EIGHTH BLOOD

Chapter 95: The bowl hypothesis

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It was well into the night by the time they entered the grounds of the Western Stronghold.

Kagome and the others had eradicated any soldiers that had been left behind to guard the place, so they were able to pass through the main gates without any issues. Octavia heeded Sesshoumaru's request and stayed close to him as they trekked along the path, striding over decomposing bodies. The stench of death was everywhere. She held her breath to create a sense of reprieve, but she only succeeded in making her lungs burn from overexertion. She had already lost all feeling in her legs and was struggling to keep her eyes open. If it weren't for Sesshoumaru feeding her a steady stream of youki, she would have collapsed hours ago.

Her movements were slow and robotic, but she maintained a brave face as she followed him into the stronghold. Each staircase they climbed was complete and utter torture. Sweat poured down her face, making her eyes sting and her breath taste sour. Her muscles cried out in protest as she pushed them beyond the point of no return. She hadn't made it this far to give up at the very last second. She could do this.

Sesshoumaru slowed his pace to a crawl so that she could catch up, then placed his hand on her shoulder.

"I can do it," she insisted, pushing his hand away. "Just give me a minute."

"It's all right," he said, reaching for her again. "We're the only ones here. Trust me."

To her horror, her knees gave out and she lost her balance, but as always, Sesshoumaru was there to catch her. Her eyelids drooped as he lifted her into his arms and supported her head against his unarmoured shoulder. Fighting to stay awake, she curled her fingers around one of the spikes on his breastplate and pricked the heel of her hand on the sharp tip. The abrupt jolt of pain alleviated her drowsiness and made her eyes fly open with newfound clarity.

"Don't do that," he scolded, then covered her hand with his to prevent her from doing it again.

She felt like she was floating as he brought her to a room she didn't recognise. He opened the door with his foot and closed it behind them, then advanced towards a large wooden divider that partitioned the room into separate smaller areas. The walls were a deep shade of blue, complimenting the grey and black decor, and the ceiling was lined with rows of spherical paper lanterns.

"Where are we?"

"My private quarters," he answered, setting her down on the mattress. "No one will look for you here." The urge to sleep intensified as he reached behind her and fluffed the already perfect pillows. "Wait here."

Her hand shot out and grabbed his sleeve. "Where are you going?"

"Your face requires attention."

Octavia blinked. She had forgotten all about that. Now that he'd mentioned it, she could feel the usurper's blood caked onto her skin, drawn tight across her nose and cheekbones.

Sesshoumaru disappeared into the washroom for a few moments before re-emerging with a small metal basin and a flannel. Her eyes tracked his movements obsessively, watching as he submerged the flannel underwater and wrung out any excess liquid. She felt her pulse quicken as he used one hand to lift her chin whilst the other guided the flannel across the plains of her face, wiping away the blood and grime that had accumulated there.

"You're so kind," she whispered.

He chuckled. "You misinterpret my actions. I simply do not wish for you to get blood all over my sheets."

She laughed at him. "Is that so? Well, in that case, compliment revoked."

Her heart grew to twice its original size as he gripped her chin a little tighter. He took his time dragging the flannel across her cheeks, as if savouring the process instead of trying to get it done as fast as possible. His tender ministrations reminded her of his previous attentions after she'd been injured whilst driving away the bandits. He hadn't been her biggest fan at the time, but his application of the ketsueki no kabe's leaves had been undeniably gentle.

"Thank you for saving me," she murmured.

"It's usually the other way around, isn't it?"

"I don't know. I think we're pretty even now."

He dropped the flannel into the metal basin, then placed it on the floor beside the bed. Octavia yawned. She had never been so exhausted in her entire life. Sesshoumaru dried his palms on the bedding and gathered her hands in his. The sensation of his thumbs sweeping over her knuckles was immensely soothing.

"Sleep," he commanded. "You're safe here."

"Will you stay with me?" she asked. "Just until I fall asleep?"

He leaned in and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Yes. Now sleep, you foolish woman."

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Sesshoumaru kept his word and stayed until her breathing transitioned into a steady rhythm. Only then did he untangle his fingers from hers and rise from his seat on the edge of the bed. He didn't allow himself to look back as he marched towards the door.

