Much to her surprise, the smell of sex wasn't in the air this time. The creature might actually be sleeping or behaving today! Though she had much to do, Meioshi needed to see the king ogre about their agreement. The pact had begun, unfortunately, and she had no choice but to share her new power and knowledge with him as per their agreement. The green pheasant and his children had returned to their home at the Blood Oath's Circle for a little while to inspect the damage. Once complete, the family of pheasants decided to visit her estate for a short vacation. That was a far more pleasant event to look forward to than this anyway.
Entering the throne room of the mountain was always a fantastic sight. Unlike most demons, Shanwang had a glorious aesthetic eye for interior design. He had a regal, circular rug in the center of the room and large columns holding up the tiered ceiling that seemed to be dropping streams of golden sand from mapped-out crevices. It gave the appearance of a glassless hourglass forming the corners of the room. Torches were lighting the sides of the room and the smaller moat surrounding the rug except for the walkway leading to the rug's center. Holes in the mountain formed windows that poured natural lighting on the treasures and spoils of Shanwang's prior life as a dictating monster. Gold, jewels, silks, linens, jade, weapons, armor, and any manner of worldly spoil littered the bottoms of the window openings in his throne room. The large chandelier above them was made fully of jade, lapis lazuli, and orange carnelian stones.
Speak of the devil, the king ogre was seated at his mighty throne, eagerly waiting for his visitor to speak to him. The necklace of beads, teeth, and talisman around Shanwang's neck shone brightly against the different angles of light and his skin almost looked more bronze than it did orange. His hair couldn't have been any brighter in its redness, and his eyes held that classic, glassy appearance befitting an animal... or demon. There was amusement in them today as the doctor approached the rug by cat-walking along the walkway leading to it. Meioshi looked like she just came from a fight. He could smell her wounds from the grand distance between them. His throne was seated on ornate, wooden stairs that were lined with tassels like the ones in Meioshi's gold ring hair tie, so the distance of the slope from his throne to the base of the circular rug and that distance coupled with the rug's center to the entrance of his throne room was an even hundred or so feet. When she reached the center, Meioshi let out a stifled breath and looked up at his majesty before waving hello as she often did whenever she was able to properly visit him.
Shanwang grinned widely at the doctor, unfolding his six arms, and standing proudly before her. He walked down the stairs in lumbering footsteps until he was at the base of the stairs. His towering form looked down at his smaller master. He then said, "Welcome back, doctor. Looks like you had a good scuffle."
"Meh," Meioshi started, shrugging and shifting a hand from left to right on its side. "Seven out of ten. I had help this time."
The ogre lightly chuckled, understanding her opinion. Some allies took the fun out of battle, hence why he often went alone when terrorizing villages. He continued with a more serious tone but not erasing his smile in the slightest, "I see you didn't need my power to lift the Dai Fubuki blade. You passed the winter warrior's test expertly. As predicted, your power has grown tremendously since you last came to me. You're only slightly wounded but there is a lingering effect of poison that will hinder you from regaining full health if it's not taken care of soon. Whoever gave you that wound is more powerful than you think."
"Oh, I got this nasty, little bite from that demon I told you about. The one who's well-known but not really to me," Meioshi said, placing a hand on her hip and the other on her chest. "That black wall demon just about broke a bone somewhere from his bite. Hurt like hell."
"You and unintentional puns," Shanwang said, lowering his lids with minor amusement before returning his eyes to the eager glint. "With your success in obtaining the Baohu qi Voluptatis and defeating one of the titans of Koridetudi, you are now capable of claiming land and title as a Netherworld titan yourself. You've already staked your place in the mountains as simply a Netherworld predator to satisfy my challenge. Though it nearly destroyed you, you've earned respect from several powerful demons of the living world who have sought territory and power from that area. This puts you at the level of my power before I entered the Netherworld. To gain the full power that you need to defeat your enemy, you will now have to do more if you choose to continue. Our agreement is set now, daughter of Unmei. Are you certain you wish to make our exchange of power?"
"You make it seem like I have a choice," the doctor replied, smirking remorsefully. "I came to you for a reason. It hasn't changed and neither will my decision to continue down this path."
