Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to Inuyasha, all rights belong to the creator, Rumiko Takahasi. I also lay no claim on the creation of Robin Hood.

Chapter Fifteen: His Scheme and Their Disquiet

Miroku wiped the sweat from his brow, a prideful smile beamed on his face, but he was exhausted. The plan had come together after long hours of practice, mistakes, and small victories. If all went off tomorrow without a hitch, it was very possible that they could, at the very least, escape with their lives. The only unfortunate outcome would be that his identity would likely be uncovered, but maybe it was time he stopped hiding behind his mask. He raked his bangs away from his face and turned towards his minuscule team. "We're as ready as we'll ever be, we don't have any more time to run the plan again, and we all know we cannot afford to make any mistakes tomorrow."

The thief tried to look confident, fearless even, but when he locked eyes with Inuyasha he recognised his fears being reflected back at him. The hanyo lifted his chin and attempted to put on a cocky grin, but it came across a bit half-hearted. "No missteps, you can count on us."

Though he wanted to smile, wanted to tell them he had complete faith in their skills, and reassure them that all would go as planned; he couldn't. Instead he began to head back towards camp, his arms up and folded behind his head. He followed the familiar trail but his eyes were cast upwards. He made a game of trying to spot the stars that peered through the branches, but he remained silent until it became nearly unbearable.

Once back at camp, a fire was built, and the three men sat down around it to warm themselves. The uncomfortable silence lingered for a while longer. Deep blue eyes watched the flames dance with those ember fireflies that would drift off into the wind. He swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, it tasted of fear and uncertainty. With every ounce of calm he could muster he addressed the other two men. "We should probably speak of it, wouldn't you agree?"

The hanyo and yokai exchanged concerned glances, neither truly wanting to be the one to press him to voice the worst. Speaking of it may only bring it to horrifying fruition. Koga cleared his throat and declared without making eye contact with the crafty thief, "No need to, everything will be pulled off with flawless precision."

Inuyasha gripped the hilt of his sword so tightly that his knuckles went white. He knew what Miroku was alluding to and it was the last thing he wanted to bring up. Reminding himself of his own promise, he turned to Miroku with a steely stare. "Don't even bring up such nonsense. I would never let that man do any real harm to you, you can count on that."

This vow from a friend, though comforting, wasn't something so easily kept. A fool could easily allow himself to fall into that false sense of security, but Miroku was no fool and he wasn't falling in that trap. "I'm sure you will do all you can to make sure we all escape, but you mustn't ignore all the possibilities." The smile he offered was soft, he knew it would do little to ease the hanyo's anger, especially once he continued. "We must be realistic, if I am caught tomorrow, I have serious doubts that I will ever see the inside of a cell."

Inuyasha slammed his fist down on the log, the bark splintered beneath his hand, and a scowl was etched on his face. He was about to protest when Miroku held up his hands and gave the hanyo one of those looks; one that Inuyasha could only describe as the no nonsense type an older brother gives to his younger brother. "Restrain yourself, Inuyasha. At least let me say what I have on my mind before you overreact." Though he didn't want to, he nodded his consent, and visibly calmed himself. "The chances of me getting arrested tomorrow is very possible. If our plan fails, the odds of me seeing the inside of a cell is zero. The tournament being part of the festival is telling, he means to execute me in front of all the villagers."

The hanyo shifted uncomfortably and nearly gave himself whiplash to make eye contact with the thief turned hero. With some urgency in his voice he interrupted, "We aren't going to mess things up tomorrow, so don't even manifest such a thing."

Miroku's smile was weak, if not a bit sad. It did little to set his companions at ease, only succeeded in doing the opposite of what was intended. "Please allow me to finish. I have every intention of all three of us escaping safely, but on the off chance I do not, I want you both to promise me that you will take up the mantle and remain the symbol of hope. That is what the prince is truly wanting to destroy, the hope Robin brings. He plans to kill Robin and all that he stands for tomorrow, my death would merely be a means to an end. Do not give him that satisfaction. For if I fall, I would want one of you to don my hood, and carry on our mission. Promise me."

Once again the hanyo and yokai exchanged glances, both unsure of what to say. They had always just followed the lead of Miroku, he was the man with the plan, the one who had the drive and wit to help people in need. Inuyasha shook his head slowly back and forth, "I don't know how you expect us to take your place. You know I am not the strategy type of guy, I could never dream up the schemes you have. I do not have the mind for big ideas, just the brute strength to fight alongside you."

