The Ribbon That Binds Us (Chapter Seven: The Return of A Familiar Face)

Kikyou continuously stared at the stranger, no... He was no stranger, but a familiar face. The only difference was a diagonal scar on his left cheek, thoughts shuffling about, to recall where she could have met him before. However, before she could even think of it any further, the voice of the male across from the three of them, pulled her away from her thoughts. It would seem that Kikyou would indeed need to think on this later.

"Just who the hell are you?"

"I'm afraid it's rude, to ask when you haven't even introduced yourself"

"Keh! Fine, have it your way" he said aloud, but the scent from the other male... He was human.

The red head simply watched the red-clad demon, Kikyou on the other hand just watched the two before reaching back to draw out two arrows from her quiver. The dog man's ears moved at the sound and glanced at Kikyou, jumping at her then for a strike at her bow with his long claws. However, just as he neared her, the red head had leapt in his direction himself, drawing out his sword to strike at the male's arm in a diagonal motion from the left. In quick reaction however, the silver haired male drew his hand back and moved from the sword's path.

Soon, either of the men stood across from each other. One, being in front of the priestess, sword drawn and blank face, while the other crouched down with a low growl escaping him. Kikyou had her bow ready by then, as she watched the two, she merely needed an opening yet that man stood in her way.

Both watched each other's movements, but neither moved... Yet. A light breeze passed the field momentarily and soon faded.

"Keh! If you hadn't going to attack, I'll come after you" he shouted, before running right for him, silver hair fluttering behind as time seemed to slow then.

Just then, the second male's movement was to crouch, ready for a leap to counter the attack, however that was shortened when two arrows shot at the demon seeking for strike him down, resulting him being pinned to a tree by his sleeves. The pinned male gulped at the sight of Kikyou aiming another arrow towards him, instead of choosing to shoot, she didn't release the arrow just yet. And in that time, the other had stood as he sheathed his sword. He, too appeared, just a tad bit confused yet merely looked back at Kikyou witout questioning her reason.

"Why do you keep doing that?! Why do you never finish me off?!" he shouted at her.

Just as the other male was about to retort for Kikyou, she spoke before he did.

"I have something to ask of you, half demon... Why did you not kill me that night, it would have been easy, given my condition"

Amber eyes sent her a glare followed by a growl, what did that woman take him for?

"I don't fight dirty, that's why!"

Kikyou was unphased by his shouting, but let out a small laugh, to either of the men's surprise. Even Kaede was shocked by the laughter coming from her sister, no matter how short lived it may have been.

"What's so funny...?" he growled out, as his ear flattened against his head.

"I have yet, something else to ask you, half demon... What name do you go by? You must have a name although you are just a half demon"

"He you, quit calling me a half demon, would ya?!"

The other strangely clothed male looked between the two, with bright blue colored eyes. If was not confused before, he was now. What exactly was this half demon, they kept bickering about. Heck, he wasn't even sure how he kept running into strange beasts, or exactly how he wandered here... Okay, that was a bit of an oerexageration. He knew he was in the territory of Japan, but what were those beasts. The one's that attacked him during his travels were, in fact, demons? That could explain their strength and stamia, even their speed.

"Then tell me your name, and I will never call you a half demon again"

"... It's InuYasha" he gruffed out.

Kikyou remained like a statue, with the arrow pointed right for his neck and InuYasha felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek with his eyes growing wide. She, however lowered her bow and the arrow with it, surpising all three of the people surrounding her. Two more then the other, at least.

"Will you stop that?! Why do you never finish me off?!" He shouted out as Kikyou started to turn on her heel.

"Stop coming after the Jewel, I have no wish to waste more arrows" she said upon turning partially, allowing auburn to me amber.

Forgotten, it seemed like, the other male stood there and stared at her retreating form which was soon followed by smaller girl. So, it seemed the woman he'd saved that day had a younger sister. His train of thought was interupted when he heard the shouts and struggles of the one called InuYasha. Turning his head, blue eyes met with angry amber eyes.

"And you, just who the hell are you?!"

The red head offered him a small smile, despite the rudeness he'd shown. Slowly, he turned to look in the direction which the two sisters had disspeared and begun to walk that way too.

"Hey! I'm talking to you!"

"If you must know, my name is Kenshin"

Despite the glare Kenshin obviously felt on the back of his head, he continued to walk in the direction of where the two sisters had went. Upon walking for a while longer he was met with the sight of a small village. It's houses small, but cozy enough for a small home. Some children seen running and playing together while the mid-aged were seen tending to the fields. So... this is where she resided. Peaceful. A small smile suddenly surfaced on his lips, but quickly faded in feeling someone behind him.