"You are most definitely the finest addition to the Jigoku name!" Shanwang boasted, laughing openly. "A worthy human opponent! You will walk the path of the king ogre going forward. Ogre Island is your next challenge from me. When your forefather defeated me, my power had been taken in a large quantity and returned to my homeland to be distributed among the commanders there. By now, those idiots probably trashed the place. No matter, though! I have a better palace, don't I, doctor?"
"A gorgeous kingdom, sire," Meioshi complimented with a gentle smile. "One of your choice versus a birthright. You decked it out incredibly! Should've been an architect. More money."
"Pfft! Like anyone could afford me!" Shanwang declared, folding a pair of his arms. He then said, "As you are sent by that dainty thing of a deity to retrieve more divine weapons until your last one, you will come across the commanders and will have to defeat them alone. You can't have help in these battles. Each commander defeated returns my power to me until the exchange is complete. As for your claim of title, I should mention that you officially have land now. The herbs you used to hide away in corners to escape the Netherworld demons are now yours. You can move in and out of them at will, and, by the herbs being of pure origin, no other demon can touch these gates between the living world and Netherworld. I don't know what human would be ridiculous enough to want to enter those corners, but a human can do it. Apparently, you dropped one of your herbs in Koridetudi while you were down there this time. Pure grass started growing in its place. Once you defeat the other titan of Koridetudi, their territory in the Land of Ice is officially yours and you then can choose to serve one of the Kings of Hell as a guardian to the Land of Ice or battle him in the future for his title. Knowing you, you're not gonna do either but I thought I'd sprinkle a little something in there as seasoning for your knowledge."
"You already know my goals," Meioshi said, smiling at Shanwang's antics. "Right then. So, what's this about another titan? I didn't even know the black wall demon was a titan. I thought he was working his way to become one."
"That little leech managed to join forces with the titan that was already there. He had to have told that pansy about the divine Arctic sword," Shanwang said, waving a hand in the air with some annoyance. He couldn't stand the ice demons of hell. He continued, "They're both just annoying as fuck all. Your mission may only be half done for me, but it's done for Kako. You'll be able to handle the pansy in the future. Right now, the black wall demon's power has returned to the pansy and it no doubt made him stronger. You can't fight him yet even with my help. I wouldn't worry about him anyway. We've got an agreement to make official."
Meioshi nodded, dropping her smile, and locking eyes with the king ogre. She then said, "Right then. What do I need to do?"
"Relinquish the Kaishi Novum as I relinquish my kanabo," Shanwang directed.
With some hesitation from the doctor, Kaishi Novum was silently called to Meioshi's hand and planted on the ground as she stood firmly before her forefather's foe awaiting his next choice of actions and/or words. The green pheasant couldn't have been more right about this situation, but she didn't think the pheasant fully understood the significance of Shanwang's actions up to this particular moment. Relinquishing his kanabo was a major step - a direct equivalent to surrendering one's self-known identity - and even talking to his mortal enemy (though Meioshi was no more than a descendant among the ages) was unusual for the king ogre. This was the very creature that antagonized many a civilization for plunder until he made his way into the Netherworld to become a feared warrior of hell itself. Defeated by a brave human who dared to enter the Netherworld just to save someone's life and forced to serve that human until his family line fizzled out would have tempted any demon to find ways to kill their master out of fury, but Shanwang was different and always had been to Meioshi. It was why she took an interest in his story as a child. He wasn't like the typical Oni that her mother and grandfather showed her in her youth to teach her a lesson about misbehaving children. He was too smart, too physically unique, and too resourceful. Standing before him reminded her of the days when she visited the king ogre as a child.
