Kagome's arms were folded over the rim of the wooden basin, her body submerged in the warm water of her bath. Resting her head upon her arms, she released a heavy sigh, her eyes half closed in thought. Earlier, Chamuka returned with terrible news regarding the massacre of their neighboring clans, the news immediately upsetting everyone, including Borate.

According to the Elder, they would leave at dawn, gather what little supplies they could and travel South to the harbor, pay for passage on a boat to Konan where they would eventually settle down until the war ended. It meant leaving behind all their horses, sheep and their way of life to live in a foreign country.

It was not easy for Borate to accept this, the war most of all, and had collapsed upon the floor, tears wetting her cheeks. If Kagome had felt slightly perturbed before, the situation only worsened it; it was clear there was no escape from war and their only option left was to abandon their home.

Eventually, once Borate calmed down, Kagome had assisted the older woman with their packing, carrying it out to their carts. Afterwards, she and Borate made several trips to the river near their village, drawing up buckets of water for a heated bath, and Borate had taken hers first before retiring to bed shortly after.

Leaning back, Kagome scrubbed at her arms and legs, noticing several red scratches and bruises upon her skin; it was the result of those soldiers attacking her and Chamuka two days ago. Residue of dirt and sweat accumulated her skin and her hair, and reaching over from the basin, she picked up a small leather sack.

Pulling back the string, she retrieved a dark pod, it's fragrance medicinally scented. It was called bath beans, something the people often used to clean themselves; according to Borate, different herbs, including soy bean powder, were grounded together until they permeated a strong fragrance and once they'd dried, were coated with water and shaped into small pods. Although they were the size of a marble and could only be used once, Kagome was nonetheless thankful.

Although it was somewhat stiff, the pod crumbled with the slightest squeeze of her fingers. Gingerly, she applied it to her scalp and her body, rubbing the mixture until the dirt fell away. Washing her hair with a single pod proved somewhat difficult, and unable to wash it into her roots, she reached for another. Soon after, the herbal scent wafted through the air around her; it was almost nauseating, but according to Borate, these herbs were beneficial for one's overall health.

Once she'd cleaned herself thoroughly, as thoroughly as she possibly could, she leaned back once more, another sigh falling from her lips. "What should I do? Do I go with them to Konan?" She asked softly. "Mom … Souta … Grandpa… You're probably worried. I wonder if they even know I'm inside the book."

Do you miss your family?

Upon hearing the unexpected and familiar voice, Kagome turned, the water splashing beneath her. Behind her, she noticed the young child from before; he was standing a few feet from the basin, his smile small and his coal black eyes thoughtfully staring at her. "It's you!" She voiced somewhat above a whisper. "Did you bring me here? It was you, right?" To her dismay, he only shook his head from side to side, his hands clasped behind him.

It was not I who brought you here nor was it Genbu. You came to us, priestess.

Although she wanted to argue that it was incredibly impossible for a book to possess powers and pull her into this fantasy world, she fell silent for a moment. "Before, you warned me about the soldiers and you also told me the only way I can return home is by persevering destiny. So … I have to play the part of this priestess and summon Genbu? Is that right?"

He nodded. Indeed. But you mustn't think of this as some kind of game. Everything you've experienced and what you WILL experience will certainly be real. You only get one chance priestess. If you fail…"

When he fell silent, she furrowed her brows. If she failed, then Hokkan would meet an untimely doom, and she might also lose her life. It was not a sacrifice she was willing to make, but there was also no other way to return home, at least that she knew of. "But, I never asked for this. I don't want any part of this. Why me?"

Are you saying you would avoid your destiny? By doing so, this country would certainly collapse and many will have lost their lives. Tell me, is it death you fear the most or your destiny?

Kagome visibly flinched, the words hitting her like knives. Of course, she was afraid; in fact, she was terrified. She didn't want either to happen. "I…"

Hokkan needs you more than they realize. You may think of yourself as inadequate for the task, but I sense a strong will within you.

"Who are you?"

His smile only grew. It matters not, but, perhaps in time, I will tell you. Priestess … do not get on the boat to Konan.

"Why can't I?"

An ill fate will surely await you. They are searching for you. Heed my warning and do not stray far from this family.

