Akimoto ran through a dark forest that seemed to have no end; only one path and dense trees on both sides. She could only go forward as something chased her from behind. Panting hard and grabbing at her chest, her lungs were on fire and her legs were aching.
But still, she ran.
There were no stars and no moon in the sky—no light to help her find her way.
And then…
…a blood-curdling screech.
Yelping in surprise, she ran faster. Akimoto began to yell, "Taiitsukun!"
No voices responded to her. The sounds of swift crawling crept up closer and closer behind her.
She shouted out again, "TAIITSUKUN! Where are you?"
Another screech.
"HELP!"
Akimoto ran up to a giant rock wall, stories tall, completely blocking her path.
"No..." she whispered with a shaky voice.
Heavy breathing could be heard behind her. Akimoto slowly turned around.
Standing before her was the centipede demon fully alive and full of lust to kill. This time, it's grown exponentially, and its jaw was wide enough to be able to devour Akimoto with one gulp.
Terrified, Akimoto screamed out, "Taiitsukun! Lady Kaede! Anybody!" The more she tried to run, the faster her legs began to sink into the ground like quicksand. "Sa..."
The demon opened her mouth, revealing layers and layers of giant, sharp teeth.
Akimoto was now crying as she stared into the face of her painful demise. "Saoirse... Saoirse please..."
Without any more hesitation, the demon launched itself at Akimoto.
"NO!"
Akimoto opened her eyes in alarm. Her heart was beating fast. She sat up from her futon and rested her face in both of her palms, taking deep breaths in and out. Multiple times she repeated: "It's not real...it's not real...it's not real..." This went on for several moments.
Eventually, she peeked through her fingers. She was inside a humble shelter of some kind. Very few furnishings and no modern appliances. It was only one room within a small wooden shack.
Sunlight was shining through the blinds.
"Where am I?" The young woman sat and recollected her thoughts. She reached into her pocket and took out a small jewel. "This…is real…the Shikon Jewel…a different world…" The weight of her new reality finally began to set in. A floating old woman. Golden light. A world made up of golden light. Different worlds. Powers. Demons.
She gasped.
"D-Demons…" Flashes of the centipede demon trying to kill her appeared in her mind. Her leg twitched and she felt a jolt of pain. Taking the covers off her, she saw her wounded leg bound in blood-stained bandages.
That was where the demon bit her. It tried to kill her.
Akimoto began to feel nauseous and put a hand over her mouth. I think I'm going to be sick...
Kaede walked into the hut.
"Ahh, so you're awake." She noticed Akimoto's sickly gesture. "What's the matter, child?"
Trying to concentrate on keeping her composure, Akimoto told her, "It's nothing…I just need a minute."
"Come now, you can't fool me. You had quite the ordeal last night, so I imagine the kind of toll that must be taking on you."
Akimoto didn't respond.
"Let me fetch you some herbal tea—that ought to help calm you down a little bit." The old woman sat down and poured some hot water into a cup from a kettle being heated by a fire.
As her tea was being prepared, Akimoto sat and replayed the events of the past day in her head. They seemed so unreal and so cinematic…how could it all have been real? Her life had been relatively predictable up until Taiitsukun came along. Sure, the mysterious force surrounding her that brought misery to people was an anomaly, but she had grown used to that reality years ago. Knowing that that supernatural force was in existence, it should have been easy for her to accept what was going on.
But it was still a lot to take it. It was no longer super surprising, but it was totally overwhelming.
Once the tea was prepared, Kaede offered it to Akimoto, who accepted the kind gesture.
Taking a sip of the tea, its soothing nature began to settle her stomach and relax her a bit.
"You were pushed past your limits—overwhelmed emotionally and physically," Kaede told her as she sat beside her.
Akimoto looked down at the spherical jewel in her hand. Soon enough, she remembered something.
"What happened to that half-demon, Inuyasha?" It was kind of hard to believe that he kept his promise considering she was pretty vulnerable after fainting. And yet…she still had the jewel.
Kaede gave it some thought. "Well…"
==FLASHBACK==
The young woman Akimoto was lying on the ground, unconscious, completely unprotected. Inuyasha, waiting a few more moments to check if the coast was clear, sprung up onto his feet. He gave a menacing grin as he peered down at her.
"Weak," he told himself. "To be so trusting as to give in to your exhaustion after some flimsy 'promise.' You were a fool to believe me. And now…" He reached down for the Shikon Jewel that was in her possession. "The jewel is finally mi—"
Suddenly, there was a quick bright flash of golden light that painfully overwhelmed Inuyasha's eyes.
"AHHH!" He veered back in agony, covering his eyes with his palms as he fell onto the ground. "MY EYES!"
The bright light disappeared quickly and Taiitsukun emerged in its place.
"The Shikon Jewel does not belong to you," she told him sternly.
Still in pain and temporarily blinded, Inuyasha recognized the voice and shouted, "Screw you, old hag! What the heck did you do to me?!"
Taiitsukun sighed and avoided the question. "You're so unashamedly lacking in honor. Surely, it can't actually feel good to steal from an unconscious girl."
Unable to open his eyes, Inuyasha slowly got back up onto his feet. "Lay off!" He growled. "I don't have to conform to your ideals, I just want what's owed to me!"
"What makes you think you deserve anything?" Taiitsukun asked.
Inuyasha's eyesight began to return. He saw Taiitsukun floating as a blurry blob and just went for it. Extending his claws, he prepared to launch at her.
The moment his body twitched, Taiitsukun made the golden ribbons of light on her skin flash with a burning intensity without warning. Once again, Inuyasha's eyes caught the brightest part of it and he doubled over in pain, covering his eyes once more as he cried out in both pain and frustration.
Upon the dimming of her light, some of the villagers, along with Kaede, carefully approached the scene.
Seeing the slain demon, unconscious Akimoto, floating old woman, and the writhing Inuyasha, the villagers murmured amongst themselves in a mixture of wonder, confusion, and concern.
"Inuyasha has been released! What are we gonna do?"
"Who was able to break Lady Kikyo's spell?"
"It looks like he's weakened, let's slay him for good so that Lady Kikyo won't have died in vain!"
Kaede gave them all a stern glance. "Be still." She looked over at Taiitsukun. "What say you, Lady Taiitsukun?"
Continuing to look down at Inuyasha, Taiitsukun replied, "Take Akimoto back to the village and tend to her wounds. In the morning, I'll be here waiting for her."
Kaede nodded and then addressed some of the villagers. "If you would please, fetch the young woman and be gentle with her."
They begrudgingly complied and gingerly scooped up Akimoto, making sure to watch her bloody, wounded leg.
Once in their care, Akimoto was carried back to the village.
Kaede lingered behind and asked, "What about Inuyasha?"
"He will no longer be a threat to any of you."
"You are certain?"
Taiitsukun nodded. "By the time I'm done with this puppy, he'll be well trained."
==FLASHBACK END==
Akimoto couldn't help thinking to herself, What exactly did Taiitsukun end up doing to him?
It was a scary thought.
And apparently, Inuyasha can't be trusted…that's good to know.
Kaede reached over for some fresh bandages. "May I take a look at your leg?"
"Hmm? Oh…sure…"
As carefully as possible, Kaede unwrapped the bloody used bandages to reveal a single row of deep puncture wounds surrounded by bruised skin where the demon's jaw bit down. Fortunately, the bleeding had stopped, but the fresh air touching the wound made it sting. Seeing the sight made Akimoto cringe.
"It'll take a little while for this to heal up. You'll be fine with time as long as you allow the wound to heal," Kaede told her.
Akimoto frowned as she continued to stare at it.
"I should let you know that that demon isn't the only one capable of such damage. In fact, there is much more out there to fear, I'm afraid."
Still staring at her wound, Akimoto's eyes widened as she processed what she heard. She could feel her sickness coming back again.
