cw: incest. there is brother/sister incest and incest adjacent content in this chapter. please enjoy the chapter and stay safe out there.

Scarlet Justice - ep. 89
"Field of Dreams"
[Fleeting Dreams, Part 4]

"Yes, ma'am."

The call comes back in unison, and everyone around me takes a seat on the ground.

"What...wait a moment. Why are you surrendering? They're going to kill us-"

"Sit down. Don't make me repeat myself," I say to Takato without turning. "Get to the ground before I make you."

"..." I hear him whimper before finally doing as he's told.

"Hands behind your backs."

Everyone shifts and follows orders.

"Good." I look at Yamato and Fubuki from my position. Though I can't see their expressions, I can tell that they've relaxed a fair bit already.

"You're surrendering?" Yamato asks. "That's unexpected."

"Yes. This is my decision as leader of this group. Now that we are no longer hostile actors, I would like for you to tell me your demands."

"Hm. Wasn't expecting this, not so soon anyways...I guess that guy didn't get his facts right before pulling the trigger on this operation. But that only makes sense," Yamato muses. "Fubuki..."

"Brother. What is your wish? Shall I cleanly take off their heads?"

He chops her on the head. "Idiot. Stop being so bloodthirsty for once."

"S-sorry."

"It's...just calm down a little, okay? We're almost done. Now, I want you to take the fatso along and search the big moving carriage for anything we might have missed. After that, you'll grab the device from wherever it's been hidden in the forest. If he runs away or tries to hurt you, you can do what you want in response."

"Yes, brother. Stand up, you scum. You will do exactly as I say, or I will kill you where you stand."

"Do as she says, now. No funny business," I warn Takato. He gulps and rises to his feet slowly.

"Hey. Move faster, trash." Fubuki punches him several times in the back as they leave.

"Honestly, she's a handful...ah, well. So you want to know my demands, eh?" Yamato grunts and sits down on a nearby log. "Oh, you guys can go and have a proper seat if you want now. I'll try to explain as much as I can before Fubuki gets back."

"Thank you. We are free to move, everyone. Take a seat somewhere and get as comfortable as you can," I say.

"Fire's getting low. Mind if we perk it up some?" Genma asks.

"By all means," Yamato says.

The earlier tension has all but melted away. We're still active, of course, but the situation has changed a fair bit. From what I could guess, the arrangement with Moyasu wasn't exactly a happy one. It's likely that they want a way out. In the meantime, Kurenai is more than capable of taking care of the situation with the traitor on her end. Cross-country hiking or whatever the fuck he was yammering about earlier is nothing compared to shinobi training.

"You must have guessed my intentions."

"A little. I also was thinking that with all the opportunities you had to attack, you weren't quick to seize any of them," I say as I take a seat across from Yamato. "If you really wanted to fight and kill us, you would have done so from the start."

"Yeah. Not a bad assessment, really. Truth is...well, we knew that the plan was to make one of our groups martyrs for the Frost's cause. It would be even sweeter for them if we took each other out in the process of all this fighting." He looks over to Ittan. "You don't exactly agree with the actions being taken, do you?"

"I don't. I think...that even if it will help our civilization in the future, it's not worth extinguishing yours," she says.

"Ah, well said. So, the shocking reveal, I guess. Believe it or not, up until a certain time...I used to live in the Hidden Frost. I was a shinobi, pretty good at it. Mom and Dad were treated the same as we are now...they were murdered trying to secure freedom for our clan. In order to survive, I hid Fubuki away in the forest and became a member of the shinobi forces. Ended up going back and forth between my dump in the village and the home that Fubuki made for us here. Then I caught wind of this plan, and after all of the conflicting feelings I had, I decided to abandon my life as a shinobi. I joined my sister full time and taught her what I could. We became freedom fighters, called terrorists by the masses, to stop this final injustice and save our land. I also want to save people. Aside from living on, it was one of the reasons I became a shinobi in the first place. But I couldn't do that at the expense of this sacred land and its people. What my parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters and cousins...all died for. It's wrong. At the same time, I need a reason to fight and kill. I don't want to hurt people for no reason at all. I don't want to become like them...like those people in the Hidden Frost."

