It's been a year since I've updated this sorry and I apologize to those who were frequent readers. I'm going to try and finish it now, but it's up to you readers. Encourage me! Let me know if I should finish! Just Pm, Read, REVIEW. Only then will I update more and finish.

Now...Enjoy!

Chapter 6: For You I Will

She ran pass the trees, the bushes, the small animals and the insects. She didn't care that her clothes were being torn, she didn't care that she was being scraped by the twigs, and branches. It did not bother her that she was panting. She didn't care for those things. No. All that mattered was reaching Rin.

Bankotsu kept up with ease. She expected that of him, but he wasn't her concern. The sun was setting, and she had to get the girl before then. They were almost to the village. Misaki could see the opening. They thrashed through the bushes, startling the nearby villagers.

"Princess?" a puzzled man said.

"I'm sorry, I must be going," Misaki replied as she made her way through the people.

The people watched her passing figure, confused. They noticed Bankotsu pass by as well. Their confusion grew. They wondered what could have happened to cause their princess to be on edge. Misaki and Bankotsu passed more, confused villagers. Misaki payed them no mind. Misaki focused only on reaching her goal, and she saw it up ahead.

"We're here," Misaki said, entering a hut. Bankotsu followed suit.

A woman sat inside with two children. One infant, and Rin. The woman stood up, holding the infant, "Princess, what brings you here?" she asked.

Misaki was panting. She looked at the woman, and the woman could see concern in her eyes. Misaki waited a while before speaking.

"Please, Rin, come with me," Misaki said.

"What?" The woman said.

"Bankotsu can you pick her up?" Misaki asked.

He nodded, "Sure," He walked over to the confused child.

Rin cowered away from Bankotsu. She remembered him. The last time she saw him was when the pain came. It was the extreme pain in her side. She feared it might happen again. She backed away, but was cornered. Bankotsu grabbed her small arm and lifted her up.

"What's this all about?" the woman demanded.

"Your daughter is in danger," Misaki said. "I can't go into much detail right now, but I'll be taking her to my castle."

"What? In danger?"

"There's a demon who will be after your daughter," Bankotsu said. The woman snapped her head towards him. "There's something inside of your daughter that she wants," he said.

"Inside of her?" the woman said.

"Yeah, a jewel. The water sphere to be exact," he said. "How did it get in her anyway?"

The woman shrugged, "I don't know what you're talking about." She turned to Misaki, "Princess is what he says...is it true?"

"I trust his word," Misaki replied.

"But-"

"I know you're in a state of confusion, but please let us bring her to the castle. You can come if you like. I just want to insure her safety."

The woman was silent for a moment, "I..."

"Don't you trust her, Mama," Rin said.

"Rin..." the woman gasped.

"I believe them," Rin said. "A few days ago my side hurt and it began to glow. This man was there," she said pointing to Bankotsu. "I don't know what it was, but it was coming from inside of me."

"W-why haven't you told me?"

"I didn't want to worry you," Rin replied.

"That should be enough confirmation," Misaki said. "Now will you come?" The woman nodded. "Good."

The five of them began to make their way toward the castle. Rin's mother had trouble keeping up with Misaki and Bankotsu. Misaki peered over her shoulder.

"Please try to keep up," she said, "we have to hurry and get you three to safety. It's no telling when the enemy will come."

"Y-yes."

The castle wasn't too far now. Misaki was becoming at ease. In a matter of minutes they would be able to reach it.

"My lady," Takemaru came forth.

The five of them came to a stop. "Takemaru, I don't have the time," Misaki said.

"What are you doing with him?" Takemaru held his sword out to Bankotsu.

"I told you I don't have the time!" she said. "I need to get these three to the castle. Let us be, Takemaru."

"Why are you with him?" Takemaru growled. "What's going on with you and him? I saw you two in the forest."

Misaki gasped. "I-I can't explain that now," she said.

"I don't trust him," he said.

"Give it a rest will ya," Bankotsu said. "Stop acting like you own Misaki."

"How dare you!" Takemaru growled. "Don't speak of her so casually."

"Enough!" Misaki went over to Bankotsu and took Rin. "Argue all you want I have to get her to safety," she started off again. "He is not an enemy of mine," she said as she passed Takemaru.

Takemaru turned to Misaki. He watched her head toward the castle. What was she saying, he wondered. He glared at Bankotsu.

"What kind of mind games did you play on her?" Takemaru asked.

"No mind games," Bankotsu replied. "I'd never do that to her."

"You're lying!" Takemaru came running toward Bankotsu. Bankotsu blocked the attack. "I see you've gotten a new sword," Takemaru said.

Bankotsu pushed forward. "Not new, just an old friend," he replied.

Takemaru swung again. Bankotsu blocked. He repeated the action a few more times. Bankotsu blocked and dodged each move. He was becoming impatient.