"I'm not saying these things to discourage you. I want you to be mentally prepared for whatever lies ahead."
Akimoto put on her poker face but grimaced on the inside. I don't think there is enough pep-talk in the world to prepare me for things like this. Why the heck did Taiitsukun send me here? Am I really the only one who can protect this jewel? She stared down at the magical artifact.
Akimoto remembered how Taiitsukun threatened to send her back to her world if she didn't comply with her conditions. Was going around getting chased and potentially killed by demons a better fate than dying alone in her world?
If I die here… She closed her fist around the jewel. ... would I be useful in the end?
Akimoto sighed. She then asked. "So, right now, Taiitsukun is waiting for me in that same clearing?"
Kaede nodded. "Indeed, she is. I would normally want you to rest and not exert yourself, but I know you have a destiny to fulfill. So, go do what you must."
"A…destiny?" Akimoto gave her a puzzled look while placing the jewel back into her pocket. "What exactly did Taiitsukun tell you about me?"
Instead of answering the question, Kaede stood up and offered her hand to Akimoto. "Let me help you up."
Naturally, Akimoto wanted to press further on this issue, but she was starting to see a pattern and thought it was futile to pursue the matter. She accepted Kaede's help.
On wobbly legs, Akimoto struggled to stand, leaning on Kaede for support. The moment she put her weight onto her leg, pain shot through her body and she stumbled down onto her knees. If there was any lingering doubt about whether all of this was real, then the shooting pain she was experiencing shredded it to pieces.
Concerned, Kaede was about to say something, but Akimoto told her, "I'm alright." And she stood up again, making sure to put very little stress on the wounded leg. Next to the opening of the hut were a pair of wooden crutches. After Akimoto slipped on her shoes, Kaede handed them to her.
Slowly, Akimoto left the shack while using the crutches to keep her upright. She faced the light of the sun as it shone on a new day.
The villagers were going about their respective routines. The ones that noticed her gave her a wary look.
I suppose it's fair that they're still suspicious of me…
She didn't allow their gazes to deter her, though and made sure her poker face displayed an air of apathy.
"Yo!" Said a familiar voice as a figure jumped from the roof and landed in front of her.
Not expecting this, Akimoto gave a short yelp as she lost her balance and fell backwards onto her bottom.
Looking up at them, Akimoto gasped. "It's you! Inuyasha!"
The half-demon stood there casually but with a mildly annoyed look on his face. "What's with that scream? You must be even more pathetic than I initially thought to get spooked so easily. And you're limping? Don't tell me that little bite's makin' ya handicapped."
I thought Taiitsukun was dealing with him?! Why the heck is he here? And why is everyone so cool with him being in the village?
Remembering his target, Akimoto turned the part of her body away that had the pocket with the jewel hidden inside. She avoided eye contact with him but maintained her poker face. She refused to say anything.
"Hey," Inuyasha said, trying to get her attention.
She remained quiet.
His ear twitched as he became increasingly frustrated and raised his voice. "Don't ignore me!"
Still, she said nothing.
"Tch." He crossed his arms. "Fine, I don't care if you talk to me or not. I'm still getting that jewel."
This did not faze Akimoto. So…you really did lie last night after all. She considered using the mysterious force around her to slam him into the ground again but realized that there were other people around who might accidentally get caught in the crossfire, so she opted to not do that unless it was absolutely necessary.
Seeing that Akimoto still wouldn't talk to him, he said, "Ya know, I don't have to kill you in order to get what I want. All I have to do is wait until you mess up." He looked away. "That way, I won't be breaking any rules."
Akimoto blinked in surprise and looked over at him. Rules? Wait…is…is he saying that he won't break his promise? I don't know what to trust at this point. Nevertheless, I can't let my guard down!
Upon hearing the commotion, Kaede walked outside and saw Inuyasha towering over Akimoto who was still on the ground.
Quickly walking over to aid Akimoto up and onto her feet, Kaede scolded Inuyasha. "Must you be so brash, boy? Can't you see she's wounded?"
Inuyasha shot back at her, "Mind your own business, hag! As if I give a rat's tail if she's hurt or not!"
Once Akimoto was up, Kaede handed her the crutches once more. She addressed Inuyasha again. "You better thank Lady Taiitsukun for allowing you to be free, or else we would have been forced to take extreme measures with you. So, just count your blessings and behave."
"Ha! If Kikyo really is dead, then there isn't anyone in this puny village that could do anything against me. Who's gonna stop me? You? You are well past your prime."
That seemed to strike a nerve within Kaede, but she hit her displeasure well. "My sister may be gone, but I am very well capable. In any case, I don't need to be the one to keep you in check. How exactly did you time with Lady Taiitsukun go last night?"
Upon being asked, Inuyasha's body went rigid as a look of horror flashed across his face. He then shook it off and tried to sound confident. "I'm not scared of her if that's what you're thinking!" Visible sweat could be seen running down the side of his face.
She didn't say anything about you being scared, Akimoto thought to herself. She then sighed. I don't have time for this. Using the crutches as support, Akimoto limped past Inuyasha and started making her way towards her meeting place with Taiitsukun.
"Where the heck do you think you're going?" Inuyasha called out to her.
"None of your business," Akimoto told him in a monotone.
"If you're going to see that Taiitsukun hag, you're going the wrong way," he told her.
That could have easily been a lie, Akimoto mused. She kept on walking without looking back at him.
He growled.
Without warning, Inuyasha rushed up to her and shot his hand out towards her arm. But before he made physical contact, he instantly dropped to a knee as the gravity around him became increasingly heavier.
Struggling to get up, Inuyasha muttered, "Darn it…not…this again! What the heck even is this?!"
"Aki…moto!"
Gasping and eyes widening, Akimoto turned around to find that not only was Inuyasha being forced to the ground, but so was Kaede. Unlike Inuyasha, Kaede did not have the physical aptitude to keep herself upward even remotely, so she was forcibly laid flat on the ground.
Horrified, Akimoto took a step towards the old woman, but before she could get any closer, she heard the alarmed shouts of some of the nearby villagers.
"Lady Kaede!"
"What's going on?"
And as more of the crowd gathered and some of the concerned villagers came closer, they too got caught in Akimoto's unintentional trap.
Before long, a crowd of people including Kaede and Inuyasha were forced into submission under a force that they could not see. Only Akimoto remained standing and all the while she would tell herself:
Make it stop.
Make it stop.
Make it stop.
Make. It. STOP!
But try as she might, the force wouldn't let up. She closed her eyes tight, trying to focus.
I'm calm. I'm okay. It's okay. I'm okay. Nothing's wrong.
Please…stop!
After a few moments, the force let up and a wave of relief washed across the crowd. There were murmurs of concern and confusion amongst everyone. Inuyasha, once standing, glared at Akimoto in silence.
In response, Akimoto turned away from him and everyone.
While Kaede was being helped up, they would ask her if she was okay.
"Yes, yes, I'm fine. I'm not nearly as fragile as I look," she told them.
One of the villagers shouted out at Akimoto, "You did this, didn't you?! You're the only one who didn't fall!"
"What were you trying to do?!"
Akimoto stood in silence as she recalled a specific memory.
FLASHBACK===
While playing on the playground, a very young child Akimoto was making sandcastles with a bucket of water that she had acquired from a nearby fountain. Happily patting down the sand, Akimoto smiled triumphantly at what she thought was a masterpiece.
"Saoirse! Saoirse! Look! Look!" Akimoto excitedly looked over at an older child sitting on the bench reading a book. The little girl had tanner skin, golden amber eyes and fiery orange hair that rested a little past her shoulders, the ends of which were elegantly wavy.
Saoirse, Akimoto's older sister, gave Akimoto a small, but genuine smile.
Akimoto's smile brightened.
Just then, some other kids who were also playing, weren't paying attention to what they were doing and ended up knocking over and completely breaking Akimoto's sandcastle.