"Your sister has been scarred by all of this, then," I say.

"Yeah. Being like this...the way you saw her earlier. It's how she copes. I'm the only thing remaining in her life, and..." He pauses. "If it goes on like this, we'll be left without another option. We would have to have children together in order to preserve the clan. I know how wrong that might sound to you, but it's not something we're lightly considering. I wanted a better life than this for her."

"If it's about the clan...maybe I can help," Ittan says. "You know...talking about the children and all of that. If you would accept someone like me, of course..."

"Oho? I've had girls throw themselves at me before, but...nobody as interesting as you, I have to admit." Yamato puts a hand under his chin. "You know...I can give it some thought-"

A heavy object sails through the air and lands between us, throwing up snow briefly. Takato is thrown to the ground nearby.

"He won't be thinking about anything like that. A slut like you would never be good enough for my brother." Fubuki stops beside Yamato, visibly tense. "What is this foolishness you are speaking of, dear brother? I said that I would give myself to you for the sake of the clan. I love you."

"I know, Fubuki. But I'm still a dreamer at heart."

She sighs. "Yes, I know. It's what I adore so much about you."

"I think...maybe there's a better way. This girl's pretty cute, and she wants to save all of us. We shouldn't turn away that sort of sincerity without a good reason." He stands up and snaps his fingers. "I got it. Let's have a big wager, then."

"Wager? What could you mean by that?" I ask, intrigued.

"A death match to decide it all. Makes sense, right?"

"Er...not really. Could you explain?" Genma asks.

"Sure. You all choose one of us to fight right now. Either myself or Fubuki. Now, if we win, all of you die as planned and we take the device to Moyasu. Simple, right? If you win...you get to decide what to do with the remaining person. We'll be at your mercy."

"Is...this really the only way?" Ittan asks.

"Yeah, it is. Sorry about that, you know. But it's like we've all figured out...if we fight as we are now, it's likely that most of us, if not all of us, will die in battle. The ones who get away won't be in any shape to fight further, and I can only guess that Moyasu would gather a clean up crew to dispose of survivors, so that nobody would know the truth of what took place. If we let you guys go, we've doomed the Inugami for nothing. Moyasu will have us killed and our land will be turned into dust by the completed device. And who knows what he'll do to the young ones. If we kill you guys, or try to...Moyasu still wins, and we've only just delayed the inevitable."

"You're right...I understand completely now. Kobacchi...I think that you should consider this way as well, even if it is dangerous. We're already hostages by now, technically speaking. Isn't this what you were hoping for?"

"Yes," I admit. "Some sort of negotiation, a way out that wouldn't jeopardize all of us at once. If nothing else, an appeal to the honour of a clan head."

"Hehe...you really are a smart cookie, aren't you? Thank god for you, Lady Kobayashi."

"Brother, this is crazy. Even though we can crush them in every scenario, there's a chance that they could do something ridiculous!" Fubuki yells.

"Unfortunately...none of that matters right now."

"W-what? What...do you mean by that? Brother...?"

"I kept this from you because I didn't want you to do anything foolish. We both know how you are. Moyasu has...a remote trigger for this device. That's what he told me after confirming the mission. Given that you guys didn't have to go too far for it...well, we would have been inside of its blast range either way."

"So he means to kill us all no matter what," I say. "In this case, if things go wrong...he can easily pass it off as an accident."

"Prudent of him. It seems that he has covered all of his bases," Shino says casually.

"Yeah, there's a timer that we're on...he's a paranoid little whelp, that Moyasu. We have to deliver him the device by tomorrow at dawn, no exceptions. If not, then..."

"I-I know how to disable it! The whole thing! I can do it, I can make it inert!" Takato yells through a face full of snow.

"Hoh, that was easy. So that means we can get business done if this drags on too long. Perfect! I have one more demand, then. Our red-haired queen there has to give us her true name."

