Update (February 2021): Chapter edited and lengthened!
Chapter 52: Human Heart, Fiendish Shell
"Alrigh'. Tha' should do i' for the' scar on yur stomach and back...Ach, tha's the last of the salve too."
Zooming into the interior of Kaede's home back in the Goshinboku Village, we find our titular heroes and heroines safe and content not too long after their battle against Jurōmaru and Kagerōmaru, though with some receiving more medical treatment for their wounds and injuries...
Coraline sets a small squeeze bottle on the floor and wipes her hands with a towel, before re-wrapping Inuyasha's bandages around his torso and over his shoulder...She glances over her shoulder at Besa, he applying a clear solution to Freeman's wound which has begun to seal and scar over.
"Besa. Can y' add 'erbal salve to the list too?"
"Sure. I'll add it after Silver Shield."
"Thanks."
She turns to cap the empty bottle and shifts to her feet, grimacing a bit when she feels the light burn of pain from the scrapes on her left leg and knee. Inuyasha turns his head to her and asks,
"You okay?"
"Yeah. Scrapes'r just actin' up a bit...All the more motivation t' head back to my era and restock on first aid supplies."
"Hm..."
The half-demon feels a small frown come to his face at the thought of Coraline heading back to her time, but knew that it was necessary...She repacks her medical kit, then packs that into rucksack and hoists it over her shoulder. The girl wanders to the left wall of the hut where her brothers are sitting, and holds her hand out to the less injured of the two.
"I can ge' everything m'self, and yeu can stay here with Freeman."
"You sure?"
"Mhm. Plus I have some homework assignmen's I need t' hand in, so this is as good a time as any."
Besa nods, and lightly tears out a list of items from a small notebook.
"Here."
Coraline tucks the piece of paper into her pocket, then places a hand on Freeman's shoulder with an apologetic smile.
"I'm still sorry yeu go' hurt, bro, bu' thank you for protectin' me. Don' strain yourself while I'm gone, 'kay?"
"I won't, and no apologies necessary. I made the decision to be your human shield, and I'd do it again."
Nodding, the girl turns to address everyone else:
"Alrigh'. I jus' need to ge' more first aid supplies and do some updating fo' school. I should be back by la'e afternoon, evening if I'm delayed."
Inuyasha almost smiles at the thought of Coraline not being gone long, but chooses instead to turn and eye her with dry and casual intent.
"Keh, alright. You better not be late, or you'll be hearing from me."
She does a mock salute and says jokingly,
"Yes, sir."
Everyone laughs a bit, before she waves and exits the hut.
"See yous soon. Stay outta trouble 'til I return."
"Bye, Coraline."
"See ya soon, sis!"
...Once the redhead's steps couldn't be heard anymore, Besa returns his focus to Freeman's back and re-wraps the wound.
"...Alright, brother, you're done. Be careful not to pull your muscles too much or lean hard against the wall."
"I got it."
Kaede looks towards them and remarks,
"Tis quite miraculous that yer injury is not any worse then at present, young man. If not for the healing crystal ye and yer brother each possess, your life may have been in jeopardy."
The twin with plainly cropped coarse hair carefully slips on a loose gray tee and replies with a weak smile,
"Yeah, I know; I'm just as thankful, Lady Kaede. Now my wound's probably lookin' only as bad as Inuyasha's...At least after this experience, Besa and I can start figuring out how to activate that healing ability with better ease."
Miroku - whose arm is in a sling - smiles and comments,
"It would be a tremendous asset to our group if you two can heal severe injuries, even if it's only to the point of resealing."
"Right. I think it's because these are only shards of the original crystal that they can only heal so far...Still, better somethin' than nothin', right?"
Inuyasha scoffs,
"Feh, well even if you guys can find a way to do it, I definitely won't need that with my blood."
"That, and you prefer our sister taking care of you."
He darts his head towards the twins as they snicker with teasing smiles, and he barks back with an embarrassed blush,
"D-Don't be stupid! That's not it at all!"
"Suuuure it isn't..."
...Leaving the half-demon to sputter from the lighthearted accusations of his peers,
we catch up with Coraline as she approaches the Bone Eater's Well.
I'm glad Inuyasha isn't in a bad mood. I w's worried the aftermath of our recen' battle would'a left 'im too scunnered...
Mostly 'cause of tha' stupid wolf.
(Flash)
"Coraline...you're my woman..."
(Flash)
Ach, tha' guy. Hopefully, I managed ta banjax his throughother fantasy this time...