He stood tall just like he was standing now, glaring (or throwing a jab) at Arimasa at first until he took notice of Suiren either standing behind him or next to him. Shanwang was always intrigued by Suiren being a hell traveler. Women were not often chosen to be his master, and she was such a sweet girl, but she had the most impressive control of the Mind's Eye within the family and at a surprisingly young age. She also made some of the most delicious mooncakes he ever tasted! Shanwang was more careful with his words when speaking to (and about) Meioshi's mother, but that could have been due to Arimasa always being with her since he typically demanded respect for his daughter. Suiren never visited Shanwang alone unless she absolutely had to and that was twice in her lifetime: one, when her husband was in danger and she needed help; two when she was pregnant because all mothers to the new heirs of the Jigoku Crest had to present themselves to Shanwang. It was to ensure a successful passing of power until the child was ready to assume his/her position as a hell traveler. Arimasa was the perfect example of how specific the passing of power truly was as a master of the king ogre. His father didn't have the Jigoku Crest, which wasn't unusual since the marking could pass down to any heir and sometimes multiple heirs, if necessary, but his uncle, Kokina Hoshi, did have the marking and taught Arimasa the ways of the hell traveler at a young age.
When Meioshi started exhibiting signs of coming into power, she was introduced to Shanwang as a little girl and out popped her little head from behind Suiren to meet the monster living under the Jigoku estate.
"Well, if it isn't my two favorite masters," Shanwang would say with heavy sarcasm and folding of two pairs of arms. The other pair he would use to express himself through gestures or hand signs. "What the hell do you want?"
"Mind your tongue," Arimasa demanded with narrowed eyes and a small smirk. "You are standing before my daughter and your new master."
"Yeah, yeah. Where's the little twerp?" Shanwang asked, rolling his eyes. O joy, another person to fear him.
"Hello!" a cheerful, accented voice greeted.
Shanwang looked down to see the child that spoke only to be surprised that another woman was chosen. A friendly, spunky one at that. Her hair was dark and wavy, her kimono a very flattering combination of lilac purple and bright blue, and her eyes were going to be the main feature that drew a man's attention instantly. Shanwang raised an eyebrow, grinned widely, and said, "You're going to need to stay active, Arimasa. That little one will become a blossom."
"I've no worries," Arimasa said, keeping his eye on the ogre but smirk becoming a bit larger. "She started learning how to fight not too long ago."
"Against my wishes," Suiren chimed, puffing her cheeks with displeasure and looking down at Meioshi. "But I don't want her to be bullied either."
"She can fight, eh?" Shanwang growled, interested in this information.
Shanwang, at first, tried to frighten Meioshi like he scared Arimasa's wife, Umehana, and Suiren upon their first meeting, but Meioshi showed no signs of fear towards him. She was more scared of a bug that crawled on his knee before it flew away and fascinated by his large size and multiple arms. As if Shanwang read her mind, he grinned at her and it was the same mischievous grin as back then. When he took note of Meioshi's unwavering curiosity, he somehow started speaking to her differently from the previous masters and asked about her often when Arimasa and Suiren visited without her. He took to Meioshi because of that childlike wonder she possessed more than likely, but he found he didn't mind Meioshi being his master as much as the others. She was always impressed by his ability to remember the names, personalities, and events leading up to the coming of power, and the strongest skill of each master. She used to wonder if any of the masters were friendly to him or if Shanwang even considered one of his masters a type of friend. The ogre rarely answered the question with a definitive yes or no, but he spoke of Bichisutomu often when the question did arise. Bichisutomu was the weakest of warriors in the Jigoku line, but he had a way of taming demons unlike any of the masters by far. Supposedly, Shanwang learned a bit of philosophy from Bichisutomu and that interaction with said man developed the king ogre's gentleness towards the future masters.
Arimasa was probably the only other master he joked with, which was a pleasant change for the king ogre, and Suiren was the only other master he was gentler around, especially if he wanted more of her pastries. For whatever reason, the masters following after Bichisutomu were more pleasant to be around. They spoke to him differently and grew less afraid of him. They sort of cared about his well-being more. Meioshi was the pinnacle of the change between master and servant. She allowed him more freedom and provided more for him on an intellectual level. Eventually, she was trusted with speaking to him alone versus how it was with Suiren. The moment Shanwang could say he never wanted to forget would be the night he shared dinner with his masters for Meioshi's thirteenth birthday. That was when he felt the shift in his relationship with the hell travelers. One hundred and some odd years of servitude for humans, who didn't even know the magnitude of his power, spent in a peaceful bliss would be somewhat missed, but he had enough of his imprisonment and was excited that the master who intrigued him the most would be the one to end his life of bondage.
