DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Author's note: I'm back! First of all, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who's stuck with this story throughout my hiatus. I was hoping to get this chapter finished about a month ago but I've had some very busy weekends after moving house.

I'm going to try to go back to monthly updates. Hope you all enjoy the new chapter!


Chapter 24

Inuyasha caught the tension in the air before the first whiff of smoke. The whole village was like a keg about to blow. Their fuse had been lit long before he'd caught the scent. There was no snuffing it out now. Damn her. He'd turned his back on her for less than half a day and he was already in deeper shit than a farmer's boot.

There was another scent that promised even more fun. This one was clean, fresh and sharp as a needle. Though it had to be at least ten times as irritating. His hackles rose as he breathed it in. Why now?

A jolt of lightning streaked the sky. His ears drew flat. Kirara yowled in nose what he needed.

"Hey."

Sango and Yura glanced up. Inuyasha followed their gazes with a sigh. Of course he had to make a fucking entrance. Cocky bastard couldn't so much as fart without announcing it to everyone within earshot. No doubt he'd got the news by now. Better and better.

"Hey there, Hiten!" Yura greeted him with a cheery wave.

Hiten returned the wave with a grin. He hovered above them with flames bursting from his boots. Why walk when you could have half the neighbourhood gawping at you? As if that tacky armour didn't make him stick out enough. Might as well set his braid alight while he was at it.

Sango's mouth was already set in a hard line. "Honestly." She made no effort to keep the contempt from her voice.

Hiten shot her another wave. "Sango! Long time no see."

"Not nearly long enough."

Hiten laughed in reply. "I see you've lost none of your charm."

"You could lose a lot more if you're not careful." She shot a pointed look towards the burning harbour.

He remained unruffled. "Oh, little bro should keep them busy for a while."

"You left Manten in charge?" Sango arched her brows.

"Eh, even he can only screw up so much." Hiten shrugged.

"Guess he already has." Yura nodded towards the village. A second column of smoke had begun to rise above the rooftops.

"Oh for-" Hiten's flames sputtered in fury. He whirled round to face the smoke. "What's he-"

"Your new boat, by the looks of things," Inuyasha replied. He couldn't resist a tiny smirk.

Hiten didn't even glance at him. "I wasn't asking you, Mutt."

Inuyasha didn't even bother to roll his eyes. Oh, the hours he must have spent coming up with that one. Guess it wasn't hard to look down your nose from twenty feet up in the air.

"Ooh. Trouble." Yura was positively grinning.

"Tch." Hiten sized up the smoke for a few moments. Not that it was worth the effort. He turned away in disgust. "I've got bigger carp to fry."

"First dibs over Manten." Inuyasha's voice was as flat as his face. "Wow. We sure are honoured."

"Oh, damn right you are." Hiten cracked a dangerous smile. "Hear you've been real busy lately."

"Keh. Busier than you, that's for sure."

"Very busy indeed." His smile showed a glint of teeth. "How's that Avatar girl doing?"

"How about you see for yourself?"

Hiten chuckled. "See, there's just one little problem with that." He looked him up and down, drawing out the pantomime.

Tension tugged at Inuyasha's jaw."You got a problem? Go shovel your own shit."

"Oh, come on, Mutt." Hiten heaved a mock sigh. "You practically had her on a platter and you've got nothing but bruises to show for it."He savoured his words with a grin. "Impressive. Even for you."

"Keh. Speak for yourself." He nodded towards the smoke.

"Hey, bigger fish, Mutt." Hiten's grin didn't budge an inch. "She's got to be worth another boat, at least. Hell, maybe five."

Inuyasha had to snort at that. "You sure about that? The boss doesn't do freebies."

"Oh, I'd say it's a fair exchange. Generous, even."

Sango cleared her throat. Neither of them took the hint.

"Sure. Maybe the Fire Lord will throw in a banquet for you. Why think small?"

It was Hiten's turn to snort. "The Fire Lord couldn't throw a kuai ball. Even that pussy Arthit had some backbone."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "See your old man got snubbed again this year."

"Tch. If your mouth keeps flapping you'll be seeing him soon enough." The air crackled with tension.

