A/N: So here we are once again. We all know why it's delayed, that plus the new Harry Potter book came out, so I had to read it ASAP. Also, I'm moving, so that's always "fun". But enough of that, to do our disclaimer is um…Sesshoumaru!

Sesshy: Aki-sama does not own Inuyasha, Naruto, Memoirs of a Geisha, or anything else she may have referenced in the past. She owns her story, her plot, and her characters. Now this Sesshoumaru shall not cause any further hindrances for the readers. Chapter 12 awaits you…


Chapter Twelve: The Flight of the Tiger Woman

In the days following the spring dances, Miyoharu soon found herself swamped with admirers. Everywhere the young maiko went people were congratulating her left and right on her stunning performance at the dances. Because of all the praise for Miyoharu going around, Hatsumomo was livid and much more vindictive than usual. She lashed out and cursed everyone, even going as far as beating the maids and Hatsumiyo with a bamboo rod for no reason whatsoever.

Finally after a week straight, Mameha had had enough.

"Hatsumomo, your behavior has reached an all-time low. I understand you're upset that Hatsumiyo did not receive the lead role, but your animosity towards both her and the maids of this okiya will not be tolerated! Your actions and your attitude have become much more unbearable over the past several years. The only time your mood lightened was when Haruka had decided to temporarily retire and live with her danna. It appears you can't bear with competition. I've had enough of you. I find it amazing at how well everyone else has been able to stand you, putting up with your tempers and all those other things," The head geisha began.

"What are you saying Mameha-san?" Hatsumomo demanded viciously.

"I've decided to relieve us all of you. You are no longer welcome here. Please, pack up your things and never set foot in Gion ever again."

At these words, Hatsumomo was beyond furious. "HOW DARE YOU!" She screamed. "I've paid for everything these past years! And now you're just going to throw me out onto the street? This is the payment I'm to receive after all my years of service?"

"Service? Ha! Hardly. You've only ever worked when you felt like it, only when it would benefit you. I've told you before; your contributions to the okiya's expenses are minimal. My danna is more than capable of being able to cover the majority of them. The rest is paid by either me or Haruka. I've every right to throw you out onto the street. You no longer act like a geisha. Seeing men in the night like a common prostitute! You've brought dishonor upon this okiya and so shamed yourself. On top of that, your temper has raged beyond control while we have most important guests staying with us! You have no idea of the damage you have done! You've destroyed yourself, this okiya's honor, and very well the reputation of the hanamachi itself! Leave at once before you bring any more shame to us!" Mameha snapped, her voice rising with every syllable.

Hatsumomo's face fell and she appeared defeated. "Dearest Mameha-san, please, reconsider this. I have no place other than here to go. I've devoted my life to dance. Don't toss me out like this!" She pleaded.

"You should have thought of the consequences of your actions long ago! I've no room in my heart for forgiveness. You've used up all your chances of redemption. Enough is enough. Pack your things and go. Hatsumiyo will be assigned a new onee-san, so you needn't worry about her, if it were in your heart to care about someone other than yourself. Now go!" The older geisha said coldly.

Hatsumomo glared daggers at Mameha for a few moments before promptly turning her heel and storming upstairs. The elder geisha sighed and turned away, facing her guests where they all sat sipping tea. Sesshoumaru appeared to be pretending that nothing had happened at all. Hana was also trying to imitate her mate's act, but failed as her hand shook slightly as she raised her cup to her lips. Kagome was staring at the spot where Hatsumomo had just been, looking horrified. Mei Lhi was also starting at the place Hatsumomo had just vacated, bearing a worried expression. Inuyasha had furrowed his brow slightly and it seemed he was frowning. Kyo, on the other hand, had a conflicted expression. He seemed surprised, confused, and irritated all at once.

Mameha sighed and addressed her guests. "I'm sorry that you had to witness that. I had not intended for such a display before you all," she said, bowing low for a few moments then righting herself to her upright position.

"It is not our business to concern ourselves with your affairs," Sesshoumaru replied in a level tone. "You did only what was necessary to ensure the prosperity of this place. I would do the same were I in a similar position."

