The highway was closed off and a festival was growing near. Apparently it was big deal, because everyone was preparing for it, excited for its arrival. A woman was upset because the only good kimono she had was for the festival, and was nervous to dress up like a girl from a large town. "They're so beautiful, and I… really am not. I'd look ridiculous. Why am I even telling this to you?"
She shook her head, trying to hide her face behind her sleeve. I tilted my head at her, not understanding her concerns. "You don't look ridiculous." In all honesty I thought she was quite pretty. The girl blinked and looked at me, her freckles standing out against her tan skin. Her dark eyes glistened in the sun. "You should dress up! You'd look amazing! What kind of kimono is it? I think you'd look really good in a shade of red- ooh~ or maybe even yellow! What do you think, Sango?"
I looked at the demon slayer, expecting a response. The woman blinked, surprised by my behavior. "Uh… yeah. There are a lots of hairstyles you could try, too."
The girl blushed and brought her hands up to her face, shy. "Y… You really think so? Thank you!"
I smiled brightly at her, grinning and giving her two thumbs up. "You don't have to thank me for the truth! You're really pretty!"
"You're such a kind priestess! You and your friend are the pretty ones!"
"Well, I mean, Sango's pretty hecking gorgeous." I agreed. "But you're lovely too. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise!"
"Aww~! You're making me blush!" She ducked down, hiding her face even more as she giggled. It was the cutest thing. "Stop it!"
"Stop what? Being honest?"
"Yes! Haha! My heart can't take it."
I sighed dramatically, raising my hands up in a shrug. "O-kay~ but only because you insist. Just know, I fully expect you to wear that kimono during the festival now."
"Oh, you~!"
Sango raised an eyebrow at the interaction, an amused smile on her face. As we walked away the young woman watched me skip a little, a pep in my step. She's never seen me in such a good mood. In fact, it was the first time in all these weeks of travelling that I felt truly like myself. "You're quite charismatic. I'm surprised."
"Hm?" I blinked, tilting my head at her with a smile. "Yeah?"
She nodded. "When we first met you were completely collapsed from disease. When you awoke you acted so meek and shy; I felt the need to protect you. Even now I still do, but today… well, I realize you're a lot more outgoing than I first perceived."
"Mmm~ that's just cause I'm not freaked out right now." I stretched my hands out in front of me, fingers laced together, before swinging my arms out by side. I spun on my hell, beaming at Sango. "It's weird, but I feel so relaxed with you! And it's funny, 'cause we just met and everything. I dunno. Is it a bad thing? I've been told I have great customer service skills!"
"Customer- oh. No, it's not bad." She shook her head, smiling at me. "It's nice. Seeing you all lively… it's calming. It must be hard for you being sick all the time."
I stopped walking at that, thinking deeply about an answer. Was it hard for me? I mean, it's a lot more difficult in this time period… but mostly because of the demons. I have Kagome to get my medicine, so I'm not worried about that, and the air quality is great here. I can actually walk outside in the heat and breathe normally. Back home I couldn't even go outside without my respirator mask, as I would suffocate in the heat and not inhale any oxygen. Cold air hurt to breathe in, on the other hand, but I could at least function.
"It's just… there." I settled on. "I mean, it sucks and I hate it… but that's life, right? In a way it's almost easier here. Or at least it would be without all the demons and the running for my life. You know?"
"...I can imagine."
"Also, I'm getting used to these clothes! Look how swishy they are!" I squatted, striking a weird pose, and flapped my arms as if I were some kind of bird. I pointed at the sleeve on my right, admiring how the kimono sleeve just flew back-and-forth with the movement. "It's so cool! I love it! I always wanted to wear a kimono when I was back home, but actually wearing them here was so strange! But now I'm used to it!"
My eyes widened as an idea came to me.
"Dude, imagine how you'd look in some of mine or Kagome's clothes! You'd be so majestic!"
"Majestic?" She laughed. "I doubt it. Besides, your guys' attire is a bit too… um, much for me. No offense."
I shrugged. "None taken. I get it."
We continued walking, asking around and finding out more about the festival. It wasn't our intention to learn about it, but it appeared to be the only thing anyone wanted to talk about. If it wasn't that, it was about how a lot people wouldn't be able to make it to the village for said festival because of the highway being closed. It was a bit exasperating, hearing only that over-and-over again, but I did my best to cheer people up.
Sango watched as I did so, smiling all the while. Sometimes when I looked at her I could see something sad in her expression, but it would disappear as quickly as it came. I thought I imagined it, but… then we got to the side of the village where the river was- full of lilies. Sango slowed to stop and approached them, kneeling down and gently touching one. Something in her movement was shaky, her breath… uneven.
"You okay?" I asked, watching worriedly as her eyes began to water. "Sango…?"
"Yes, I… I'm fine. I just… these flowers- they were my brother's favorite."
I blinked. I didn't know she had siblings. "Your brother?"
She nodded. Her smile was bittersweet. "Yes. He was so kind… he almost didn't belong in the Demon Slayer village. My little brother didn't like to fight- he hated it. But he loved animals and flowers."
"Oh…" I knelt down beside her, staring at the lilies. I smiled at Sango. "He sounds wonderful!"
"Yes…" She murmured, plucking a lily from the ground to admire it. "He was."