Shanwang, suddenly growing hesitant to give up his weapon, summoned his kanabo into his hand and let the heavier end of the club leave an impactful dent in the flooring. He then said with careful pauses, "Just so you know, I fucked up my floors for this. You can't turn back once the exchange is made."
Meioshi smiled gently at his majesty and said, "I'm nervous, too. Three hundred years' worth of boring imprisonment soon to be no more. I guess nothing I've done will change your view of humans, but you were at least able to live out some decades as a proper judge of man and beast. Perhaps that's solace enough for me."
"Of all my masters, you've done more for me than even my servants on my home island," Shanwang said with a huff. "I don't care for humans in the slightest. Never did. But, your forefather, Bichisutomu, set the pace for how I view the new masters following after him. I suppose you could say I've been able to tolerate you all a bit more. You, specifically, doctor, have gained my interest over the years. Your thirst for blood and vengeance matches my thirst for a higher power. As you've said in your youth, I am too different for the likes of the living world. Allowing me to choose a threshold worthy of my stature was a milestone between our relationship as master and servant and a stepping stone to realizing I am more than a mindless Oni. It is time for me to prove your theory. Complete my new trial and you will have earned my respect."
"Right then," Meioshi said, nodding. "The pact has been voiced. In exchange for your might as a titan, I relinquish the bonds of servitude to the hell travelers and return your prized mirror to trap my soul if you choose to exact your vengeance upon my family through me as the acting representative should my task reach completion."
"For my strength," Shanwang hissed with a vile grin, "I form a reversal of position. I am neither titan nor king. I am rogue withstanding. The trials set before the oath keeper will be the new Path of Oni. Her power is my power and my remaining power is hers. Failure to complete the Path of Oni voids our agreement. The oath keeper's might, land, and titles following my challenges and trials belong to me, and... it shall be decided between us whether I can battle or vouch for my freedom."
"Render the pact active through blood and sacrifice," Meioshi said, twirling her spear until her palm met the sharpest edge of the blade.
_____________________________________________
Sesshomaru returned to Meioshi's estate in Heiwa, all too happy to be on his way and return to his travels, but he felt a terrible sense of foreboding as he walked alone toward Meioshi's home to retrieve Jaken and his dragon. Seeing the waterfall Meioshi had fallen near return to its serene downpour into the pond gave the land a more calming atmosphere. Looking at the marble stairs leading up to the cliff made Sesshomaru wonder about Jaken's words. Did Lady Meioshi hide the snow sword away up there? What else could she have been hiding? He then remembered her climbing out of the water and rushing up the stairs to get to something before she faced him again fully clothed in leather and armor. His rival was an interesting woman. Hearing splashing, Sesshomaru's attention was gained by children swimming in the pond with Jaken catching a ball tossed by a small boy and a little girl riding on Moeru's back. His children were also swimming about. Yuko and Ichi were watching them all with soft expressions on their faces. The two resembled Inuyasha and Kagome a bit, but Yuko was a lot sassier and Ichi was a lot bolder. That and the two didn't seem to be romantically involved with each other.
"You have to hit the ball, Lord Jaken!" the floppy-haired boy instructed, laughing.
"Well, you hit it too low!" Jaken complained, waving a fist. "I can't swim that fast, Musuko! All I could think to do was catch it!"
"Use your palms to pat it up, Lord Jaken," a little girl instructed, showing Jaken what to do while riding. "Pass it to me, Musuko!"
"Alright!" Musuko responded cheerfully, hitting the ball up high and in a perfect arc toward the girl. "Heads up, Kyoko!"
"Got it!" Kyoko responded, hitting the ball with her palms and forming a return arc to Musuko. The boy returned the hit with his own until a steady rhythm between boy and girl had formed. She then said, "See? Easy!"
"You both are quite good at that," Moeru said, hovering in place until he noticed Lord Sesshomaru standing between shadow and sunlight in the distance. He then greeted, "Oh, hello, Lord Sesshomaru! Are you back to get Lord Jaken and your dragon?"