"Arigatou, Sesshoumaru-sama." The head geisha responded, once again bowing low.

From upstairs came the sound of items breaking and a lot of screaming. Mameha looked up and prepared to rush up the stairs only to find it unnecessary as someone came rolling down the stairs.

"Hatsumomo! What are you doing?" Haruka screamed from upstairs.

"Leave Hatsumiyo ALONE!" Miyoharu shrieked.

"Shut up! Or you're next!" Hatsumomo yelled bitterly.

It became obvious who it was that had rolled down the stairs. Mameha's face had drained of all color and she carefully approached Hatsumiyo, who lay motionless at the foot of the stairs.

"Hatsumiyo! Hatsumiyo, open your eyes!" The head geisha cried, lightly shaking the girl.

The maiko stirred and at once her eyes blurred with tears. "Please! You have to stop her! She said she was going to burn the okiya to the ground!" The girl sobbed.

"She could be seriously hurt, Hatsumomo! Don't you even care?" Miyoharu shouted.

"Well according to Mameha, she isn't my responsibility any longer! I could care less!" Hatsumomo snarled, her voice full of contempt.

"So you're going to further disgrace yourself instead?"

The sound of a body hitting the first landing on the stairs reached everyone's ears. Mameha gently set Hatsumiyo down onto the floor away from the stairwell and rushed toward the sound. The others had abandoned their tea and followed.

Miyoharu lay sprawled across the floor, struggling to her feet as Hatsumomo began to approach.

"How DARE you insult me!" The older geisha shrieked. "You'll pay for that!"

Then she was suddenly knocked over. Haruka had flung her entire body weight onto the geisha and had pulled out a small knife from her obi, holding it to Hatsumomo's neck. Hatsumomo and Haruka both struggled on the floor, Hatsumomo grabbing Haruka's wrist, trying to wrench the knife from the other's grasp.

"Drop it, Haruka! Don't think for a second that just because you're Mameha's favorite I won't hurt you!" She spat.

"No! I can't allow this! If you're to leave, then leave with what little honor you have left! Don't destroy it through rash actions such as these!" Haruka ground out as Hatsumomo's nails dug into her wrist.

Hatsumomo's free hand found its way to Haruka's stomach and drew back and punched forward. Haruka gasped as the wind was knocked out of her. Her grip on the knife loosened, Hatsumomo seized the opportunity and pried it from her rival's hand and stood. Haruka regained her footing and tried to approach the other geisha only to have her lash out with the dagger and be slashed across the chest and arms. Haruka staggered and fell. Mameha screamed in horror. Hatsumomo smirked and grabbed a nearby lantern and threw it at the wooden floor.

The flames ignited instantly, the entire second floor hallway was an inferno. Maids were screaming and rushing about grabbing water and blankets to smother the flames. Below, Hatsumiyo was crying and sobbing loudly. Miyoharu had finally made it back to her feet and rushed up the stairs to find Haruka surrounded by flames.

"Onee-san!" She screamed, rushing toward her.

The blood that had pooled around her was starting to light with flames and soon her body would be consumed. Without a second thought or a moment's hesitation, Miyoharu lifted up her Onee-san's limp form and attempted to carry her away from the fire.

Finally it seemed that Sesshoumaru had decided now would be a good time to intervene and the others had unfrozen from their shock. Inuyasha had rushed into the flames and helped Miyoharu take Haruka to safety, not being burned at all due to his fire rat fur haori and hakama. Kyo reached out a hand and wind suddenly filled the hallway, the flames began to move towards one another into the center of the hall and then encased in a swirling orb of wind. The fire swirled around in the orb until it died out. Sesshoumaru approached Hatsumomo with a cold glare that made the geisha go weak in the knees. She scampered down the stairs and did not look back. Kagome, Hana, and Mei Lhi had already proceeded downstairs to treat Haruka, Miyoharu, and Hatsumiyo's wounds.

The taiyoukai walked back down to the first floor and saw Hana sealing Haruka's wounds, Mei Lhi and Kagome were both looking after the two maiko, checking them for any broken bones or internal damage from being tossed down the stairs. After the pair had been deemed to be in good health, despite being a bit bruised, Mei Lhi moved to help Hana and Kagome began to approach Hatsumomo, who sat in the corner of the room, shaking.