Then it hit me. The reason why she was speaking in past tense. My blood ran cold and I looked down, shoulders stiffening as I tried to figure out what to say. My voice cracked a little, imagining the kind of pain Sango must be feeling constantly. I was so unsensitive, constantly complaining about not being able to see my own sibling before. "I-I'm sorry…"
She shook her head. "It wasn't your fault. The blame goes to Naraku."
"He… did it?"
Sango nodded, eyes glossing over. "My tribe, we… got a message from a castle to exorcise a demon. It was my brother's first battle. But the castle lord was actually a demon in disguise- he possessed my brother and had him kill everyone, our friends, our father; he even attacked me. I went to go defeat the lord, but… the spell broke. My brother was so scared. And then… the castle guards shot us down."
Oh gods. That's horrible.
Sango placed her hands on her lap, holding the lily tightly. She wasn't even looking at me anymore, too busy remembering the darkness of her past. "I… Sango, you don't… have to tell me anymore. Not if it hurts you. I-I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have had to go through that."
"...But if it wasn't for that… I wouldn't have made friends with you, Inuyasha, or the others." She took a deep breath. "For while I was off battling with the other slayers, Naraku had demons attack my village. He tricked me into believing Inuyasha was the one who did it and I fought him as a result. Then I found out the truth- Naraku was the evil behind it all. So… I will avenge my comrades. My brother will be saved."
"...Yeah." I nodded my head, biting my bottom lip. "Naraku… will be stopped. We're really close to him now, too. Everyone will be avenged."
There was silence for a long moment. Then Sango looked at me, fighting back tears, and said, "I'm gonna stay here for a while. Will you be alright going ahead by yourself?" Kirara let out a small meow and pressed her forehead against Sango's leg trying to comfort her. I stared at the woman uncertainly, not really wanting to leave her like this, but… I know some people really needed time alone occasionally.
"Y-Yeah. Okay." I stood awkwardly, wishing I knew how to comfort people. "I-If you ever need someone to talk to… I'm here. I-I can't really say anything to cheer you up, but… I can listen."
"Thank you."
I nodded. "A-Anytime. See you later, Sango."
With that I walked off. I became a bit more determined to find out any information about how to get to the castle after that depressing conversation, ready to help my new friend out anyway I could. I was always getting into trouble and being useless afterwards, so the least I could do is find out a way to get closer to Naraku and his castle.
It's hard to believe that any one person could be responsible for something so horrid. I knew there were monsters like that back in my time, but knowing someone who was personally affected by the behavior of a monster was a lot different. I still don't know Kagome and Inuyasha's reasoning for going after Naraku, or even Miroku's story, but after hearing what Shippō and Sango said…
This is so messed up.
Who the heck hurt Naraku so bad that he has to go and hurt others?
Honestly. Shippō lost his father, Sango lost her whole family and hometown… and right now Naraku could very well be holding Maria hostage.
My jaw clenched and I blinked away tears, trying to remain strong. I felt so angry and upset by all this. The people who got hurt by Naraku were so undeserving of it. I can't even imagine what a person so evil could look like. He was a demon, so I hoped he at least looked a little gross. Knowing how things have went so far though, I bet he looked just as human as Inuyasha and Shippō did.
Bastard.
I let out a sigh, pausing and looking between the crossroads. I haven't been to this side of the village at all yet. Which way? Hmm… I think going straight would lead right back out into the forest, so I'll go right. I wonder how old Sango's brother was when he died; the way she described him made it sound like he was just a little kid. He probably looked just like her. I hate this…
"Wow, mommy! Look! A priestess!"
Huh? What, where? I stopped and looked around, before making a face and staring at the kimono I was wearing.
"What's a foreigner doing wearing a priestess' outfit?"
Great. I'm being spoken about. Rumors are so lovely.
"She looks so funny…"
"The lady is really pretty! Are all foreigners so pretty, mommy?"
I shrugged at that, deciding that I wouldn't bother with them since half of it was a compliment. Honestly, I feel so out of place sometimes. I ended up approaching the mother and her child, asking if she knew anything about different ways to the castle, but she didn't respond. Not at first- she just stared at me distrustfully, but when her child approached and tugged on my hakama…
"No. Not unless you leave Tsuzumi and go around the long way."
The boy looked up at me, eyes big and full of curiosity. "Are you a priestess?"
"...Sure."
He smiled widely, practically bouncing off his feet. "Really!? H-Have you come to the bless the village!?"
I opened my mouth to respond, only to pause. "Um… in a way. I'm travelling with some demon slayers and we're trying to get to the castle to bless the land. Exorcise any demons that may be plaguing it." I clapped my hands together, kneeling down to meet the child eye-to-eye. "Do you happen to know any short-cuts?"
"Do I?" He grinned. "There's this big cave down that way that me and my friends like to play in! One of my friends' dad is mining in there- oh, but I'm not supposed to tell you so you gotta keep it a secret, okay?" I chuckled.
"Okie dokie. I'll even pinky promise." I held my hand out, sticking out my finger. "Pinky promises can't be broken."
He wrapped his pinky around mine. "Right! Anyway, the cave is really long so it could probably lead you there! Want me to show you?"
"Um…" I looked at the mother, who appeared very unsettled by this conversation. I smiled at the kid, ruffling his hair. "Maybe next time, okay? I want to make sure there aren't any demons there."
"Oh… that makes sense." He waved at me as I walked off. "Bye, priestess lady~!"