Koga nodded in agreement then quickly added, "The best we could be is a cheap imitation. You're the brains behind the whole operation." His request was a heavy burden to place upon his companions, but he knew he couldn't rest easy until they made him that promise.

With some amusement he chided them playfully, "Are you telling me that you have learned nothing after all this time with me? I was sure that by now you had picked up on some of my tricks. And honestly, you do yourself little credit. Robin Hood is merely an idea, a notion of sorts." Pulling his mask from inside his tunic, he placed it in Inuyasha's hands. "Perhaps your version of Robin is someone else entirely, but can do just as much good as mine; maybe even more." Though he could see disbelief, Miroku had told no lies, he had meant every word.

Inuyasha remained motionless as he stared at the fabric that was now draped over his fingers. He didn't stir from his reverie until Miroku stood up to move towards his tent for the night. Forcefully he grabbed the thief by the arm. He was now on the receiving end of a very curious stare. Matter-of-factly the hanyo stated, "Just know that tomorrow I will protect you with my very life. You have my word."

The thief carefully disengaged his arm from his companions grasp, then placed his hand on his shoulder. A soft smile kept his features warm and kind. "No, Inuyasha. I must ask that you drop that scheme instantly. I am the one who brought you into all of this and it wasn't so you could play the role of guard dog. No pun intended."

The hanyo growled, exposing his fangs in the firelight; he slapped the hand away that rested on his shoulder. "I'm quite sure that I am more than capable of making my own decisions. Let me protect you from physical harm."

Miroku smiled in a knowing way, he wasn't angry, nor was he annoyed by Inuyasha's persistence. With a mature level of calmness and patience, he spoke; "You're too kind, but I must decline. I am not unaware of my own mortality. I implore you to understand that I knew the dangers in which I welcomed in my pursuit of justice." He bent to take up a rock at his feet, before skipping it across the nearby river. He was oddly at peace with himself, despite the peril he may face on the morrow. "I am not one to fight against my fate, for if I fall tomorrow, t'was my destiny. If I am still needed, well, one can only believe that fate will be on my side."

Though Inuyasha wanted to argue, he knew it was best to let the matter lie. He was well aware that he was not obligated to concede to Miroku's request and he did his best to hide any sort of reaction. His feigned indifference would have been believable had his ears not lowered with his frustration and concern. The hanyo frowned when the thief lifted an eyebrow, he blurted out with obvious exasperation, "Your obstinance will be your downfall."

The crafty thief chuckled warmly, "I believe that you are not the first to warn me of such an end, but I hoped you had a little more faith in me. I assure you that I have every intention of things working out just as they ought. I have not, the inclination of allowing myself to be hanged by the likes of Naraku; I am merely preparing for the worst possible outcome." He swept his hand towards the tents and with that sly tone of voice advised quietly, "It would be wise for us to call it a night. Wouldn't you agree, friends?"

Inuyasha exchanged glances with Koga, who offered the hanyo a quick shrug of his shoulders. The wolf yokai was a man of few words, he tended to avoid conflict, and though he played a role in their heists; he made himself scarce more often than not. He should have known that the wolf wouldn't back him up and help him convince Miroku to be reasonable. "I suppose you're right, a bit of sleep would do us good." Sighing softly and forcing a smile he added, "You may as well call it a night, we'll put out the fire."

Miroku nodded and yawned as he retreated into his tent. Tired as he was, sleep would not come easily to him that night. The hanyo and yokai began the mundane task of putting out the fire. Koga turned to Inuyasha, his free hand on the back of his neck. "I know you're angry with me, but I doubt there was anything we could say to get him to change his mind." The fatigue draped over his voice and he did little to try and keep it at bay. All their planning and practice had definitely left him longing for his bed.

Frustrated, Inuyasha plopped back down onto the stump. "I know that, but you could have at least tried to talk some sense into that selfless idiot." The fire burned lower now, it would soon put itself out without further assistance from the two thieves. Intense amber eyes shifted from the dying flames, to the wolf yokai's icy blue eyes. "Tomorrow must go off without a single misstep, we owe him that much." Koga casually hid his smile behind a tanned hand and swallowed down his laughter before it could start, but Inuyasha noticed the reaction despite his efforts. "And what the hell are you laughing at?" He asked harshly.

He held up his hands in mock surrender and calmly declared, "It's innocent, I assure you. I do not find your concern humorous, I was amused by my own realisation." When Inuyasha lifted an eyebrow, curious, Koga continued. "I find it ironic that you are frustrated by Miroku's perceived impulsiveness, when you are, in reality, far more impulsive. Sure, I cannot argue that he doesn't take risks but, he only does so with a plan in place. Strategy is one of his strong suits and he is one clever bastard. Try and give him the credit he is due."