"Here, let me look at you," Kagome said gently, reaching out toward the geisha.

"I don't want your help!" Hatsumomo snapped, slapping Kagome's hand away. "I don't need your help."

The geisha got to her feet, glaring at them all. "You will regret this!" She hissed. "I'll make sure of it!"

Without another word she turned on her heel and stormed towards the door and stepped out, slamming it shut.

-

Hatsumomo whipped past the other okiya, ignoring the shocked gasps and whispered words of their residents. Apparently the commotion had roused the others to poke their heads outside and listen to the sounds of screaming and smashing. The now ex-geisha scowled as she shoved her way past others in the streets until finally she made it to the gates of the hanamachi. She looked back and for a moment it seemed she could see Mameha staring out the window hundreds of yards away, staring straight back.

She would get her revenge. As she passed under the gate and entered the village, the perfect plan had already taken shape.

"Hatsumomo-san!" exclaimed the village chief in shock. "What has happened? We heard distant sounds of a commotion, even thought we saw smoke from a fire! Has your okiya burned down? Are you the only survivor? Did those youkai start it?" he asked.

Hatsumomo turned to him, a small and unnoticed smirk playing across her lips. "Yes, it was the youkai. I tried to fight them off, but just barely escaped with my life. They've cast a spell on everyone. Now the entire hanamachi is under their control! Everyone is now a slave to the one called Sesshoumaru. Please, you must stop him! Who knows what will happen to my friends while they're under his command!" She exclaimed in feigned sobs, completing the act with false tears.

"I knew it! I knew they were evil from the moment they arrived! That blasted Mameha!" The chief roared angrily.

"It wasn't Mameha's fault! Sesshoumaru put her under the spell the moment they looked at each other." Hatsumomo wailed as she continued to pretend that she was horribly distressed.

"Hatsumomo-san, we will do whatever we can to protect you and save the hanamachi from these evil youkai. Does Sesshoumaru have a weakness? How can we stop him?"

"Sesshoumaru is far too well guarded to attack him directly. His wife is the same. But his son is the heir to his lands and is less experienced in combat. If you attacked his son and killed him, it would be as good as killing Sesshoumaru himself! Sesshoumaru couldn't live if his son died."

"How can this be done, Hatsumomo-san?"

"An arrow, a purifying arrow to cleanse the demon from the boy would instantly kill him. The holy powers would destroy the boy."

The village chief nodded in understanding. "Come, we must protect you from harm. You can stay with our village monk. His power will protect you from those youkai. I will arrange for a miko to come here and go through with the plans of killing the boy." He said in a soothing voice, leading the ex-geisha away toward a small hut where the village monk lived.

-

Mizumi and Zetsuei had stopped running at last. They had put a good hundred miles between themselves and the Nekoyoukai girl's homeland. The spring night was warm, hinting that summer was soon arriving.

"Where will we go?" Zetsuei asked quietly.

"We have to find the Inuyoukai and warn them, before it's too late." Mizumi replied.

"They are in Kyoto, awaiting the attack from our side."

"Then we've got no time to waste. We have to move quickly. Besides, knowing my father, he's got men looking for me right now. It won't be long before they reach this place."

Zetsuei nodded and stared at the stars. "Kyoto is north of here." He said after a few moments.

"Then let's not waste any more time." The Nekoyoukai girl replied, getting to her feet.

The two of them jumped skyward, reaching for the nearest tree branches and started to run again.

-

"We have to leave, NOW!" Aijii exclaimed.

"What's the matter?" Kago asked.

"Look at this!" The boy said, ushering his friend over to look at the page of the book he was reading.

Kago sighed and walked over. "What?"

"Just read it!"

The Inu-Ryuu boy's eyes skimmed the page. "Aren't those things guns?" He asked, pointing at a word on the page.

"Yes, exactly! They're an early form of a rifle, imported by the Portuguese! Sesshoumaru-oji-san and the others won't know how to defend themselves against bullets! And the enemy will use that against Nobunaga!"

