Tattered Depravity Chapter 9

Frustration and discomfort within the taijiya armory was palpable.

"Must you do that so roughly?" she breathed, cutting a glance to Nariko, who tightened the straps to Kikyou's shoulder plates. The buckles pinched into her arm. The taijiya bit her lip, glanced down, and mumbled an apology to the miko before finally deciding to be done with her work. Kikyou sighed, rolling her shoulders in an attempt to acclimate to the new weight of the armor over her body. It felt foreign and cluttered within its confines, but the pounds of armor were evenly distributed, at least. While she knew her muscles would soon ache as they adjusted, balance wouldn't be an issue.

It was an even mix, she thought, between the traditional samurai armor and the taijiya- the chest guard, leg plates, thigh guards and shoulder plates were fashioned expertly from the stony hide of a demon from the mountains that was nearly metallic in its appearance. Her traditional miko garb was tucked neatly beneath it, freeing her from the issue of swaying sleeves. Her hakama still swung freely about her legs, and she was glad she had talked Nariko into keeping the long, pleated skirt rather than leggings. The leg armor was going to be hindrance enough; the last thing she wanted was the trapped feeling of her legs in skin-tight leather.

InuYasha stood across the room from her, and if Kikyou had believed herself uncomfortable, her hanyou looked nearly like a cat dunked in water. The tight fitting leathers that Nariko had strapped him in certainly did wonders to reveal his physique- indeed, it made him look more a man than the lost boy she often thought him to be. No longer did his fire rat robe sway and billow with his movements, but had been tucked and fashioned beneath form fitting blackened leather, his gauntlets skinned anew to match. Inwardly she laughed as her eyes found his feet. As she had expected, he had refused any sort of foot covering. Instead they had bargained on a thick leather slipper that slid over his feet, leaving his toes and heel exposed, its only purpose to better secure the guards that protected his calves.

"I still don't understand why I gotta wear this garbage," he griped, groaning as he looked himself over in the mirror. "My fire rat robe is armor enough."

"For the thousandth time, InuYasha, it is for appearance. For Kikyou's plan to work, you must look like a figure of authority, and not like some lost forest child." Pinching the bridge of her nose, it was clear Nariko had been sick of this conversation the first few times they'd had it, and hearing it again was salt on the wound.

"Forest child?" he growled, ears pinning back. "The hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Like your hair hasn't seen a comb in ages, and your clothes have never quite seen a wash." Hyousuke chimed, leaned against the back wall, making point to pick at his nails rather than look up.

"I bathe just like everybody else!" His arms crossed, and if looks could kill, InuYasha's golden gaze would have felled an army.

"No one's saying you're dirty, InuYasha, just… not exactly maintained." The taijiya's tone was soft, sensing the bubbling insecurity just waiting to boil over.

"I ain't ever cared what other people thought," he spat, eyes darting to the ceiling. Kikyou stepped in, offering a comforting hand upon his shoulder, causing him to shrug away. When he saw her dejected expression, he huffed in complaint.

"Your look suits you," she said, tone sweet and sincere, "But for this, we mustn't look like ourselves. I do not wish to wear this heavy armor and the twinkling adornments I soon will, but I must. It is not for the benefit of others. It is for the benefit of our task."

Tension draining from his shoulders, he sighed deeply, looking her over. "This is really gonna help?" he mumbled.

She hummed in agreement and gave a nod, going to grab her comb and oils. "I think it wise we tend to your messy mane first, if you'll allow it."

"Whatever." he sighed, accepting defeat. Turning his back to her, he allowed her to seize his wild locks, and soon enough, Nariko and Hyousuke began giving their efforts too. "Easy around the ears." He groaned as gentle fingers wrestled within his tangles.

By the time they set out it was late afternoon. Packing had been less than entertaining, and Hisashi and Nariko had seemed determined to drive themselves mad with double, triple, and quadruple checking to make sure that they had enough food, arrows, bed rolls, water, and flint and tinder. Personal belongings were sparse, but bundled, and packed neatly onto one of the six horses they intended to bring.

"Do we have the map?" Nariko wondered, picking over her horse once again.

"Yes," chimed the group, their tones monotonous and more than eager to leave.

"And the-" She was stopped by the outward groan of Hyousuke, who buried his face in his hands.

"By the gods, Nariko, we have it. All of it. I assure you, we have checked and checked again. It's all here."

"Alright," she finally sighed, looking back towards her home. Her husband stood before the entryway, arms crossed and gaze knitted with concern. Nariko paused at the sight of him, and the group exchanged a pitying glance as she made her way toward him with hurried feet.

"I'll be back soon." She comforted, leaning her head onto his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her and she felt the sigh heave from his lungs as he squeezed.

"I believe in you." He spoke, petting her hair before finally breaking away. Nariko smiled, a hand going to his cheek, thumb stroking his skin.

They had not married for love, as most had expected her to with as long as she had waited to wed. She was twenty six now, and most had anticipated a long-awaited lover to one day emerge and take her. Yet such a man had never come, and to the surprise of most, she instead chose to marry her closest friend. He was younger than her by a few years, with a plain appearance and quiet personality, but she had trusted him most, and best of all, he made her laugh.

It came as a shock to the villagers when they had all finally asked the question that burned in their minds- why the wait, if not for a secret affair? Yet Nariko had offered little more than a shrug to their boggling expressions. Lack of interest, she had admitted, and even now, she had only wed to carry on her family's lineage. She had never been a romantic, or sought trysts in the darkened corners, as most did. Her duty was her main concern, and the frolicking of lovers was something she was entirely indifferent to.