Heh, I might'a played the targe a little too well, but I was ready to blow my stack a' tha' point, and...I wan'ed to protect Inuyasha.
She sits herself on the lip of the small structure as a smile forms over the ending of that adventure.
Bu' I guess my temper did do somethin' good. Inuyasha remained calm, and...I feel like we became closer...
We were figh'in' alongside one another, like an unstoppable duo.
Coraline's cheeks become a bit rosy as she remembers,
A-And t-then we, held eachother while walkin' away...
"(Shakes head) No, Cora, don't go daydreamin' like'a ditsy schoolgirl...Besides, he's my best friend...and I don' wanna change that."
Letting out a breath, she pushes herself forward and down the 'rabbit hole'...At the same time, in the unnamed village of wounded soldiers, we find the wandering priestess Kikyō hanging some laundry on a clothesline while some men sat and stood around the area...
Suddenly, a trio of small birds sense something amiss and take off...an action that doesn't go unmissed by the miko.
"Hm?"
...She walks over to the treeline...and addresses the source of the atmosphere shift.
"Naraku, I know you're in there."
...The demon emerges from behind a bush.
"Hm, sharp as usual, Kikyō."
"How could I not notice you? And not only today, but you've come to spy on me quite often recently..."
"Hmph."
The woman found herself smiling knowingly and remarks,
"You seem to be quite interested in me..."
...She then holds a hand to her mouth as she lets out a laugh, and Naraku asks,
"Something amuse you?"
Her smile becomes more smug as she replies,
"Come now, it's obvious that the reason you're so interested in me, Naraku. It's because...you still have Onigumo's heart beating strongly within you."
...There's no vocal response, and a stronger gust of wind blows through the trees.
Kikyo winces from the pressure...but then looks up to see that Naraku has vanished.
"Ha, now he's gone."
She turns to walk back to the shrine, convinced that her enemy won't be coming back again.
Coraline's POV
I made it back to my era no problem, and after climbing out of the well and the house surrounding, I make my way to the sliding glass entrance of the house.
(Slll-clck)
"Hey all! I'm back!"
I come into the dining room/kitchen, seeing that everyone was just about to have breakfast.
Grandfather would be the first to respond:
"Eh? I-It's Coraline!"
Sōta looks up from his bowl of rice with a similar expression of surprise.
"Uh! Hiya, Cora."
Akari-sama smiles and moves to stand from her seat while greeting,
"Oh, welcome back, darling. Did you want a bath or something to eat first?"
"Tha's kind of you to offer. Huuah, I think I'll jus' take'a quick shower before I head ou' for some supplies."
"(Nod) Of course. Oh, dear, your knees..."
"Mm?"
I look down at where she's staring, and smile weakly before replying,
"Oh, these?...Don' worry, they're just scrapes. The others have i' worse; Freeman almost got 'is back torn out by a demon we fought a few days ago...If no' for Besa, (shudder) I don't wanna think abou' it."
"Say no more, dear; I understand. (Smile) I'm assuming they're still over there resting with everyone else?"
"Mhm."
She begins leading me out the kitchen while chiding,
"Just put your bag down, and I'll get some clean clothes and band-aids for you while you shower."
"Thank yeu."
On the way out, my ears catch Grandfather and Sōta commenting,
"That didn't sound like a typical conversation between mother and daughter..."
"More like a chat between a husband who returned from a trip and his wife."
I almost let out a laugh and quirk to myself,
I'd liken i' to a samurai returnin' from war, bu' whatever floa's their boats.
Once I was done showering, I wrap a towel around my body and begin pat-drying my hair in the bathroom...Grandfather and Sōta pop their heads in for a moment, and the former asks,
"So Coraline, how long are you going to gift us with your presence this time?"
"Just'a couple hours, Grandfath'r. I have a list of first aid supplies I need to restock on, then when I come back, I'll do some updating for me online schoolin'. (Turn) Sōta, while I'm ou', could y' please help by pullin' up my assignments due list?"
"(Shrug) Sure, I guess."
"Thanks. I appreciate i'."
I soon slip into a pair of plain light gray jeans, a soft material ultramarine blue v-neck tee, my white fleece jacket and some plain black sneakers before heading out the shrine with a reusable shopping bag and my wallet...
As I make my way down the stairs, I think aloud,
"Inuyasha, everyone...hope yo'r all getting th' rest you deserve."
...
Come about a half-hour of jogging, I reach my destination: Hōjō's Herbal.