Was he saying something bad would happen if she got onto the boat? "Who is searching for me? The soldiers?" To her disbelief, she watched helplessly as the child faded from view. "Wait!"

Similar to before, he disappeared. He was no ordinary child, in fact, Kagome wasn't sure what he was. Perhaps, it was possible he was some kind of deity? Maybe even a ghost?

'Don't get on the boat? They're searching for me? Am I supposed to convince Borate and Chamuka not to go to Konan?'

Despite her unsettled thoughts, she lifted herself from the basin and threw her legs over the rim until she stood upon the floor. Approaching her uniform, which she had carelessly tossed half an hour ago, she bent down to retrieve it.

A noise drifted to her ears, the sound of movement shifting near her. Without warning, the curtain of sheets which divided the room and also shielded her modesty was unexpectedly lifted. Turning her head swiftly, her aqua blue eyes fell upon Chamuka, and her face reddened.

Halfway into the room, he must have paused upon noticing her, his mouth slightly agape and his face completely red. One hand was extended above his head, and was grasped firmly upon the sheets, and it was clear from the situation, he got an eyeful.

Although Kagome wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, believing he must have assumed she was no longer in the bath and had retired earlier with Borate, Kagome was otherwise mortified. Clutching her clothes tightly against her chest, she shrieked.

Without any warning, she reached for the closest thing near her and chucked it in his direction, and it happened to be a small chunk of wood lying beside the basin. "Pervert!"

Ψ

(Day Five)

Russet brown eyes drifted over his shoulder to inspect the remaining civilians who were falling behind, their carts barely making it across the rocky terrain. For two days they'd traveled South, surviving on what food they'd brought with them, ranging from meat, rice, plants and what vegetation they found lying around. It was clear the journey pained them, especially the elderly who were dragging their feet.

Chamuka's eyes swept towards his mother and Kagome, the two-walking side by side a little behind him, and slowing his speed, he soon fell in stride beside them. However, when he did, he received a non-inviting glare from the young woman, her face flushed and her expression hard.

An image of her naked body swept his thoughts suddenly, and looking away, he felt his face redden. The spot on his face still hurt where she'd struck him, and it had been nothing but an unfortunate accident. Slightly uncomfortable, he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, and with it, he noticed his mother's curious stare.

"What's wrong? You've been awfully quiet lately."

Refraining from making eye contact with Kagome, he merely shook his head. "It's nothing. How are you doing? We've been walking since dawn without any rest."

Borate nodded. "Yes, but we should reach the harbor within the next hour. If we delay for much longer, we'll likely miss the ship," She explained, her expression slightly strained.

"Still, there's a river just ahead we can refill our flasks," He replied.

Before he could receive a response from his mother, the three overheard a commotion behind them, and looking back on their trek, their eyes noticed a family of four conversing somewhat loudly.

"Do you think they'll let us leave Hokkan once we get there?"

"Surely they wouldn't turn us away."

"Still … if we stay, then we'll only suffer like the others have."

"Mama … are we going to die?"

"I'm scared…"

"Enough, you're scaring the children!"

"Even so, we shouldn't shelter them from this. It's best they know now than later. After all, we're abandoning our own country. There's no telling what will happen to us in Konan."

"I've heard there are many bandits there. They inhabit the mountains and forests."

"We've had our share here. It will be no different once we cross the sea."

Hearing this, Borate sighed. "As much as I don't want to agree, I'm also worried. There's no telling what we'll face once we arrive there. It's fortunate we've saved up enough to cross over, but we'll have to begin anew."

"It'll be fine," Chamuka replied. "The country is mostly peaceful from what I've heard, and we've had our share of situations with roaming bandits. Besides, there's much to look forward to, after all, there's bound to be an abundant of animals to hunt and it would certainly be easier to grow crops. It might take some time, but we'll grow used to the climate."

As Chamuka predicted, they soon arrived before a flowing river, and just below the hill, their eyes took in the view of the houses and the ocean which stretched for miles. The harbor was just ahead, and in the distance, they saw the incredible might of the ship which they would soon dock.