Finally stepping away from him, she saw the love gleam over his eyes, and felt her heart break to see such an expression upon his face. Even without the "romance" most expected of a wed couple, they still had no desire to be apart from each other, and their friendship was as strong as any, fortified by love and loyalty. "Take care of yourself. I fully intend to make sure your skills are up to par upon my return."

"I'll hold you to it." He grinned.

"Farewell for now." She sighed, squeezing him once more in a tight hug before finally making her way back to the others. He slipped back into the house with one last look her way, closing the door behind him.

The group all seemed to bite their cheeks as she mounted her horse, and she rolled her eyes. "I would prefer we not act as if I'm stumbling into my grave." She complained.

"It's just sad." Hyousuke mumbled, tutting for his horse to set off at a trot.

"Why is that?"

"Because, you two have a bright future. If something happens-" Hyousuke murmured, but was abruptly cut off by InuYasha.

"Ain't nothin' gonna happen to Nariko." He bit, and his horse set off as well, Kikyou's not far behind him. "Have you seen her? She's even a match for me some days. Quit bein' dramatic."

"Most days, actually." Nariko chimed, giving him a sly grin.

"Shaddup," he growled.

"He eats dirt every time I get my hands on him." The taijiya bragged.

"Alright, enough. Let's go." Hisashi sighed, steering his horse to follow after them.

The sun hung lazily just above the horizon, and Kikyou reached up, adjusting the golden Shinto crown that seemed determined to slip off her head. "I once thought that these things must be glorious to wear, with their shimmering baubles, but I am quickly learning the true pain that accompanies beauty standards." Yet again the bellflowers that dangled from it swept into her eyes, and she twitched her neck, trying to make them swing away.

"Ah, what's it like to be so captivating?" Hisashi teased.

"Horrid." She sighed, brows knitting. "While I enjoy the simpler things, I can hardly imagine what the geishas within the city suffer through. I don't believe I will have an eye come the end of this with these decorations swinging wildly before my eyes."

"Just take it off for now." Hyousuke giggled, bringing his horse up next to hers and barely catching it as another bounce from her steed sent the crown teetering. Kikyou gave up, groaning, pulling the offending thing loose from her head and handing it to him.

"Take it." She groaned. InuYasha smirked over his shoulder, watching her, before looking down the road.

"So we're heading south-west first, right?" The hanyou wondered as he took the crown from Hyousuke and tucked it away, steering his horse to trot next to Kikyou's, who greeted him with a soft smile.

"Yes." Nariko answered, looking down over the map. "Towards the shore. I have heard rumors of two lords having a spat over trade in the Toyama area, and hopefully we can find some form of alliance in the southern-most."

"How exactly are we gonna do that?" InuYasha wondered, thick brow lifting.

"By helping him, of course." Nariko insisted.

"And what about the other one?" he griped.

"I suppose we'll have to do our best not to make him too sore with us." It was clear the taijiya hadn't quite considered that, head ducking down as she worried her lip.

Hyousuke chuckled, looking over to them. "I should be able to prevent that."

"Let us hope so," Kikyou sighed. "I have no desire to go battling against yet another foe."

"We'll be fine." Hisashi soothed, waving a hand as if to dismiss the idea. "Worst case is someone's *fundoshi gets in a twist, and we all move on." Looking over to the miko, he frowned as she glanced to InuYasha, who's lip curled and eyes darted away, clearly unable to offer support.

"I suppose we will see when we get there." Kikyou finally murmured, looking out over the horizon. The sun set over a lavender sky, golden clouds dusting the edge as the darkened navy of night began to loom over. They had decided to set out at night for the first journey, seeing as this time, they carried the jewel. It sat tucked between Kikyou's breasts, beneath layers of cloth and chest plate.

Although most whispered of evil lingering in the night, truth be told, Kikyou had found more often than not that evil slept just like the rest of the world. Beginning their journey in the evening and resting in the woods was a better start than one would assume. They chattered on as the sun crept to its slumber, and as the darkness set in, they lit their lanterns, brightening the forest around them.

She wanted to be hopeful, she found, and with her companions – gods, that concept was still settling in – tomorrow didn't seem so lonely and desolate. Rage no longer drove her feet across the wilderness, but instead, it was a wishful determination that kept her walking forth.

The only thing that truly gripped her heart was the thought of being trapped in the jewel again.

The others seemed unsure of what to say when she brought it up, eyes searching the room for any other topic, faces falling grim with concern. InuYasha would snap and panic, sputtering angry words and grabbing her to him. He'd pull her close and curse, saying that he wouldn't let it happen again, and shut down the very idea that she could vanish once more.

Thus, the miko often found herself alone with her thoughts of unending darkness, and even now, weeks and weeks after returning, she still could not be left alone in the dark. There was always a candle or a lantern lit by her bed, and she'd woken InuYasha with shaking and tears more nights than she had cared to admit. Unable to stand it, InuYasha had marched to the small market within the village and bought all the lanterns he could. When she had returned home from a day of gathering herbs with the children, the entire house was alight and shining, hardly a shadow cast in the darkened wood that built the home. InuYasha had stood in the doorway, glowering at her, frown tipped down and brooding before asking "What about that? You done bein' a scaredy cat now?" His fingers twitched against his crossed arms, and she saw how incredibly worried he was beneath that heated face.