(...Ka-chank, di-ding)
"Oh, Coraline, hi!"
I look over towards the counter and see a familiar teen working the register while his mom's writing in the big logbook they had.
"Mm? Oh, Hōjō, hey...Been a while, hasn' it?"
"Yeah, a few weeks. Have you been well?"
I walk over to the counter and casually reply,
"Abou' as well as anyone. Just need t' pick up s'me things for me and, friends of mine."
Hōjō's mother - who like her son knows nothing of the true details of my life but welcomes me as a regular customer - looks up with a smile and replies,
"Ah, I see. Anything in particular this round?"
"Brought a list, actu'lly."
I hand it over so she can give it the once over...
"Hm, we should have everything here. I can grab it all if you'd like."
"That'd be great, thank yeu."
"Of course, Coraline dear."
As she walks over to some shelves, Hōjō turns to look at me with a raised brow.
"Why all these medical supplies?"
Shoot. I'll need t' dig deep for a good cover.
Nothin' too wild, but more convincin' than Grandfather's old excuses.
"Well, me friends and I have been travelin' 'round Japan for a couple weeks now to some o' the more, unique hiking areas. We like explorin' the more treacherous regions, y' see; really challenge ourselves. We o' course remember t' go in prepared, hence the medical supplies."
"(Smile) Oh wow, that sounds exciting."
"Auy, it is."
Phew...That lie was actu'lly remo'ly close to the truth...
I then hear a phone ring, and glance at a spot by the register to see what I'm assuming is Hōjō's cellphone...
"Tha' yeu?"
"Oh, yeah. That's probably Yumi..."
"Yumi?...Oh, righ'; my bros mentioned yeu an' she have been seein' eachother as of late. How's tha' goin'?"
"Good...well, for the most part..."
An uncharacteristic frown suddenly appears on his face, like he's frustrated about something...
I decide to ask out of the sake of conversation and curiousity.
"Is everythin' alright?"
"Well, actually...hah, we got into a fight a few days ago, and we're having trouble making up."
"Oh. That sucks."
He nods, his face shifting into a sad expression.
"I do want to make up with her, but, I just don't know how."
"Was th' fight tha' bad?"
"Mhm..."
I feel a sympathetic expression rise on my face:
Poor Hōjō. A swee' guy like him deserves t' be happy with the girl 'e loves...Hm.
I glance at the store clock:
...You know wha'? I don't have t' go back for a while yet.
...Maybe I'll detour and help a good heart ou'.
I turn to look at the boy's dejected form with a small smile.
"Say, Hōjō...I don't hafta go home right away. If you'd like, we could head to the cafe a few blocks away, and you can regale wha' happened b'tween you and Yumi...Maybe I can give you some advice that'll help."
He breaks out a hopeful smile:
"Really? You'd do that? I don't want to take up your time."
"Not at'all."
"...Thank you so much, Coraline!"
He looks over at his mom and asks,
"Mom, is it okay if I take my break after she's done paying for her things?"
"Of course, dear."
"Thanks!"
I shake my head with a silent laugh at the his eagerness.
Almost reminds me of Shippō whenever I presen' candy and crayons...
Speaking of, I wonder wha' everyone's doin' back in Edo?
Once I make my purchases, I begin heading out the door with Hōjō while thinking somewhat warily,
I just hope Inuyasha's keepin' busy...and doesn't find ou' about this.
Getting jealous over Kōga is bad enough, but devil to me if 'e learns abou' Hōjō.
No POV
So while Coraline moves forward with her new plan to assist an acquaintance with his lover's quarrel, we return to Sengoku Edo and zoom in on the castle belonging to a certain demon with the spider's mark after his latest encounter with the undead priestess...
He's currently in his quarters, pondering over what the woman said to him.
...Ha. I could finish off a woman like that anytime I want to...
But maybe the reason I can't, is that the heart of Onigumo still beats within me...and he coveted Kikyō's love above all things in this world.
He clenches his fist, not wanting to believe it.
Onigumo's heart...hmph. Such a shallow, evil criminal man.
He was unable to move, and yet yearned for Kikyō at such a degree, that he offered his body up to a host of demons, to be reborn as myself.
...The sky outside the very realistic illusionary castle darkens, as if channeled by the resentfulness brewing within.
It's that fool of a mortal's heart that which aches for Kikyō...and it has begun to affect me.
A bolt of lightning cracks...and Naraku smirks bitterly as he reassures himself of his resolve.
Nonsense! You completely underestimate me, Kikyō, for I am Naraku, and nothing like Onigumo.