"Easy, boys!" Yura giggled. She was all but bouncing with excitement.

Inuyasha didn't budge. Hiten stared him down with narrowed eyes. Inuyasha gave the faintest of shrugs.

"That all you got?"

Hiten struck like a shirshu. Lightning shot past Inuyasha's shoulder. The boulder behind him split like a slate. He didn't flinch.

Yura gasped. Kirara snarled to Sango's defence. Sango sighed and scuffed out a nearby spark with her boot.

"One fire would be more than enough."

Hiten scowled down at her. "Tch. Not like this shithead can take a hint."

"Keh. Pot meet kettle." Inuyasha was still unruffled. Of course Hiten had aimed to miss. Even he knew his limits when it came to the boss.

"Oh!" Yura interrupted them with a wave. "Silly me. I almost forgot."

She unslung Kagome's bag from her shoulder. She held it up to Hiten like a prize catch. He gave her a frown.

"What?"

"This." She dangled the bag like a baby's toy. She ignored Inuyasha's glare.

Hiten's frown stayed fixed. "Come on, girl. You can do better than that."

"Oh, I certainly can."

She reached into the bag and rummaged around, dragging out the moment along with the Avatar's trash. Hiten's frown deepened. She drew out a battered clamshell box just as he was about to open his mouth.

Inuyasha stared in spite of himself. He'd set eyes on that box before, somewhere. Something uncomfortable stirred in his stomach.

"Wanna peak?"

Hiten stared at the box before giving her a slow nod. She tossed it to him with a flick of her wrist. He caught it one-handed. She beamed in expectation.

"Well?"

He sighed and flicked the box open. Something bright and blue winked up at him. He held it up with a slow grin. A carved blue stone dangled from a black leather ribbon.

"Well. This has gotta fetch a ban or two."

Inuyasha's stomach clenched. Accepting a proposal at her age? Then again, it figured the Avatar would have no shortage of admirers. Especially when you came from some little shithole village in the middle of Fuck Knows Where. Still...

Yura clapped her hands in delight. "Ooh! Lucky girl." She favoured Hiten with a smile. "I guess you only need the ribbon?"

Hiten knew her better than that. "Sorry, Yura. Finders keepers." He slipped the necklace into his belt pouch.

Yura pouted. "Hey. I found the bag."

"Yeah. Right after me," Inuyasha retorted.

"Hey, watch it, Yura. You never know - Lover Boy might be along for the ride." Hiten shot him another grin.

Inuyasha curled his lip. Fat chance of that. Unless one of those rubes had figured out how to fly. Still, one of them was fool enough to date the the idiot who'd tried his best to brain him with a seal club. His fangs clenched. Of course this wasn't going to be simple.

"Dare I assume you have a plan?" Sango's face said otherwise.

"Like you need to ask." That grin sure was punchable. "That is, if you ladies wouldn't mind lending me a hand, of course?"

"Well... "

Yura gave him an expectant look. Sango's frown didn't shift. Inuyasha scoffed at the lot of them.

"Just remember who bought your ticket out of here."

"No freebies, huh?" Hiten laughed. His smile was sharper than ever. "Don't worry. You'll get your due soon enough."


Sunset brought no more news of Mayu. They'd lost her within minutes of her escape. Even with half the neighbours helping they couldn't track her down. They'd searched every nook, cranny and alley with nothing to show.

Shippou had even gone back to the shrine to check. Kagome could only wait for his return. There wasn't a leaf or stone in that forest he didn't know. Plus he was far faster than her without two humans in tow. Not that it helped him much. By the end of the day he was as empty-handed as Kagome.

She found him perched atop a fence with a dejected look. She sat down beside him with a sigh.

"She can't have just disappeared."

Shippou shook his head. His eyes were still on the ground. "You don't think... "

"You mean... "

The possibility was plain enough. Yet it was doubtful that Manten had got his hands on her without raising another stink. Wherever she'd got to, it wasn't likely to be his clutches.

"No. If he had her... " Best not dwell on that thought while they still had some hope."Is there anywhere we haven't checked?"