Should I just kill him, Bankotsu thought. He has been a real nuisance, but will it hurt Misaki. I don't want to hurt her...I've done enough to her.

Bankotsu raised Banryu and delivered a blow that sent Takemaru flying. Sticking his sword into the ground, Takemaru caught his balance. He saw Bankotsu running towards him and quickly put his sword up for defense. A blow never came. He looked up and noticed Bankotsu running pass him.

Bankotsu looked back, "I'm here to help, Misaki. If you care about her you should too." He continued to head towards the castle, leaving a puzzled Takemaru.

"You've returned," Yuni said, facing her doorway.

"We have," Kagura said, walking forth.

"What have you found out?" Yuni asked.

"I had Kanna go in," Kagura said. "She's just a kid, so I thought we could obtain more information. They wouldn't find her to be suspect."

"I see...go on."

"It was no good. The people didn't know of the jewels, but the detector did glow. The girl is somewhere in that area."

"We just don't know what she looks like," Yuni bit down on her thumb. "This is frustrating!"

"Who are you telling," Kagura said. "I want to get this over with, so tell us the plan."

Yuni went into her kimono and threw her detector at Kagura, "You both look," she said.

Kagura caught it. "What do you think we've been doing?" Kagura spat.

"Go back to that place and do what ever is necessary in obtaining that jewel! If the of you both have detectors it should be easier. Bring the girl to me dead or alive. I don't care I just need her."

"Once we find her can't we just rip the jewel out of her," Kagura asked.

"They hold great power, but they can still be damaged," Yuni said. "Do as I said before."

"What ever," Kagura said. "Here, Kanna," she handed the spare detector to the child.

"Hurry," Yuni said.

"As you wish," Kagura said as she summoned her giant feather. Soon, the two were off. Yuni stood by the door as her servants disappeared into the night sky.

Bankotsu held his knees and panted as he reached the castle. Misaki greeted him at the top of the stairs.

"You have way too many steps that lead to this castle," he said.

Misaki gave him a small smile, "It isn't that bad," she said.

He caught his breath and stood tall. "Now what?" he asked. "The girl is here but..."

"I know. That demon will be coming won't she?"

Bankostu shrugged, "She might, but who knows. She has to minions. Kanna and Kagura. She may send them."

Misaki sighed, "So they'll be trouble as well."

"Kagura is a wind sorceress. She's pretty powerful."

Misaki glared at him, "I'm capable of sorcery as well," she said. "I am the daughter of Momoko. I hold that and spiritual power within me. I used that power to destroy Hosen and I'll use that power to stop her!"

Bankotsu stared at Misaki. He couldn't believe how much she'd changed. It was expected of course. Three years did pass by. She was different now. She was still Misaki, but more confident. That everlasting fire in her eyes was now a blazing sun.

"So you're strong enough?" he asked.

"If I'm not then I'll become strong enough," she replied.

He laughed, earning a glare from Misaki. "What's funny?" she asked.

"You're the same," he said.

"What's that suppose to mean," she pouted.

"Are you doubting yourself?" he asked. "Do you ever think you're strong enough to do anything, Misaki? For a minute I thought you've grown."

"What the hell!" she poked his chest. "I have grown! And I've become a lot more stronger. I'm sorry if I'm not as good at being cocky as you."

"I'm not cocky. I just know that I'm feared, and that I haven't come across anyone who can beat me."

Misaki frowned, "You were beaten once," she whispered.

Bankotsu snorted, "He's gone now...because of you."

Misaki nodded slowly, "We have another problem now."

"Yeah."

"Rin is safe. She and her mother are in one of the rooms. They're being guarded, but I'll still need you to watch over this castle."

"Got it," he said.

She nodded, "Good. Momiji is in my room sleep. She's with one of my maidens. Go to her. Find my room and see your child."

Bankotsu blushed, "Right."

"You can keep a watch from my balcony," Misaki said.

"And what we'll you do?"

"I'll be hear trying to protect this castle."

"Alright," he said making his way into the castle.

"And, Bankotsu," she said stopping him in his tracks, "Thanks for helping. I know it's not really your style."

He smirked, "Hey it's you we're talking about," he continued on his way.

Misaki blushed. You are different with me, she thought.

Bankotsu ran about the castle searching for Misaki's room. The castle was huge. He already searched eight rooms. He startled many workers and argued with a few guards. Finding a room never been so much trouble. Then again he'd usually just kill those in his way. He was fighting the urge to do so.

The next room he checked, to his luck, was the right room. He could tell by the size of it. And there was the balcony.

"Who are you?" he heard a woman say.

He looked down. A young woman and a child was seated on the ground. Momiji. He walked over to them and bent down. He stared at Momiji and the child looked at him perplexed. He found her...cute. She was even cuter now that he knew she was his.