He looks down at the jewel in his palm:
Now that the Shikon-no-Tama is nearly restored to its glory, I find Onigumo's heart useless and rather unnecessary.
On that note, the jewel glows an amaranth red as the demon prepares to release a form of retaliation to the miko's accusations...
Our viewpoint shifts to the inland of a marsh, and we see a swarm of Saimyōshō buzz through the stormy downpour...before a giant red-skinned Shinidamachū shoots out from the water!
...
...
It wouldn't be long before the people in the village that Kikyo is temporarily taking residence in notice a change in the weather.
"...What's that dark cloud?"
"It's been hanging over the temple for some time now..."
"...It's sure ominous-looking..."
The miko herself observes the rolling cloud cover...before noticing several dozen orbs of light beginning to manifest.
...Those lights are souls. Something is devouring souls.
It was then the giant Shinidamachū shows itself from up high in the sky!
"W-What is that thing?!"
Unlike that soldier, the priestess recognizes the creature and its mission right away.
I know what it is...Naraku's coming after me!
She runs into the shrine and snatches up her main weapon, knowing that staying here isn't a good idea...
"Lady Kikyō, what's wrong?"
"I must borrow your horse."
"Uh?!...Lady Kikyō!"
...
The pritestess is soon riding from the village with her Shinidamachū allies, leading the giant red one away from the more vulnerable populace...Unfortunately, this was a beast with a strong persistence, and it comes charging down to devour all of the souls they could absorb!
"Aah!"
That, demon! Does it intend to consume all of the souls in this region?!
I won't allow it!
Hearing the silent order, her demon allies fly upward to attack the giant, but barely deal any blows...Soon, Kikyō runs out of canopy cover, and stops her horse at the edge of the cliff heading down to the valley, before dismounting to try and take the giant demon down with her arrows.
(Twok)
Her sacred ammunition flies, but does not make contact...The giant red Shinidamachū then circles down towards her as her allies lose their strength and are destroyed, before it opens its mouth to suck away the spirits giving life energy to the miko's body!
"Ah!"
No! It's, stripping me of my own acquired souls!
She tries to shoot the demon again, but misses and readies to fire her last arrow, only to lose grip due to her sapped strength...Seeing no other option, Kikyō mounts the horse again to attempt another escape.
"I...I can't!"
She rides fast away from the demon, but its speed proved too much...
"Curse, you...!"
The miko looses her grip on the reins, and falls off the cliff-side!
"Aaaaaaahhhhh!"
...
...
As the wandering priestess receives an unpleasant response to her taunts, back in the Goshinboku Village, our main group minus Coraline prepare to feast on some stew with Kaede. Sango is sitting on the aging priestess's left, while Miroku sits on the left and Shippō on the monk's own left. That leaves Besa and Freeman kneeling beside the slayer, and Inuyasha is lounging on his side with a propped elbow in front of all of them...
"Miroku, how is your wound doing now? Is it still hurting you?"
He shakes his head at the brunette and replies,
"No, it's fine now, thanks to the care I received from you and Lady Kaede."
He then looks over at the twins to ask,
"And how are you two?"
"We're fine. My back's finally stopped throbbing,"
"And my shoulders aren't as stiff as earlier."
The monk nods...and goes into thought over the events that brought about the collective injuries.
"...Naraku has many incarnations."
"You're talking about Jarōmaru and Kagerōmaru?"
"(Nod) Yes. The fourth incarnation, Jarōmaru, is the younger sibling of the two. He lives only for the thrill of battle, and seems to pay no heed to Naraku's orders."
Besa jumps in with his thoughts:
"That didn't seem to matter in terms of the overall goal. Naraku obviously wanted to strike a major blow this time...Even so, his struggle to control Jarōmaru begs the question of just how much authority he really has over his subordinates..."
Sango then ponders over the second incarnation they all faced.
"And then there's Kagerōmaru, the older sibling who laid dormant inside Jarōmaru. Both of them are brutal and quite mysterious."
Freeman shivers from the memory of getting slashed by Kagerōmaru.
"I'll say this much: the older one of those bastards wasn't screwin' around. He knew what he was doing, and wasn't shy about makin' his point clear...It's a miracle he only slashed me and didn't try shooting through my chest."
His brother wraps an arm around him in comfort, and Kaede warns in a serious tone,
"We know not who or even what kind of enemy will attack next. I encourage ye all to be extremely careful and keep yer wits about ye."