Upon seeing her masterpiece ruined, Akimoto looked at the broken wet sand in shock and sadness. The little kids who knocked over her sandcastle were so engrossed in their own game that they didn't even notice what they did. Tears began to form in Akimoto's eyes.
It was at that moment that the atmosphere on that playground became incredibly heavy. The two unknown children abruptly stopped playing as they were pounded by a mysterious force to the ground. They began to cry with loud shrieks as they were unable to process what was happening to them. All they knew in that moment was sudden despair.
As their mothers rushed over to them, Akimoto snapped out of her own emotional turmoil and noticed what was happening. She silently watched the boys, and now their mothers too, who couldn't find the strength to lift themselves up.
After a few moments, the force subsided, and the mothers were able to pick up their crying children. They were all scared and confused but didn't know where to turn to or who to blame. Akimoto was far enough away from them and so young that they didn't even consider her a suspect. When they were certain that the danger had passed, the mothers carried their children away.
Akimoto, still in shock from everything, quietly said, "Just like mommy and daddy…"
"I saw what happened. I'm sorry your castle got ruined." Saoirse was suddenly beside Akimoto. She then sat down beside her in the sand.
"Saoirse…that weird thing happened again…why?"
"You mean what happened to those boys?"
Akimoto nodded, not knowing how to feel. "Yeah…"
"You did that, Aki."
Gasping, Akimoto looked up at her sister in disbelief. "What? No, I didn't! I didn't even touch them!"
Beginning to rebuild the sandcastle, Saoirse spoke calmly as she avoided looking at Akimoto. "Remember what happened with mom and dad after your birthday party? It was the same thing, right? You wanted to stay up late to play games, they said no, you got sad, and then it happened."
Akimoto was silent for a few seconds as she thought about it. "That…was me…? I did that? I…hurt them…?"
Saoirse continued to build. "Yes."
Upon hearing that, Akimoto shot up to stand. "I have to say sorry to them! First to those boys, and then to mommy—"
Saoirse reached out for Akimoto's wrist and grabbed it firmly. "Aki, listen carefully: Don't ever tell anyone that you're the one doing those things."
"Um…why? You're supposed to say sorry when you do something mean."
"Ordinarily, yeah, but this is a special case."
"Special?" Akimoto blinked at her big sister with wide, innocent eyes.
"You're very special Aki. If anyone finds out just how special you are, they'll take you away from us."
Akimoto became horrified. "T-Take me away? Where?!"
"Probably to some scientists or something. They might even open you up or poke at your brain to try and learn how you do what you can do."
"NO!"
"And even worse, they might never let you see mom, dad, or me ever again. You might never even get to see the sun again."
"No no no! I don't want that!" Akimoto began to cry with a river of tears.
"Oh, Aki…" Saoirse brought her little sister into a tender hug. She began to stroke the top of her head. "I'm sorry…I didn't mean to make you cry. But if you don't want to be taken away, promise me you won't tell anyone about what you can do."
Still crying, Akimoto sniffed, "I promise, I promise!"
==END FLASHBACK
Even incidents after that, Saoirse would tell Akimoto how important it was that no one found out. Of course, as Akimoto and her peers got older, the peers began to understand the concept of pattern recognition. They eventually realized that Akimoto was always at the center of these events happening. Even though none of them could prove that she was the one causing the despair, they knew.
For so many years, Akimoto wanted to apologize and let people know just how sorry she was. She wanted to make things right. Day after day, year after year, she continued to bottle a vast ocean of remorse. But any utterance of an apology was an admittance of guilt. Even after Saoirse died, Akimoto feared being taken away.
But now…
Now, Akimoto was in a new world where demons and magical-esque powers existed. Her doing what she could do didn't seem as weird or abnormal. This wasn't a society so detached from the supernatural that they'd feel the need to dissect anything close to that.
Akimoto turned around to face everyone. And for the sake of sincerity, she let down her poker face and gave a sympathetic look. Giving the best bow she could while being held up by the crutches, she announced, "I'm sorry…I'm sorry about doing that to all of you. I really didn't mean for it to happen… I wouldn't blame you if—"
"So, you admit to it!" One of the villagers shouted.
Akimoto responded, "Well, yes, and I—"
"What kind of demon are you that you would push us to the ground without touching us?"
"What do you want with us?!"
"Are we supposed to believe it was just an accident?"
A shouting, angry mom began to form and crept closer towards Akimoto. She stood her ground as she watched them close in.
"Are you all people, or wild animals?!" Kaede spoke out.
The crowd quieted down as they looked back at their priestess.
"Tell me, was there any major damage done from this event?" She asked.
They all sheepishly and uneasily looked around.
"No…"
"Was anybody hurt other than a few bumps or minor scratches?"
"…no…"
"Then what reason do you have to go after this girl? She's been compliant with our demands and even owned up to a mistake. What crime has she committed?"
Akimoto's expression turned sour. "Wait…"
"She's spoken casually with the half-demon! He didn't kill her for the jewel so they must be working together!"
"Tch," Inuyasha scoffed while turning away from everyone. "As if I'd work with someone like her. Don't insult me, human."
"Lady Taiitsukun is keeping Inuyasha on a leash. As I told many of you before, he is no longer a threat to us," Kaede told them.
"I'm not dog you wrinkly witch!" Inuyasha blew up at her.
Akimoto continued to try and speak. "I actually…"
"With all due respect, Lady Kaede, how do we know we can trust that old woman? We don't know who she is or where she came from. She could be conspiring against us and pushing you towards your demise."
"She's probably a demon. No human can float above the ground like that on her own!"
Kaede closed her eyes and sighed. After a few moments of silence, she spoke up. "Your suspicions are all valid. But I'm asking you to trust me. There is knowledge I have become privy to that I am unable to share with all of you. I know the situation is unfamiliar and scary, but as your priestess, leader, and friend, I'm asking that you do as I say and let the girl and Inuyasha be."
Upon hearing her speech, the expressions of all the villagers softened. Their bodies relaxed. They still had uneasy looks on their faces but had all resolved to let the matter go.
"NO!" Akimoto shouted. Everyone, alarmed from the sudden outburst, faced her once more. Feeling frustrated and dissatisfied from the resolution, Akimoto had a hard time keeping up her poker face. "What do you think you're doing? Don't just leave! Punish me! I hurt all of you! I deserve to be punished!"
Kaede blinked in astonishment. "What're you saying, child? No real harm was done."
Akimoto bit down with her jaw so hard that a headache was forming. "That's not true! I hurt you—"
"It's in the past Akimoto…"
"Why?! Why are you letting me off the hook?!" Tears began to form in Akimoto's eyes as her face began to flush. "I'm suspicious and dangerous and you know nothing about me. I could be evil. I have the ability to hurt all of you so badly. It makes no sense why you would trust in me!"
"…"
A bit taken aback, Inuyasha actually turned around a bit to face her. He didn't know how to react to this spontaneous act of self-deprecation.
"I'm a threat to all of you, so just punish me already!"
Unexpectedly, Akimoto felt a warm hand on her cheek. It was Kaede who was looking up at her with sincere concern and intrigue.
"I see years of pain in your eyes. A darkness has clouded your heart and hidden your joy. Poor soul. To actually want punishment and to cry when you didn't get that chance. Just what have you gone through, Akimoto?"
Blinking hard, Akimoto slowly stepped away from Kaede, looking down in shame.
"Are you honestly of the thought that retribution will relieve you in some way?"
Akimoto didn't respond.
"That's a dangerous path if it's the one you so desire. But let me just say this: your remorse and willingness to admit your wrongs speaks volumes about your character. I know for a fact that you are not ill-intentioned. You do, however, need guidance, and I believe that that is why Lady Taiitsukun approached you in the first place. So…go to her in peace. She is still waiting for you."