"So it's come to this, then...hmph." I stand and dramatically flip my hair to one side. "Then in accordance with your wishes...my name is Lilith Kobayashi, the Hidden Leaf's Scarlet Viper. She who has toppled titans and run across the heavenly plains."

"Kekeke...I had a feeling you were someone dangerous, but this is beyond that! So you're that Scarlet Viper after all!"

"It's really her...brother, may I? I can't let this type of predator go, not without sinking my fangs into her at least once," Fubuki says.

"Ah, hold on. We have to let her choose. There's a chance that she might send one of her comrades out, or possibly fight both of us at once! Who knows? I have a feeling it's going to be something exciting, though."

And now, we're in a completely different situation. My plan to appeal to their desires has worked, perhaps a little too well. It's up to me how this unfolds next, and they're both eager to have a fight with me. We're out of the danger zone, with all of the attention focused squarely on me at this moment in time. Now I just have to stay the course and bring this ship to port once more.

Ittan was right...this is the best solution. Time to take the opportunity and run as fast as I can.

Fighting them both at this juncture isn't sensible. At least one of them needs to live, and a healthy life at that. And even though I have faith in my comrades, this is far too much of a fight for most of them. Maybe Hana and Genma would make a difference, but Fubuki's blade speed is truly terrifying...that earlier attack must be etched into the memories of everyone here. That seems to be out as well. Kurenai and I together would form a sensible pair, but I imagine that she would have a very hard time as well. So it has to be a one on one, then.

Yamato...if I kill Yamato, and something happens to Fubuki, that will be it for the clan. And there are no guarantees that she wouldn't lash out in despair if her brother was struck down in battle. As obedient as she is with him nearby...she could very well throw me into a second round of fighting, leaving everything uncertain and chaotic. She called Moyasu trash...there's no trust there. And without the clan leader, her anchor...

"..."

Fighting isn't exactly ideal here, but as always, a part of me is curious and excitable. Yamato still dreams of a future for his clan, and Ittan has willingly made herself a sacrifice to that end. I look over to see her with her head bowed, hands clasped together in prayer. I wonder if she is ready for everything that this entails...I believe that she is. She really does want this, for reasons that I have come to understand in this short journey together.

"I have made my decision."

"So...what will it be?" Yamato says, crossing his arms.

"If you would be so kind...I will take Fubuki Inugami as my opponent."

"Heh. Thought so, you two are practically kindred spirits. Guess we'll let you two fight it out."

"Very well, then. If you would allow me to make my final preparations before we begin," she says.

"Yes, as you wish."

She moves to stand in front of Yamato, her back turned to me. I see her remove the mask from her face, and he does the same as I close my eyes. Everything is quiet before they speak.

"Brother."

"Fubuki."

"When Mother and Father were murdered...I was so very young. You put all you had into protecting me, slaving away in the human world for a long while. I stayed in the forest where I was born. You tried to bring me to the village proper, but I couldn't handle it and ran back. I was frightened of everything. And yet...you never said a word about it. You supported me, and continued to support me in every way possible. When I found out that you gave up on being a shinobi to live with me here, I was beside myself with joy. I know that it was wrong. That...there might be something wrong with me such a long time ago. But I loved you so much, and I thought that it was the only way to express my affection properly. I fell in love with you, not just as your sister, but as a woman. And I pledged that I would become a mother to this clan. From that moment on, you threw away your last ties to the world of humans. You sacrificed once more...you...took me as your woman."

"Yeah. I never regretted that," Yamato says.

"I will return to you, brother. I love you so much, and I don't care who knows or who sees us. I don't care about anything else...as long as you love me back."

"I love you too, Fubuki. I'm sorry. I couldn't protect you from this world. That's what older brothers are born for, and yet..."

"Please. It's alright. There's nothing to forgive. You worked so hard. You did your best, as my brother, and as a man. If there was a life inside of me, one gifted by your precious soul...then I wouldn't fight another day. But you must live on, even if I don't. You must carry on the spirit of this clan that has always been a guardian of the earth. I will fight my hardest to come back to you."

"Fubuki..."

"I have one last, selfish wish before I go. Can you grant it?"

"What is it?"