The younger souls nod, and Miroku turns his head to the dog demon who's been rather quiet through the entire conversation.
"Say, Inuyasha, will you be heading off to the well soon to make sure Coraline comes back in the next while?"
"Tch, there's no need to get all worried, monk. She said she'd be back soon, and she will."
Sango then says,
"In that case, will you do us all a favour and stop that nervous twitching? It's incredibly irritating."
Inuyasha makes a noise...but then stops his finger and foot tapping...
Freeman then looks at Besa and says with a joking smile,
"Let's just hope she hasn't been slowed down by Hōjō down at the shop, or it might be nightfall before she comes back."
The young man with cornrowed hair lightly slaps his twin's arm and replies,
"Oh come on, like she's gonna get distracted by him? Please."
...The half-dog demon suddenly stiffens on alert, quickly moving to a sitting position while looking over at the Brownlees with a suspicious scowl.
"Him? Who's this, Hōjō guy?"
Besa pinches the bridge of his nose and whispers,
"Nice going, brother. Now we'll have to explain and try not to set Inuyasha off."
"Don't worry, I got this. Just follow my lead."
Freeman then focuses on Inuyasha with a smile:
"He's just a guy around our age who works at his family's medicinal herb shop back in our era. He's nice, but a bit of a naive pushover. He, has been pining over sis for a while..."
The silverette growls a bit and replies in a strain,
"Has, he?"
"Yeah, but she's barely an acquaintance to him for there to be anything goin' on, and anytime he did try to ask her out, she always turns him down."
...The silverette in red relaxes a little, and Besa adds,
"Coraline's type of guy doesn't include ones that are too sweet. Plus, he's going out with a girl named Yumi, so any old feelings he had for Cora have more than likely vanished by now."
Freeman looks at the latter funny:
"Hold on. It hasn't been confirmed if he and Yumi are a thing."
"Oh yeah? (Smirk) The why did I catch them kissing in the park a while back when I went to get some things from our apartment?"
"Ah! Shut up; you did not!"
"Did so! Saw it clear as day."
"...Damn, didn't think Mister Nice Guy would go PDA that quick..."
The brothers laugh a little, before Inuyasha cuts back in to get to the point.
"So what I'm hearing is that this Hōjō guy has no chance in hell with Coraline, right?"
"Right as rain."
"Huh...okay...You said that she has a, type of guy she likes...Do you know what?"
Everyone stares at the half-dog demon with mild surprise at his hesitant question, and the twins share a look...before turning back his way to reply,
"We do,"
"But we won't say."
"What? Why not?"
Freeman replies with an incredulous expression,
"Dude, ever hear of 'sibling-to-sibling confidentiality'?"
Inuyasha counters with a deadpan,
"Have you met my brother?"
"...Oh right, heh, almost forgot: you barely have a relationship with him to have the privilege of sibling secrets."
Besa shakes his head at his brother's sweatdrop-type smile, before saying to the silverette simply,
"If you really want to know, you'll have to ask Cora yourself. (Knowing smile) Though I find it a bit odd you would ask such a question...unless there's something you're not sharing..."
Inuyasha backs up on the defense with a nervous expression, and Freeman asks with a coy smirk,
"Well? Is there somethin' you're not saying aloud, perhaps, relating to your feelings towards our sister?"
Everyone else was looking towards the half-dog demon by this point, also curious for the answer...Inuyasha growls and slaps a hand on the floor while quickly retorting,
"Listen up, ya twin sleuths: there ain't anythin' I gotta explain to ya, or anyone else here for that matter!"
He adds while jumping to his feet,
"You're just exaggerating things, end of," and then dashes out the hut...
Everyone stares at the entrance way for a few seconds, before Freeman asks everyone blankly,
"So we all know he was full of it, right?"
They all nod with smiles, and Shippō fights to contain his laughter...
Inuyasha's POV
I took off from the hut and went all the way to the Bone Eater's Well just to get away from everyone's prying...I'm now sitting with my arms propped on the lip of the well, trying to cool my aggravation.
"Stupid Freeman and Besa, getting me all gun-ho for sport...And damn Coraline, making me wait..."
At least this time when she left, it wasn't on a bitter note...
I found myself smirking as I recall the girl's latest chat with Kōga.
"Heh, it was pretty funny watchin' her get mad at that mangy wolf, even if she did sound a bit crazy."
And what she said afterwards, that I'm the better man, and I'm the one who stays after the wolf goes...
Coraline, don't be too much longer, okay? You said you'd be back by this evening at latest.