Still not speaking, Akimoto nodded and turned away from her. It doesn't matter what my intentions are…I still…
"Inuyasha, be a gentleman and carry her to Lady Taiitsukun," Kaede told him.
"What?!" He looked offended. "Heck no! I'm not doing that for her! Give me one good reason why I should do anything you say."
Kaede shrugged. "I figured you'd be stubborn about it. I guess I'll have to tell Lady Taiitsukun about your disobedience."
Visibly shivering mixed with a look of pure terror, Inuyasha straightened up and cleared his throat, regaining his composure. "Go ahead. She doesn't scare me."
"Alright then," Kaede began to walk with Akimoto. "In the time it takes for us to get there, Lady Taiitsukun will probably be aggravated at the one who could have utilized her time a bit better. I feel sorry for the poor creature who has to deal with her wrath—"
In a flash, Inuyasha scooped Akimoto up onto his back and held onto her crutches.
A bit annoyed, Akimoto told him, "I don't need your help—"
"Shut up! I don't need your permission to do what I want." He glared at Kaede. "And just to be clear, I'm doing this because I want to and not because you or that other old hag told me to. GOT IT?"
Kaede smirked and turned to walk away. "Whatever you say…"
And with that, Inuyasha growled once more before swiftly racing away while carrying Akimoto on his back. Akimoto had no choice but to hold on tight.
During the short trip zipping through the forest, Inuyasha commented, "That was an awfully convincing performance back there. You even almost got me to believe you."
Akimoto blinked in confusion. "What?"
But before he had a chance to respond, they had already arrived at the giant tree from the night before. As expected, Taiitsukun was levitating above the ground in the shade of the leaves and branches watching the two approach her.
After making eye contact with the old woman, Akimoto tried to think of what to say to her. So much had happened in such a short period of time and it was all because of this mysterious and powerful old woman from a different dimension. Akimoto didn't know how to feel…it was a mixture of so many emotions:
Fear.
Frustration.
Guilt.
Exhaustion.
She wanted to unload so much onto this old woman. She wanted to rant and talk through all of her turbulent emotions.
But there was little point.
All it would do was get Akimoto worked up and trigger her…whatever that force was. She had to stay calm. Besides, Akimoto could already tell by their few interactions that Taiitsukun was the type of person who would only divulge information when she deemed it necessary. And despite everything, Akimoto didn't want to push Taiitsukun's buttons so much that she'd send her back to her original world.
If it meant achieving her wish, Akimoto would do as she was told.
"I see you survived your first night."
"Huh?" Before Akimoto knew it, she was standing in front of Taiitsukun while being supported on her crutches. She had been so deep in thought that she hadn't realized that Inuyasha had let her down, equipped her, and leapt off somewhere.
"I do apologize for throwing you amidst the chaos. However, it did serve a purpose."
Low on energy, Akimoto gave an exasperated, "Which was?"
Completely changing the topic, Taiitsukun said, "I see your darkness gave the villagers some trouble."
Akimoto perked up a bit. "My what?"
"I'm sure you always wanted to know what that malevolent-like force was around you, correct? It's your darkness that has manifested around you. You've lived with it for most of your life, so I imagine you understand how it triggers."
"My…darkness…" Akimoto tried to look around her, but she couldn't see anything. With something being labeled as "darkness," you'd think it would be black, shadowy, and obvious, but it was completely invisible to her. Invisible, yet real.
It sounds…so sinister, Akimoto thought to herself. I'm surrounded by darkness…but what does that…mean?
It's an entity capable of increasing gravity and pushing people to the ground and sometimes forcing them to re-experience their worstmoments and emotions. What could possibly make such a thing…possible?
Am I…supposed to be evil?
Akimoto grimaced as the idea pressed on her more and more.
"Everything around you, both living and non-living things, are made up of universal energies."
Akimoto looked up at Taiitsukun.
The old woman continued to speak. "And I do mean everything. A campfire that keeps you warm. The grass beneath your feat. The clouds in the sky. And even the breeze that caresses your skin. It is all energy manifested in endless possibilities. Everything that exists and can be is because of energy."
Blinking, Akimoto had no idea how to comment on what was just said. It's not that all of this sounded unreal, in fact, it sounded similar to ideas taught in physics classes. Akimoto, however, was sure that there was some nuance to it. The spontaneous lecture just threw her for a bit of a loop. What prompted her to start talking about this?
"While everything is made up of this universal energy, it is not entirely uniform in its properties. Universal energy has different natures—these natures are called 'elements.' Each element has its distinct place and purpose within the universe. Some of these elements—wind, water, earth, and fire—you are familiar with due to their obvious effects in or on the environment. Without one, the universe would fall apart. If one were to become too strong, there would likely be the same result. But with them all in equal portions, there is universal harmony."
Upon hearing about the wind, Akimoto finally spoke up, "And I just…naturally had wind inside of me…? How is that possible? Wouldn't…everyone have that since we need to breathe?"
"That's technically true, but it's not the same thing. People had their wind placed within them or inherited. You produce it naturally."
"What? How?"
"That is a complicated answer that will not be explored at this point in time."
Akimoto sighed. Of course not. But still…why am I different? Does this have anything to do with— She gasped. "My…darkness?"
"Excuse me?"
"You mentioned that there was darkness around me. My…darkness…I guess… Darkness, I don't think, fits into any of those elements you mentioned. So, does that mean…"
Taiitsukun grinned slightly. "Yes?"
"Is…darkness an element?"
Her grin widened with pride. "Very good on putting that together."
"And…if darkness is an element, then…is light an element too?"
"Indeed, it is. And every element, in its raw state, is represented with its own color. Red for fire, blue for water, silver for wind, green for earth, black for darkness, and—"
"Gold for light!" Akimoto surmised. "Taiitsukun, you produce light!"
"Yes. That I do."
"But then…I don't understand…where does my darkness come from if I make wind?"
"…"
Akimoto's excitement began to settle down as Taiitsukun remained quiet. "…you can't tell me right now."
"It'll make more sense as your journey continues. You're just going to have to trust me. The knowledge from that would not benefit you at this time."
Disappointed, Akimoto stared at the ground.
"All I can tell you is that everyone has darkness and light inside of them. Your darkness being around you like that, however, isn't natural."
Alarmed, Akimoto's eyes darted back up to the floating old woman. What does she mean by that?
"In any case," Taiitsukun continued, "Certain beings have the unique ability to harness and manipulate these energies. You and I are of the kind who can do such a thing."
Akimoto remembered Taiitsukun saying something similar to that in the past. "I can control the wind."
"Not just the wind. I leant you fire, water, and earth energy that gives you the ability to manipulate those as well. However, given that wind is natural for you, it'll be the easiest for you to use. Think of wind as being like your dominant hand. Your non-dominant 'hands' are the other elements. You're fully capable of using them, it just won't be as straightforward."
"Okay…I guess…but why only give me those elements? Why not—"
"Where is your wand, Akimoto?"
The young woman blinked in surprise. "What?"
"Your wand. Where is it?"
Thinking about it for a moment, Akimoto's heart dropped as realization hit. Where was her wand? Her eyes widened as she patted her body down. So much had happened the night before that her wand was the last thing on her mind. Protecting the jewel and her life just happened to matter more. And then there was a demon and Inuyasha and the villagers. That microphone could have been dropped at any point.
Darn it! Akimoto scolded herself. How could I lose it?! She did her best to keep her cool outwardly, but her distress was beginning to become obvious by how her expression started to crack.
Taiitsukun watched the young woman scramble and internally panic. She sighed.
"Akimoto," said the old woman, sternly.
Wincing, Akimoto stopped her futile efforts and slowly looked up at her. She looked and felt like a child who just got caught for doing something bad.
The moment her eyes locked on to Taiitsukun, Akimoto gasped as she saw that Taiitsukun was holding her wand!
"Where did you—?"