Refilling their flasks, they rested their feet, the children playing together with sticks and rocks, some bounding around the horses and carts. Meanwhile, the young men searched the premises of their location, their eyes keeping watch for any signs of trouble behind the brush of trees near them.

"How are your feet Kagome? Do they hurt?" Borate asked.

"I'm fine."

"You seem a little pale. Surely you aren't getting sick…"

Looking back towards the two, Chamuka's eyes drifted onto Kagome. True to his mother's words, the young woman seemed pale, her expression strained as if she were in deep thought; perhaps she was worrying about their arrival to the harbor.

While his mother warmed Kagome's hands, rubbing them between her palms and blowing hot air onto her small appendages, Chamuka touched the spot on his arm. Wincing slightly, he realized it would be difficult to wield his bow for a short time, and the thought discouraged him greatly. He'd kept his wound a secret from his mother since his arrival back home, but fortunately, it was only a slight wound which would heal over time.

With his attention affixed to his arm, he suddenly felt eyes on him. Glancing over towards Borate and Kagome, he noticed the young woman worryingly staring at him. Bemused, he followed her line of sight and realized he unexpectedly drew attention to his injury. Lowering his arm, he turned his back to her, his cheeks reddening once more, and he scowled at his own thoughts.

A noise shifted from the trees, followed after by a child's scream, and turning quickly, Chamuka and the others noticed fifteen men, their swords drawn ominously. Their faces were haggard, their beards unkempt and their attire torn with holes in the sides. Bandits.

A child had been caught by one of the fiends, struggling as it was held above the ground, his legs kicking relentlessly. From the horrified gasps, the bandits snickered, their blades held up warningly, one at the child's throat.

"Look what we have here. A group of clansmen. Let me guess, you're on your way to the harbor?"

"Release him! He's only a child!" Someone cried.

The response drew laughs from them. "You're not the only people we've seen traveling through our territory. We draw the line now, unless you give us all your money. Do that, and we'll think about letting the kid go. What do you say?"

"You bastards!"

Chamuka cursed and reached for his bow, moving to stand in front of his mother and Kagome. One hand reached for an arrow, but the action caused a jolt of pain through his arm. Still, despite the pain, he quickly nocked an arrow and released, managing to strike the offending hand grasped around the blade.

A howl of pain flew from the bandit's mouth and he dropped his sword, the child falling soon after upon the ground before quickly scurrying back to his family fearfully. On account of Chamuka's bold move and without hesitance, the bandits turned on him and the people.

"That was a fatal mistake. Kill them!"

Ψ

Kagome gasped, her eyes widening as the bandits charged them. From beside her, Borate quickly pulled her away, the two running towards the trees with a group of other women and children. There was fear mingled upon their faces, the children screaming for their fathers and brothers, and once Borate had pulled her safely aside, she turned towards the scuffle.

From a distance, she watched helplessly as Chamuka and the other men fought the bandits, her eyes darting from one person to another. There wouldn't be more bloodshed, would there? No one should have to die, and yet, she wouldn't put it past either.

"I knew it was too good to be true!" A woman cried. "What do we do?"

"Will we die before we reach the ship?"

"Have faith in our men!" Borate replied, her expression stern. "Do not show them fear when the battle has only begun!"

Kagome noted Borate's confidence, consoling the women beside her to not feel discouraged, but even so, Kagome felt uncertain of the situation and the outcome. Would they prevail against all these men?

One after another, she watched Chamuka deliver swift kicks to his assailants, his ability to dodge their attacks impressing her greatly. Somehow, during the scuffle, he'd managed to kick one of the bandits, sending him head first into their cart, the impact causing their supplies to fall out.

Another brute rounded behind him and barely avoiding the blade, Chamuka staggered back, the weapon slicing a clean cut across his chest; it was unclear to Kagome if he'd been struck through, her eyes squinting past the numerous bodies fighting.

A moment after, the horse near Chamuka reared back, possibly startled by the swinging blade and slammed its hooves against the offending bandit, and the action spurred the horse into a full gallop past Chamuka. He lost his balance shortly after, falling onto his hands and knees. For a moment, he paused there, clutching his arm painfully, and from behind, another bandit charged.