The smile she had given him was touched, understanding his bitterness wasn't meant for her, and as she walked into her bedroom she stole a kiss, thanking him. He'd reddened and sneered, ears pinning back as he ushered her to the bed, ready for a peaceful sleep. It was only then, with the room filled with a single lantern's warmth and light that she slept soundly.

Understanding was something he gave her much of, even if he didn't know how to speak of it. It was clear he knew how frightened she was, knew of the shadows that still raced in the back of her mind. Aching, she had lost count of the times she had caught him staring with an embittered glare that showed his wheels turning, trying to find a way to not only save her from her own fears… but to keep it from happening again. Kikyou had learned after listening at cracked doors that the guilt from losing her had almost driven him mad, as well.

Looking out into the woodlands that surrounded them, she could only hope that it didn't happen again. She felt the bauble thrum and sway between her breasts, as if to remind her of that horrible possibility of maybe.

Seiichi swallowed down his sake with a fist that was much too clumsy, head swimming and heavy from the copious amounts of alcohol. Demons and men alike danced around him, shrieking and wailing into the night as they drunkenly celebrated their latest kills and thieving rewards.

The kokujin watched with floating eyes, dazed and dulled as his teeth grit in his cheek. These low-lifers were a mix of everything he needed and precisely what he hated. Idiots with no real purpose, and yet they were the ones that had gained everything. The idea that he would be bargaining with their leader made something catch and lurch in his gut, like shame and anger and excitement all writhing into one monster in his belly. A hard hand finally came and jostled his shoulder, making him look up with a drooling sneer.

"Akuma will see you now." the other man drawled, hobbling off and back into the crowd before Seiichi could garble out a response. Grabbing his sword, the lord stood, making his way to the tent that was largest, loudest, and most brightly lit. As he trudged through the crowd the stench of sweat, bodily fluids and bile smothered his nose, the ground littered with the filth of demon and human alike- in their drunken stupor, it seemed they'd let loose their soured bowels and bladders wherever they stood, these wretches having no care where their waste lay upon the ground. Even the crackling fires that were laden with hogs and chicken could not mask the odor, and as he pushed past the remaining thick of the crowd, he looked up the entry way with a sickening amazement.

Smoked billowed from the vent in the top, the roaring fire casting shadows that danced against the stained inches-thick cloth, the forms of women only just captured wondering back and forth to bring the demon what he wished. The reflections of colorful baubles danced over the tapestries and the humored cackling of Akuma's right hands were heard from within. Pushing open the heavy cloth and stepping inside, he found himself frozen at the sight that met him.

Horrified women sat on their knees in their tattered clothes, heads bowed and waiting to hide tear stained cheeks, hands gripping the thick furs that covered the floor. Treasure was stacked to the ceiling with no organization, wealth upon wealth in every direction and spilling onto the unkempt floor. Guards sat lazily around, surrounded by rich foods and more alcohol than any of the men could dare drink and wish to live, and beautiful women curled under their arms.

These women were different, he noted, and not like the new found slaves- these women, with their bare bodies and thickly painted lips had no shame or fear in their eyes. In fact, their gazes seemed to strike him down in a glance, sizing him up as they lay sprawled like cats beneath their temporary partners. The loveliest were nestled under the man in the center of the room, chains and baubles dangling from their hips and breasts.

"Bow to me," the man demanded, and it was then that Seiichi was pulled from his trembling shock. Akuma sat within a throne of furs and locked chests, heavy armor grinding against itself as he sat up. His long hair was an inky black mess, and his face was marred with marks that looked more like red-stained scar tissue bulging from the flesh that framed his eyes; marbled eyes that shone all the colors of fire. Horns seemed to be cracking through his flesh and pulling back his hair line, and his sharpened teeth and gaunt features made him look serpentine and venomous. His grey, ashen skin sounded nearly like paper as he clutched his fist, slamming it down upon the arm rest of his chair.

"Bow to me!" he demanded, and Seiichi's knees were not his own and he crumbled to the floor, palms and head hitting the thick furs with more force than he intended.

"Forgive me," he begged, and the lord hated the way his own voice shook.

"State your purpose." Akuma demanded, and the string of giggles that left the concubines was offensive as the devil's own chuckle came teasing.

"I come offering an alliance." Seiichi muttered, glancing up, and felt himself finally breathe when the monstrous man quirked a brow and signaled for him to look up.

"Now, why would I want an alliance with you? What can you offer me?" Akuma questioned, and with a respect Seiichi hadn't expected he motioned for his women to leave. They stood from his lap and walked from the tent, smirking at the kokujin with haunting, knowing smiles as they padded past him and into the night.

"I am the lord of a large estate. A kokujin. I can offer you wealth, land, soldiers. I also know the location of one of your old samurai…"

The demon lord gave a bored stare. "As if I need you to give that to me. I would take it all, if I wished. It seems all you have is the location of someone I likely care little for. Who is it?"

"Hisashi." Seiichi mumbled, and Akuma stood, brows furrowing. "… Is he not your brother?"

"Where is he?" Akuma sneered.

"He was last seen with a woman. A miko who searches for a powerful artifact across the lands. She has a demon and my son in her midst. I want them all dead except the woman, but you can have the thing she's searching for."

"Why would you want the woman?" Akuma wondered, and his hand went to smooth his goatee, a tick working in his jaw.

"She's so powerful." Seiichi breathed, and he finally sat up, meeting the other's gaze. "And beautiful, like no other woman I've seen."