"Just take it. And don't let me find you misplacing it again or else I'll think you're taking this whole thing lightly. In which case, I'll be tempted to take you back to your world."
Taking hold of the microphone, Akimoto nodded shamefully. "Yes ma'am. I'm sorry…"
"Very well then." Taiitsukun scanned the environment as if contemplating something. She then looked up at the tree behind her and settled on an idea. "Alright. It's time for your first lesson in energy manipulation."
Akimoto blinked. "My first…lesson?"
"See this tree behind me? I want you to use your wind to make its leaves move."
"…how?"
Instead of answering the question, Taiitsukun continued to give the assignment. "You don't need to blow them off completely. Even if you create only a small breeze that lifts one leaf up for two seconds, that'll show me that you've consciously tapped into your power to make that environmental change happen. Once we've established that you can at least make something happen, we can work on building your strength and increasing your output. To use a simple analogy: You've got to learn how to balance and hold yourself up before you can learn how to crawl."
"Okay…but how? And also, how will you know its me using my power and not the wind from the weather blowing the leaves?"
"I've been around the bend quite a few times, child. I can tell the difference between an element in its natural state and when it's being manipulated."
"Okay…so, again, how do I do…any of that? I only know how to activate my…darkness…" It still stung a bit to admit that she had darkness that she could manipulate. "Is it the same thing for wind?"
"Point the tip of your wand at the tree and concentrate. Try not to overthink it." Taiitsukun then opened a golden portal behind her.
Surprised, Akimoto asked, "Wha—Where are you going?"
"I'll be back once you've completed the task."
"But what if I need help?"
"You'll figure it out." And without any more words, the floating old woman disappears through the portal which then proceeded to vanish behind her.
Akimoto was then left by herself in front of her homework tree. She stared up at the leaves as her eyes expressed sadness. After standing in silent contemplation for a few moments, she sighed.
"She smells like you, ya know," said a familiar voice. Inuyasha had walked up behind Akimoto and stood a few yards away.
Turning around to face him, as she was still cautious, Akimoto asked, "What?"
"That old hag. You guys smell similar. I'm guessing she's whatever the heck you're supposed to be."
Her eyes narrowed at him. "What do you mean by what I'm 'supposed to be.?'"
Inuyasha sneered. "Oh, just drop the act already!"
"What 'act?'"
Becoming increasingly annoyed, Inuyasha's voice began to rise. "Stop pretending like you're one of them—like you're a human!"
That caught Akimoto off guard. "Preten—but I'm not…" Her mind was trying to dissect that comment to try and understand what he was getting at. After a few seconds, Akimoto shook her head and gave Inuyasha a stern look. This guy tried to kill me and steal the Shikon Jewel. He's probably just trying to get in my head. I won't let him distract me!
Turning around to face the tree again, Akimoto reasoned that it was relatively safe to be around Inuyasha. He wasn't nearly as hostile as he had been the night before. Besides, Kaede had enough confidence that Inuyasha was too scared of Taiitsukun to try anything reckless. And as far as the half-demon knew, the old woman could show her face again at any time.
So, Akimoto chose to ignore him and his confusing comments and inspected the tree.
His annoyance growing, Inuyasha shouted out,"Fine! Ignore me all you want. Whether or not you admit what you are, I'm getting my hands on that Shikon Jewel!" He then crossed his arms and sat down on the ground cross-legged behind Akimoto.
Continuing to ignore him, Akimoto held her microphone up to the tree. She still wasn't sure how she was going to learn anything with Taiitsukun's vague as heck comments. But…even though it looked like a microphone, it was still a "wand," right? So, it made sense to her that she would wield it like a wand and point the front of it at her target. Confused, she just concentrated, ignoring the pain in her leg, and thought about blowing the leaves with the wind power she supposedly possessed.
She went about this for hours…
…and hours...
...barely even moving.
Every now and then, Akimoto stopped to rest her arm that eventually got tired from being lifted for too long. She'd also sit to rest her still wounded leg. But once her strength returned, she would struggle to stand back up and resume the seemingly futile task.
Inuyasha remained seated behind her, watching silently with a light scowl.
Unbeknownst to Akimoto, Kaede came to check in on her at some point, standing at a distance as to not disturb her. She wanted to bring the girl some food and a drink, so she wouldn't lose her energy, but...
===FLASHBACK===
"She won't accept any food from you while she's training. That's just part of her stubbornness," Taiitsukun told Kaede back when the priestess was preparing the meal.
"I acknowledge what you say, Lady Taiitsukun, but it is not wise to move forward with such a strenuous task without the proper fuel to keep the body moving. Perhaps this is something you should explain to her so that she does not harm herself in the future from this stubbornness."
"She'll be fine, trust me. Sleep, more than anything, is the best way for her to recover her energy. When she wants food, she'll seek it out. As for now, we must let certain events unfold, so you must not interfere."
Kaede paused for a moment. "Well, I suppose I cannot argue with you. You know more about her than I do. My only concern is her being able to do what you ask of her. It is a tremendous burden that you've rested on young Akimoto's shoulders. It seems to me that she has already been through so much. I personally wouldn't choose someone so emotionally fragile. You honestly believe she can handle it?"
"I didn't choose her. If anything, probability did. Nevertheless, with my guidance and her cooperation, she'll be able to. Then again, it is completely up to her and how much she's willing to endure."
Kaede sat in silence, thinking about what Taiitsukun had showed her before.
Taiitsukun sensed her trepidation. "I know how scary of a thought it must be. These people and your world…all lost. But have faith. Our hope may only lie in the decisions of one girl, but I believe in her…
…because I've seen her potential…and I must believe in it…"
==FLASHBACK END==
Kaede watched Akimoto for a few more seconds before turning around and walking back towards the village.
"Kikyo…would this burden have fallen onto you if you were still alive? After all, you and that girl are…"
The old woman walked away, still stuck in her thoughts.
Meanwhile, Akimoto continued with trying to make something happen. She tried to keep her thoughts completely focused on the task at hand—not allowing her mind to wander. But try as she might, something bothered her that she couldn't release from her mind.
"Um…Inuyasha?" Akimoto sheepishly asked without facing him.
Inuyasha's ear's twitched with the sudden acknowledgement. He smirked devilishly. "What's wrong? Ready to give up, give me the jewel, and go home?"
Refusing to answer the second question, she asked, "What exactly did you mean when you said that I smelled like Taiitsukun?"
"Huh? That's what you wanna know? Hmph! I'll tell you if you give me the jewel. I think that's a pretty fair trade."
Akimoto gave a light groan. Never mind. She resumed her task and became silent once more.
The half-demon scoffed. "I guess you don't wanna know that badly."
It was weird, though. The more Akimoto thought about it, the more some things weren't making sense. Taiitsukun had these peculiar ribbons of light scattered across her body when she used her powers. When she awakened Akimoto's powers, Akimoto noticed some weird glowing silver circles on her own skin. Taiitsukun mentioned that she and Akimoto were the type of beings who could manipulate the energies of the universe…which not everyone could do. When she arrived at this new world, Kaede asked Akimoto if she was a human and now Inuyasha was accusing Akimoto of not being a human. Was it possible that…?
Akimoto shook her head to drive out the idea. I was born from human parents. I have a birth certificate! Nonhumans that look like humans don't exist in my world. I have my dad's hair color and my mom's facial features. The two of them are human…and so was Saoirse! So that means that I must be…I mean…I am…
But…other humans can't do what I can do, can they? She thought about her darkness and how it had affected people over the years.
Akimoto tried to push the distracting thoughts out of her head. I have to focus! This isn't the time to be having an existential crisis. I have to be the one to protect this jewel. I have to learn how to do this!
She continued to hold up her microphone and tried to concentrate, hoping that wind would magically shoot out and complete her assignment.
As time went on, though, it just wouldn't happen.