Fearful of the oncoming attack, Kagome rushed forward, despite Borate's cries. If she didn't do something quick, Chamuka would die. As she sped forward, her overcoat making it difficult to run at full speed, she bent down quickly and reached for a large ceramic jug, its contents fortunately empty.

"Stop it!" She cried, slamming the jug into the older man's face, the action causing it to break upon impact, its shards falling at her feet.

Blood spilled from his nostrils and to Kagome's relief, he collapsed unmoving. For a moment, she was worried she might have killed him, but when she noticed his twitching fingers and the rise and fall of his chest, it was clear he'd fallen unconscious.

"That was too close," She murmured. Turning on her heel, she quickly knelt beside Chamuka, his russet brown eyes staring bemusedly back at her. "Are you alright? Can you stand?"

"What are you doing? You'll get yourself killed!" He retorted, his eyes shifting around him warily.

"You're one to talk. If I hadn't stepped in, you would hav—"

Unexpectedly, Chamuka reached out and grabbed her, one hand clasped around her wrist, the other wrapped around her waist before pulling her against him. The action caused them to fall back and moments after, a body crashed near them, and Kagome gasped at the sight.

"Damn it. You're only in the way," He cursed, immediately regaining his footing and standing in front of her, his bow nocked once more. "Stay behind me."

Although she didn't appreciate his rude remark, especially after saving him, Kagome otherwise picked herself off the ground, her gaze shifting warily around her. Somehow, it seemed the Ha Tribe were managing just fine against these rogue men, a small majority lying unmoving upon the ground.

From their left, a sword swung at them, the form of a robust man jumping from behind the cart they stood, and reacting fast, Chamuka pulled Kagome out of its reach. His weight caused the cart to jostle, ceramic pottery tumbling onto the ground, shattering upon impact, and though he staggered upon landing before them, he quickly turned, swinging his blade violently.

Maneuvering out of its reach, Chamuka riskily reached for a spear lying upon the ground, and in the last moment, blocked the bandit's attack. "Damn it!"

"What's wrong? You scared I'll steal your woman?"

"Shut … up!"

There was an unexpected chorus of shouts resounding within the vicinity of the clearing, and bemused, Kagome turned her attention away from Chamuka and towards the trees. To her surprise, the village women charged towards them, spears and blades in hand, and momentarily startled, she watched them join the battle.

With the bandit's attention shifted away from him, Chamuka took that moment and delivered a kick to his lower abdomen, the action immediately throwing him off balance. In one fell swoop, he swung the spear and disarmed him, and he fell at his feet, the spear pointed at his head.

"Retreat! Retreat!"

Before they knew what to expect, the bandits had all but given up, the ones who were alive at least, and it seemed the unexpected attack from the women had frightened them. Nearly defeated, and terribly outnumbered, they fled towards the trees and shortly after, cheers vociferated around them.

Wives, children and even the elderly ran to their loved ones, the injuries the men received somewhat seemingly minimal and less severe than Kagome had first thought. Bodies littered the ground near her feet, the corpses of nearly half those bandits lying unmoving in their own pool of blood, and she covered her mouth.

From beside her, she heard Chamuka groan, and looking away from the corpses, she saw him lean against the back of the cart, his hand pressed against his forearm. "Are you alright?" Kneeling beside him, she saw blood trickle down his wrist, the injury reopened. "Not good…"

"Chamuka! Are you hurt?" Borate asked, moving to stand beside him. Upon noticing the wound, her expression tensed. "Let me see."

Although he seemed slightly miffed, he allowed his mother to examine his injury, and as Borate tended to him, Kagome's eyes traveled to his chest. It seemed the bandit had only slashed through the material of his coat, and relieved he and the others were safe, she breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'm fine ma. It's nothing."

"How is it nothing? You won't be able to hunt like this for at least a month or two."

"I said it's fine. I do have another arm, you know."

As she was about to assist Borate with the bandages, something fell into her peripheral vision, and turning away from the two, she noticed the figure of a familiar little boy standing near the trees a distance away. His charcoal small eyes stared at her and his arm was extended, a single finger pointed further into the forest near him. Was he trying to show her something?