Turning around he was met with the same woman he'd once rescued on that snowy day, and she held arrow aimed for his torso. Kenshin lifted his hands up, palms facing in her direction and waving them about. A bead of sweat rolling from his cheek then, as well.

"Please, do not..."

"Who are you? Why do you look like someone..."

Her first initial thought was that perhaps, by some small chance, a demon had disguised as himself as Kenshin. The young man, that had once saved her from the cold. No... That couldn't be it. His aura showed no signs of possession either. Kikyou lowered her bow after some consideration, and returned the arrow into it's place in the quiver at her back.

"Oro?..." he spoke out in a whisper, blinking several times before sighing out his relief.

Kikyou turned on her heel but did not step away just yet, that alone was enough to catch his attention.

"What is your purpose here?"

"Purpose...?" he repeated.

Kenshin's eyes found themselves glancing back over his shoulder at the village, Kikyou too gazed over her shoulder, but regarded him instead, while patiently awaiting an answer.

"You're more distant then I remember"

That statement had caught her off guard and she found herself turning her head again, taking some time to retain her stoic impression.

"I am a priestess, Kenshin... Was it?"

"Yes" he answered simply, as blue eyes fell on her back.

"... Come along with me"

Upon reaching the village with him, either were met with smiles and whispers from the farmers were heard somewhat, even some of the children stopped to stare curiously at the strange red head but he just offered them a smile and continued after Kikyou. As they entered the small hut in which she lived, Kenshin took in the sight. Two beds were placed by the fire, with a cooking pot placed over that very flame. Observing some more, he noted there wasn't much more save for the bows by the door, and an extra priestess attire, as well as some choice furniture further into the hut, like a low table, that perhaps contained certain things. Kiyou's voice interupted his thoughts then.

"Why have you come here? Is there a demon that I must slay?"

"Oro?"

Kikyou turned her head to look at him, just as she knelt down to reach for the kettle once she'd placed down her bow and quiver. Kenshin smiled to her and chose to kneel across from her, once she'd offered a cup a tea. He couldn't very well deny her hospitality.

Some time had passed and they were speaking to each other through the morning, either speaking of their hardships but leaving out some certain... Details. But within each other company, was quite nice. Keshin had decided to stay for now, and with some convincing, Kikyou allowed it. She had went on her afternoon and evening rounds, giving Kenshin the chance to explore the village and offering whatever assistance he could offer to the elderly and such.

Later that morning, nearing the afternoon however, Kaede was out gathering some herbs for her sister. She'd picked up a particular one and smiled, reminding herself then that this specific herb was one that reduced swelling. Her thoughts were interupted however in hearing an approaching demon, looking to her right, her fears were realized. An seemingly injured centipede demon was approaching, that alone was enough to get her on her small feet and run the opposite direction. The demon had the top of a woman, from the waist down however, was that of a centipede. She had six arms and low flowing black hair.

"Help me!" Kaede yelled as she ran.

"I shall take you hostage, and get the Sacred Jewel from that priestess Kikyou" the demon said, as it easily caught up to her.

Just as the woman centipede was about to sweep Kaede off the grassy ground, a loud yell from some feet away interupted that course of action.

"Get down kid!" InuYasha shouted, as soon as the girl crouched down with hands over her head, he struck.

Extending his claws towards the centipede, just as they begun to glow a bright yellow color. Surprise came over the face of the demon centipede, but it was much too late for her to move. InuYasha's claws easily tore through her face and whatever remained of her body. With that having been done, he landed some feet behind Kaede and turned to stare at his work, with a smirk and crack of his knuckles.

"No way would I let a weakling demon like you, get their hands on the Sacred Jewel from under my nose"

Kaede lowered her hands to glance back at the remains of the demon, before glancing to InuYasha. She found herself approaching him timidly, to which had him lower his amber gaze on her with an arched brow.

"Umm... Thank you for saving me" she said with a slight bow of her head.

"You got it all wrong kid, I just don't want anyone else getting the Sacred Jewel" he said to her, while turning his head to the side with eyes shut.

After everything had been said and done, Kaede returned to inform her elder sister about the demon and who had taken chance to slay her. Kikyou and some of the villagers, along with Kaede travelled over to a strange well near their homes. The bones of the slain centipede demon were in a cart that the three humas pulled over. In moments, the bones were tossed over into the well, soon followed by a prayer spell from Kikyou.