His feet carried him all the way to the Great Hall, which doubled as an overspill for the sickbay. The floor was covered in quilts and fabrics that had been gathered at the miko's behest, all of which were being used to accommodate those that had been wounded during the battle. It was odd to see a human barking orders at seasoned war generals, but none of them dared to rebuke her after witnessing her powers in action. Not that he could blame them. Kagome's spiritual abilities had grown since Naraku's defeat, and he doubted that even he would be able to survive a concentrated blast of reiki from her now.

"Inuyasha, why are you still standing there when I specifically asked you to go and get more blankets?" she snapped, making the hanyou's ears droop. "What are you waiting for? A written set of instructions? Go!"

Sesshoumaru fought the urge to snicker as Inuyasha scurried off to salvage what she'd asked for. "Miko."

Kagome turned and met his gaze. "Sesshoumaru. Long time no see, huh? What can I do for you?"

"I am looking for Rin and Jaken."

"Is that all?" She pointed to the far side of the room. "Jaken's over there. I sent Rin-chan on a hunt for alcohol to sterilise wounds with, but she should be back any minute. You could always make yourself useful and cut up some bandages whilst you wait."

"Mind yourself, miko," he warned. "Inuyasha may tolerate your domineering nature, but pure-blooded demons will not be so lenient."

She shrugged. "No one's had a problem with it so far. But if they do, I'd be more than happy to show 'em who's boss."

"I will bear that in mind when antagonising you in the future."

"You should." He turned to begin the process of locating the imp, only to be stopped by the miko attempting to interrogate him. "Where's Octavia-chan?" She didn't bother trying to hide the accusation in her voice.

"Resting," he replied. "She overexerted herself. Her powers need time to recuperate."

Kagome's nostrils flared. "If I find out you've lied to me, there'll be a nice little bed for you next to Jaken's."

"I take it you'll be the one responsible for putting me there?"

"If need be."

A smirk pulled at his lips. "Very well. Thank you for your help . . . little sister."

She didn't contest his use of the moniker as he walked away.

Jaken was asleep when he found him. He contemplated waking him, until he saw the array of cuts and bruises that marred the imp's face. Sesshoumaru crouched beside the little makeshift cot and stared down at his retainer. Not wishing to cause Jaken any further pain, he refrained from disturbing him and waited for him to awaken naturally.

The smell of lilacs and cherry blossoms floated into his nostrils, urging him to lift his head. He'd recognise that scent anywhere. Rin stood a meagre thirty feet away, balancing four bottles of rubbing alcohol in her arms. The miko accepted them, then pointed in his direction with a smile tickling her lips. Sesshoumaru rose to his feet as Rin's eyes found his, and the world seemed to stop when her face brightened in complete and utter joy.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" she cried, and for a moment, her form reverted back to the little girl from the forest, complete with tattered clothes and a face that was tarnished by bruises.

Rin bounded towards him like a young foal and wrapped her arms around his waist. He surprised them both by returning her embrace with a ferocity that rivalled even hers. He crushed her against his chest and buried his face in her dark tresses, inhaling her familiar scent. She felt so small and fragile, yet her strength was undeniable.

"Are you hurt?" he asked, checking her for injuries.

She shook her head. "No. You, on the other hand . . ."

He followed her gaze to his blood-soaked haori, then to the singed flesh on his forearms. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "These are mere flesh wounds. They will heal in due time."

"I'm glad to hear that."

His eyes flashed. "It helped that the usurper wasn't at full strength when I faced him. You didn't have anything to do with that, did you, Rin?"

Her brow creased. "Who, me? I could never pull something like that off, Sesshoumaru-sama. I'd end up poisoning myself by mistake."

"Who said anything about poison?"

Their mouths curved into matching smirks. Rin's teeth shone like shards of obsidian. His mother had worn ohaguro paste a lot when he was young. It was a symbol of wealth and beauty—a reminder that she was the wife of the great Inu no Taisho. Ryukotsusei's concubine, Rayna, had practised the custom, as well. Sesshoumaru felt a wave of nausea wash over him when he remembered what Tsunayoshi had said about Rin carrying his heir.

His grip on her shoulders tightened. There was no point asking her about it. If she was with child, he would have smelled it.