Oh my god, this child is adorable. Pfft. "Buh-bye! Thanks for everything! Off to the caves I go~!" I wondered how far the caves could be from here, but following the boy's directions I ended up at an empty clearing with nothing in sight that could resemble what he said. What the heck? I walked in a circle, pacing around the area, noting the small wooden fences framing the road itself. One was broken, but…
I looked into the distance, wondering if the cave was actually beyond this area. Oh dear.
"Meow…"
What? I blinked and turned my head, staring at the small cat that was making its way over. "Hold on a minute…" The calico fur, the big green eyes. I recognized that cat. "You're from the temple! Oh my god, baby, sweetie, thank goodness!" I knelt down, holding my hand out and making kissy noises. The cat waddled over, sniffing my hand before pressing its face against my palm. "I'm so glad you're okay! I wanted to come back for you, but Inuyasha was a big meanie and wouldn't let us!"
I picked the cat up, noting that it was a male.
"Oof, you weigh a lot more than last time. That's fine though." I scratched its ears, smiling brightly. "How you've been? You're one strong kitty, making it all this way."
"Mrrow~!"
"You don't say? Huh. I'm proud of you."
The bushes rustled and I turned, expecting to see a villager or something, but instead it was a young boy in armor. His dark brown hair was messily pulled back into a rat's tail, and his brown eyes stared at me in surprise. "The cat… it belongs to you?"
"Um, not… really? I mean, we've met before… but he almost got eaten by demons." The boy stepped forward, kneeling down in front of me to reach out and pet the cat. I held him out towards the stranger, allowing him to hold the cat. "Went to an old temple once to destroy this really gross spider demon, you know? He was there."
"The cat's a male? And… spider demon?" The boy looked at me, his freckled face seeming oddly familiar to me. His gaze was disbelieving. "You don't look strong enough to take down such a big demon."
"In all fairness I wasn't the one who destroyed it." I said, almost jokingly, "My friends did. Although I did free them from its webs, so… that's a thing."
I observed him for a moment, watching as he played with the cat. His clothes were skin-tight and colored black, with yellow padded armor that greatly reminded me of Sango's own battle attire. In fact, they were completely identical save for the fact that her armor was pink. His weapon, too… was he a demon slayer?
"Um, what's your name?" He looked at me. "I'm Irene."
"Irene… huh. My name's Kohaku; it's nice to meet you."
Kohaku? My mind instantly went to Spirited Away and the boy that turned into a dragon. I grinned at him. "That's a nice name!"
"Thanks. I-" He cut himself off, eyes narrowing, and suddenly he handed the cat towards me and stood. He grabbed the weapon that was strapped to his waist behind his back and readied it, glaring ahead of him. I turned, eyes wide, and watched as a bird demon suddenly flew out of the trees towards us. "Stay behind me!"
"Where did it-!?" I yelped, ducking down and cradling the cat close to me protectively. "Frick!"
"Give me your flesh~!" The demon screeched, beak aimed straight for Kohaku's throat. The boy didn't show any hesitation as he hurled the blade at him, the chain wrapped tightly around his wrist and hand, giving him control of it even as it got further away. The demon moved to avoid it, but Kohaku quickly pulled on the chain and thrust his arm to the side, causing the blade to slash the demon right in half. "Graaahhh~!"
It screamed loudly as it fell apart, before going silent and disintegrating. It was disturbing, but the sight of Inuyasha killing hundreds of demons at once with all their guts flying everywhere was a lot worse. This was tame in comparison. The boy lowered his eyes, almost guiltily, before he moved and faced me.
"Are you okay?"
"Um… yeah." I nodded awkwardly. That was impressive. He had to be several years younger than me. "Th-Thanks. If it was just me I'd probably already be dead, haha... Also, this is bothering me; what kind of weapon is that?"
He held it out to me, saying, "It's called a kusarigama." I took the weapon from him, nearly dropping it in response to how heavy it was. The cat crawled off my lap, walking over to rub his side against the boy's leg after he had sat down. "Careful!"
"It's like a freaking anchor!" I grunted, struggling to hand it back to him. The boy laughed, though he didn't completely understand my reference. "You're, like, what? Fourteen!? How can you carry that!?"
"Um…" He hesitated, lowering his gaze. "That's…"
I blinked, wondering what if I said something wrong. "I-I was joking. Um. Sorry… maybe I shouldn't have-"
"N-No, it's fine. Are you from this village?"
I shook my head. "No. I just arrived, uh… actually; I'm not sure when. Maybe yesterday? What about you?"
"Me neither. I got here three days ago." The boy sat up straight, eyes widening when he saw the cat wandering off. He stood. "Th-The cat is- I gotta go! Bye! I'll see you later, Irene!"
"Later!" I watched as he ran after the calico, slightly dumbfounded by this entire conversation. I was sort of under the impression that Sango was the only demon slayer in existence after she told me her village was wiped out. I suppose it made sense that were would be other villages, but wouldn't she have moved to live in one of them? Of course, she was hellbent on destroying Naraku and obtaining vengeance. "My head hurts…"
You know what- I should probably go check on Sango now. Maybe tell her what I found out. I wasn't exactly keen on checking out the forest alone in an attempt to find a cave- especially since there are demons about. I waited a few moments to catch my breath and stood, brushing the dirt off my kimono and heading back towards the village square.
At least, that was my plan until I found Kagome standing on a bridge near the waterfalls. Sneaking up behind her, I waited until I was close enough and lunged- wrapping my arms around her shoulders. "Kagome~!"
"Irene!" She jumped, whirling her head around to look at me. "You're awake!"
"Yup, yup. Feelin' great." Kagome let out a relieved sigh. "How're things?"