"So she would be unmistakable," Akuma nodded, thinking as he looked Seiichi over.

"Undoubtedly. You would know her in any crowd, even if you've never seen her. She is remarkable, with long raven hair and beauty like the moon, and the last I heard of her she was with the hidden taijiya."

The devil lord paced about on that note, smirking. "So she is with the prince of a noble house, this corpse's brother, a demon, and associated with taijiya... Openly searching for a trinket of value. They are moving targets, essentially… it is the power behind them that brings the only concern."

"Yes," Seiichi grinned. "You can have whatever she searches for, I only plead that you let me have the girl. All other spoils are yours, and I will give you anything you wish." He could hear Akuma behind him now, still and thinking, and his hopes reached out as he waited with baited breath.

The answer was never given, and the response never came as Akuma drove a spear through the back of the kokujin's head with a sickening crunch, looking to his guards with a wry grin as blood and brain coated the fur lined floors.

"Who's ready to go hunting?"

The gentle sounds of the men's snores soothed Nariko and Kikyou as they lay beneath the stars, sprawled out on their bellies as they looked over maps and scrolls. It was the second night of their traveling, and their companions had given way to tired eyes. The taijiya chewed at her fingernail as she studied over one of the newest scrolls that Kikyou had brought out, listening intently as the miko explained.

"It seems he was a dragon before a demon, living in the bellies of volcanos. His spirit was corrupted when he was forced from his home in an eruption. Once he could never return home, that caused his rage to consume him. His spirit has been tainted ever since."

"What does it say about him being bound to a sword?" she wondered, scooting closer to the miko and propping up her chin in her palm. Her feet swayed behind her, and it was child-like and entertaining how very kindred she felt to the miko in the moment.

"It seems a monk bound him ages ago. He met him on a battlefield after a slaughter of over a hundred samurai, and the monk took up one of their swords and bound him within it as punishment for his merciless killings. The monk then took it and sealed it away in a chest that he kept protected for many, many years at his shrine until his death."

Nariko frowned, sighing heavily as she shot a glance to Hisashi. "Until he and his brother found it."

"Foolishness knows no bounds, I suppose… If one cannot read sutras, the box would have simply looked like some fancy treasure." Sighing, Kikyou began rolling up one scroll as Nariko retrieved another. "Our main hope will be finding a clue in how he sealed him, so we may repeat it. I am certain I could figure it out, but knowing all I can has never failed me."

Nariko hummed in agreement, looking over to the crackling fire. "I suppose I'll make some tea and rice, then. I'll need the pick me up."

Kikyou nodded, noting the way the sky was no longer a blanket of black and twinkling stars, but was lightening into a navy blue. The sun would be up in a few hours, and she and Nariko seemed to have come to the same conclusion of sleep being too hard to gain. They had both napped a while before waking up, staring out into the forest and finally surrendering to the need to strategize. InuYasha stirred in the trees above, the branches rustling as he stretched and grumbled. "Do you want some, too?" she asked gently, and the bitter groan he gave was answer enough. "Make it three servings." Kikyou chimed, and Nariko smirked, nodding.

"How terribly awful it must be to have such sensitive ears." Beckoning for him to come down, InuYasha finally dropped down from the canopy to her side, arms folded and ears pinned back as plopped down to sit at her hip. "Have we kept you up the entire night?"

"Kinda," he griped, scratching at his nose, "But I wanna solve this as bad as you two."

Kikyou sighed, leaning against him as they both turned to watch Nariko, who fussed over settling the kettles over the fire. "But how would we do that?" she wondered.

"Well, isn't Hisashi the one that robbed them? Maybe he'd know where the sword came from. The monk's house, ya know?" InuYasha tucked his arms into his sleeves, looking bored.

"Maybe. At the very least, perhaps he can recall a family crest. It was years ago that he took it, though…" Nariko came back to sit with them, stretching her legs out in front of her as she looked to them both.

"It's a start, once we've made an alliance." Kikyou sighed.

They looked to the other two of their group, who lay curled around each other on their bed roll. Hyousuke's soft snores added to the peace that came with the sight of them, hand curled into the unbound mess that was Hisashi's long hair. It warmed the heart to see two people so content to be with one another, and it made Kikyou ache to think that she would disturb the picturesque happiness they had found within each other. "I only hope that Hisashi will run, if the time comes. Take Hyousuke and…. Disappear."

InuYasha grit his teeth, cracking his knuckles in his sleeves to fight off his nerves. "I think we all hope that. Hisashi has never been the type to cower, but this Akuma…" the hanyou's words trailed off and his gaze cast down. "We can handle a lot that comes our way, but I don't want him hangin' around if push comes to shove. They'll fire on him first, no doubt."

With a shaky sigh, Kikyou buried her face in her hands. "I have no wish to cause another such sorrow. I do not understand why they stay to begin with."

"We all have our own reasons." Nariko chimed, looking up to the miko. "You're a good person. You bring hope, but there is something much larger at stake here."

"It is not your responsibility." Hand going to her chest, Kikyou gripped the fabric, biting the inside of her cheek. "It is my duty. My fate, even."

InuYasha's hand darted from its sleeve, grasping up her hand and pulling her forward to look at him. "Stop bein' stupid. Nobody can do this alone. Just shut up, and let us help you. Quit blamin' yourself."

