Chapter 103 - Memory

Amidst the chaos of his soul, Sesshomaru heard a voice. At first it sounded as if it was calling to him at a great distance, or through water. Soon it seemed closer, as if whoever spoke was standing very near to him.

"Sesshomaru."

The voice was deeply familiar, associated in his mind with turmoil and regret. Sesshomaru had no desire to follow it.

"Son. We need to speak."

The fog cleared, and he remembered why he wanted nothing to do with the voice. Father. Irritation, regret and longing swirled deep within him. Taking a breath, Sesshomaru smothered the feelings, beating them back into their dark corner, before finally opening his eyes. Before him, stood the visage of the great dog demon himself. When their eyes met, gold to gold, Toga smiled warmly.

"My son… it's so good to see you."

For several long heartbeats Sesshomaru was silent, observing his father. The environment around them was murky, he was fairly certain that Tenseiga had once again drawn him, to converse with the memories of his father. Something, he would not willingly partipcaged in. Toga himself, looked much the same, except that his image was faded, as if he had lost some of his ability to retain a physical form.

"Father." Sesshomaru spoke at length, a frown dimpled his lips. "Why have you brought me here?"

Toga's smile faded, once realizing that Sesshomaru was not necessarily glad to see him. "My time here is becoming short. There are things I must tell you before my essence fades from this world entirely."

Sesshomaru's golden eyes hardened. "There is nothing more you can teach me, I have become an adult on my own."

Slowly, Toga nodded. "You have indeed. But there are still things you should know."

With a scoff, Sesshomaru's fist clenched at his side. "Very well. Tell me so that I may return."

"It would be easier to show you." Toga said patiently, his gentleness never faltering.

Why must it always be complicated? Sesshomaru closed his eyes, as if disinterested. "Very well. Let it be done. I do not wish to return here again." Had his eyes been open, Sesshomaru would have seen the flash of disappointment in Toga's eyes.

Instead of responding, the vague murkiness surrounding them faded to utter darkness. Then, slowly, light shone in the distance, appearing to come ever nearer. Opening his eyes again, Sesshomaru cast a glance at the brightness as it drew closer. Soon, the darkness around them was gone entirely as the light completely encompassed both Sesshomaru and Toga. Blinking against the sudden change, Sesshomaru glanced around.

"This is one of my memories." Toga said quietly, his eyes held a far-away look.

Sounds of battle could be heard at a distance, through the nearby thick copse of trees. Soon, the Toga from the memory appeared. He was fighting a powerful looking demon, the blows that they exchanged shook the very ground. From where they observed, Sesshomaru could see that Toga was bleeding heavily from one shoulder. Droplets of crimson flung through the air each time he swung his sword and saturated the fabric beneath his armor. It piqued Sesshomaru's interest to realize that in the memory, Toga carried neither Tetsusaiga or Tenseiga, it was his other demon sword, So'unga. Finally, after long minutes of battle, the demon fell to the ground with a heavy thud, and exhaled it's final breath. Toga landed on the ground a half second later, staggering from apparent blood loss. He groaned, using So'unga to steady himself, before collapsing entirely into the dust.

Sesshomaru's eyebrows pulled together as he cast a look at his father, who stood just to his left. Toga inclined his head.

"Keep watching."

Voices approached, young female voices. Humans. Sesshomaru watched as two young girls walked through the trees. It appeared to be a young nobleman's daughter, and her maid, based on their clothing. The girl looked vaguely familiar, the dark almost inky blackness of her hair and the soft brown hues of her eyes made her look almost… exotic. For a human. It was her clothing that distinguished her role as a hime... a princess. The silk was intricately detailed and multi-layered, especially for one so young. Sesshomaru imagined she wasn't much more than ten human years. Her hands were full of flowers, which she was arranging into the basket that her maid carried as they walked together.

"There now. That should be everything we need." The girl turned, then gasped as she saw the prone form of Toga. "Oh my goodness — quickly. Run back to the palace and get my father!" Horrified, the maid turned and fled from the clearing. The girl though, turned and bravely walked over to Toga. "You poor thing…" it took some serious straining for the small female to roll the much larger demon lord onto his back, from his forward prone state. Examining him closely, she spied the deep wound in his shoulder. Quickly she removed her outer silk robe and pressed it to the gaping wound. "Do not worry." With her free hand, she pulled a couple leaves from her pocket and lifted the silk briefly, to press them to the wound, before placing the silk back again and pressing firmly. "This will help the blood clot." She explained, although Sesshomaru was certain that the incapacitated Toga, could not hear her. At length, the prone demon began to stir. Groaning, Toga opened his eyes and looked up at the little girl who hovered over him. He blinked once, clearly confused.

"It's okay my Lord. You're going to be okay, you collapsed, badly wounded. But I'm treating your wound, and my father will be here soon with help."

Toga shifted, then winced with pain. "Thank you." Sesshomaru watched with interest, there was a distinct change in Toga's eyes. "May I ask… who are you, young one?"

The girl smiled demurely, averting her eyes. "My name is Izayoi. My father is the daimyo here… he will be very grateful that you slayed the Gashadoruko, it has been tormenting our mountain for a long time."

"Izayoi…" Toga said the name almost reverently, his gaze softening. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Toga."

Izayoi… she met Toga when she was a girl? How strange that it was a similar tale to how he himself, had met Rin. Sesshomaru looked to his father for answers.