"Good, mostly. Inuyasha and I haven't made an progress about how to get to the castle. It's a mess. I'm glad you're doing well, though. You had us, and especially Sango, very worried."
I pulled away from her, wrapping my arms around myself. "Y-Yeah, I know… I'm sorry." I hated it. I hated myself. If it weren't for my lungs I might not be passing out so much or getting so sick. I might catch an occasional cold, but I wouldn't be so easily taken down or susceptible to disease. I wanted to be able to run around like a normal person, to goof off without being short of breath. To battle and use the Shikigami without… being so worn out. "I-I just didn't want Kōga to die."
"I know." She smiled. "Sango said you were really impressive in that last battle, that even though you were scared you still did your best. You did some massive damage to Kagura, so she might not show up anytime soon. Inuyasha was saying that you were getting even stronger!"
I made a face at that. "Wait, seriously? I'm pretty sure it's not me that's doing anything. It's the spirits. I can't- I mean, sometimes I think I can control them… but they mostly just react in response t-to my emotions." I held my hands up, staring at them. "I… I've noticed that when I'm really scared or angry… the flames turn white. White flames are the hottest, which is why Kagura got burned so bad. And when I want you guys to be safe… the flames turn blue and the fish appear."
"Really?" She brought a hand up to her chin. "I already figured they represented your feelings, but I didn't think the spirits themselves would be so in sync with your emotions. Maybe we should bring this up to Kakuju next time we see him?"
"Y-Yeah… oh, um, Kagome…"
"Yes?" She looked at me, her eyes widening. Kagome stepped forward and rested her hands on my shoulders. "What happened? Why the long face?"
"Sango… told me about why she hates Naraku." I observed her expression carefully, trying to figure out if she knew already or not. The look she gave me told me she did know Sango's background. "And… about her brother."
"I see… Kohaku is a big weakness for Sango, and Naraku uses that against her. He's despicable." She growled. "Using the love between two siblings to torment them, pitting them against each other… he's pure evil."
"But I thought… Kohaku was dead?" Wait, what. Kohaku? That boy I met earlier… he was wearing the same outfit as Sango. He had a similar weapon. If Kohaku was the name of Sango's younger brother then-oh gods. No wonder he looked so familiar. But how is that possible? "Didn't the castle guards kill him?"
Kagome shook her head. "Yes… but then Naraku implanted a jewel shard into his neck. It's how his life is sustained, but also what lets Naraku control him. He tainted the shard, coloring it black and removing most of Kohaku's free will. Sometimes he'll possess him and have Kohaku fight Sango, knowing it would break both their hearts."
What the hell is wrong with Naraku?
"So… Kohaku is alive a-and… oh dear." I turned my head, looking back in the direction I came from. I really wanted to talk to him now. "It… frick."
"What is it?" Kagome asked, noticing how distracted I suddenly appeared. I looked at her and then at the road, glancing back-and-forth for a moment. "Irene?'
"Okay. So. I'm about to do something really stupid. Don't tell Sango!"
"What!?" She blinked, startled. "What do you mean?"
As I walked backwards, I snapped my fingers and grinned at her idiotically. "Wellll~ I might have met a boy named Kohaku earlier. I repeat; I'mma do somethin' stupid, so don't tell Sango! I don't want her mad at me! Or… sad. Byeeee!"
"W-Wait, Irene, come back!" She shouted, starting to follow, before deciding to run off in another direction. "No, no, no! This is bad!"
"Sorry!" I shouted, quickening my pace. Kagome was definitely running off to tell Sango, wasn't she? "Come on, come on, come on- where is he!?"
Kohaku had to be nearby. Right? Maybe he was back at the place with the cat? If he was a demon slayer he was probably clearing the area of demons, seeing as he appeared to be himself at that time when we were speaking. He was such a kind boy, so why…? Why did Naraku have to do something like that?
The more I hear the more I want to kick the evil half-demon in the face.
Scared that Sango or Kagome would show up sooner or later to stop me from talking to Kohaku again, I decided to say screw it and break out into a paced jog. It hurt, my lungs burned, and I wanted to pass out… but I needed to find him. I wanted to confirm he was her Kohaku.
I skidded to a stop at a turn and spun on my heels, hopping on one foot as I tripped until I regained my balance and continued to power walk. I was so close to the area where we met. A few feet away I saw a man with a bow, complaining about not being able to catch enough for dinner. "E-Excuse… Excuse me!" I wheezed, raising a hand up and stumbling over to him. He turned, eyes wide when he saw me wobbling. "H-Have… Have you seen a boy anywhere? W-Wearing armor…"
"...Yes? The one that was playing with the cat?"
I nodded fervently, hands on my knees as I struggled to catch my breath. The man raised a hand and gestured to the area ahead.
"He was over there a minute ago. The boy was walking off into the trees."
Seriously? Of course he was. Wait, the cat's still there… so why did Kohaku leave it? "Th-Thank you… um, good luck hunting!" I passed the man, reaching into my vest and pulling out my rescue. I shook it and used it, inhaling deeply, before putting it away and walking towards the cat. "Hey, kitty… everything good? You see Kohaku anywhere?"
The cat meowed. Then it began to walk towards the broken gate, fitting itself between the gaps and sliding through.
"W-Wait! It's not safe! Kitty, come back!" I chased after, walking around the broken gate and stepping through some bushes. "H-Hey!" I stumbled, tripping over a root, and caught myself. As I walked out of the bush I found myself stepping out onto another dirt road. "What the…? Dude, was this always here?"