The sun was beginning its descent in the sky and eventually, Akimoto let out an exasperated sigh. She lowered her arm and wand down to her side.
Inuyasha's eyes had been closed, but his ears twitched when Akimoto moved. He then opened his eyes and spoke with a condescending tone. "What's the matter, giving up? Or are you finally going to stop wasting time and make something happen already?"
Akimoto searched her thoughts for a moment. Turning her body slightly towards him, she asked in a quiet voice, with a slight blush of embarrassment, "H…How do you do it?"
With a snappy tone, Inuyasha asked, "How do I do what?"
"How…do you use your powers? When you faced that demon, you slashed it with your claws. But…there was also some energy you released somehow when you did that. That was a conscious decision you made; I think. So... how did you do that?"
He grinned mischievously. "I'll tell you if you give me the jewel."
Akimoto grimaced and turned back around to face the tree. "Never mind." I don't know why I keep asking him things.
Annoyed at her stubbornness, Inuyasha scoffed and then spoke under his breath with a mocking tone. "How do I do it?" He then spoke up so that Akimoto could hear him better. "I just do it! I know what I want to do, and I make it happen."
Surprised at his begrudging cooperation, Akimoto asked, "Is that it? You just…make it happen? No special tricks?"
"What did I just say? I know what I want to do, and I make it happen. It's not that hard to grasp."
Akimoto gave that some thought. "Okay…but how did you learn to—"
Inuyasha glared at her.
With a sigh, Akimoto turned to face the tree again. "Sorry to bother you."
The half-demon continued to watch her in silence.
And with that, Akimoto lifted her arm and wand back up towards the leaves of the tree and resumed concentrating.
There has to be more to it than that…
After watching her for another hour or so, Inuyasha, seeing how she was not going to give up any time soon, took a deep breath and groaned.
Turning his head away from her to avoid any potential eye contact should she decide to face him, Inuyasha told her, "Way back when, I didn't know that I could even do that attack."
"Huh?" Keeping her arm up, Akimoto looked at him out of the corner of her eye.
"All I knew was that I needed something that would make me stronger." He looked down at one of his hands. For the most part, they looked like human hands except for his long and sharp claw-like nails.
"My claws did damage, but not enough damage. So, I practiced. I fought. Eventually, instinct kicked in and told me I could do something pretty awesome. Before too long," he made a fist, "I was dishin' out the Iron Reaver Soul Stealer like it was nothin'."
Finally, he looked over at Akimoto. "Turns out I had the ability to do that all along. I just had to want it enough and know that I could do it. And then I did..." Sheepishly, he looked down and away. "...and I guess practicing a lot helped too..."
Akimoto's eyes widened in surprised from his willingness to cooperate. Putting her poker face back on, she focused on the tree. "I see. That does help a bit."
Inuyasha scowled.
With her expression then softening, she told him, "Thank you."
Initially shocked by the unexpected expression of gratitude, the half-demon scoffed and turned away from her.
Akimoto resumed concentrating as the hours continued to fly by. Eventually, it was the middle of the night and Akimoto had not moved. Inuyasha's eyes had closed a while ago so, supposedly, he had fallen asleep.
Naturally, Akimoto was tired too, she was even squinting because of the exhaustion, but she didn't want to sleep before being able to make something useful happen. Her body longed to rest, but she kept at it. She held that wand up and pointed at the leaves that reflected the moonlight.
She now held the microphone with both hands. Her body began to tremble as she concentrated even harder.
Please…let SOMETHING happen.
She repeated this over and over in her mind, increasing the speed at which the words were thought up.
Please…please…please…pleasepleasepleasepleasepleasePLEASEPLEASE…PLEASE!
"MAKE THE WIND BLOW ALREADY!" She shouted out in frustration.
Her sudden outburst caused Inuyasha to suddenly open his eyes in an alert fashion.
Lowering both of her arms, Akimoto dropped the wand onto the ground as she herself dropped to her knees, defeated.
Inuyasha watched her in silence.
In a nearly inaudible volume, Akimoto said, "I... I can't do it." She remained there without speaking while looking down at the grass beneath her with a saddened expression. Let's face it…the only magic I'm capable of is destruction and misery.
Unknown to Akimoto, Inuyasha was watching her in silence. He didn't quite know what to feel at the moment. Why is she going out of her way to look so pathetic? I'm the only one here with her right now and I already made it clear that I knew of her games. She doesn't have to keep putting on this act.
He recalled that mysterious power she had used to make himself and the villagers fall to their knees. She clearly wasn't helpless. Was that new task put upon her by Taiitsukun really that difficult? As he continued to watch her, his expression softened a bit as he also remembered how surprised Akimoto looked when he accused her of putting on an act and pretending to be a human. Sure, she could have been pretending there too but…why would she waste her time like that for so many hours? It didn't make any sense to him.
Could she have actually been telling the—
Completely out of nowhere, Inuyasha began to feel an enormous wave of rage. Balling up his hands into tight fists, his body trembled with anger.
Baring his teeth, he punched the ground hard enough for it to crack.
Akimoto, in reaction to the sound, snapped her head up and looked behind her. "Inuyasha?"
Looking at Akimoto with an intense glare, Inuyasha's words were coated in malice. "You."
"What about me—" She then sensed the change in atmosphere and quickly recognized what was going on.
I did this.
Inuyasha quickly stood up and angrily stomped over to Akimoto. The only thing he could feel in this moment was stress and pain as his mind was forced to relive the harshest moments of his life. He knew that she was the cause of it.
Towering over Akimoto, who was still on the ground, he swiftly reached down for her neck and wrapped his hand around it as he lifted her well above the ground so that her feet could no longer touch it. "You're gonna pay…" he seethed.
Initially kicking her dangling feet and grabbing at his arm, Akimoto struggled with the pain of being choked. Fear welled up inside of her. Eventually, though, she made eye contact with him. She could see the anguish behind those golden irises and knew he was out for blood. He hadn't done or tried anything against her the past several hours and yet she suddenly made him feel this horrible all because of her selfish self-pity.
After a few moments, Akimoto accepted her fate and stopped struggling. I deserve this….
As best as she could with his hand around her neck, Akimoto told him. "Do…what…you…must…"
Holding up his free hand to strike her down, he curled his fingers to loudly crack his knuckles. Just as he was about to strike her down, something stopped him. His striking hand shook as if it were being held back by a rope. He really wanted to harm her, but for some reason, he couldn't bring himself to do it.
Lowering his hand, he threw Akimoto down onto the ground. She coughed vigorously and massaged her neck.
Turning away from her, he spoke through his teeth. "I'm done with this. And you."
And with that, he ran off into the dark forest.
Bringing her head up, Akimoto looked off in the direction in which Inuyasha had fled, still recovering from his attack. Her expression became that of exhaustion and sadness. Turning to face the tree that she had been tasked with, her frown deepened.
Only destruction and misery…
Akimoto sat up against the tree for the entire night, unable to sleep as she stewed in her own failure. As exhausted as she was from a sleepless night, and even as the sun began to rise and reach its peak the next day, she continued to sit still and stare off into nothingness.
What's the point of trying?
Eventually, she sensed someone approach and knew exactly who it was.
Taiitsukun.
"What do you think you're doing?" Asked the old woman, sternly.
Akimoto did not respond.
"As I can recall, I gave you a task to complete."
Without looking at her, Akimoto commented in a monotone, "I thought you said you wouldn't come back until I made the leaves move?"
"I sensed mediocrity and decided to confirm my suspicions."
That comment stung a little bit, but Akimoto figured that she wasn't completely wrong. "I can't do it Taiitsukun. You have the wrong person."
"You're young and naïve, how do you know what you're meant to do or not? Most people don't have the benefit of having someone around to guide them towards their potential. But fortunately for you, I am doing just that."