Even later in the afternoon, Kikyou found herself sitting in a grass field. Keeping her awareness up, to be sure that no demons would attack her unexpectedly, though even if they did, she could easily do them in. The only demonic energy she sensed, if the tingling within her were any indication, were that of InuYasha. A light breeze passed her frame then, but she remained still.

"InuYasha, you're there, aren't you? Why not come down?"

Rustling in the trees behind her, indicated that he was indeed there. He was peeking out at her with a curious glance but soon found himself crouched some feet from her, staring at her intently. He kept his guard up for a reason, that was how he'd survived this long after all.

"This is the first time we've spoken this close" she finally said aloud, breaking the silence.

"So what's your point?"

"I understand you saved my sister, Kaede" her head turned to him, gazing at his face.

"Oh that" he said simply, turning his head and raising his nose in the air while his eyes closed.

"I wanted to thank you too" she responded, followed with a mid-bow of her head.

"Trust me... The gratitude thing doesn't look good on you"

Some silence fell onto them again, as another breeze passed their sitting forms. Both were silent for a time or so longer, that is until Kikyou turned her head to look at him yet again.

"InuYasha, how do I look like to you? Do I seem human?"

"Huh? What are you going about now?" he said, taken aback by her question.

Kikyou stared at him, but after a brief pause, she turned her head to look at the horizon. InuYasha, merely watched her a time longer, before doing the same.

"I must show weakness to no one, I must never have doubts, or demons would overcome me"

Another brief pause from her, and yet another glance from the half demon, InuYasha as he let her speak.

"I am human, yet I cannot be human... We're quite alike, you and I, you a half demon, that's why I could not kill you"

"Heh! Is that suppose an excuse? That really doesn't seem like you" InuYasha pushed himself into a standing position and turned to walk away as he spoke.

Yet, something stopped him afterjust two steps, turning his head to look over his shoulder, he was met with her smile. Small as it may be, but there was something more... Her eyes seemed so sad, and lonely. That's when realization hit, they were alike.

"You're right, I suppose it's not like me"

InuYasha and Kikyou found themselves staring at each other then, for what may have seemed like forever when it reality, it had just been a moment or so. Kikyou chose then to stand, staring at her with that small smile still in place.

"InuYasha?"

"Huh? What is it?" InuYasha responded, broken from his trance.

"Nevemind, I-it's... Nothing" she said, turning to walk away.

InuYasha merely watched her as she did, his thoughts slowly being filled with her name.

"Kikyou, come back here tomorrow" he cried out to her.

That halted her walk, and she turned partially with a curious gaze in his direction. The sight of her stare then, had him glance elsewhere, red coloring his cheeks in the slightest.

"What I mean is, I have something I want to give you"

"You want to give me something? That's good, because I have something I've been thinking of giving you" repeating what he said, before smiling again with a bit of a more cheery tone.

"The Sacred Jewel?" he said, looking back at her with growing hopes.

"No such thing"

"Keh... Should have known" he placed either hands on his hips, turning his head away.

Night had approached fairly quickly then, Kenshin had long since been asleep, against the wall by the door. She'd offered him to stay the night, due to the work he'd done for the village all day. Currently, Kikyou knelt down before the table which held a box on it's surface that contained many pearls and few fang shaped ones as well. Between two of her fingers, was a small dark colored pearl, she seemed to be putting an enchantment on that very one. Kikyou opened her eyes once she felt someone approach her, looking back to see her younger sister, she smiled in the slightest.

"Aren't those the beads of subjugation? Are you planning to give those to InuYasha?"

"Yes, I am. It may be a little underhanded of me but these will prevent InuYasha from doing anymore wrong"

Kaede watched her older sister as she turned her head to look at the pearl once again, that sat between two of her fingers.

"Now then, what trigger word could I use to make the beads take effect?"

Slowly, worry begun to creep it's way into Kaede's heart as she continued to stare at her sister, but she could put a finger on it, as to why. Kikyou came to a realization then, her hand lowering to her lap, and her smile fading.

"That's right, I've almost forgotten... That priestess, Tsubaki placed a curse on me..." Kikyou said aloud, as she recalled the incident in her mind.

"The path I choose, is one of carnage, so why should I start fearing an unnatural death?"

"Sister Kikyou..."

"Now for the beads, beloved... That's a good trigger word"

Little did the sisters know, a certain redhead had heard a good part of their conversation. Blue eyes opened slightly to look up at the two, but made no other movement.

~~*~~ Sorry I stopped it here but, I think this chapter is long enough. I don't want to put a whole book in this chapter. x3. Anyway, hope this is enough for now. Much love everyone. ~~*~~