I looked back-and-forth, deciding that this was a very dumb idea. Maybe Kagome will show up with help in time to save me from demons… or perhaps not. Okay, calm down. We can do this. Where'd the cat go?
"In times of doubt… follow the yellow brick road." I muttered, talking to myself and walking down the pathway. I could see someone up ahead, approaching what appeared to be a cliffside. Squinting, I could make out black and yellow. "Kohaku? Kohaku, wait up!" I quickened my pace, getting closer and seeing that, right before the person entered the cave, it was indeed Kohaku. "Frick!"
I don't want to enter that cave. I hate being alone in dark places. Urk. I glanced behind me one more time, really hoping Inuyasha might show up. Kagome went to get help, didn't she? Because I told her I was going to do something stupid about Kohaku? She wouldn't just let me die, would she? I don't think she would; she's put in so much effort to keep me functioning. Well…
Let's do this.
"Screw it." I said, motivating myself and forcing my feet to move. I entered the cave slowly, looking around and stopping until my eyes adjusted to the darkness. I could see something above on the ceiling, looking almost like bats. "Those are definitely bats…"
Question is: are they normal bats or demon bats?
I didn't plan to find out. I walked by slowly, keeping my breathing as slow and calm as possible. My heart was pounding loudly in my chest, the anxiety and fear coming back to me. I could hear Kohaku's footsteps, so I tried following the sound. And I did, until the noise abruptly disappeared. Where'd he go?
Frick, frick. This is how people die in horror movies, isn't it? I need to get out of here. I shouldn't have done this after all.
"One, two… three, four!" A man suddenly exclaimed, causing me to jump and let out a small shriek. I fell back and landed hard on my rear, wincing and letting out a grunt. "Wha-? Who's there!?"
"M-Me! It's me! I'm sorry!" I held my hands up defensively, seeing an older man with a pick ax turning around to glare at me. He must be the dad of the one boy's friend. "I-I was looking for someone a-and-and-!"
The man walked forward, staring down at me. "A priestess? What are you doing on this back road? I thought no one else knew about it…"
"B-Back road?" I stammered. A thought came to me. "D-Does it… Does it go to the castle?"
"I think… oh! No! I said too much!" He cringed, bringing a hand to his face. "Damn…"
"Really? Oh, thank goodness!" I stood. "My friends and I were trying to get to the castle to kill some demons! W-We won't tell anyone else, though; I promise!"
He stared at me for a long moment. "...Okay, good. If people find out about this road, I won't have my chance to strike gold."
"Good luck!" I turned, but stopped. "W-Wait! I almost forgot! Did you see anyone else come by?"
"Nope. Just you. Now, if you don't mind… I'm gonna get back to mining."
"O-Okay. Thanks. Bye!"
Well, that was a dead end on Kohaku… but at least I have a way to the castle now. Maybe that will make up for me always getting into trouble. I sighed and ruffled my hair, walking away into another part of the cave. I opened my eyes and blinked, stopping uncertainly and casting a quick glance to take in my surroundings.
"This is… the right way, isn't it?"
I feel like I'm going in circles. Hold on- up ahead! Is that…? It is! I moved closer, a relieved smile on my face at the sight of a familiar person. The boy turned, hearing my footsteps.
"Kohaku! Finally! I've been looking for you everywhere!" I huffed, placing my hands on my hips as I stopped in front of him. "I have several questions for you! First of all, do… uh, do you have a sister? One by the name of Sango…?"
"Wh-What?" He looked alarmed. "Irene, you shouldn't be in here; it's dangerous! Demons are-"
He cut himself off, something dark taking over his expression. His eyes- they looked… empty. I took a step back, a bad feeling forming and washing over me. I really didn't like that look on his face. "K-Kohaku…? You okay?" The boy stepped forward, reaching behind him and grabbing the kusarigama he had been so kind as to show me before. He tossed the blade up in the air and grabbed the chain, swinging it above his head.
Frick. Oh gods. Oh gods, oh gods; this is it. He's Sango's brother, alright. Which means I need to get out of here! But which way was the exit?
I didn't have time to ponder, because as soon as I made to move Kohaku threw his weapon at me. A sharp pain exploded in my left arm as it sliced through my flesh, the boy dashing forward as I fell back and yanking on the chain, pulling it back to him. I waved my hand rapidly through the air, a small red flame forming at the tips of my fingers, but while I was scared I couldn't form… hate towards Kohaku. I couldn't be angry at him.
This proved to be a mistake.
"S-Stop it!" I cried, grabbing at the ground when the chain dangling from the end of his blade wrapped around my ankles, trying to drag me towards him. I clawed at the stone and dirt, tearing at my nails in the process. I thrashed my legs until my feet slid out, scrambling into a standing position. "Gah!"
He threw his kusarigama at me again, slashing my legs to knock me down and prevent me from running. I tried to move, but the blood kept gushing out at a horrifying rate. I couldn't breathe. I stared up at Kohaku fearfully, understanding what Kagome meant when she said Kohaku had no control of himself. The boy I knew was gentle, kind; he was exactly what Sango said he was.
But the person in front of me now… he was merciless, unforgiving. He couldn't feel guilt or shame; I don't even think Kohaku knew what he was doing.
And that made it worse.