I frown a little as I think about that 'Hōjō' character the twins just mentioned today.
"That boy better not be slowin' ya. Even if he does have a girl of his own...I, want to be the only man you think of."
Whoa, what?!...Where'd that thought come from?
...Unless...maybe, they're right...Maybe I do-
Before I could finish my thoughts, my ears pick up on a strange sound from the treetops.
"Huh?"
What was that?...Wait...A demon's scent?
I stand up and keep my eyes on the sky...and this huge red-skinned version of the Shinidamachū suddenly emerges!
Wh-What the-?! A giant Soul Collector?!
I then sense another presence coming through the woods, and look ahead...only to see,
"Ki...Kikyō?!"
"I-Inu...yasha...Uh!"
She collapses on her front, and I gasp before rushing to help her.
"Kikyō!"
I lift her into my arms and ask,
"It looks like you're injured; what happened to you?!"
I turn to look over my shoulder and notice some Insects of Hell coming this way...
Naraku's poisonous insects. Is this one of his tricks?
I feel a shift and look down to see Kikyō struggling to stay conscious.
"Wh...Where, is it?"
I assume she's talking about the giant Shinidamachū, and I look up at it with a growl, putting two and two together.
Naraku must be trying to get rid of her...
Well, I won't let him. I'll never let Naraku harm Kikyō!
The beast dive-bombs our way, and I leap out of the way in time before dashing away from the Bone Eater's Well.
Can't let that thing damage the only link between my world and Coraline's...It'd kill me if she couldn't come back...
But right now, I need to focus on keepin' the woman currently in my arms safe!
After dodging another attack, I lay Kikyō against the Goshinboku tree and lightly squeeze her shoulder while chiding,
"Kikyō, I'll take care of that giant demon. You just rest easy here."
I then turn to where the giant Shinidamachū is and shout,
"Are you ready, worm?!"
I rush over to face the demon, pulling out Tessaiga:
"You picked a fight with the wrong guy, and now I'm gonna cut you down to size!"
It charges at me in response, and I let out a war cry before thrusting my blade right down the middle.
"DIE!"
(SLASH)
...With the beast slain, the souls it devoured are released, and a few of Kikyō's demon allies went to work to restore her with the ones she lost...I watch with a thoughtful expression:
Kikyō couldn't stay alive without those souls...
"Kikyō...!"
"(...Blink) Inu...yasha? What are-What are you, doing here?"
I quickly come to her and reply softly,
"That's what I was going to ask you. Why did you come here?"
"The demon was chasing me..."
"And you led it here knowing that I would rescue you."
"(Glare) Don't be a fool, Inuyasha. I was running blindly for my life when I happened to come upon you."
I retract back in surprise from her cold response.
"...Kikyō..."
Coraline's POV
"Haaaah, finally, last one."
It's now close to six in the evening, and I'm in my room with the home scanner copying the last of my homework for this month into my online account...As I wait for the last of my math to be downloaded, I think back to my chat with Hōjō earlier at the cafe.
"Hm, (smile) I'm glad I could help'm patch things with Yumi. It's hard t' believe such a sweet-lookin' girl could get so jealous of tha' high-school fan-service malarkey...Almost reminds me of Sango when she ge's green eyes durin' Miroku and Koharu's reunion and departure."
I let out a laugh at the memory, just as the tell-tale beep rings from the computer.
Ulp, tha's it then.
I make a few more motions with the keyboard and mouse, before everything is in their respected folders...
(Click)
"There. That concludes everythin' f'r this month and a bit of the next."
As I move my hands away from the keyboard, I found myself pondering over what Hōjō and I talked about as he saw me to the shrine stairs.
(Flash)
"Really? You, actu'lly had a crush on me for two years since tha' festival in the park?"
Hōjō turns to me with a sheepish smile as we walk down the street and replies,
"Yeah. It was during your turn on the mic in that singing contest. You...sounded amazing, and the outfit you wore really fit the grunge rock genre."
"...Oh wow. I, wasn' even aware you were in the audience."
As we turn down the next corner, I look at him apologetically and say gently,
"I'm sorry if I downgraded yur expectations...I do think you're a swee' fella, bu', I just don' think we have the righ' chemistry. Bookish though I am, I also have a steady streak of bein' a rough tomboy if you can believe it."
He smiles at me sadly and replies,
"Yes, I, heard from a mutual friend about what you and your brothers did at the docks a while back...But I know you were only doing the right thing, even if it was rather, rebellious...I guess I always knew that you and I could never really be. I just didn't want to believe it; I, wanted to keep thinking we stood a chance."