"Then we're leaving for the Sengoku Jidai? Through the well?"

Aijii nodded. "We'll head for the village this time and ask Miroku-san and Sango-san to help us."

The two glanced at one another, not needing to exchange any words. The boys headed in opposite directions and went off to find their sisters. When the four of them reunited, they were packed with their weapons and their history books.

Together they approached the well and stared at one another.

"Ready?"

And then as one, they jumped.

-

Four days had passed since Hatsumomo left the okiya. All around Kyoto everyone was busy. In the hanamachi, maids and workers were helping repair the second floor hallway in the okiya, Haruka had just regained consciousness, and gossip and rumors of the night Hatsumomo left were spreading like wildfire.

However, outside the confines of Gion, the villagers had broken into a loud cheer. The miko had arrived.

"Hatsumomo-san!" The village chief called.

The ex-geisha looked up. "Yes?" she asked.

"The miko-sama has arrived. We can kill the boy today!"

"No, we must wait. An opportunity to strike will present itself to us. The boy will be in the okiya at all times. It would be difficult to get a clear shot."

The village chief nodded in understanding. "You are most cunning, Hatsumomo-san." He said with a sadistic grin.

"Perhaps it would be best you told the miko-sama what we plan on doing? That way she would know her target and be ready to take the shot at a moment's notice."

"Hai, of course. Then we wait."

-

Haruka sat quietly against the wall, staring out the window. Out of the corner of her eye she saw Kyo staring at her for a few moments then quickly look away.

'He suspects something. Naturally he'd know the scent of my blood. Back when I sacrificed myself for Mei Lhi, I stabbed myself. My blood flowed then…it was like falling asleep. I couldn't die, at least, not by my own hand. But in any case, I must be cautious. If Kyo does in fact riddle it out and discover I'm alive, Tsuki-chan could also be in danger of being found out. It's lucky that she only sustained some bruising and didn't receive any flesh wounds. From what she told me, the way she faked her death, Sesshoumaru, Hana, and Inuyasha would know her blood scent in an instant. I must keep up my guard.'

She shut her eyes and found her vision overwhelmed with an image of the future. Tsurugi was hit with a purifying arrow. The boy died and Sesshoumaru and Hana were overcome with grief. The war was lost. The Neko no Taisho killed off the entire Inu clan. The Ryuuyoukai would become involved; Harukichi would try to take over the North. The entire country would be thrown into chaos, dispelling the peace that they all once had. And it would all happen because Tsurugi was dead and Hatsumomo had made sure of it.

Her eyes opened and she noticed that Miyoharu was standing beside her, looking worried.

"Onee-san, what is it?" The girl asked quietly.

"Hatsumomo has betrayed us. She's gone to the village and told them that we are all slaves to Sesshoumaru-sama. In retaliation, they will kill Tsurugi with a purifying arrow. Once that happens, Japan falls into turmoil. The Nekoyoukai win the war and the Inu clan is destroyed." The geisha replied, her voice the ghost of a whisper.

Miyoharu's face froze with shock. "No! Can't something be done to stop it?"

"You know what you must do. I promise you, I'll protect you."

"But your wounds, won't they sap you of your power?"

"They've healed long ago. I'm only putting up this act of being injured because I'm supposed to be human, not a youkai. Speaking of acts, you played your part well."

"I guess I passed the test. Even when I was in danger, no one recognized me at all."

Haruka nodded. "Hai, that is true. But there is still one more test."

"I know. When the time comes, I know I'll pass that test. With you here, I know I cannot fail."

The geisha smiled and nodded again. Miyoharu turned and walked away where she retired to her room. Her fear and anxiety had spiked, like it had when her family first arrived. She did the one thing that she thought would be able to calm her nerves. She prayed.

'Please, let us all come through this. I couldn't bear the sorrow of having to lose anyone to the hatred of man. Everyone should be allowed to live until it is their rightful time to depart from the world of the living to the land of the dead. Please, just let Tsurugi live. He has to live. If he lives, the West lives.'