"P-Please don't…"
I don't want to die. I flinched when he began to swing the chain above his head again, throwing it directly at me. It wrapped around my arms, and when he pulled I was dragged forwards towards him. Was he… not going to kill me? Did Naraku really need me for something? What for? Either way, this whole situation hurt. Both physically and emotionally.
I tried to fight back, to pull my arms towards me, but he was so much stronger than me. "K-Kohaku, don't you recognize me? W-We were just talking, remember!? You were playing with the cat..."
The boy paused, his eyebrows knitting together as he stared at me. My blood coated the blade in his hands. For a second I thought I had gotten through to him, but his eyes glazed over once more and he stepped forward, grabbing me and forcing me onto my feet. I yelped, legs nearly giving out due to how deep the wounds were.
"Ow!"
He started to drag me to the other side of the cave, but came to a halt upon the sound of something swinging through the air. "Stop this, Kohaku!" A familiar voice begged, and next thing I knew Kohaku had shoved me roughly to the side as he jumped back- avoiding the hiraikotsu that swung at him. Sango had arrived.
A gust of wind in the room caught everyone's attention and Kagura appeared, walking up with her fan held tight in her hands. Her partially burned face was twisted in anger. "You're useless!" She told Kohaku, scowling at him. "Can't you capture one pathetic girl!?"
I twisted in the chains I was in, using my teeth to try and unwind them from my arms. Sango dashed over, leaping in the air and catching her weapon as it doubled back to her. "Kagura! Haven't you had enough already!? What do you want with Irene!?"
"What do I want?" She mused. "That's a funny question. I don't want anything to do with her, maybe aside from killing her. No, Naraku wants her for something involving our new friend… Anastasia's the one you should be asking."
"I won't let you get away with this!" Sango growled, standing in front of me protectively and readying the hiraikotsu. She wasn't even wearing her armor. Did… Did she rush here in a panic? I told Kagome not to tell her so this wouldn't happen! She's going to get badly hurt. "You're still wounded from our last fight; do you really want to risk fighting us again!?"
Kagura scoffed. The arm Kirara had bit was in a sling, her burns still visible despite clearly having been healed. "You wish. I'm not the person directly doing anything… Kohaku is the one who's going to capture this girl. Now don't do anything reckless, Sango; remember, your brother's life hangs in the balance."
Sango's eyes widened and a pained look crossed her face, bitter and pained. "You heathen…"
"Now go on, Kohaku! Grab the brat!"
Finally freeing myself from the chains, I looked up in time to see the boy running right at me. Sango held up her hiraikotsu defensively, but it was all she could to protect me as the boy jumped and used it as a boost, leaping through the air and pushing himself off a wall towards me. I panicked and grabbed the chain, trying to throw it at him to catch his leg, but he avoided it and caught it with his hand.
"Don't you get it!?" Kagura shouted. "You resist and Kohaku loses his life!"
Wait, what!? I thought that was only for Sango! Why me, too? Frick!
Kohaku swung the blade at me, but there was nothing I could do. The Shikigami weren't responding because my emotions weren't reacting with him as usual. They couldn't do anything with them. And if I attack Kohaku or even try to defend myself Naraku will kill him! There's no winning in this situation.
I-I need to do something! I rolled to the side, narrowing avoiding the kusarigama as it clanged off the stone. Anything! I don't want to die!
There has to something in this cave that can help. It's full of stone and rocks, right? That means there must be Serpentine Rock in here. If I can find it then I can-!
A scream ripped out of my lips as his weapon made contact with my back. I crashed hard onto my front and for a moment everything went black. When my eyes opened I could hear Kagura applauding Kohaku on his good work and Sango cursing her and Naraku, the female slayer's hands shaking as she gripped her weapon tightly. "I-I can't do anything…" Sango whimpered, squeezing her eyes tightly shut. "I'm so sorry…"
No. No, don't cry. This is why I didn't want you to come. I told Kagome not to tell you.
"Freaking hell…" I bit out, cringing. My body seriously hurt. "Jerks…"
If I can just focus…
"How did that stupid p-prayer go?"
I sniffed, struggling to push myself up. My arms felt like jello. I could hear Sango crying in the background. I wanted to make that stop. My beloved friend… please. I can't stand that noise; it twists something in my heart. This is all my fault.
No, it's not… I realized. Naraku is to blame.
He caused all of this. My fingers curled into fists and I sat on my knees, glaring at Kagura. She raised an eyebrow at me, intrigued, opening her fan and covering the burnt part of her face. Kohaku's footsteps were heading right at me. He was close. If I didn't do something now I would be brought to Naraku and probably killed, or worse- end up being controlled like Sango's brother. I can't let that happen. I refuse.
Shikigami… A red light shined at my feet and I pushed myself onto my feet, swaying from dizziness. I glared at nothing in the distance, eyes glimmering with rage. ...One more time.
I lifted a hand up, pointing it at the ceiling above Kagura and Kohaku's heads.
ATTACK!
Kagura swung her fan out to the side as soon the fire made contact with the ceiling, rocks crumbling down upon them. "Damn it! So this is what you were plotting!?" Her winds managed to move the rocks just enough to avoid the two of them being crushed, the debris separating us from Kagura and Kohaku as a result. Sango dashed forward, holding her hand out uselessly as she watched them fly away one of the wind sorceress' feathers before they could be completely buried.
"Kohaku!" The female demon slayer cried, eyes red and puffy with tears. Her arm lowered, hand curled against her chest as she lowered her head, voice quiet and shaky. Her lips curled back as she choked down a sob. "No… Kohaku…"
She fell to her knees, bringing her hands to her face. It took all the remaining strength I had to walk over to her, collapsing onto my rear once I was in reach. I was so lightheaded. "S-Sango… are you okay?"