"Please...kiss me. Here and now."

My senses are clear, and I know that they don't hesitate...even if the would deems it wrong. Their embrace ends after what seems a long while, as they come together and move apart without a hint of shame.

"I will return, brother. I won't let this be...the last time."

"I know, Fubuki. Good luck."

I open my eyes to see them both putting on their masks again. Fubuki turns and stands before me calmly.

"I am the Luminous Black Wolf, Fubuki Inugami. In the name of my ancestors and my family, I face you while wagering my life. I am death. I am retribution. The guardian of the gate of life, and all living things in my domain. On the name of Inugami, of those who walked before and behind the Sage of Six Paths, do I offer my being. May this life bring glory to our family, and the heavenly host itself."

I straighten myself and reply. "I am the Scarlet Viper, Lilith Caroline Kobayashi. The Hidden Leaf's Great Sword of Justice. Today, I fight for myself, and for my precious comrades. As one who has seen the plains of heaven, I accept your challenge and your sacrifice. I have not come to this world as a saviour. I am a future goddess of destruction. The World Serpent who will release her tail from her jaws and devour the world whole at her whim."

"Show me your darkness, Scarlet Viper. Mine jaws will consume you and your boundless rage."

"O, thou Great Wolf. I shall devour you and your dark essence." I can feel that side...stirring slowly.

"It begins...for you as well."

"Hmhmhm...indeed it has," I say darkly. "Throwing around your murderous aura...you really are ruthless..."

"We do not want the violence to swallow up innocents. Our battle will take place deeper in this sacred forest. Brother...please wait for me."

"Right."

"You've gone to that place again," Hina says.

"Hehehe...it seems so," I say to her as I try to steady myself. "Starting to boil over already...I really am awful, but you knew that."

"I love you either way. Please be careful. Come back to us, no matter what."

I smile and stroke her head. "I promise, Hina. I love you too."

She nods and wipes her tears.

"Genma...Hana...you'll be okay as long as you stick with Yamato. But if anything happens to me, you'll know what to do."

"Got it. Be careful out there, Princess," Genma says.

"We'll guard Inaba and Matou with all we have," Hana says. "Count on us, and stay safe. You've got this."

"Thank you...I'll be back soon enough, come hell or high water..."

Fubuki leaves and I take off quickly after her. I can feel her murderous aura getting stronger and stronger, making me start to slip away completely. So much...there's so much bloodlust. The cold has disappeared on account of it.

We stop in a wide clearing, the snow starting to swirl around us and whistling through the trees. Another storm is coming, a poetic sort of backdrop to this duel in a frozen land.

"Well...is this better, serpent?"

I loosen up and give Fubuki my special smile. "Much better. I like it...I'm going to eat you up, my darling."

"Your thoughts are impure." She draws her nodachi, holding it at a horizontal angle with the blade tip pointing behind her. Her stance is lowered slightly, and she looks steady on her feet.

I reach up and tie back my hair, using a white scrunchie that I borrowed from Hina earlier. "You're certainly right about that. I've been thinking some...mm, salacious things about you for a while now. Did you know that you're quite attractive?"

"I have some idea."

"That's good. What I want to do right now, though...is carve you up properly. Nice...and slow."

"This is fine. I didn't want you to do something foolish, like try and reform me or anything like that. Like you, I am a natural killer. Redemption is beyond my reach. I do not expect forgiveness for my deeds...nor do I ask for it. I am become death, the destroyer of worlds."

I frown. "Hmph. You've got an unpleasant mouth on you. Shame..."

"You consider it a shame because you would like a piece of me, for all of the wrong reasons. You're definitely a lecher, and for that the world will be better off without you."

"That's rich coming from someone who fucks her brother."

"If you think that I'm so wrong for that, go ahead and erase me for it."

"Good. I can grant that wish easily enough. But first, I want to see what's under that cute mask of yours."

"Hmph." She remains as calm as ever, waiting for me to make the first move. That's perfectly fine, and I lick my lips while thinking of what I want to do.

This lonely little wolf is going to learn her place. I'll make sure of that.