Kikyou's whiskey hues fell to Nariko, who reached out, putting a calloused hand on the miko's knee. The taijiya smirked and nodded. "Precisely. We're going to fix this together. Everyone is here by choice, Kikyou."

Looking down to the grass, Kikyou pursed her lips, fighting back a retort of that's what I'm afraid of.

"Hey," InuYasha shot, tilting up her chin with a rough tip of his finger to make her look at him, "You aren't the problem here. You get that, right?"

Nariko nodded fervently, scooting closer. "The jewel is the enemy. Not you. Stop feeling guilty for having people at your side. You may have some tie to the jewel, but don't you think there may be more to the pattern? Maybe we're supposed to be here, just like you. What happened the last time you tried to defeat this thing? Didn't the jewel say someone else almost succeeded?" Kikyou nodded, and Nariko continued. "So then, were there more people?"

"People who had lost everything to the man who had it in his possession, yes." Biting her lip, she let the taijiya continue.

"We haven't lost everything, though. We can win this and walk away with less than empty hands. You and the jewel are re-writing history… maybe having friends to balance you is part of what it takes to succeed."

"Balance." Kikyou repeated, rolling the concept over in her mind.

"Stay hopeful." Nariko gave Kikyou's shoulder a firm pat, smiling.

Akuma and his scouts tread down the roads like hungry kings to their table, the hooves of their war-ready steeds pounding into the moist earth, the ground still fresh and new with morning dew. The screams of those unfortunate enough to be in their path fell on deafened ears as swords cut through flesh and bone, the demon lord's mind determined.

The taijiya village was a secret to most, but he had lived long enough to have found and experienced their wrath before being trapped within a blade. They were powerful warriors and had even managed to chase him off, but he was weak and baffled with the world in their last encounter. Now he had numbers and power, and he felt confident that he could tear their world down.

They met with a road block as the sun finally peaked above the horizon, traders bickering and slurring over proper trade routes and regulations.

"Move!" he demanded, and faces whipped around to look upon his draconic visage. Men leaped from their carriages and rolled as Akuma raised his blade, the iron igniting into flames that glowed white hot and burned like hellfire. With a stroke of the weapon he cut through carriage, man, and livestock alike, everything around him bursting into unbridled fire. Those that did escape now ran on scalding ground, wailing and screaming warnings into the forest and upwards into the town. With a cackling laugh he continued his charge. "Yes!" he called after them, maniacal and grinning, "Go and warn them! Tell them I seek Hisashi of the Tokohaji clan! Tell them I will burn down the continent to find him!"

He raised his sword again to set flame to the fresher patch of forest he charged toward, but an arrow fired him down from his horse like a canon to the chest. His back cracked against the ground as he landed, his horse tearing off towards the source. It was unlike any arrow he had ever been struck with. It seared into his flesh and his soul, and he felt strangled and caught as he writhed in pain on the ground. Light burst from his chest as he wailed and screamed, going to grab it, only to look up and see where the assault had come from.

A miko rode on the back of a demonic dog man, clad in full armor and pulling back another arrow. She aimed for his head, and in a moment he saw his death, his demise in this one wretched moment.

"Now, Kikyou!" the albino brute commanded, and Akuma felt the hands of his comrades grabbing him up as the world fell to stark blackness.

Another voice rose from his throat, someone else was moving his body.

"*Aniki!" the voice strained, sobbing in pain, and Akuma struggled for control, but in a moment, found himself stomped out and quieted.

Tatsuo opened his eyes for the first time in what felt like years, and all he saw was his brother's shaky form in the tree lines, past the view of the arrow buried deep within his ribs.

"Don't shoot, Kikyou!" Hisashi wailed as another holy arrow zipped by, and his own bow was dropped, charging towards the devil form that held his brother. The men that surrounded the horned deformity went to defend him with shields, but Tatsuo struggled, reaching for Hisashi with a sobbing scream.

"Aniki, help me!" he wailed, and Hisashi leapt over him, arms wrapping around his waist, knocking him out of the way of another of Kikyou's arrows that buried itself into the ground and shattered the earth.

Akuma's men looked between each other, stepping back as InuYasha and Kikyou landed next to the group, weapons lowered. Hyousuke stood away, feet frozen in shock.

"Tatsuo," Hisashi choked, cradling his brother's face, "You haven't called me that in years."

"Aniki, I can't control him, I can't get free, save me!" tears streaked down his face as he gripped at the arrow and Hisashi, panicked and quaking in fear. "I don't know how I'm in control, am I dying? Am I dying, Hisashi?" Blood stained his teeth as he spoke, and Hisashi choked out a sob at the sight.

"I don't know, I don't know, Tatsuo!" Hisashi looked to Kikyou with eyes wide and full of terror and rage. The miko recoiled, mortified, and Hisashi looked back to this brother.

Kikyou's face was stark white with shock as she looked to InuYasha. The hanyou stared at the pair with an intensity that was not concern or surprise, as if waiting.

"Take it out," Tatsuo begged, pleading to Hisashi. "It hurts so much, but I- I'm not fading, Aniki." With shaking hands, Hisashi removed it, taking special care not to break off the arrow head into his chest. Blood coated his palms and his brother garbled in a way that made the others choke, blood spraying over him in a cough. "I'm scared."

"Time to go. He's coming back." InuYasha growled, and he snatched Hisashi away from his brother with a force that made the human's shoulder pop. Hisashi threw his fist into InuYasha's cheek, yelling to be let go, but the hanyou only growled as he threw him back. "Hyousuke, get him and run! Go find Nariko!"