She resembled her mother so much, but her eyes were like his. He smiled at her. There were only a few people he ever cared for, and now she joined that group. He placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair.

"I'm going to make sure you stay safe," he said to the small child.

"Who are you?" the maiden repeated.

Bankotsu looked at her. He'd completely forgotten she was there. "I'm here to help protect this castle. Has Misaki told you anything?"

"My lady only told me to guard Princess Momiji. She said that it was crucial and that there was something she needed to do."

"I'm here to help her," he said.

"But-"

"Deal with it," he made his way to the balcony.

The woman stood up, "How can I trust you?"

"You don't have to," he said, "I'm not going anywhere though."

He walked onto the balcony. He could see everything. The villages that surrounded the castle, the forest, the meadow. The moon shun over all of it.

What's that? he thought as something began to block his view of the sky. It was bright, and gave off a purple aura. It formed around the castle. A barrier?

"Why is Lady Misaki putting up a barrier? the woman said.

Bankostu noticed that she was now beside him. He looked into the room. Momiji was cheerfully playing with a doll. When he turned around the barrier seemed to have disappeared.

"Where'd it go?" he asked.

"It's still there," the woman said.

"Kanna, I haven't had a strong signal," Kagura said. "What about you?"

The two of them were standing in the middle of the village. The village closest to the castle. People eyed them. Some with fear, some with curiousity, some with confusion.

"Up there," Kanna said. She pointed to the castle.

"That castle?" Kagura said. "You went to that castle."

"The closer I came to it the stronger the signal."

"Ah I see," Kagura said. "Shall we go then."

"You two," the two turned around.

"Yes..." Kagura said.

"You two look suspicious," Takemaru said.

"Oh do we," Kagura replied. "Look we're busy and we haven't the time to be bothered by you."

"You're on my land. I demand to know what you're up to."

He's a samurai, Kagura thought. "Do you know who resides in that castle?" she asked.

"What?"

"We're looking for a child. She's in that castle isn't she? Take us there."

He reached for his sheath, "Never," he said drawing his sword.

"Kanna," Kagura said.

The child stepped forth. Takemaru looked at her quizzically. He wondered what the child could possibly be capable of. He observed her. He noticed she carried a mirror. He focused on the mirror and that was his mistake.

His body pulsated once his eyes met his reflection. He couldn't move. He couldn't speak. Soon, he lost all sensation in his body. His mind was becoming clouded. Everything was becoming dark. Everything.

Kagura walked toward the now immobile body. "Did you get him?" she asked Kanna.

"Yes," the girl responded.

Kagura turned to the samurai. He slowly lifted his head. He stared blankly at the two. His eyes now glowing violet.

"Let's go," Kagura said. "He's going to be of good use."

Misaki could see two figures coming up the stairs. She moved closer to get a better look. It was Takemaru and a child. She made her way down the steps to meet them.

"Takemaru you're alright," Misaki said.

"Yes Princess. Can I come in please. This small child has been trveling all day and is in need of food and rest."

Misaki raised an eyebrow. Takemaru sounded different. She recognized his voice, but it was the way he spoke to her. It lacked power. It lacked honor. She knew something wasn't right.

"I'm sorry, Takemaru the castle is off limits," Misaki said. "You will have to take her elsewhere."

Kagura hovered over the castle. She held her detector out in front of her. It was dark purple now. She knew she was close to the target. She made her way to the castle. Upon reaching it she was hit with something. It felt like an electical current that caused her to repel.

"What the hell was that?" she exclaimed.

She looked at the castle again and noticed a purple sphere, from around the castle, fading away. So, there's a barrier surrounding this place, she thought.

"I will do no such thing Princess," Takemaru said.

"What?" Misaki said. "Takemaru what's-" he swung his sword at her. "Woah," she said dodging the blade.

"Let us in Princess," he said swinging again.

Misaki began to run up the stairs. Takemaru followed after her. He gripped her hair and pulled her close. He held his blade to her neck.

"Let us in," Takemaru repeated.

"Kanna," Kagura said coming down from the sky, "You were right. The child is definitely there, but there's a barrier around the place."

"Put the barrier down, Misaki," Takemaru inched the blade closer.

So this is the girl, Kagura thought. The one they say that saved Japan. The one Yuni wants to avoid.

"If you kill her will the barrier disappear?" Kagura asked.

"It should," Kanna said.

"Then what are you waiting for?"

A huge blow came toward the four of them. The blow seperated Misaki from her opposers. Misaki fell on top of the stairs. She looked up and could see a silhouette, coming forth, through the dust.

"What the hell were you doing?" she heard a familiar voice say. "Why the hell are you trying to hurt Misaki?" He walked over to her and helped her up.

"Inuyasha..." Misaki smiled.

"And who the hell are you two!?"

R&R