Yuko and Ichi turned to where Moeru was looking and gasped lightly at the man just standing there like a silent poltergeist. Yuko didn't hesitate to turn her nose upwards at the man and instead focus on Kyoko and Musuko waving at him. Ichi was more suspicious of him than anything, but he did have a sliver of gratitude for his help in ending the mental terrorism he was forced to endure. Waiting to see if Sesshomaru was there for something, Ichi remained quiet but kept his eyes on the other demon.
"Oh, Lord Sesshomaru! I'm not slacking off, I swear!" Jaken tried, scrambling about before swimming to the pond shore. He retrieved his Nintojo and ran towards Sesshomaru just as the man was coming to him. Jaken bowed and said, "Your aid was needed then, me lord?"
The Western lord took a moment to find his words before responding. It was uncharacteristic of him to do so, and the imp took notice of this when he looked up, but he found he couldn't honestly say if his help was needed or not. It was questioned and probably convenient more than anything. Closing his eyes, he responded with a cryptic, "Temporarily. Were those the boys you mentioned before?"
"My lord?" Jaken questioned, not remembering introducing the boys to Sesshomaru. He then realized what the lord meant and said, "Oh! Yes. Musuko and Shotaro. They wrote a pass for us to enter the village without interfering with Lady Meioshi's barrier. Kyoko is another of the doctor's apprentices. She's the little girl with Lord Moeru there."
Looking at Kyoko waving before hurriedly catching a surprise toss of the ball reminded the western lord of Rin. Kyoko was bursting through the seams with joy at spending a summer day in Meioshi's pond. The boys seemed to share the same sentiment as they waved and dove into the water before coming back up to the surface with some colorful, floating toy. Catching Kyoko's swift pass, one of the boys fell backward with his toe pointing upwards before rapid kicking followed and he came back up with a "Hey!" His rival must enjoy these peaceful moments on her property very much. What does she teach Kyoko and Yuko as medical apprentices? Will she teach them to fight as well?
A small bell ringing disturbed everyone from their play and chaperonage. From the side of Meioshi's home came an older man dressed in deep orange attire and holding Ah and Un's reigns as he guided the dragon to the pond. His hair may have had some gray in it, but the darkness of his buzz cut showed there was still a bit of youth in him despite his older age. His dark eyes opened to see the faces of everyone present in Meioshi's backyard area. Those deep brown, serious eyes caught sight of two, unfamiliar faces to his right. The dragon responded to them through growls and mewls. His tanned skin and scar along his left eyebrow gave way to his retirement from combat, but he seemed to be well-groomed and walked with regality in his strides. Years ago, he might've been a handsome warrior during his prime. Sesshomaru could smell a bit of metal and fresh oil from the man as though he had just handled some weaponry. He didn't smell like a blacksmith, so he didn't forge weapons, but he had a sword on his belt and seemed to only handle weapons for training these days.
The man let out a sort of groan, locking eyes with Sesshomaru before saying, "I take it this beast that's been eating the fruit in my garden is yours."
"Hi, Lord Kirameku Ha!" Kyoko greeted, waving at the man.
"Lord Kirameku Ha!" Yuko said, getting up to stand before bowing low to the elder. Ichi followed suit in bowing, relaxing now that the man was there to inspect Lord Sesshomaru. Most people knew not to mess with Kirameku Ha. Though he seemed like an old-timer by appearance, he fought like a man thirty years younger. Yuko then spoke again, "I didn't even hear you at the front. Would you like some water, sir?"
"No, thank you," Kirameku Ha replied, nodding at Yuko politely before bowing in response. He then clicked his tongue at the dragon, making it yip in response before one of the heads nuzzled his shoulder. "The dragon doesn't seem to be thirsty either."
"How did you tame that thing so well, old man?" Jaken asked, impressed by Ah and Un's obedience to him. Sesshomaru only narrowed his eyes before returning to a neutral expression of face.
"By letting him know what I do and don't tolerate in my gardens," Kirameku Ha answered, looking at the dragon move about but remain in place. He growled and then barked at the dragon, earning a rapid flapping of ears before it stood straight in response. The man then ordered, "Return to your master."
Releasing the dragon's reigns, Kirameku Ha watched as it walked towards Sesshomaru and an open-mouthed Jaken. Such graceful handling of the beast! Sesshomaru looked at the dragon, not seeing any forced taming marks on its person, and turned to the man again quietly. He must've handled dragons before to be able to speak their language, but he didn't smell the scent of any dragon on the old man.