Inuyasha looked towards the occupied tent, before exhaling sharply, followed up by an irritated reply. "I hate that you're right." Softening his voice he added, "I just can't help but to worry about him. The idiot doesn't care about himself as much as he does others. You do know he'd give his life for Nakimoto?"

"Yes, I have come to that conclusion myself," he conceded. "That is why it is our task to make sure that it doesn't come to such a sacrifice. We mustn't think that we are fighting for him though, but with him." Koga paused and waited for Inuyasha to turn his gaze back towards him. When they made eye contact, Koga spoke with severe gravity. "You must be aware that we have to take as much care for our own safety tomorrow. You have to fight just as hard for yourself during the upcoming battle. For if either of us were to be gravely injured or fall, well, for Miroku, that may be a personal blow far worse than death."

Once the fire had been extinguished, the two had, at last, retired to their tents for the night. Inuyasha laid on his back and stared at the top of his tent, he grasped at the sleep that evaded him, and his mind went over his concerns. The stillness of the night did little to calm his frazzled nerves, as it left him now with his nagging thoughts and fears. Letting out a slow breath, he compelled his focus on the sounds nature provided. The frogs croaked, calling out for a mate in the shroud of night. The waterfall continued to pour into the river basin, which rushed by, ever moving with a burbling of its own. His favorite sound to hone in on was the way the wind whispered through the leaves in the trees. There was something like a mother's voice in its tremble of ruffling greenery, with that calming effect he closed his eyes, and with some effort he slipped into a restless sleep.

The following morning the hanyo was awakened by a cheery thief that gave no indication of being stressed nor afraid of what lay ahead of them for the day. The sun poured in from the opening Miroku had peered into, causing the hanyo to squint his eyes at the offending light. Grumbling, he inquired, "Must you wake me in such a painful way, Miroku?"

Chuckling, he replied in a jovial nature, "I merely opened the tent flap, you act as though I punched you in the face. I am a thief not a barbarian. All that aside, you would benefit by joining Koga and I for breakfast, we have a long day ahead of us after all."

Groaning, he pulled himself up into a slumped sitting position, his silver white hair a bit of a tangled mess due to a restless night. As Miroku parted, he smoothed his tresses with clawed fingers, and allowed himself to gather his wits before slipping out into the morning chill. Koga was dressed in Miroku's Robin Hood disguise, while Miroku wore the garb of a common farmer. For Inuyasha, an extravagant ensemble from his father's old wardrobe awaited him. Taking a place close to the fire, he took up his breakfast before dressing for their dangerous plot against the prince.

Time seemed to move in double speed, as Inuyasha dressed, Miroku and Koga rinsed the flatware in the river, before starting the arduous task of packing up camp. They hid their supplies in the assigned spots, before they set off towards Nakimoto.

The village was bathed in the warmth of a bright autumn sun and was alive with long awaited cheerful chatter. In the center of the village square were six painted targets for the archery competition, a stand that offered wine and water had been put in place, and Maid Sango still manned her cart offering food to the poor people in attendance.

Miroku stretched, although he did well concealing his nerves, he was well aware that the tension would only hinder his performance. With a tight smile, he spoke low, "Well, I suppose it's time to put this plan into action. Koga, be careful finding someplace to lay low until I'm discovered. You know what to do. Do not miss."

Koga nodded and had turned to leave, when the hanyo placed his hand on his shoulder, and drew his attention to his face. Grinning Inuyasha offered a few words to the yokai. "Good luck." With that final parting the hanyo and crafty thief slipped into the crowd and parted ways as well. It was his role to once again tap into the roots of his abandoned noble blood and get close to Naraku. He was determined to play his part and keep them all alive at any cost. He threw one final glance back to Miroku, but quickly lost track of his receding figure.

((A/N: Oh my goodness guys, it has been so long since I updated, and I am so sorry that I am the most unreliable writer. I have mentioned before that I am going through a lot in my personal life and dealing with some big changes. I have not abandoned this story and still intend to finish it. I've been working on a long and detailed passion project. If I finish that one I plan to post it on here, as I am working to improve my craft. That story will be far longer than anything I have posted to date and will be much closer to being the length of a novel. Please stick with me, I want to be able to provide my readers with better quality writing. Leave me a review, favorite this story, or add me as a favorite author if you would like to. Much love to all of you that are still with me.))