"Well... " Shippou scrunched up his brow. She gave him a few moments to gather his thoughts. "There is one place," he offered.

"Where's that?"

"Well... "

He shot a furtive glance towards Mrs. Ikeda. Her gaze was turned towards the sunset. Her eyes saw none of gave him a small nod. He leaned closer.

"There's one place. But you better not tell, okay?" he whispered.

"Okay."

She dipped her head towards him. He swallowed before he made his reply. It took all her self control not to gasp.

"No way... "

"It's the only place I haven't tried." His voice still trembled with nerves. "And this is Mayu we're talking about."

Fair point. She settled her own nerves with a deep breath. She'd made her promise.

"Well. Here goes."

It was near dark when they approached the mansion's walls. Braziers burned atop the ramparts. Torches cast stark shadows on the flagstones. Red banners rippled on both sides of the gate. Each was marked with a coal-black flame. The message was as subtle as a trebuchet.

They stayed silent until they neared the rear wall. There were no fewer guards here but at least the shadows were thicker. The road was quieter too. That still left them with little chance and even less of a plan. Her jaw tightened as she sized up the wall. She'd take whatever she could get.

At least Shippou had more of an idea than she did. He'd returned to his fox form the moment they were out of the villagers' sight. His tiny body made it easier to both hide and seek. His gaze roamed the wall until it settled on something that brought a spark to his eyes. He pointed towards a small wooden door.

She stared at the door for few moments. Shippou tugged at her sleeve to catch her eye. A flicker of understanding passed between ordinary lock could bar a spirit. Of course, that still left one question. She flicked her gaze towards the guards.

Shippou's eyes stayed bright as ever. "Don't worry. These'll keep them busy," he whispered. He patted a small pouch at his waist.

"Um, how-"

He raised a finger to his lips. He reached into the pouch with his free hand. He plucked out a fistful of nuts and held them up to Kagome with a grin.

"Acorns?"

Shippou's grin widened. "Won't even know what hit them."

He lobbed the acorns into the air. They burst into twin puffs of smoke. The smoke cleared to reveal two bedraggled villagers and a definite reek of baiju. The smaller of the two men fixed the other with a look of disgust.

"Hey! Watch it!"

His companion scowled down at him. "Watch yourself, runt."

Kagome gave Shippou a doubtful look. His eyes were still fixed on the door. The two men carried on as if she and Shippou were the true illusions.

"Who're you calling runt, you great oaf?"

"Who do you-"

"Quiet down there!"

One of the guards brandished a torch at the two men. The tall man shielded his face. The smaller one squinted a glare at the ramparts.

"Hey, don't go blaming me. He's-"

"I already told you-"

"I said quiet!"

Kagome suppressed a groan. Well, it had the guards convinced, at any rate. Shippou tugged at her sleeve and gave her a nod.

Now? She mouthed the question, only for him to shoot off towards the door. She swallowed and risked a glance upwards. The guards' eyes were still on the illusions. Their argument showed no signs of slowing. She scurried after Shippou with her heart in her throat.

Shippou slipped through the door as if it was a mirage. She waited a few excruciating seconds before it creaked open. She gave the ramparts one last glance before she squeezed through the gap.

Her eyes were met with nothing but darkness. Shippou closed the door behind them and eased the bolts into place as softly as possible. She held her breath while he rummaged around in the gloom. Her heartbeat alone must be loud enough to give them away. She didn't release her breath until she caught a faint click.

"This way," Shippou whispered. He took her hand and led her through the darkness. She stumbled after him, praying that her footsteps wouldn't betray them.

Shippou drew her to a halt before they hit the door. He eased through it and held it open after him. She crept through the door and scrambled for the shadows. The men's voices still echoed beneath the walls. She stayed motionless while her eyes adjusted to the gloom.

They'd emerged in some kind of garden, by the looks of things. Although unlike the villagers' vegetable patches, this one was clearly for show. There were no cabbage patches or radish rows here. The only plants were neat shrubs, elegant trees and carefully tended grass. Raked gravel paths spiralled around artful rock arrangements. Delicate lanterns illuminated a graceful gazebo. Even the pond was clear as moonlight.