"(Smile) Hey, a' least one of us believed it."
We both laugh, and he says with a more blissful smile,
"Now that I'm with Yumi, I feel, so happy for the future...She, makes me feel like I'm on top of the world."
"I'm glad for you, Hōjō, truly...and good thing she came into the cafe as we were leavin'."
"Mhm..."
We reach the shrine stairs, and before I walk up, he says to me,
"Thank you for helping me fix things with Yumi. I really appreciate it."
"No prob'. You two make a sweet couple; it'd be a shame if one spat destroys wha' yeu have. Jus' remember: communication is key."
"(Nod) Of course...Also, I'm sorry if, after all this time, my pursuits came off as annoying to you."
"Uh...Oh, Hōjō...If either of us should be apologizin' , it shou' be me for blowin' you off so abruptly. I should'a been straigh' with you from the beginning."
I take his hand and squeeze it while adding softly,
"Maybe, in another life, I would've accepted yur courtship...but here..."
"Yeah...I understand, and it's okay. If it was meant to be, there would've been signs. (Gentle smile) I hope whoever you find love with will know just how lucky they are to be with a girl like you."
"(...Smile) Thank yeu. I hope so too...See ya 'round, Hōjō."
(Flash)
"...Hauh, if only I can be as hopeful f'r love as 'e is..."
I turn to look at the clock on my nightstand...and see that it's six-thirty!
"Oh crap!"
I quickly turn off the computer and scramble to get my things ready.
"Thank dhia I packed ahead! I gotta ge' back or I'll get an earful!"
I pull down a red/black checkered flannel shirt from a hanger in my closet, and slip it on over my tee before hoisting my rucksack up from the floor and over my shoulders. I practically jump into my shoes and start heading down the stairs calling,
"I'm headin' back now! I'll see you all as soon as I'm able!"
Akari-sama, Sōta and Grandfather call back,
"Good luck, dear!"
"See ya, Cora!"
"Safe travels, Coraline!"
I tie on my laces once I'm outside the house, before jogging towards my mode of transport.
Through the well an' back again; that's the warrior's way!
No POV
Just as Coraline was making her way back to Edo, Inuyasha found himself looking up at the remaining souls glittering with the emerging stars, thinking about what's brought him and Kikyō to this place today after all this time.
"...Over fifty years."
"What's that? What are you thinking, Inuyasha?"
He turns his eyes to the priestess and replies with a small smile,
"I was thinking how we really haven't changed that much considering fifty years have passed."
"(Bitter smile) Don't talk nonsense. I have changed alot."
Kikyō looks to the night sky as she adds,
"Since that time, long ago when I sealed you to the tree we're under..."
"It was because of Naraku's deceptions that we hated eachother, so much that you trapped me here for fifty years...And then you died..."
As the Shinidamachū continue to gather souls for the miko, the silverette then softly asks,
"Kikyō...be honest: have I changed?"
...She only stares, unable to answer...Inuyasha then says with a more serious expression,
"Before I knew of Naraku's existence, there was no doubt that I burned with resentment over what you'd done to me, but then you told me...that my life was yours...And...yours is mine."
"Uh...!"
Kikyō is taken aback...but then smiles somewhat smugly and replies,
"It seems you're not so different from Naraku after all."
"Guh! You're saying, (narrows eyes) I'm the same as Naraku?!"
"Deep within Naraku, Onigumo's heart beats and still yearns for my touch."
"Onigumo's heart?"
"(Frown) He desired me, and having me kill you with my own two hands, was something that he dreamed about. It was something that the jealous heart of Onigumo's schemed for..."
"He was jealous, over something so ridiculous?"
"(Smile) Yes, ridiculous...but that's, what mortals are."
The half-demon could only stare at the undead woman for a moment, before looking up in thought over what she said.
Onigumo's heart remains inside Naraku...
Could that mean-?!
"Wait, Kikyō...does Naraku have feelings for you too now?!"
"...He is, reluctant to admit it, but I'm certain that he has a lingering desire for me. And in an effort to ease that feeling, he is trying to get rid of me."
Inuyasha begins to growl over such a theory, and the Shinidamachū finish their job.
"Enough talk, Inuyasha. (Rise) These souls have fully rejuvenated me."
"Kikyō. You aren't...You weren't actually planning to confront Naraku by yourself, are you? You're not strong enough! And I can't believe that he might be in love with you. (Shakes head) It's too much to bear!"