"I couldn't just sit back and watch whilst you did all the work," she said. "After everything you've done for me, it was the least I could do. None of it would have been possible without Jaken-sama, Shippo-chan or Kohaku, though. Even Cyril-kun turned a blind eye towards what we were doing."

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed at the mention of the warlock's name. "What do you mean?"

"He could have ratted us out to Tsunayoshi," Rin replied. "But he didn't. When he caught Jaken-sama stealing from his herb garden, he basically encouraged us to go ahead with our little plan. Hell, I think he wanted us to do it. It makes sense when you remember that he was being blackmailed by Tsunayoshi, too."

"How do you know that?"

"I saw it in a dream."

Sesshoumaru stiffened. He had learned not to underestimate the power of dreams.

"What was he being blackmailed with?"

Rin frowned. "I don't know the specifics, but Tsunayoshi mentioned a curse."

A curse, hmm? How very peculiar. The warlock was currently on his way to the jail sector. As far as Sesshoumaru was aware, he hadn't regained consciousness yet. He made a mental note to visit him as soon as he awakened.

"What did the ngea hope to gain by allying themselves with Tsunayoshi?" Sesshoumaru queried.

"The what?"

"The shadows," he clarified. "That is their name."

"Ngea," she repeated, testing the name on her tongue. "That's weird. It sounds kind of familiar. Like I've heard it somewhere before. I can't remember where, though."

Her eyes flitted around the room as if searching for something, whilst her fingers curled around the strange necklace she was wearing. It looked identical to the one Octavia wore, except the colours were inverted, and the chain was thicker.

"Kagome-sama told me that she saw Octavia-san," Rin started. "She said she spoke to her. Is she—"

"She's here."

Rin's face lit up like a sun. "When can I see her?"

"Soon," he promised. "She needs to rest first."

"That's okay. I'm just glad she's home."

"As am I."

Jaken was showing signs of stirring. Rin rushed past him and knelt beside the imp's cot. His eyelids peeled open to reveal a pair of bloodshot eyes with dilated pupils. Sesshoumaru's chest felt warm as he watched them converse in hushed whispers. The sight reminded him of bygone days when their group had scoured the country in search of the fiend known as Naraku. All that was missing from the scene was Ah-Un. The dragon youkai had stayed behind at the campsite to protect the children and those who'd been deemed unfit to fight. Sesshoumaru had been a little taken aback by the beast's passionate stance on the matter, but he'd understood its motives. Ah-Un had always been fond of children.

"M-Milord!" Jaken gasped, then moved to sit up.

Sesshoumaru joined Rin on the floor and placed a hand on the imp's shoulder. The gesture made Jaken's eyes widen and robbed him of breath. Sesshoumaru only ever touched him when he needed to vent his frustrations. Jaken had been at the mercy of his temper for decades, and yet his devotion had never wavered. Sesshoumaru hadn't deserved his undying loyalty.

"Forgive me," he said. "I liberated you from one version of bondage only to thrust you into another. Before I coerced you into servitude, you were a leader in your own right. I should never have taken that away from you. If you wish to return to your tribe, I will not stop you."

Jaken looked horrified. "You didn't coerce me into anything! I left of my own volition! Travelling with you wasn't always easy, and I suppose I did miss the responsibilities that came with being a leader, but each day brought with it a brand-new adventure. I saw new horizons, tried new foods, and I didn't have to make all the decisions. For the first time in my life, I felt free."

"You almost died because of me," Sesshoumaru reminded him. "The Tenseiga can only revive a soul once. I wouldn't have been able to save you this time."

Jaken shrugged. "That's life. Not everyone inherits a magic sword from their sire that can resurrect the dead. Most people only get one chance, and when they die, they stay dead."

"It's true," agreed Rin. "We were fortunate enough to have been given a second shot at life. Or third, in my case. My parents and brothers weren't so lucky."

Life isn't supposed to be limitless.

Sesshoumaru removed his hand from Jaken's shoulder. "You truly have no qualms about turning your back on your old life?"

The imp's eyes blazed with certainty. "My back was turned from the moment I laid eyes on you, milord."

"As was mine," Rin said with a smile.