-

Sesshoumaru drank deeply from his cup of tea, glancing at everyone's faces across the table. Hana was also sipping her tea, Inuyasha sat leaning against the wall, watching the final rays of sunlight slip under the horizon. His hair darkened, his claws retracted, and his ears became human. A few feet away, Mei Lhi had undergone a similar transformation, looking more like her mother Izayoi than ever. Tsurugi was looking around the room, trying to find something interesting to look at and occupy his attention. So far it seemed after being inside the okiya for such a long time, there was really nothing much to take in. Lastly, Kyo sat next to his mate, also leaning against the wall, his head bowed and eyes closed in thought.

The taiyoukai set down his cup upon the table. The sound of the china setting itself down against the wood seemed to jar everyone out of their thoughts or aimless musings. All eyes had suddenly turned toward Sesshoumaru.

"I've established a chain of command. I, obviously, will be first in command. Hana-chan, you shall be my chief battle physician and you will be commanding the archery units. Inuyasha, my first lieutenant and second in command, Kyoshima, you'll be my second lieutenant. Kagome-san, you'll be assisting Hana-chan. Mei Lhi Imouto-san, you'll be in command of the fifth and sixth swordsman units, and if you're up to it, leading the charge. Tsurugi, you'll be my captain and the seventh and eighth swordsman units are yours to command," The taiyoukai began.

Tsurugi looked stunned. "You're putting me in charge of units?" He asked, still sounding shocked.

"Naturally," Sesshoumaru replied with a smirk. "Are you, or are you not my son?"

The boy nodded slowly in understanding. The taiyoukai continued.

"As my first lieutenant and second in command, Inuyasha, you're charged with the duty of commanding the first and second units. Kyoshima, you're to command the third and fourth units," He said. The two nodded. "When we're on the battlefield, there will be a large number of allies and enemies. In the event that any of us are wounded and unable to reach one of the field doctors, I feel it would be wise for us to carry a small pack of medicinal herbs and poultices. Think of it as your battlefield trauma kit. Also, in the event that we are disarmed or otherwise separated from a weapon, these packs will also contain herbs with properties that would be harmful to our enemies. Hana-chan, I trust you to sort out the herbs that we can put to good use for both ourselves and our adversaries."

"Definitely no belladonna then." Hana said with a small grin.

Sesshoumaru smirked again. "The final matter to be addressed, we're leaving tomorrow." He said with a tone of finality.

"What?" Mei Lhi exclaimed in surprise.

"Nobunaga-san and I both feel that the war is drawing quite near. We're going to set up a base of operations a mile's march from Nagashino Castle. I've delayed our departure for both you and Inuyasha so that the two of you will not be vulnerable, should the fighting extend through several days and nights. It will be another month before we will have to trouble ourselves with your vulnerability. So tonight we will prepare ourselves for travel and thank our hosts for their hospitality and set off in the morning. The armies have already been informed and will start marching at dawn's first light." The taiyoukai explained.

Everyone remained silent for several moments, letting the information sink in. Then without any words being exchanged, all stood and moved in their separate directions, packing their things.

At the doorway, Miyoharu sighed, having listened to the entire conversation. Without waiting for someone to catch her eavesdropping, she briskly walked away and headed for her room.

-

Aijii, Kago, Satsu, and Yuri all climbed out of the well and rushed into the village, ignoring everyone looking around wildly and calling out to them. They barged into the house where Miroku and Sango lived, startling the houshi and taijiya.

"What are all of you doing here? I thought Inuyasha and Kagome-chan took you all back through the well to go to school?" Sango said, looking at the four teens that had nearly broken the door off on their way in.

"They did take us back, but we've come back because of urgent business." Aijii replied.

"Urgent business?" Miroku asked.

"There's a war coming, over by Nagashino Castle. Our parents will be fighting alongside Sesshoumaru oji-san and Nobunaga against the Takeda clan, the Nekoyoukai, Harukichi, and possibly other forces."

"Yes, we've heard that too. We've also heard that the Torayoukai have joined with the Nekoyoukai." The monk said, looking not at all too surprised with this revelation.