'He told me not to get on the boat and to stick close to the family, but…'

Hesitantly, her eyes shifted back to the pair sitting on the wagon, their attention focused on each other, and turning back, her eyes widened when the boy suddenly took off into the woods. Not wanting to lose track of him, she quickly darted across the clearing, passing several people until she was soon crossing through the icy river, the cold water splashing against her overcoat.

"Kagome? Come back!" Borate cried.

"Hey!" Chamuka's voice followed after. "Where are you going?!"

With no time to explain, she soon slipped away from them, the curious eyes of the clan following after her. Striding further and further into the woods, ducking under low branches and crossing through thorny bushes, Kagome prayed nothing sinister lurked ahead. Besides knowing little about this mysterious little boy, somehow, she trusted him; he warned her twice of impending danger, one regarding the soldiers and the second warning her to stay clear of the ship, and now, it seemed he wanted her to follow him.

Unfortunately, she'd lost track of him through the brush, but she remained on the trail, never wavering from the path. Eventually, she paused, out of breath with her hands upon her knees. Looking around, she wondered briefly if she'd missed anything, her eyes curiously scanning the trees surrounding her. "Where are you? Little boy?"

There was a noise up ahead, the sound of a horse whinnying, and curious, she followed the sound, her strides shorter and her footsteps quieter. If there was a horse, then there were people. Was this what he wanted to show her? Ever so cautiously, she trudged further ahead and soon enough, arrived before another stream, this one likely connecting to the one further back with the clan.

A lone horse stood before the river, its reigns tied off around the base of a tall tree with gray bark, and peering around a tree, she searched the area. There were no signs of any people around. Was she supposed to be here? Again, she surveyed her surroundings, but there was still no sign of the child. Couldn't he just reappear and verify if she was where she was supposed to be?

Almost sighing, she stepped into the area and approached the horse, her curiosity getting the best of her. There was a leather saddle upon it's back, but there was no emblem representing the clan the person likely belonged to. Perhaps it was a hunter or a traveler?

Petting its black coat, she greeted the creature, its attention focused upon the blades of grass in front of it. "I don't suppose you saw a little boy running through here, have you?" She asked, sweat dropping at the mere question.

The sound of a twig snapped behind her, and fearful of an unexpected attack, she turned quickly, one hand positioned upon the horse's back, the other clasped at her chest. Aqua blue eyes widened suddenly, her mouth slightly agape when she met a familiar face, eyes similar to her own.

It was Taki. No. It was Rimudo.

"It's you!" She breathed, suddenly sighing in relief. When she caught his surprised stare, his eyes curiously scanning her from top to bottom, Kagome smiled. "I didn't think I'd run into you again…"

"You're…"

Although she'd met him previously a few days ago, she realized it was her first time seeing him in daylight. From up close, he really was attractive and his build was somewhat muscular, not to mention he was so tall. It was quite possible he was six foot, and Kagome felt so small in comparison, barely reaching his chest.

Scrutinizing his appearance briefly, she couldn't help but notice something different about him. Before, he was assembled in heavy armor, but this time, he was wearing something less heavy. Rimudo was adorned in an interesting Manchurian style robe, something similar to a qipao. Much like an overcoat of sorts, its silken material was a forest green in color with intricate and golden designs embroidered over his chest and long sleeves, the cuffs also golden. A dark brown sash accompanied his style of dress which fell just at his ankles, separated in long slits at his hips, and beneath his attire, Kagome noticed white trousers and knee-length boots, the toes curling upwards in a fashion much like Chamuka's.

"Thank you again for saving me before…" She began, her cheeks warming. Touching the material of the black cloak swept over her shoulders, realization struck her and she quickly went to untie the string at her collar. "I almost forgot … your cloak. I should give it—"

"Are you … really the Priestess of Genbu?"

A chill swept through her body, the hairs on the back of her neck standing on end. Rimudo's voice, which she recalled once sounding tranquil and soft, seemed much lower and dangerous, and hesitantly, she met his stern and questionable gaze.

How did he know?

Paranoia crossed her thoughts and a sudden anxiousness swelled within her. Remembering he was allied with the enemy, Kutou, she staggered back, and with each step, he approached, his expression dark. Would he attack her? How did he know she was the Priestess of Genbu?