"H-He's gone again…" The woman whispered. "Every time… I fail to stop him. A-And now... Irene, you…"
"...Sorry…"
"No." She shook her head, sniffling and taking a deep breath. Sango raised her head and looked at me. "I'm the one who should be sorry. I… I let you get hurt because of him. There's no excuse. I should be begging you for forgiveness…"
"N-Nothing…" I wheezed, grinning weakly at her. "...to forgive. You… can't fight him. H-He's your brother."
Her eyes widened. She then froze, feeling my arms around her shoulders.
"It's okay… I promise." So please stop crying. I don't like seeing you sad. It hurts. "I'm not mad."
A strangled noise escaped Sango's throat and she wrapped her arms tightly around my back, fingers digging into my kimono, narrowly avoiding my wounds. Her face pressed into my shoulder. She was trembling so badly; I didn't know what to do to make her feel better. So I did the only thing I could and mimicked what Maria did when I was upset, and I ran my fingers lightly up-and-down her back to comfort her.
"I'm sorry," She sobbed, "I'm so sorry."
"It's okay."
I wasn't sure how long we sat there, hugging each other and crying. I wondered how long Sango kept her feelings about Kohaku locked up, remaining strong around the group knowing that her younger brother was being forced to do terrible things. That she couldn't help him or stop him, no matter what she tried, without Naraku threatening to take Kohaku's life. If such a thing happened with Maria… I don't think I could withstand it.
It's too heartbreaking.
After a while Sango stopped crying, simply sitting there in my arms, and when she finally pulled away she refused to look at me. She wiped at her face, make-up completely ruined, hiccuping and sniffling whilst she did so. "I… I'm sorry. You didn't need to see me like that…"
I waved a hand lazily in the air, grinning foolishly. "It's fine, it's fine~ I cry all the time. Besides, I love hugs. They make you feel all nice and fuzzy inside."
A small giggle escaped her lips at that. She took a shaky breath and turned back to look at me. "I'm glad I found you when I did. A hunter found me and told me you went looking for a young boy dressed as a demon slayer… so I hurried as fast as I could."
I blinked. "Kagome wasn't the one to tell you?"
Sango knit her eyebrows together, frowning. "No… did you tell her you found Kohaku?"
"...I told her I found someone with the name Kohaku and that I was gonna do somethin' stupid, right after she told me your brother was alive and named Kohaku."
She sighed. "You're so reckless, Irene…"
"Hey~ so are you! And… everyone else. I'm just limited in how reckless I can be." Gods, I'm so sleepy. I yawned loudly, lowering my head as my eyelids drooped. "We should… probably go back to the others… and tell them about… the back road." Another yawn. Sango's head shot up, eyes wide.
"Back road?"
I nodded tiredly, waving a hand in the general direction of where I found the miner earlier. "Leads… to the castle. Can take it to get to Naraku. Yay…"
"Th-That's wonderful! ...Irene, are you okay? Oh, that's stupid question. Here."
She hoisted me up in her arms and carried me out of the cave, hiraikotsu strapped to her back.
…
We got back to the hut, but no one was there. Sango quickly got to work nursing my wounds, using the medicine Kagome had left behind in the hut. After she stitched my legs she began to bandage them, and as she did that she looked at me and asked, "Irene… why did you go alone?"
I blinked a couple times, brain not completely registering the question at first due to how exhausted it was. "Uh… what?" Sango sighed at me, finishing the knot and pulling my pants leg back down. She sat next to me, hands on her lap. Her expression was totally serious.
"Back in the cave… you said Kagome told you about Kohaku. You must have known that Naraku was using him, so why did you confront him alone? You were nearly killed, nonetheless captured! You should have told somebody!"
"I… did?" I was so confused. "I told you… I said to Kagome, "I'm gonna do somethin' stupid, don't tell Sango". I didn't want you sad or mad or… yeah. But Kagome ran off, so I figured she went and got you- but you said the hunter found you. "
"You should have told me!" Sango raised her voice and I flinched. Her expression softened and she reached out, placing a hand on my arm gently. "Irene… don't do things by yourself anymore. We're a team, right? More than that… we're friends. We're supposed to help each other."
"...I was trying to help…" I murmured quietly, feeling my eyes water. I grabbed the cloth of my hakama, clinging to it. "I-I went after him to confirm it was him, so I could let you know later he was okay. W-We were talking earlier and playing with a cat… a-and he was really nice to me. When he saw me in the cave he tried to warn me about the demons, b-but then Naraku took over. I-I just wanted you to smile again."
"Irene…"
"Hey!" The beaded door slammed open and Inuyasha stormed into the hut, Kagome, Shippō, and Miroku right behind him. "What the hell happened with you two!?"
Shippō hopped off of Miroku's shoulder and bounded on over to me, clinging to my arm. "Kagome came running looking for all of us saying you went searching for Kohaku on your own! A-And we couldn't find Sango anywhere!"
"You guys didn't get hurt, did you?" Miroku inquired, stepping forward and raking his eyes over our forms. "Irene, your clothes are covered in dirt and blood!"
"I-It's just a few scratches…" I stammered. I really didn't like him, but he actually looked concerned about me. It was strange. Wasn't he just a pervert? "I'll be fine. Sango fixed me up, so…"
Kagome let out a heavy sigh of relief, shoulders slumping over. "You seriously like to stress me out…"
"S-Sorry…" I cringed. "I-I don't intend to, but… it just kinda happens."