"But that's not all!" Aijii went on. "We've done some research and our history book says that the enemy will be using arquebusiers. According to the books and our research, an arquebus is an early form of a rifle," (A/N: Actually, Nobunaga had the guns. I've simply modified the conditions of the battle, seeing as my plans will end up with Nobunaga's side having the advantage anyway, guns or no guns at all.)

"A rifle?" Miroku inquired.

"It's a gun. But the arquebus isn't advanced enough to be using shells and metal bullets. They require gunpowder and pellet balls made of lead." Kago answered.

"Anno…like Ginkotsu of the Shichinintai?" Sango asked.

"Yes, exactly! Only instead of it being much larger guns like the ones Ginkotsu had, these are smaller and are much more easily portable. They're foreign goods from the Portuguese, brought here on the Black Ships." Satsu explained.

"So Sesshoumaru-sama and the others don't know that the enemy will have these sorts of weapons?" The houshi clarified.

"Nope, they haven't got a clue. That's why we've come back to try and warn them. But we need your help to get there. None of us know which way Nagashino Castle is or where our parents are." Aijii responded, the tone of urgency much more prominent in his voice.

Sango suddenly looked over her shoulder. "Minoru, Tsuyu, Kohaku-kun! You're all in charge of the village until we get back. Houshi-sama and I are going on a trip. I don't know when we'll return." She called over her shoulder. (A/N: The kids will be fine. Kohaku's grown up now so he can look after Minoru and Tsuyu, but then again, they're old enough to fend for themselves.)

At her words, Kirara, who had been resting on her master's lap jumped up and went outside and transformed. Aijii turned to his best friend.

"Hey, do you think you can do it now? Because I don't think all six of us are going to fit on Kirara. That's way too much weight." The boy said.

"Transform?" The Inu-Ryuu boy answered.

Aijii nodded.

"I'm not sure. Chichiue does it so easily, but he told me that the key to transforming was to concentrate. I've done it once before. But that may have been a fluke." Kago rambled on.

"You'll be able to do it. I believe in you." Yuri said with a small smile, placing a comforting hand on her brother's shoulder.

His sister's words seemed to give Kago renewed hope. "Right! I'm going to try. The worst that can happen is that it doesn't work." He said, sounding determined.

The Inu-Ryuu boy stepped outside of the house and closed his eyes.

'I am the wind.'

Wind swirled around his form and soon obscured Kago from view. When the dust had settled and the air was calm once again, a pure white dragon about half the size of his father stood where the Inu-Ryuu boy had been moments before, clawing at the ground, trying to get a feel for his new body.

"Sugoi!" Satsu exclaimed excitedly. "You did it!"

Aijii cheered, Yuri smiled faintly and nodded a "well done" at her brother. Sango and Miroku were stunned.

"I didn't know that it was possible for someone to transform when they're not full youkai." Miroku said in awe.

"Well, Chichiue told me that since I'm more Ryuuyoukai than anything and mostly youkai in general, I'd be able to do it." Kago replied, not knowing that the only person who understood what he said was Yuri, seeing as he was now speaking in the language of the dragons.

"Kago says that our father told him that since he's half Ryuuyoukai and overall almost full youkai, he'd be able to transform." Yuri said to the others.

"Can you read his mind or something, Yuri-chan?" Satsu asked. "Because I didn't hear him say anything."

Kago rolled his eyes. Satsu noticed and scowled. Aijii laughed. Yuri sighed.

"My baka sister, didn't you ever listen when Kyo-oji-san told us about Ryuuyoukai? They've got their own language and only people who know it can hear it. The language is a soft language and doesn't require the use of a voice, so it's below normal hearing." The Inu boy said, turning to his sister.

The two started to fight when Yuri interrupted them. "Kago would like to remind the both of you that we're supposed to be finding our parents." She said in a level voice.

The pair stopped at once. Sango and Miroku climbed onto Kirara's back while Yuri, Aijii, and Satsu climbed onto Kago's. Kirara took to the air at once. Kago, unsure as to how to fly, shakily left the ground and to his amazement found that he floated in midair without any effort at all. It took the Inu-Ryuu boy only a few seconds to figure out how to change direction, but once he had adjusted, he too was in the air next to Kirara and the pair took off for Nagashino Castle.