Raising her voice, Akimoto said, "I don't have the kind of magic that you say I have and even if I did all I can muster up is darkness. I have no potential! All I have is despair!" Quieting down, Akimoto said, "I'm no help to anybody."
After pausing for a moment to take everything in, Taiitsukun said, "I see."
She's probably going to take me back to my world now, Akimoto thought to herself.
"Do you still have the Shikon Jewel with you?"
A bit confused by the inquiry, Akimoto reached into her pocket and took out the jewel for Taiitsukun to see. She's going to take it back, isn't she?
"You know…that jewel is very powerful."
"What?"
"The people of this land believe that its power is limitless. It is even said that whoever possesses the jewel will have their wishes come true."
"Their wishes…huh…" Akimoto looked down at the powerful artifact in her hand.
"Whatever you're thinking, stop. It isn't meant to be used for such purposes. Besides, such mysterious power undoubtedly has its drawbacks. Nevertheless, the one who is in control of it can potentially rule this land with ease…or destroy it."
"Why rule or destroy? Can't someone use it for good?" Akimoto asked.
"Theoretically they can, but it's very unlikely. The sudden acquisition of immense mysterious power can corrupt even the most moral of individuals. Even if that weren't the case, people's minds and body react differently to the exposure to this power. And this jewel...there's still too much that's unknown about it. It is not a risk that the wisest in the land are willing to take. Imagine..." Taiitsukun paused her thought.
"…imagine, what?
"Imagine if a demon got their hands on it."
Concerned, Akimoto instinctively clenched her fist around the jewel. She thought about that centipede demon. If she had full control of the Shikon Jewel…Akimoto shuddered to think how terrifying that would be.
"If you're unwilling to learn even the basics of energy manipulation, then you are unfit to protect the Jewel." Taiitsukun held out her hand to Akimoto. "Give it here."
After thinking it over, Akimoto sighed and then complied. It's for the best…
The old woman held the jewel in her hand and then levitated several feet away. She then extended her arm up in the air above her head and displayed the jewel.
Puzzled, Akimoto asked, "What are you doing?"
Taiitsukun narrowed her eyes at Akimoto. "What's it to you? You don't want it anymore."
"I mean…I guess…by why—"
Suddenly, a large black bird-like creature with three red eyes and a serpent-like tail, flew into the area and snatched the Shikon Jewel. It immediately flew away.
"Wha—? WHAT?!" Mouth agape, Akimoto was in shock from the sight. Jumping to her feet and ignoring the pain, she shakily ran towards Taiitsukun's spot to look up in the air and spot the creature. "What did you—Why did you do that? What was that thing?"
"A demon, obviously."
"YOU DID THAT ON PURPOSE?!"
Unfazed, Taiitsukun said, "You better go after it. If that demon absorbs the jewel, then it'll have enough power to kill just about anyone in this world."
Akimoto's face went completely pale as the world began to spin around her. Her legs became weak as she tried to process all of this. "Why…why would you do this…?"
"Everyone will blame you for giving the jewel up so easily. It'll be all your fault that millions of people will die."
Still in shock, Akimoto only stared at Taiitsukun in disbelief as her thoughts processed at a million miles per hour. Akimoto closed her eyes tight as the weight of everything settled onto her shoulders. Upon opening her eyes, she gave an intense, determined expression. She clenched her teeth, prepared for the sharp pain in her legs, and began to run forward and stumbled. She fell, face hitting the ground. Grinding her teeth, she trembled as she stood back up, ignoring the pain. Stumbling a bit more, she finally got a surge of adrenaline as she ran over to her wand, picked it up, and then dashed through the woods after the demon.
"It's a demon!"
"See there in its claws! What's it holding?"
Some of the villagers were in the forest foraging when they came across the demon flying in the sky. Akimoto stopped in her tracks and then ran in the direction of the spectators.
"Wait...it's—it's got the Shikon Jewel! After it!"
"No! Don't chase after it; it'll hurt you!" Akimoto yelled through her panting. But no one heard her warning. She continued to run.
Eventually, Akimoto saw the crow demon flying in the sky.
I found it! But how do I get it down? I have to get to it before it absorbs the jewel!
As she ran, Akimoto spotted some rocks on the ground. She stopped for a moment to pick some of them up and collected them using the material at the bottom of her shirt like a pocket. Continuing her sprint, she began to throw the rocks as hard as she could at the crow demon.
None of the rocks reached it. He appeared to be too high for her to reach.
"Darn it!" Akimoto shouted. She dropped the rocks, abandoning them altogether, as she continued to run after the demon.
How long do I have before it absorbs the jewel? Will I even know when that happens? She shook her head. I have to get to it before it even attempts to do that!
As Akimoto ran, she began to see some of the villagers running after it too, throwing spears and shooting arrows at it. With each thing thrown or launched at it, the demon evaded. At some point, however, an arrow managed to strike its talon holding the jewel, making the jewel drop from the sky.
But before Akimoto could give a sigh of relief, the crow demon recovered quickly and flew down to grab the jewel once more. It regained altitude.
Everyone continued to run after it. Eventually, the demon crow flew over a large lake. Akimoto and the villagers were stopped by the water's edge. Arrows and spears were shot out, but none made their way to the demon.
The crow demon then stopped moving forward and hovered over the lake. With a swift move, it threw the jewel up into the air with its serpent tail, opened its beak, and swallowed the jewel whole.
Everyone, including Akimoto, gasped at the sight.
"Oh no…" Akimoto whispered in horror.
"It devoured the jewel!"
"There's nothing we can do!" There were many voices of what should be done. It was mostly panic sprinkled in with some of the villagers giving orders to stand and fight or to go back and protect their families at the village.
Meanwhile, the demon crow began to produce an ominous purple aura.
"What…what can I do...?" Akimoto asked herself with a shaky voice.
The demon's body began to morph in a painfully unnatural way as its body contorted.
Akimoto looked around her and watched the distressed villagers. She had caused them such despair without even activating her darkness. All tears and shouts come from people facing their imminent demise.
And it was all her fault.
Blinking hard, Akimoto bit down with her teeth hard enough to cause a headache. She looked down at her microphone.
"Why…? Why won't you work for me?" Taiitsukun said that I have the ability…and Inuyasha said that I just have to want it enough.
But I DO want it.
I want it SO badly.
So why…why can't I…?
The screams of the villagers rang inside her ears and snapped her out of her endless abyss of negativity.
Gripping onto her microphone tighter, Akimoto's expression changed from distressed to determined as she strengthened her resolve.
I have to stop telling myself that I "can't" do this. I CAN do this because I HAVE to do this. Because if I don't…
No…I WILL do this.
Akimoto thought about everything: The floating woman Taiitsukun who glows a golden light and travels through golden portals that can take anyone to any world, the glowing silver symbols on Akimoto's body, the sudden gust of wind that shot out when Taiitsukun unlocked her power, the existence of demons, Inuyasha telling Akimoto that she didn't smell human…everything…EVERYTHING.
The demon's transformation was nearing its completion as it formed into a horrendous winged beast.
Akimoto held up her wand to look at it. A microphone.
Music is what's most magical to me.
"If there's one thing I know…" Akimoto held her microphone down near her chest and pointed its head towards her lips as she gazed up at the demon. Unknowingly, the silver glowing circular symbols began to appear all over her body. The silver glowing ring appeared once more around her now-glowing iris. Even the microphone itself was glowing in such a way that the only indication that it was supposed to be a microphone was its silhouette.
A breeze had stirred up and was circling around Akimoto.
"…it's that my singing…" Images appeared in her mind of various happy people and with a younger version of her having a satisfied smile.
"…BLOWS PEOPLE AWAY!" Akimoto sang out a loud, perfectly in tune melodious note that was accompanied by a burst of wind several yards wide that shot out from her. The lake below split apart and the surrounding trees' branches blew back as if stuck in the middle of a hurricane. Her attack instantly struck the crow.