Furrowing his brow, Sesshomaru asked, "Who are you?"
"Do you know who lives here?" Kirameku Ha asked in response to test the lord.
"Uh, Lady Meioshi, right?" Jaken replied.
"Are you the boy that helped young Yuko return home?" Kirameku Ha asked, turning to a worried Yuko. "The one who fought by Meioshi's side?"
Sesshomaru was silent in response. He saw no reason to answer obvious questions, but Jaken was somewhat worried about the old man's response to his lord's silence. Whoever he was, he seemed to be important and highly regarded.
"I am the reason you can fight Meioshi with your yoki energy," Kirameku Ha replied, keeping his composure. "I am her sensei."
Sesshomaru remained still. So, this old man was bold enough to teach Meioshi how to fight demons? Interesting. Judging by his clothes and stature, he seemed like a proper lord who upheld the law and warrior code, but he didn't have the scent of a demon slayer or divine warrior. Then again, Meioshi didn't have a natural scent either. Would that possibly count as a distinction between the two? Kirameku Ha also seemed more serious in personality than Meioshi. Maybe that's where her sense of adventure and trouble stemmed from, though. A stiff upbringing. The way he spoke to Yuko, however, was gentle like he understood the delicate nature of a woman, but that begged the question of why he felt that Meioshi was beyond (or simply not) delicate. Though Sesshomaru was not impressed by a woman's outward attractiveness due to being around other beauties in his upbringing, he wouldn't dare be so dishonest and think that Meioshi wasn't a pretty lady. She has shown, in the short time that they've become allies, that her sense of adventure and warmth were her strongest qualities for an interested suitor. While the Western lord wasn't interested in marriage still, especially if it involved those stifling traditions, he supposed he was wondering if fighting was part of her family heritage the way it was for his.
Remembering the way Meioshi was more alert when they joined forces and kept having to push him into different actions sort of made it evident that his rival was more than unusual. A woman who could fight was no longer impressive to him, especially since he's come across many who would take up a weapon to defend their friends or family, but Meioshi was fighting demons of immeasurable strength and speed on her own. This old man must have both attributes as a sensei. Was this Kirameku Ha here strictly to return Ah and Un to him or was there something more to this meeting?
"You seem awfully young to be so pugnacious," Kirameku Ha said calmly, "or to even be a lord, but it is not uncommon for young boys to take up leadership roles. Nevertheless..." The older man bowed out of respect and then said, "Thank you for protecting Yuko and aiding my pupil. If you see her on your way out, let her know that she has funeral services to perform. There were three casualties. I was called to investigate for any warriors that have passed among the number and will more than likely be gone upon her return should I identify one. She must abide by the oath of medicine and endure the ceremonial punishment when all is done."
"What?" Ichi questioned, furrowing his brow at the elder.
"Punishment?" Yuko asked, stepping up to Kirameku Ha. She placed a hand above her lips before asking, "What do you mean? Why must she be punished?"
"Failure to protect life," the man answered simply, lifting his body and returning to his kingly poise. "When you take your oath of medicine, young Yuko, you will not have to perform this action, but you will have to assume responsibility for the lives under your care as a medical practitioner. Your mentor's oath is different from what yours will be. The same goes for young Kyoko when she is of age and is ready to assume her position in medicine if she decides to continue nursing. Lady Meioshi carefully crafted her oath using the principles of the Bushido Code and Civil Law. Her violation of the oath is a dishonor to the public and the clan. To return herself to grace and mercy, the punishment must be done."
"You expect one human woman to be able to protect life in randomized spaces of the world simultaneously?" Sesshomaru quietly asked. "From a beast that was willing to freeze hell over for an untouchable weapon no less?"
Jaken was surprised at his lord's words. He thought, Is Lord Sesshomaru... actually defending Doctor Meioshi? Why?
"That is a question to ask of my pupil," Kirameku Ha replied, raising an eyebrow at Sesshomaru out of some interest. "She chose the consequences for her own wrongful actions against the public through advice from another. I am not responsible for forming the law of medicine she follows. I only act as her second."
