Pallbearers of the Arctic

"Sensei, go to your comrade," Meioshi ordered.

Kirameku Ha narrowed his eyes before nodding and getting up with caution. He didn't run. He merely walked into the front lounge room while Meioshi walked outside in front of the dragon. The smell of the Netherworld was toxic, thick, and laced with death. It wasn't long before a group of what appeared to goblins walked on all fours towards her. There were about nine of them. The leader had blue skin and black eyes reminiscent of the Land of Ice while the others possessed green or brown skin and bulging yellow or glowing orange eyes. Loin cloths of varying materials dressed them, but only the leader wore one made of white and gray fur. Demons from Koridetudi camouflaged the best in their arctic climate. She could only imagine how lethal they would be if she didn't care of this by winter. The leader hobbled over to her to match her bipedal stance. She somewhat recognized him as one of Tetsuzan's messengers. It was harder to pinpoint his identity without a trademark item in his hand like a scroll or weapon like iron claws. He wasn't wearing any armor on him either. He simply made the air colder around him and the others. When he got close enough to lock eyes with the doctor, he let out a growl that made the dragon flinch and let out a noise resembling bark. Meioshi pulled their reigns to calm them down and shushed them before turning back to speak to the leader of the pallbearers.

"Why are you here?" she asked, standing straight in front of the leader.

"You have forgotten your old friend, doctor," the leader said in a sing-song voice. It wasn't dark or deep like the sister messenger of the Land of Ice, so this was no doubt Tadamasa the Slave Master of Lusting Souls.

"No, I remember you, Tadamasa," the doctor responded. "Why are you here at this inn, specifically?"

"My lord has perished, doctor. Typically, I relay information of new souls to him for the proper punishment of their sins. You know this," Tadamasa replied, grinning. "You have given me a delicious new soul, it seems. One by the name of Rosanjin. Such a pity that he was brainwashed by his own rapist as a youth. Their souls have been reunited once again. Poverty and pleasure are dangerous ingredients in mortal blends. The kings of the World Below are making a deliberation for the new Master Punisher. Your sentence is being reviewed as well for your... stint as Justice Warden. Call it sympathy if you wish, but I felt I should let you know."

Meioshi raised an eyebrow at this, almost wanting to scoff at the mere notion of his words. She committed no crime for a sentence! But... if saving souls while she was in hell impressed them, then she could find solace in that and perhaps will have an easier time coming and going from there. Perhaps...

"I, and sister, are acting as temporary punishers until a decision has been made," Tadamasa said creepily. "She, of course, delivers judgement upon the souls our king wishes to supervise. I, on the other hand, am here to collect new souls. Three of which are with you. That's why I am here at this inn, specifically. We will meet again. I suggest you take no pity on these souls, doctor. They have sealed their fates. We have allowed you to take Rosanjin's life because he was a big part of it before you came to us. His life was tied to your blade. These others are not yours to take. The black strings have already been connected to others. Since the kings are reviewing your sentence, I would advise you to act as Justice Warden once more. Let what has been decided take place."

"If the three souls you're here for are Homugi or that little girl, I will fight with you tooth and nail to protect them," Meioshi threatened, eyes glowing and hands balling into fists.

Tadamasa chuckled at her threat and said, "You have always interested me, doctor. Of all the humans I've had the pleasure of watching, I never get bored of you. Keep a close eye on the soldier with sable fur. He is innocent..."

With that, Tadamasa and the other pallbearers left in a flurry of snow and storm wind. This wasn't good. Messengers were arguably worse in dealing with lost souls than Tetsuzan. Despite his unbearable personality, he was the most organized of all of hell's creatures. Unless all of the messengers followed their master's lead, this was going to be messy. Why did Tadamasa want to tell her all of this anyway? Was she not supposed to interfere with these affairs? Homugi and Hasumi were too young to be put to death! No, Tadamasa was a lot of things and cryptic was a top quality of his. When he gave her compliments or pleasantries in response, that usually meant that she needn't be concerned. Her main focus from the sound of it was going to be this soldier. Sesshomaru and Homugi had white and spotted furs, respectively. It wasn't them. She let out a breath in relief. Homugi was fine. Three souls tied to black strings then, huh? Hearing the dragon mewl, Meioshi turned to see them turning to something. She looked to her side to see Sesshomaru glaring at her.

I didn't do anything this time so piss off... Meioshi thought, more concerned with Tadamasa's words.

"Why are you here?" Sesshomaru asked, narrowing his eyes at her.

"I'm not in the mood to argue with you, Sesshomaru," she said, turning to the man with a firm look in her eyes but worry on her features. She then said, "Please don't start."

"... the scent of the Netherworld is here," Sesshomaru stated, face calmer than the argumentative frown he had.

You are not yourself... Sesshomaru thought. Are you being followed?

"It'll fade away in a few minutes. It doesn't last long from the upper levels," Meioshi replied, rubbing her temples. She bowed politely to him and then proceeded to step away before saying, "I beg your leave, my lord."

"Where is Homugi?" he then asked, stopping her.

"Training at the campsite. She has much to confess and to learn," Meioshi replied. "Have you forgiven yourself?"

"This Sesshomaru needs no forgiveness, witch," he said, narrowing his eyes.

"I suppose you need more time then," Meioshi said, proceeding to walk away. "You should start preparing yourself mentally. Homugi's chosen to forgive and to leave you."

"We are no longer bound to each other. She is free to do as she chooses," Sesshomaru responded, stopping Meioshi.

"Sesshomaru... shut the hell up before I punch a tooth out this time."

Right before he could even respond, Meioshi summoned her boat and sailed away...