The noble didn't need any more instructions, tugging Hisashi back and forcing him to run with him with a frantic cry of "Listen to me! There's nothing you can do!"

The hole in Tatsuo's chest caught flame, seeming to burn itself back together as the wound suddenly healed, head whipping to look to Kikyou. "Help me!" he screamed, "Please, help me!"

Kikyou trembled.

Akuma's men stepped back at the sight, and it was apparent as the terrified demeanor dimmed and fell away and returned to their master's mind, back in control. Kikyou knocked back an arrow and aimed, expression running cold.

"You must be her." Akuma seethed, cradling his chest as he sat up. "The one the Fujiwara lord told me about."

"I will fire my arrow through your skull without a thought." She spoke, leveling his gaze.

Akuma chuckled, getting to his feet. "After seeing your friend's display, could you really kill the man I hold hostage? He's alive because of me, you know." He reached for his sword, and the albino snarled, the gauntlets over his forearms clanking as he hit a switch. Taking pause, he quirked a brow as he gave the leather-clad abomination a once over. "You're only a hanyou. How quaint. Is that why you chose to be her pet?"

"The fuck did you say?" InuYasha bit, but Kikyou shot him a glare.

"Now is not the time. Do not let him entice your anger. Control your mind, InuYasha." Kikyou's tone was sharp as her partner grit down on his teeth, ears docking back, nodding.

"You see? If you were going to kill me, would I not be dead?" Akuma chuckled, stepping closer to the miko. "The beautiful witch wants something."

"This human man cannot hold your form much longer, can he?" she cooed, looking him over with a look of compressed calm. "It is why your face and skin take on such a ghastly appearance." Eyebrows raising, his hand was nearly about his blade this time when the witch reached out and grabbed him, setting his arm aflame with her own powers. "You are desperate. Is that why you hunt his brother so? Do you wish to kill off the weakness, or obtain a new vessel?"

Tearing his arm away, the devil growled, anger boiling over. Dodging away from her, he moved in a flash, behind his men, who quaked in their boots. "How very observant." He bit out. "Yet your intelligence will get you nowhere. I thought to toy with you, but you talk too much." This time when he drug out his sword it was with a demonic swiftness, and his sword was raised and alight in a moment's time. InuYasha snatched Kikyou onto his back and leapt as quickly as he could, flames licking at their heels as Akuma summoned his fire.

"Let me shoot the sword from his palm," she demanded, and InuYasha growled.

"You crazy?!" he barked.

"Now!" she commanded, and he dipped and weaved in the air, her holy arrow firing past his cheek. Akuma dodged in a blink, disappearing from sight as the arrow sank into the earth. Reappearing before them, Akuma brought down his sword with a force that could shatter bones. InuYasha brought up his arm, meeting the sword with his elbow, relying on the fire rat to absorb the force of the blow. Kikyou reached over InuYasha's shoulder and gripped Akuma's face, searing his face with her reiki and blinding him momentarily. "Got you!" she gloated, breathlessly relieved her taunt had worked. She watched Akuma twisting and tumbling down to the ground in pain, landing with a cringe-worthy thud. "Run, InuYasha!"

He didn't need to be told twice. This time, when he set out at a run the hanyou refused to look back. Kikyou tucked her face into his hair to protect herself from the burning wind.

"Why didn't you just kill him, stupid?!"

"Killing the corpse will not kill Akuma."

"So what? Woulda bought us some time!" InuYasha barked, jostling her on his back as he cleared another canopy. Flames were erupting behind them, and he felt Kikyou cringe into him.

"Do not be foolish. Why do you think he had those men attending him? It is not as if he needs protection."

InuYasha finally skid to a halt as they leapt down and over a waterfall. "Hold your breath." He demanded, leaping in, and Kikyou sputtered and flailed in her heavy armor as they crashed into the water. Pulling her back up to the surface he dragged her beneath of canopy of rocks and shrubbery that framed the side of the water's current. She went to curse him, but his hand slapped over her mouth as he shushed her and held her still.

Akuma charged past them through the sky, smoke billowing from his nostrils as he smelled at the air. He gave pause, looking about in confusion, before roaring with rage and charging forward into the greater depths of the forest.

As he finally released her, Kikyou mopped her sopping bangs from her forehead, the charcoal about her eyes smearing down her porcelain cheeks. "How did you know that would work?"

"I didn't. Just done a lot of running away in my life." He admitted, pulling part of his sleeve loose and wiping away the mess that was running down her face. Kikyou's focus didn't change as she allowed him to clean her up. "So what were you sayin'?"

"We may be able to save Hisashi's brother." Exhaustion from the adrenaline was settling into her bones, and she sat down as InuYasha peered about, on edge. "Akuma needs a new vessel, and he doesn't seem to have much longer."

"Never picked you to be an idiot." He slurred, cutting her a disapproving glare.

"Because I am not one. You simply feel apprehensive of doing this a more difficult way."

"A lot more people are gonna die if we don't take him down quick, Kikyou."

"I am aware." She said calmly, looking out towards the direction Akuma had charged. "We only need to get the sword away from him."

"How you intend to do that?" he moaned.

"With this." Kikyou pulled the jewel up from her between her breasts, quirking a brow. "He needs only to think that he is smarter than I, and that he may take it from me. When he attacks, I will take the sword."

"What if you fail? You considerin' that?"

"What choice do we have?"