Her second? Sesshomaru thought, narrowing his eyes.
"There is no honor or sensible logic for such barbarism," Sesshomaru said with some defiance in his voice.
"You are not a doctor under the Bushido Code," Kirameku Ha said, hearing a twinge of outrage from Sesshomaru but not enough to decipher the man's emotions here. "Her honor is not the same as yours."
"If she is under a recognizable code, our honor is no different," Sesshomaru argued coldly. "Carelessness is a viable reason for such actions. Unawareness is not."
My lord... Jaken thought, admiring Sesshomaru's fervor. His eyes weren't welling up with tears, but his lord's knowledge of the warrior code did intrigue him. Is this perhaps a political issue that me lord feels needs his attention? Perhaps... did the doctor earn your respect through your alliance, Lord Sesshomaru?
"Under the warrior's code, this is true in some context," Kirameku Ha responded coolly. "It seems you have only a partial grasp of this. Regardless, this matter is beyond our studies. Reserve your debate of ethics for the creator of the doctor's law or my pupil. I've other things to acknowledge currently."
"She's so dedicated to this line of work," Yuko said quietly, looking down at her feet. "Going so far for people..."
"Wait!" Ichi then said, walking up to the old man. "Was a demon among the number? I remember someone was with me as a hostage after I left to find Yuko. We were trying to escape together. Did anyone see him?"
"This I do not know," Kirameku Ha replied, looking at Ichi. "The three widows are looking into it right now. You have to ask them. One of the ladies opened the viewing shrine before coming to me. There could be more casualties than the ones found. We may be traveling for some time to ensure the number. If these attacks went as far as the farmlands, you two had best investigate also after you have fully healed. For now, rest yourselves and travel carefully. When the names of the fallen are confirmed, you may see about attending the services. Each family grieves differently."
"So, that was Ichi speaking to us about it then?" Jaken piped up, looking at the confused man. "When we met you in the forest, we thought that demon that possessed you was telling us about how the doctor honors the death of demons through her Tailwind Dance. My lord didn't ask about it, but the demon heard his thoughts about it supposedly. So, that was actually you talking and not it?"
"Oh," Ichi said, blushing and turning his head to the side. "Well, I don't go all the time, but I attend the viewing if I know who died. The actual preparation I witnessed for someone I worked with. I wanted to see what Meioshi did for demons because she mentioned she performed the same ceremony for everybody. I don't know. Something about knowing she would do that for any living creature put me at ease. Watching her, I guess, made grieving for the loss a lot easier. It seemed like everything was going to be okay."
"That why you asked her to do it for your mom?" Yuko asked, face softening. It seemed like she was coming to understand why Ichi asked about her mentor's funeral services often. When Ichi turned to Yuko with shock on his face, he clamped his mouth shut before nodding once and producing a fragment of a smile. Yuko smiled brightly at this and said, "That explains a lot. Hurry and heal up, though. Your wife is probably worried sick. We haven't been home in some days now."
Cringing at the thought, Ichi had blue lines pouring down his face before he shouted, "Please don't remind me!"
Yuko laughed at his response before saying cheerfully, "Yamashi's probably just as bad. We'll just have to keep an ear open for the names."
"You'll have between 30 to 49 days to decide on your attendance," Kirameku Ha said, walking away from the group. He turned to click his tongue, gaining Ah and Un's attention, and tossed a fruit over his shoulder for the dragon to catch. Un caught it before chewing happily. Kirameku Ha then said, "The same goes for you."
Sesshomaru's eyes softened at this as he watched the old man leave. Meioshi's sensei was inviting him to the viewing?
Jaken looked up at his lord and asked, "Do you... want to go, me lord?"
Yuko and Ichi looked at Sesshomaru for a moment before exchanging a glance at each other and then looking back at the kids climbing out of the pond to play tag. Leaving the western lord to his thoughts, the two returned to their chaperone duties as the kids engaged in their summertime play. Sesshomaru remained silent at Jaken's question, but Jaken prided himself in being able to interpret his lord's silence as answers to obvious questions. He made a mental note to remind his lord to return to Heiwa within a month.