All this power began to push back on Akimoto, threatening to make her fall back, but she stood firm, planting herself in her spot as she continues to unleash her massive power.
The demon tried to fly against the wind using its strengthened wings, but the wind was doing more than just trying to blow it away. Within the gusts were sharp blades of air whipping past, steadily dicing the crow to pieces.
Akimoto then let out a different note a step higher than the last and another stream of energy caused a wispy strand of wind to make its way through the already existing burst of wind, shooting straight through the crow's body with no problems at all.
The crow's eyes widened as within a matter of seconds, it's body completely shredded to pieces, like paper, from thousands of blades of air. Among the tattered pieces of the crow, the Shikon Jewel could be seen.
The villagers were overjoyed to see it.
"It's the jewel! She did it!"
"We're going to be okay!" They all cheered.
Akimoto, no longer singing, smiled with relief that she was able to save the day. However, when she attempted to make the wind stop blowing, it wouldn't stop.
With an alarmed frown, Akimoto said, "What's going on? Why can't I stop this?" Even though her singing had stopped, her power persisted. She brought the microphone down to her side, but even then, it continued to glow, and wind continued to expel out from around her.
Another wispy stream of wind shot out from her and hit the Shikon Jewel. As with the demon, the jewel instantly shattered into an indiscernible number of tiny shards. The wind then proceeded to blow the jewel shards in all directions of the land.
The blood once again drained from Akimoto's face as she stared up at what happened, mouth agape.
Meanwhile, Kaede calmly watched from a distance.
This is all happening just as Lady Taiitsukun said it would. I cannot help but be unnerved with the present events, but I must believe that everything will turn out okay. They must, she thought to herself.
Akimoto's power finally ceased, and the wind stopped blowing. The glowing all over her body and in her eyes had disappeared. Her microphone reverted to looking like a regular microphone instead of a mass of light.
D-Did I—I just…no…
"Stupid woman! What have you done?!"
The villagers surrounded Akimoto completely in a mob-like fashion, angrily shouting at her.
"You've destroyed us all!"
"Demons will find those shards and use their power against us!"
"Instead of dealing with one powerful demon, we'll be attacked by an army! Because of you, we're doomed!"
All Akimoto could do was blink and be silent.
I messed up…again…
She lowered her head and closed her eyes, accepting whatever was to come. Her adrenaline levels lower and she lost the strength to stand. As her legs gave out, she fell to the ground.
The villagers with their weapons close in on Akimoto, some of them holding up stones, ready to throw them. Their voices all mush together in Akimoto's head. All she could understand was their despair.
And it was her fault.
She stayed still.
Just as they're about to attack her, Inuyasha jumped into the middle of the mob and punched away the villagers that were the closest to Akimoto.
"Back off!" He told them aggressively.
She opened up her eyes in surprise. "Inuyasha?"
Once he's made enough space for himself and Akimoto, he picked her up and leapt away to safety deep within the woods.
After allowing what just happened to sink in, Akimoto began to hit at Inuyasha and tried to push him away. "What are you doing? Let me go! I have to go back!"
"Quiet," he told her in an annoyed tone.
Ignoring his warning, she continued her struggle. "No! I said let me go!" Upon realizing that her physical efforts were futile, she activated her darkness which suddenly forced the two of them crashing towards the ground.
While recovering from the impact, Inuyasha shouted, "What the heck is wrong with you, you stupid girl?!"
Akimoto ignored him once again as she struggled to stand up. The fall did absolutely no favors for her already wounded leg. She tried to crawl back in the direction of the villagers.
Inuyasha blocked her.
"Get…out…of my way…" She told him.
"Are you insane?! Why would you go back there? They were going to kill you!"
While trying to get up onto her knees, she weakly said, "Why…does it matter…to you? You said…that you were done with me."
"Tch. As much as you get on my nerves, the last thing I want is for those humans to have the satisfaction of doing away with you. I don't want them to have anything. If you getting away causes them some distress, then I'm all for it." He watched Akimoto as she continued her efforts to stand. Once she was halfway up, he went up to her and flicked her on the head, sending her toppling back down. "Which means that I ain't letting you go back."
Wincing, Akimoto spoke through gritted teeth. "You…can't stop me…"
"Wanna bet?" He grinned menacingly.
"Do you?" She glared at him.
Inuyasha chuckled mockingly. "Oh, I see! You think you're a big shot now that you unleased that power of yours, huh? Don't get cocky." He folded his arms. "Great job by the way destroying the Sacred Jewel," he said sarcastically. "Thanks to you, every demon in the vicinity can get a taste of that power. I think you did them a favor!" His tone became more hostile. "You really are an idiot, girl. If you had just given it to me, none of this would have happened."
Akimoto clawed at the dirt as she clenched her fist. Her body trembled. "I don't regret…not giving it to you…" Tears started running down her cheeks. "I REGRET EVER THINKING I COULD PROTECT IT!"
Her passionate reaction took Inuyasha aback. He didn't know how to react to her tears.
After a few moments, Akimoto finally managed to stand up: her legs still shaky. "I deserve…every painful thing that those villagers wanted to do to me… It's just like you said, because of me, a lot of demons will get the power of the jewel and they'll hunt and hurt innocent people. And it's all my fault! I need to be punished…" She shouted at the top of her lungs, "SO LET ME GO AND GET MY PUNISHMENT ALREADY—"
Before Akimoto could finish her sentence, Inuyasha punched her across the cheek. His strike was so forceful that it sent her flying back several feet.
Akimoto remained on the ground, shocked, as she stared up at the sky. The pain from the side of her face hadn't even registered yet.
"There's your stupid punishment! So could you stop with the self-pity already?! You're so annoying!"
Akimoto slowly sat up and slid her hand up to feel her stinging cheek. Her eyes were still widened.
Inuyasha watched her for a few moments. "Well?" He aggressively asked.
Still on shaky legs, Akimoto stood up and wiped away her tears. She staggeringly walked past Inuyasha.
"Seriously?!" He forcefully grabbed her shoulder to turn him towards him. Surprisingly, she had her apathetic expression back.
"I'm going to search for the jewel shards," she told him, plainly and with regained composure.
"What?"
"You're right," she said. "Me feeling sorry for what happened won't make things right. It might be nearly impossible to spot every piece, but…I have to try. If I don't…those villagers and others don't stand a chance."
"Who cares about the people? It's dumb to go off getting yourself killed for a bunch of humans who hate you. They aren't worth it."
"Maybe not to you…but I don't turn my back on those who need my help."
Inuyasha scowled. "You were literally about to allow those people to kill you."
Akimoto gave a flash of a grimace with a blush of embarrassment before putting back on her face of indifference. "I thought it would help with their pain somewhat. Being able to destroy the thing that caused them misery…it only seemed right."
For years, Akimoto had longed for the universe to pay her back for all the despair she had caused people.
But not like this.
She turned away from Inuyasha. "I had been through so much the past few days. It was…overwhelming and I stopped thinking logically."
"Tch," Inuyasha looked away in annoyance.
"…thanks for knocking some sense back into me, Inuyasha." I actually don't want to die…at least, not before getting my wish.
The half-demon's eyes widen in surprise as his face also begins to flush from her sincerity. He then bites down hard on his teeth and growls. "FINE! Do what you want! If you get killed, then I won't have to deal with you and your freaky powers anymore. You're no longer useful to me anyway. I'll find those jewel shards myself and get stronger. I'll become a full-fledged demon and all you'll be able to do is watch!" Having said that, he leapt away via the tall trees and was soon out of sight.
Once she was sure that he was gone, Akimoto let out a huge sigh and fell back down to the floor.
I meant everything that I said, but I don't even know how I'm going to do this. That jewel shattered into so many tiny pieces…how would it even be possible to spot them?
Looking up at the sky, she noticed some clouds slowly being pushed across the sky by an invisible breeze.
No matter what…
I have to try.