-

It dawned bright and cheery in the hanamachi. Soldiers were thanking the geisha and maiko for their hospitality and departing. Haruka woke to the sound of clanking as soldiers marched away in full battle armor. When sleep had finally cleared itself from her senses, she became aware of the dream she had had. The day that Tsurugi was intended to die was today. The geisha looked to her side where her apprentice, Miyoharu was fighting to remain asleep. Finally the girl gave up and woke.

"I wish they wouldn't make so much noise." The maiko whined.

"It's today, Miyo-chan. They're going to do it today." Haruka said in a serious voice.

Miyoharu's face paled slightly and she nodded slowly. The two put away their futons into the closet and went to put on their kimono. Miyoharu had just reached for a simple lightweight summer yukata when Haruka stopped her.

"Wear this one," she said, pointing at a thicker early spring kimono. "The obi knot sits slightly higher than normal. It'll look nice on you."

The girl nodded and reached for it instead. The two took turns helping each other fasten the proper ties and making the correct knots as they dressed. When the two were finally ready, they headed downstairs for breakfast where Mameha, Hatsumiyo, along with their guests were sharing a parting meal.

As Miyoharu took her seat, her eyes immediately went to Tsurugi.

'I'm not going to let you die today. Not like this.'

-

In the village however, things seemed busier than they were in the hanamachi.

"Hatsumomo-san, the armies are leaving today." The village chief said.

"Then today is the day that we make our move." The ex-geisha replied.

The village chief nodded and approached a young woman clad in red and white. "Tomoe-sama," he said politely, addressing the miko. The girl turned. "Today is the day that we require your services," he continued.

"Fugeki-san, do not take me for a fool. I know who it is you wish for me to destroy. I refuse to remove the son of Sesshoumaru-sama from this earth. I only vanquish violent youkai and heal the sick and help the weak. I am not a taijiya, a samurai, nor an assassin of any kind. I cannot do what you ask of me." She replied.

"Then at least bless an arrow for us. You can keep to your vow of helping others and we'll do the dirty work."

"Very well, bring me a bow and arrow."

Fugeki nodded and retrieved the items the miko had requested. Tomoe took them into her hands and began chanting, the bow and arrow glowed brightly. When the chanting stopped, both the bow and arrow were glowing a bright pink.

"The moment these leave my hands, the power will begin to wane. So if you wish to take the shot, you must be quick," Tomoe explained. "Only someone with spiritual powers can keep the bow and arrow at their fullest strength."

Fugeki nodded and took the bow and arrow from the girl. The glow on the two objects had diminished significantly. He had to hurry before the powers imbued were spent. He ran around assembling a small group of men to enter the hanamachi with him.

"Saito!" He yelled. (A/N: O.o Notice how I suddenly have Kenshin chara names popping up…how strange. Must be because I finished reading it recently. God, Kenshin was an amazing series…)

The man called Saito approached. "Hai, Fugeki-san?" he asked.

"Saito, you're my best marksman. It will therefore be your duty to take the shot. Use this," Fugeki said, holding out the bow and arrow, which were still faintly glowing pink.

Saito nodded and relieved the village chief of the two objects. Together they moved towards the gate of the hanamachi, prepared to set the women and girls free from the youkai.

-

"Well, we should be heading out," Hana said at last. "Thank you all so much for your kindness."

The miko-youkai bowed politely.

"It is I who should be thanking you, Hana-sama. If it weren't for you and your companions, our okiya would no longer be standing and Haruka would have been unable to perform for the rest of her life, or worse she would have died. I owe you a great debt. You will always be welcome here in the hanamachi. Arigatou gozaimasu minna-san." Mameha said, going into a full bow.

Hana, Kagome, and Mei Lhi bowed back while Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and Kyo inclined their heads politely. Together the group left the room and crossed the courtyard and passed through the gates of the okiya.

Haruka stood from the table and shot Miyoharu a glance. The younger girl also rose from her seat.

"Mameha-san, we're going to see the army off." Haruka said.

Mameha nodded and returned to her meal. Haruka and Miyoharu took brisk strides across the courtyard and saw Sesshoumaru, Inuyasha, and the others standing in the middle of the main road. Sesshoumaru was speaking to Nobunaga, while the others listened. Haruka quickly pulled Miyoharu aside.