Groaning, InuYasha extended a hand to her, helping her up. "We gotta find the others. You catch your breath?"

"Yes." Kikyou replied. InuYasha bent down for her to climb onto his back, and as she did, the grip on her thighs grew tighter.

"I know you're compassionate, but I need you to really think about what's at stake here." His tone was sympathetic, and it took Kikyou aback. "It ain't worth it, Kikyou. You know that. It's probably better if he's in a weaker vessel… it might be what's giving us an upper hand. Hisashi's brother comes back when you shoot him."

A heaviness settled over her chest, and Kikyou bit her lip. "Perhaps we speak to Hisashi first."

He set off at a run, and the wind chilled her bones through her wet clothes.

"You can't save everybody, and I'm not lettin' you put your life at risk because you're afraid of hurting Hisashi."

Swallowing down a lump she hadn't realized had formed, Kikyou laid her head on his shoulders as they shot through the forest.

"He reminds me of a boy I wanted to save." She admitted softly. "His name was Kohaku."

"Well, he ain't that boy, and you gotta use that head of yours to realize that."

"You're right." She finally surrendered.

Nariko nearly jumped from her skin when she heard Hyousuke's frantic shouts. Snatching up her meteor chains, she whipped around to face him as he came running, Hisashi drug along by the wrist.

"You're safe!" he exclaimed, but his tear stained cheeks and panting breaths made the taijiya pause.

"What happened?" she faltered, and Hyousuke hit his knees, lungs burning and sweat pouring. Hisashi was drug down with him, and the large man crumbled, burying his face in his hands as he let out an angry, hopeless scream. The smell of fire hit her nose in a moment, and she felt her hands begin to shake as the pieces fell into place. "Hyousuke, who attacked you?"

"My brother!" Hisashi grit, fist hitting the ground. "Akuma!"

Looking between them, she dropped her weapons at her side, frantic. "What do you mean? Where are InuYasha and Kikyou?"

"I don't know." Hyousuke sobbed, hyperventilating, gripping Hisashi's hand. The ronin ripped himself from his grip, looking to his lover with a stare that could scald molten rock.

"You made me abandon him." He growled, and Hyousuke stared at him, stunned and bitter.

"He was going to kill you." He said softly, reaching forth, and Nariko clenched her fists, trying to take in all she could as Hisashi stood to his feet, pacing.

"He was conscious! Alive! And you and that goddamn dog made me leave him!"

"Quit!" Hyousuke shouted, "Don't take this out on me, I can't help you if you turn me into the enemy, Hisashi!" Hyousuke fought for an even breath, tears coming again, and he reached for Hisashi. "I know you're upset, I am so sorry. Let me help you."

The ronin buried his face in his hands, and if he could have shattered into pieces, he would have. His composure turned to dust as tears began to stream, his breath was hot and much too shallow, and the world rushed in at an alarming pace, overwhelming and banging against his senses. His whole body shook and quivered, and Hyousuke grabbed him, holding him hard and fast against his chest. "He's still in there." Hisashi squalled, and Hyousuke held him tighter as sobs wracked his body. "Tatsuo is still in there, Hyousuke."

"I know." Hyousuke soothed, looking to Nariko, who took a step back, lips pursed and hands clasped. "I know, my love."

"He's my brother. I can't… I can't, Hyousuke."

The noble gave no response, only held him, waiting patiently for his panic to subside.

Nariko paced, knowing now was not the time for questions as Hisashi found some sense of calm. Looking out into the forest; she all but willed InuYasha and Kikyou to come back as she processed the information. When they appeared what felt like hours later, though she was sure it had only been moments, she rushed them away from the pair of men, Hisashi still a mess in Hyousuke's arms. She noticed the way Kikyou's eyes grew wide and pained at the sight, InuYasha turning heel and walking away as if he'd been stung.

"Is Hisashi...?" Kikyou went to ask, but Nariko cut her off.

"Distraught. I've only gathered bits and pieces. His brother regained consciousness?"

Kikyou nodded, tucking wind tossed locks behind her ears. "Yes. When I fired my arrow into Akuma, his brother was able to regain control. I assume it is because I purified the vessel."

"Oh gods," Nariko breathed, "So that is why he is so inconsolable."

InuYasha stomped as he turned to face the taijiya, fists clenched. "We shoulda killed him." He barked, looking back to the pair. "If Hisashi hadn't jumped in, this shit would be over."

"You know it is not that simple." Kikyou bit, and Nariko pinched her brow.

"I need everyone to stop fighting and explain this to me, or I'll be the next in line to throw a fit."

Taking a seat on the forest floor, Kikyou motioned for Nariko to follow suit, InuYasha leaping into a tree in defiance. The taijiya took a seat next to Kikyou, who worked out her nerves by pulling on the frayed string in her sleeve. "Akuma needs a new vessel. Tatsuo's body is failing him. He keeps men at his side for temporary fixes should his corpse be felled, but I believe he wishes for something better. When I purify him, Hisashi's brother comes back into control. He is still very much alive."

Nariko bit her lip. "What do we do?"

"I wish to save him, but I will have to get Akuma alone."

"Not at option!" InuYasha growled.

Hisashi lumbered over to the group now, face red and swollen, but calmer. Hyousuke clung to his arm, determined. "How can we save him?"

"I have to get the sword away from Akuma… or urge him into a new vessel." Kikyou answered.

"So he can get stronger?" InuYasha flailed, leaping back down. "Do you not understand he's probably at his weakest right now?"