Sesshoumaru's face softened as he looked upon his companions with new eyes. How many years had he wasted seeking validation from a ghost? Although Rin and Jaken weren't related to him by blood, they had done the one thing that his father hadn't been able to, which was love him unconditionally.

"In that case," he started, meeting Jaken's determined gaze. "I'm promoting you to the position of Chief Minister."

The imp's mouth fell open in shock. "C-Come again?"

"You are no longer a mere vassal of this one," elaborated Sesshoumaru. "Instead, you shall be in charge of a council that will act as personal advisors to the Lord of the Western Lands, whilst managing affairs such as legislations and taxes."

"But there is no such council!" Jaken squawked.

"Exactly. I, however, believe that we would benefit from the existence of one. That is why I would like you to create one on my behalf. It is the perfect role for you, Jaken. You would regain the responsibilities you yearn for without sacrificing your freedom. What do you say?"

Jaken's eyes glistened with tears. "You are too kind, milord."

Sesshoumaru's mind conjured up an image of Octavia lying fast asleep in his bed. "So I've been told."

"Jaken-sama, you have to say yes!" urged Rin. "Think of how popular you'll be! And not to mention rich!"

The imp made a show of rubbing his chin. "Well, when you put it like that . . ."

Sesshoumaru's eyes drifted towards the opposite end of the Great Hall, where a young man in scarlet robes was distributing blankets. The hanyou's ears twitched – as if feeling the weight of the Daiyoukai's intense gaze – and he lifted his head. Sesshoumaru clenched his jaw as his half-brother stared at him from across the room with an unusual expression.

"Stay with Jaken," he told Rin, rising to his feet. "I won't be long."

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Inuyasha swallowed as Sesshoumaru crossed the room to get to him.

He braced himself for the vicious onslaught of insults that would manifest once Sesshoumaru came within speaking range, but the Daiyoukai did no such thing. Instead, he paused and regarded his little brother cautiously, as if he were seeing him for the very first time. Inuyasha fought the urge to squirm under the crippling weight of Sesshoumaru's gaze.

"What the hell is your deal?" he snapped. "I didn't drag myself all the way out here for a damn staring contest, asshole."

"Then why did you?"

Inuyasha balled his hands into fists. "I knew you were in trouble. I figured our old man would've wanted me to make sure you didn't get yourself killed."

"Who told you about the usurper? I don't recall sending for you, but someone clearly did."

"Are you for real? No one fucking sent for us. And we had no idea who that pathetic lowlife even was until Toran filled us in on what's been happening. We went into that portal blind. Excuse me for giving a shit about you. I should've just stayed at home—"

"What portal?"

Inuyasha blinked. "You know, those cracks that have been popping up all over the place? The ones that lead to other realities? Hell, they're everywhere! You must have seen some of 'em."

Sesshoumaru's eyes widened. "You travelled through the schism."

"The what?"

"It is the space between worlds. You've passed through it before. Many times, in fact. It is my understanding that the Bone-Eater's Well acts as a bridge between your world and the miko's."

"How the hell do you know that?"

"You are not the only one to have traversed the schism."

Inuyasha gaped at his brother in bewilderment.

"These cracks you speak of," continued Sesshoumaru. "How many are they?"

"Like a gazillion," replied Inuyasha. "Way too many to count. Musashi is overflowing with 'em."

Sesshoumaru's brow furrowed. "That is strange. Here, they are few and far between."

Inuyasha frowned. "That can't be right. Are you sure you haven't missed any? Why would there be so many in one place and not another—" He cut himself off. Realisation dawned on him as he mulled over what the overabundance of cracks meant for the province of Musashi.

"What is it?" Sesshoumaru probed.

"The Tree of Ages," he whispered. "I thought it was a coincidence, but maybe it isn't."

"Explain."

Inuyasha struggled to come up with a way to articulate his thoughts. In the end, he settled for a visual demonstration instead. He spotted a ceramic bowl on the ground and reached to pick it up. "Think of it this way. Our world is like this bowl."

"I fail to see how."

"Just shut up and listen for a second." Inuyasha patted the base of the bowl with his hand. "This side is us. We live here, in the sixteenth century, right? Well, so does Kagome, but she wasn't born here." He flipped the bowl over so that the hollowed-out inside was facing the ceiling. "This is where she came from. Same world, different times—both of which are separated by this crazy strong, impenetrable barrier. But here's the thing. It's not impenetrable."