...Zooming back to the Bone Eater's Well, we watch a familiar army surplus rucksack bounce out of the structure, before the owner pops up.
"Rgh!...Made it."
Once she's upright, Coraline began walking in the direction for the village, noticing how dark it's become.
"...Damn. I was hopin' to've gotten back sooner. Hopefully, Inuyasha won't be too mad...Heh, maybe he'll brigh'n when I tell him I'll be school assignment-free for the next few weeks thanks to the good marks I go' from my big cumulative exams...Hm?"
It was then she senses something strange in the air, and looks up to see some familiar orbs of light flying through the sky.
"...Are those...souls? Hm...they're headin' for the Goshinboku Tree."
The girl decides to make a small detour to see what's going on...When she wanders within a couple feet of the tree, she softly gasps and ducks behind a cedar to cloak herself from the two other bodies present.
Inuyasha...and, Kikyō...
Lumos pops out of her bag with a little chirp of curiousity, prompting his human partner to softly shush him before focusing back on the distant pair.
...I don't sense any hostility from either...bu' still. Wha're they doing?
Zooming back in on the half-demon and miko, Inuyasha says to Kikyō firmly,
"I don't care how you feel about me now..."
He steps closer to her:
"But I swear, I won't let Naraku have you either!"
The blackette is backed into the sacred tree, and the silverette suddenly hugs her to him while proclaiming,
"Only I can protect you from him!"
"Uh!"
Coraline gasps from the gesture and words:
Inuyasha...!
Kikyō struggles in his hold:
"Let, me, go!"
...But she slowly stops fighting, and gently embraces back...
The silent observer feels her heart clench:
They really can't le' eachother go, even after losin' wha' they had so long ago...
Oh Inuyasha...Kikyō...
Putting on a brave face, the redhead strains her ears to listen as Inuyasha softly says to Kikyō,
"I will slay Naraku myself, so you won't have to fight anymore...I will protect you..."
"Inuyasha..."
"...Kikyō..."
...Suddenly, the miko reaches into her sleeve, and pulls out a small knife! Coraline grits her teeth, but before she could make a move to stop the other woman, the half-demon snaps out of his daze to see the blade pointed at his throat.
"Guh! Kikyō!"
She lets out a small laugh and says,
"Another example of how men are pathetic fools. You have this belief that once you embrace a woman, she belongs to you."
The redheaded witness clenches her fist at the accusation.
...No...No, tha's not true! Inuyasha's not tha' type of man; I know 'e isn't!
Inuyasha tries to reason with Kikyō:
"Listen..."
"Don't move. I've learned something from watching you just now. As long as the heart of the weak and pathetic Onigumo beats within Naraku...there will be an opportunity for me, and that will give me the chance I need to totally destroy Naraku."
Both the half-demon and the hidden redhead were shocked by the priestess.
"Kikyō..."
Oh Kikyō...yeu really have embraced th' darkness of your soul...
With that, the Shinidamachū surround the woman's body and lift her into the air, much to Inuyasha's protest.
"Ah, Kikyō! Don't go!"
...As she floats away, Kikyō thinks to herself while gazing at her former companion...then briefly at Coraline's hidden form,
Once the threads of fate are tangled, they cannot be undone.
She fades away into the night, while Inuyasha calls her name.
...
...
At the same time the former couple have their bittersweet exchange, Naraku - whom had lowered the top part of his robes - prepares to take action and still the heart of his origin.
"Heh, Envy...A mortal emotion leaking from the simpering heart of that fool Onigumo."
He glares at his reflection in the steel of the katana in his hand.
"Never."
(...Stab, hack)
...
...
Back at Kaede's hut, she and Miroku catch onto the presence of the souls that had been released upon the defeat of the giant red-skinned Shinidamachū.
"Those lights are disconnected souls..."
My sister Kikyō...She is somewhere nearby.
...
...
Moving back to the fabled tree, we see Inuyasha staring off into space with an expression of longing and grief, while Coraline cringes in her own sympathy.
Th's...This is all so...I can't even find the words.
She feels her feet give way and slides to her knees, stirring the senses of of the half-demon.
"Huh?"
He turns to where the girl was hiding...and she slowly stands up, before coming out into the open.
Coraline...So she was watching...
She stares into his eyes with a similar expression of sadness and regret.
Inuyasha...I'm, so sorry...This isn' fair to you, neither of yeu.
...Dammi', why?...Why did i' come to this?!