"Well," She said, placing her hands on her hips, "what matters is that you're safe now. Sango… how are you feeling? You didn't have to… you know…"
The woman looked at the ground, not answering for a moment. "I couldn't. But Irene used her Shikigami and scared them off."
"Them?" Inuyasha pressed.
"Kagura." Sango answered. Inuyasha clicked his tongue and cursed. "I guess you were right when you said you could smell her near the village the other day. Because she was here."
"Hmm…" Miroku hummed deeply, thinking about this. "I wonder if they knew we were coming here. Were they prepared for us to arrive? So quickly, too?"
Sango shook her head. "I'm not sure, but whatever it is they want Irene for something. Kagura told Kohaku to capture her, not to kill her. I think the only reason he kept attacking was to prevent her from escaping. Otherwise she might already be dead."
Oooh, I do not like that thought. "Um… when I tried to talk to him earlier- he… stopped for a moment." Everyone looked at me. "I-I think, even under Naraku's control, he can still hear us. So, Sango, I think… if we see him again… your voice might be able to reach him."
"...Really?" I nodded. "That's… good. Kohaku is still in there."
"Are you sure you're okay, Sango?" Miroku asked, stepping forward and kneeling down in front of us. He frowned, looking deeply concerned about her. "I know how much it hurts you when you have to face him… You can tell me anything, you know that."
Sango's face flushed a little and she ducked her head, fighting a smile. "I-It's alright. I already talked things out with Irene, so… I'm feeling a lot better now. At the moment, I'm more worried about her injuries. It'll be hard for her to walk the way she is right now."
"Pfft, I'll be fine!" I waved my hand again. "Don't worry about it! I'm used to getting beat up now!"
"That's… not a good thing." Shippō commented. He pressed his face to my arm and I paused, feeling almost guilty for trying to be my normal self and joking around the pain. "I was really scared when we couldn't find you… Please don't disappear again, Irene."
"...I'm sorry, Shippō." I reached over and slid my arm out of his grasp, pulling him up onto my lap. I pat his head gently. "I'll try not to do it again. Sango already gave me a lecture on that."
"Good! B-because I won't forgive you if you leave!" He said, sniffling.
"Irene," Miroku began, facing me, "where were you hurt?"
I blinked. "My… uh, arm was sliced and my legs got pretty cut up. But, like I said- Sango fixed me up, so-"
"Let me see."
"What; no! Stop that!" I smacked his hand away when he tried to get near my hakama. Miroku was persistent, setting his staff down and using both hands to try and lift up my pants legs. "I said stop it!"
"I-I'm just showing concern! It'll be good to get a second opinion on-!"
My foot made contact with his face and he was sent sprawling back, chuckling to himself.
"Ah, my goodness… those shapely legs certainly can kick!" Ew. Ew. Ew. So much gross. I curled up and scooted over to Sango, clinging her tightly and staring at Miroku disturbed. Shippō shook his head at him from my shoulder, making "tsk" sounds. "Mmhm." The monk sat up and rubbed his face, looking quite satisfied despite not accomplishing his mission. Lecher. "Eh- Sango, why do you look so mad…?"
"Keep. Your hands. Off her!" She growled. "Or do I have to beat your head in, too!?"
"And now he's gone and made her angry." Inuyasha said, rolling his eyes as he leaned against the wall. "Surprise, surprise…"
"Anyway," Kagome began, clapping her hands together, "excitement aside… did someone find out anything about how to get to the castle?"
Everyone began to shake their heads and inform each other of their bad luck, before I excitedly began to wave my hands in the air. They almost looked startled by my act of childishness. "I did, I did! Sango and I found a cave!"
"How's a cave gonna get us closer to the castle?" Inuyasha demanded, raising an eyebrow.
I pouted. "It's through the cave. There's a back road!"
Shippō looked at me. "You're in a good mood today. Last time I've seen you this happy was back at Kaede's when Kagome first made the bentos."
"I'm comfortable now." I responded, shrugging. "It's weird. But anyway! When I was looking for Kohaku I found this miner who was searching for gold, and he said that the path leads to the castle!"
Inuyasha grinned. "You really do seem enthusiastic today. Finally! You've stopped moping."
"As I said," I began once more, grinning, "I'm comfortable. Sango and I are officially besties and, like, I mean, we're closer to finding Maria! I'm excited! Today's a good day! Minus… you know, the sad parts."
He snorted. "Is that how it works?"
I pointed at him. "...Yes!"
Densuke suddenly walked into the room from the back. "Your beds are ready, everyone! Will you be staying the night again?"
Sango nodded. "It would probably be a good idea. We can head out early in the morning."
"Alrighty!" Kagome exclaimed, heading over to grab her pajamas, "I'm all for sleeping in a bed one more time before having to go back to grass! Woo!"
"Goodnight, guys!" Shippō exclaimed, bouncing off after Kagome to join her for cuddles. "Sleep tight! Don't let the demons bite!"
That was adorable. I grimaced when I tried to stand, the pain in my legs making it hard to walk. Kohaku's kusarigama was seriously sharp. He really didn't hold back. Actually, he probably did considering I'm still alive. Oof. That's stressful.
"Here, let me help you." Sango said, wrapping one of her arms around my waist. "It's the least I can do after today."
"Th-Thank you…"
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