To prove his point, he thrust a claw into the base of the bowl, creating a small crater.

"One day, somebody pierces a hole in this barrier, and bam! Thanks to the Bone-Eater's Well, things can travel between the two time periods. But this is where it gets really crazy." He removed his finger from the crater and tapped its jagged rim. "What happens when you smash a hole into something hard and brittle?"

"It loses its integrity," Sesshoumaru answered.

"Exactly."

The Daiyoukai watched as Inuyasha forced his finger back into the crater and wiggled it around. The clay around the crater soon crumbled, and a network of cracks splintered across the bowl's surface, spreading outwards to encompass the entirety of its base.

Sesshoumaru's brow creased again. "I believe I understand what you are alluding to with this peculiar demonstration, but what, pray tell, is your finger supposed to represent?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "The way I see it, there are two likely outcomes. Either the portals are breaking down from overuse, or the hole itself is getting bigger over time. Meaning—"

"Something is trying to force its way through," Sesshoumaru finished for him.

Inuyasha placed the now fractured bowl on the floor and waited for the Daiyoukai to weigh in on his theory.

"It is a compelling argument," he said. "However, it was the Tree of Ages that ushered you towards this conclusion, not the Bone-Eater's Well. You claim that the latter exists at the centre of the web when it is actually the former. And thus, your theory is made redundant."

"I don't see you coming up with anything better, dickwad!"

". . . Why did you really enter the portal?"

"I told you. Father would have wanted me to—"

"You're lying. Tell me the truth, little brother."

Inuyasha gnashed his teeth together. "Why do you wanna know so badly?"

"So it was a lie."

"Okay, fine! Jeez. I was worried about you. Happy?"

An unidentifiable emotion passed through Sesshoumaru's eyes then, but it only stuck around for a couple of seconds. Inuyasha wondered what it could have been. "Your concerns were misplaced. It would take more than a vengeful hanyou to bring about my destruction."

"You ungrateful jerk—"

"If you would let me finish." Inuyasha held his tongue whilst the Daiyoukai spoke. "Whilst I personally did not require your aid on this particular occasion, your group's contributions to the battle were . . . adequate. The miko eradicated many of our foes with her sacred arrows, and the Tessaiga's attacks were a welcome sight amongst all the bloodshed. Simply put, you have my thanks."

Inuyasha's eyes grew wide in shock. "You're thanking me? What the hell!"

"Would you rather I hadn't?"

"No, it's just . . . I don't think we've ever had a conversation last this long before! At least, not without us trying to kill each other. Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Your wife will be tired after completing her duties here," Sesshoumaru said after a brief pause. "I encourage you to remain in the stronghold until you are both sufficiently rested. The tanuki is welcome to do the same, provided that he promises not to transform into giant fruits whilst indoors. The cost of repairs is high enough already."

Inuyasha blinked. "You're asking us to stay?"

"Not at all. I am simply pointing out that it would be in your best interests to. The celebrations will commence tomorrow and will last for at least a week. Unless the miko runs out of rubbing alcohol and decides to empty our vaults of sake."

Inuyasha couldn't believe what he was hearing.

The Daiyoukai's eyes narrowed. "You do not have to—"

"No, no, we'll stay. I know Kagome will appreciate a hot bath and a meal before we leave. Hachi, too. I'll go and tell 'em now."

Sesshoumaru didn't utter another word as Inuyasha walked away. He and Sesshoumaru had never exchanged so many words before, and certainly never in a manner quite as civil as that. The Daiyoukai he knew would have rather toppled over dead than express gratitude to a worthless half-breed. What in the world had come over him? Was he sick? He didn't look it, but Kagome had once told him that not all illnesses were tangible. According to her, there were illnesses of the mind—invisible to the naked eye, but still very much there. Her own father had ended up succumbing to one of these illnesses, so they were nothing to sneer at. Could Sesshoumaru have somehow contracted one?

There was no point wasting time wondering about it. All Inuyasha could do now was watch and observe. Whether he liked it or not, he was bound to find out sooner or later.

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Author's Corner

I guess Kagome has been teaching Inuyasha Physics? Thanks for reading!