Her gazesettled on a shadow. She caught a faint movement, followed by an even fainter edged closer.A small figure sat huddled beside the wall. She raised an eye at her approach.

"Mayu?" she whispered.

The girl's head dropped back to her knees. She stared at the ground in silence.

"It's just us, Mayu." Shippou took a step towards her.

"I'm not going home." She didn't look up.

Kagome laid her hand on Shippou's shoulder. "It's okay, Mayu. We'd just like to talk."

"Sure." The word dripped acid.

"Mayu, please. Listen-"

"Why?" she demanded. She still didn't look at her.

"Mayu. Look." Shippou broke into a pout. "I know your Mum can be kind of-"

"You don't know shit, Shippou." Mayu raised her eyes. They shone with unspent tears.

"Mayu! Would you just-"

A lantern beam swept over the garden. Kagome tensed. One of the guards glanced down from the ramparts. The guard gave a brief pause before resuming his patrol. That did nothing to ease her nerves.

She heaved a soft sigh. "Mayu... " she began.

"What?" she gritted. Her eyes and lip were quivering.

"It's just-" Shippou bit back a sigh."She just - well, she worries about him."

"Of course she does. He's normal." She made the word both a blessing and a curse.

What did you even say to that?No answer came to Kagome's 'd spent most of her sixteen years being just that. She was hardly in the best place to talk to Mayu right now. Yet she couldn't just leave her like this.

"Mayu... "

"Ugh, just leave me alone!"

Her voice cast a faint echo off the walls. One of the guards glanced down at the gardens. Kagome flinched. She swallowed her nerves and kept her voice steady.

"Mayu, please. We can't stay here." She reached out her hand.

Mayu shoved it away. Angry tears streaked down her face. "Ugh! How about you just pi-"

"Over there!"

A man's voice tore through the tension. Both girls started like rabbits. Kagome's gaze snapped towards the ramparts. Two firebenders stood with fists ablaze.

"Run!"

She grabbed Mayu before she could draw out her flames. She took off with the girl kicking and screaming under her arm.

Shippou let out a gust of blue. He scurried after them before the flames cleared. The firebenders hurled punches in their wake. She barely dodged the first. The second singed her cheek. She set her teeth and carried on running. She had to lose them fast.

More shouts came from the nearest building. A squadron of guards rushed out to meet them. Kagome hurtled onwards, her mind scurrying faster than her feet. All she had to hand was the gutters. They would have to do. She drew to a sudden halt. She released Mayu and raised her hands.

The girl gaped at her in silence. Shippou shot her a questioning look. Kagome brought up her hands. She raised her knee for good measure. She stamped down as she glimpsed the whites of the guards' eyes.

The pipes burst like melons. The frontrunners were drenched in filth. They lost their feet in a deluge of curses. Their companions stumbled to avoid them. It bought her the few seconds she needed. She stomped out an ice creeper and took off. She grabbed Mayu's arm as she passed her.

"This way!"

They made for the pond with the guards close on their heels. One sent a flaming punch streaking inches over her head. Mayu whirled on him with fists ablaze. She shot out a burst of jabs. Two of the guards went down screaming.

"Mayu!" Kagome shrieked.

"They're Fire Nation!" She grabbed Kagome's arm and yanked her along. "Come on!"

Kagome stumbled after her. Her protests were lost in the thunder of footsteps. Shippou scampered along beside them on all fours. They clung to the shadows as fireballs and curses rained down around them.

The fire grew fiercer. Her lungs burned with every pace. They couldn't outrun a wall. If only it was made of ice. Her eyes scanned the darkness for any liquid she could grasp. They settled on the pond.

"Come on!"

She tugged Mayu towards the water. The girl took the hint with a gasp. She still kept pace beside her. Shippou let out another fireburst as he changed tack to join them. They made for the pond as if it was the last oasis on Earth.

A crack split the air behind legs and lungs gave way in shock. Mayu lost her feet with a scream. They tumbled towards the pond at a breathless landed a heap at the water's edge.

"You."