"He's my brother!" Hisashi shouted.

"Yeah, and how many other brothers is he gonna kill just so you can get yours back, damnit?"

"InuYasha, I won't let you kill him."

"I didn't ask your permission." InuYasha growled, "All of you are too damn tender-hearted. Look at the bigger picture, here." Hisashi reached back as if he meant to swing again, and InuYasha frowned. "I let you get one in on me before, but if you try to hit me again, I won't just push you away this time."

The ronin's fist lowered, helplessness clouding him over. "He's my brother, InuYasha."

"Then whatta you propose we do, Hisashi? Let him run rampant and risk Kikyou's life so you can get your brother back? Get a new vessel and get stronger so that maybe Tatsuo will survive?"

Hisashi met his gaze with an earnest plea, but gave no response.

Nariko sighed. "InuYasha is right."

"You are all missing the point, and making this much too personal." Kikyou bit, looking over the group. "I have to get him alone, regardless of Tatsuo. If I do not, he will take another vessel. I have to make myself seem vulnerable and lure him to get the sword away. I have to make it known I have the jewel, just as I said. There is no other way."

"No!" Inuyasha's voice cracked, but Nariko groaned.

"Fine," the taijiya breathed, frazzled, "How do we do this?" she asked, though her eyes screamed frustration.

"I suppose we go to our original destination before… this. I am certain he will continue to look for us. He will look where he last found us."

"If that's our best option…" Hisashi fidgeted, looking to the miko.

"I will do all I can to save your brother." Kikyou spoke.

InuYasha bristled, squaring Kikyou out with his gaze. She looked to him defiantly, and he sneered, looking away and walking off.

"You need to talk to him," Hyousuke muttered, leading Hisashi to sit with him, "We'll get a fire started. We don't need to go into a town tonight… not with the fire hazard on our tails."

With a solemn nod Kikyou stood, following after the hanyou. "InuYasha?" she called after him, biting back the frustration in her voice.

"Guess my opinion doesn't fuckin' matter." He bit.

"You know that is not-"

"Actually," he growled, spinning to face her, "I don't. You act like nothing is at stake, here. You act like this is a lunch plan, Kikyou. It's a death sentence."

"This is my duty." She grit out, glaring. "This is what I must do, what I am meant to do."

"Shut up with that!" he fired off, closing in the space between them. "I won't let you do it!"

"Then stop me." She seethed.

His arms flew around her, holding her tight against his chest, and she squirmed in his hold. "InuYasha!"

"Don't be stupid." He gripped her tighter, and she felt the heat of his cheek press into her own.

"It is not stupidity! It is what must be done!"

"I don't wanna lose you again!" he finally pushed, letting her go and grabbing her shoulders. "Just don't go alone, you stupid woman!"

"I am not more important than what must be done, just as his brother is not. You are being hypocritical, InuYasha."

Pausing, InuYasha dropped his arms limply to his side, looking at her with a face that had lost motivation. "Do what you want." His tone was even, bland.

"What?" she asked.

"Throw yourself away, then. Be stupid. That's what you do, right? You're a martyr. Handle things by yourself. You say you wanna just look vulnerable, but I see that look in your eyes."

"How dare you." She looked him over, shocked.

"How about we make a plan where we all lure him away. Take out his men in an ambush. See if we can end up saving his brother in the process. Something, any kind of better plan. How about that, Kikyou?"

"I hadn't thought of-"

"Yeah, well I did." He growled. "But no one fuckin' asked me because they're too busy acting like idiots. Like I said, my opinion don't matter."

"InuYasha, please..," she trailed off. "I'm sorry."

"Don't be so damn impulsive." He ground out, and this time, when he pulled her into his arms it was tender and coaxing.

She sank into his embrace, sighing deeply as her arms wrapped around him. "Forgive me for not listening to you. I am… I am overwhelmed."

"You think I can't see that?" he growled, a rough hand going to smooth her hair and pet her head, firm and soothing.

"Forgive me." She mewled, suddenly feeling small and irrational.

"How about you just start not being a stubborn mule, and we'll go from there." His anger began to leave him, and he smirked down at her.

"I believe that can be arranged." She smiled, looking up at him, and though she laughed at his jab her honeyed eyes were gleamed with apology.

He kissed her forehead, exhaling his frustration as he stepped away. "Let's get dry. I'm done talkin'. The group needs a break, much as I'd like to just get this over with."

She let him lead her back to the others without a word, the weight of the day sinking into her shoulders.

Hyousuke was trying his hardest to get a fire started, and Hisashi looked up to them, exhausted and hollow. He opened his mouth to speak, but faltered, clamping his mouth shut with a guilty expression.

Kikyou stepped away from InuYasha, kneeling before Hisashi. Looking him over, pity washed over her, and she brought up a gentle hand to touch his cheek. He choked out something like an I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be selfish, but the words were jumbled with emotions he still couldn't express. Finally, she pulled him into her arms, his large frame weighing into her shoulder as she rubbed his back.

"I understand." She spoke gently, and Hyousuke looked to her, hopeful and thankful for the comfort she provided. He was admittedly in too much shock to provide more support.

InuYasha paced back to Nariko, who clapped a hand onto his shoulder. "Now," she breathed, "While they tend to one another, may we come up with something sensible?"

"Absolutely." InuYasha groaned, looking to her, and he was abruptly reminded of how thankful he was to have her as a friend. "I've been waitin' for someone to ask that."