"Look over there by the gate," she said.

The girl followed her onee-san's gaze and saw the villagers had entered the hanamachi and were approaching, one of the men holding a bow and arrow which glowed pink feebly.

"The shot will come from there. When I tell you to, run to Tsurugi and stop only when you've reached him. I will protect you." Haruka continued.

Miyoharu nodded and tried to take a deep calming breath. From the corner of her eye she could see the man carrying the bow and arrow raise it to firing position. He set the arrow and pulled back the string.

"NOW!" Haruka yelled.

Miyoharu didn't even realize she was moving. She could see Tsurugi before her and from her left she could see the arrow approaching its target.

"Tsurugi!" Sesshoumaru's voice sounded, having noticed the arrow approaching.

The maiko took a leap forward, her hands catching Tsurugi's shoulders. She looked into his eyes and saw his confused expression for only a fraction of a second. Then she felt pain beyond pain as the arrow struck, the remaining holy power coursing through her body like poison. Her eyes clamped shut tightly from the pain and she looked up at Tsurugi once again.

"Miyoharu-san," he whispered, his face now bearing the conflicted emotions of shock and horror. "Why?"

"The West…lives with you, Tsurugi-sama…" she gasped through the pain. "You have to live…"

Sesshoumaru's cool and collected mask was barely holding. Boiling below the surface was fury that someone had tried to kill his son. And below that rage came a deep sorrow as he began to realize how close he had been to losing a second child.

"Miyo-chan!" Various maiko screamed.

"Miyoharu-san!" Others yelled out.

The people turned and saw the villagers gathered at the gate.

"How DARE you!" The residents of the hanamachi roared in outrage.

"We only wished to free you from Sesshoumaru's control and this is the thanks we get?" Fugeki shouted.

"We're under no spell! You villagers have always hated youkai and foreigners! So you decided to exact your hatred upon an innocent boy?"

"Hatsumomo-san told us-!"

"Hatsumomo is a vile SNAKE! She's poisoned your minds, filled your hearts with hatred! She spreads animosity and discord like the plague! Everything she touches becomes tainted! You are fools to trust her!"

Miyoharu's body could no longer support her and in an instant she felt herself go limp. Tsurugi reacted immediately and caught her before she could hit the ground. Haruka rushed out and ran to the girl's side.

"Kami-sama! What happened?" She asked worriedly, even though she knew full well what had transpired, she had to keep up the act of being blissfully unaware.

"She…she saved my life." Tsurugi replied slowly.

Haruka quickly helped the girl to her feet and was soon aided by Hatsumiyo who had come rushing out after all the shouting.

"Please, I can help her," Hana began to protest as Haruka and Hatsumiyo led Miyoharu away.

"No, it's quite alright. The kimono and obi most likely saved her from being mortally injured. If anything, she'll only have a flesh wound. Besides, you have more important matters to attend to." Haruka replied.

Hana began to reply when Sesshoumaru interrupted. "Enough, Hana-chan. If they do not require our help then they don't need any of us to interfere. Haruka-san is right. There is a war to be fought." The taiyoukai said.

The miko-youkai nodded and then briskly walked towards the young maiko being held up by her two companions.

"In any case, before we depart I want to give you my deepest thanks. You saved our son. Sesshoumaru and I are indebted to you. Thank you." Hana said, bowing.

Miyoharu inclined her head as best she could without moving too much to aggravate the wound on her back. "You saved my Onee-san. Consider that debt fulfilled." She replied, her voice soft.

Hana nodded and walked away where Sesshoumaru and the others stood waiting. Then as one the group moved forward with the remaining soldiers, not looking back.


A/N: Whew, another one finished! Yay! And guess what guys? It's longer than my average 11 pages! Well, just a page and two lines on another page longer. But in any case it's longer! So I'll shut up. The new apartment doesn't have internet (shocked gasp) so I've been without internet for about 2-3 weeks. So that's PLENTY of writing time. Anywho, time to move on to the next chappie! See ya next time, whenever that may be! Ja!