The voice jolted her back to her senses. She glanced upwards. An unmistakeable figure stood atop what had once been a stately boulder. The stone dust had yet to settle. Her throat narrowed as her eyes widened. Manten loomed towards her with upraised fists.

"No benders, eh?" He drew back his arm with a snicker. The air gave a faint sizzle.

Mayu leapt straight for his throat. He blocked her with a swift jab. She came up snarling. Flames arced from her fingertips. He flinched away with a shriek.

"You little-"

Mayu landed with both fists ablaze. She hurled an uppercut towards his chin. He swatted her flat with a burning palm. She didn't even have time to scream.

"Mayu!"

Kagome staggered to her feet with tears in her eyes. Her entire body coiled with fury. The pond rose high behind her. Shippou began to back away.

"How could you-"

Manten shot towards her in a burst of flames. He tackled her right into the centre of the pond. The wave burst like a bubble. The impact forced out her failing breath.

She choked out a gasp. Manten's hand was on her throat before she managed another. She strained to keep one eye open.

"Don't you dare-"

"No!"

Her fingers scrambled for the nearest puddle. A thin slurry slid towards her hand. She hurled it towards his visor.

He shielded himself with his free arm. Knives of water tore through his sleeve. He let go with a yelp.

"Ow! You little bi-"

She kicked out in desperation. Her foot caught him right under the chin. The blow knocked his helmet flying. Manten clutched his face with a shriek. She froze as hard as the rocks around them.

Manten lay groaning, clutching his jaw. What she could make out of his face was enough to leave her speechless. His head was more than three times the size of any human's. He was almost completely bald, except for a few sad strands and a straggly pigtail at the back. His sharp snout, broad brow and beady eyes were more than enough to feed her doubts. A glimpse of sharp teeth confirmed her fears. This man couldn't be human.

"Over here!"

The guards charged towards the pond. One look at Manten stopped them dead. A couple almost dropped their clutched his hand to his mouth. Another turned as pale as the moon. Only fear kept them from turning tail.

"Don't just stand there!" Manten yelped.

The guards didn't move. They were as frozen as she was. Manten screamed in frustration. He lurched to his feet.

"Bring me her head!"

"Kagome!" Shippou yelped. He tugged at an unconscious Mayu. His flames were barely enough to hold the guards at bay.

His panic spurred her to action. She half-ran, half-stumbled towards them. She grabbed Mayu under her arm and kept on running. Shippou covered their backs. Manten thundered after them.

The guards fanned out to block their path. The wall reared up before them. Manten's footsteps grew louder by the lungs were already starting to fail. She tightened her grip on Mayu. She'd go down fighting, if nothing else.

She turned on Manten with a yell. Slurry swirled around her. Her feet skidded and stumbled. Her legs betrayed her in an instant. The two girls collapsed in a tangle of limbs.

"You. You'll- ugh! Just die already!"

Manten staggered towards her, still clutching his head. His free hand was sheathed in flames. He raised it with a snarl.

She ducked to shield her face. A jet of fire singed her sleeve. She plunged her arm into the mud. The flames fizzled. Manten readied another blow.

She ducked it by a finger. Manten loosed a scream. She curled tighter around Mayu as her mind raced for a way out. Her stomach twinged at the only available answer. There had to be another way.

Manten's shadow drew nearer. She clutched Mayu closer. She couldn't give in now. Yet what choice did she have?

Kikyou would never let her die.

She reached for her chi with a silent plea. She steeled herself for the rush of power. Her heartbeat threatened to choke her. She clung grimly to what little hope she had left. Her ears strained for an answer. There wasn't so much as a whisper.

"Kikyou... ?"

Kikyou didn't reply. A faint sizzle came from above. Her nose stung. She fought to keep her eyes open. She had to do something. Anything. Whatever she could.

She clutched towards. the nearest puddle. She raised her hand as Manten drew back his arm. The water barely shivered. She had nothing left to draw on. She set her teeth and readied herself for the blow.

"Kagome!"

Manten unleashed his fury with a snarl. Shippou threw himself before her with hands ablaze. Lightning split the scream died in her throat as the world went white.


Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update once a month.