — 'Inu General' is the literal translation.
Having the Inukimi as the royalty also adds significance to the battle that Hibiki and Touga had for her hand, as they were fighting for not only the chance to mate the queen but also the right to be the leader of the clan. From this perspective, it makes Sesshomaru more eligible for the throne than Inuyasha since he is connected to the Inukimi. However, since the Inu no Taisho took over the ruling, both his descendants have an equal chance of obtaining the position. For a youkai, it's power that matters, rather than who your parents are. That's why Myoga is seen suggesting Inuyasha to go claim his birthright, since he deems the younger son a better ruler than the older.
And on a side note, I could technically have Kikyo use "Gobodo-sama" (Lady Mother) like Jaken did in the canon, but I'm hoping to save that for a special occasion. After all, there'll be plenty of time for Kikyo to call her 'mother' in the future if Sesshomaru has his way. ;)
-This is less about Sara directly and rather about the ingredients she is collecting for the ritual. 'The Queen of Night' (the one that restricted the group to a time frame) is not something I've made up on the spot like I did with some of the other ingredients. It does have a real-life counterpart. "Found in the deserts of southern Arizona, these cacti – also known as The Queen of the Night – look like a dead bush most of the year. But for one midsummer night every year (in June or July), their trumpet-shaped flower opens as night falls, then closes forever with the first rays of the morning sun".
Alright, that's all for now. Until next time!