An enemy unbeknownst to them all arrived sooner than expected.
Inuyasha received peculiar news from Miroku about the missive sent out some time ago pertaining to the human possessed by the demon. The creature lay to rest by the Tree of Time in a momentary state of suspension until Kagome could find a cure for his misfortune. His family wrote that they were coming to get Akihiko and would not tolerate any dissident. Inuyasha went to Kagome and she read through the scroll. They were outside their front door, warmed by the rising sun. The pale blue sky embossed with fleecy clouds.
She sighed. "They have no idea what they're up against, but we can show them at the least."
They waited for them to arrive that day since they were not too far from all, so they claimed. When they did, their entourage was quite large, with at least twenty soldiers in tow. Inuyasha stood atop the orange and black village gates, making sure he could view them all without obstruction. Kagome remained below, with Miroku and Kaede at her side.
A carriage was set down by the arms of four men, and out from red and pink silk curtains came an older couple. Regal in their attire, they seemed rather imposing and important. Kagome had no idea Akihiko was related to noble figures, but was not intimidated by their icy stares. The calvary behind them was somewhat concerning since it was unnecessary to bring such a large group to so tiny a village.
The older woman, dressed in a kimono made of fine red clothe, approached with a black cane on hand. She seemed upset and sent Kagome a rather snobbish look. "Are you the matriarch of this village?"
Kagome gestured toward Kaede. "No, but she is."
The women bowed before Kaede. She said, "I'm sure you know why we are here."
"Aye," Kaede replied. "But I do not know why ye had to bring so large a company to this humble village."
"We heard news of..." The woman hesitated when she looked around the village and spotted Inuyasha towering above the group, arms akimbo. "You house demons?" she hissed, reeling back, with disgust at the forefront of her lips.
Kagome could understand now why Akihiko held such contempt for Inuyasha. It appeared to be a family trait. Even so, she worked to place her annoyance for ignorant folk like these behind her and continued to project a more diplomatic expression on her visage.
"You must know by now that not all demons are evil," Kagome said.
The woman hmphed. "You dress like a priestess, yet espouse such foolishness. Perhaps a change in your profession should be made."
Kaede stepped forward in hopes of deterring any and all arguments between the two. Kagome, after all, had just returned to work and Kaede wanted nothing but peace for the woman. Let it last longer, she prayed. She had gone through enough.
"Milady, why have ye come to visit our village with this crowd?"
The woman's gaze fixed on Kaede's. "I come for my brother."
"Akihiko."
The woman's nod was curt. "I am told he rests here."
"Ay, he is here. Were ye not informed of his situation?"
The woman narrowed her eyes to slits. "I do not believe a demon possessed him. We were blessed by the priestesses within our own village. Such a thing cannot take place after the sacraments we've conducted."
"I assure ye, madam, Akihiko is imprisoned internally by a violent demon set on killing everyone in its path."
The woman's eyes were set ablaze, hate seeping from their precipice. Kagome wondered if she too was possessed by a demon, but could not detect an aura from her or any of the soldiers. It could honestly be the case that the woman was simply vile all on her own. Humans could do just as much damage as demons, after all. Kagome knew that more than anyone present. She remembered what the future held for mankind, and restrained a shiver after recalling the kind of weaponry and evil conducted during the 1900s.
Kagome then turned her gaze upon her husband. He remained aloft, looking down on all, with Tessaiga at his side. He informed her the week before that Totosai visited him with questions about a war occurring in the heavens. No one knew any kind of information about this report and they thought to look into it sometime later. For now, Inuyasha told Kagome he wanted to focus on learning how to make the sword work. He claimed that it could possibly jog his memory into existence again, though Kagome and even he held some doubts.
She did not yearn for his memory as much as she used to since she had his love once more. In fact, during some days, it felt as though Inuyasha loved her more than ever before and she was often left breathless whenever he openly displayed his affection for her, no matter where they stood. Even so, she did want him to remember their past. Some of it had been tragic, even horrifying, but it was their story, and it made them whole.
She returned her focus to the woman. An older man stood next to her—her husband possibly. He looked as regal as she, with hair as white as snow, and gold and purple attire made for royalty. It was odd seeing them dressed so fashionably for a situation like this, but perhaps their objectives took precedent over any form of practicality.
The woman then spoke, and what sprang forth was like venom from a snake.
"Perhaps it is not the demon who holds Akihiko hostage. Your demons may have you in their possession, but I warn you, should you not hand Akihiko to his family, there will be hell to pay."
Inuyasha finally spoke, his tone made for mockery. "Don't be stupid, lady. There ain't no reason for us to hold your brother here except to protect you humans."
The woman ignored his existence and lifted one hand, signifying for her soldiers to ready themselves. Inuyasha immediately retracted his claws, poised. Even Kagome and Kaede had their bows raised, bracing for impact. The group looked small and pathetic compared to the small army before them, but few knew the cumulative power they held, capable of enacting all kinds of horror. Even so, Inuyasha was not eager to have Kagome make use of her abilities, as fear over her health gripped him. He jumped down next to his wife.
"You should go inside," he muttered. "It's not safe."
"I have a village to protect, just as much as you do."
"Ain't your job, my love. Please," he added. She looked at him through the side of her eyes, considering his words, but Kaede cut her thoughts when she stepped forward.
"I would advise ye to tell your men to stand down."
"Bring me my brother," the old man suddenly shouted. "And I may consider your words."
"In order to keep us all safe, it would behoove ye to leave the man in his place. He is in torment-"
"Torment?!" the woman shrilled. She lifted her arm again and her soldiers positioned themselves in front of the couple, some with spears, others with bows stretched to their full lengths.
Kaede gave the woman a level look, working to place more care with her words. "My lady, the demon torments him mentally. We are working to find a way to free him from his state, but we need time. Ye must grant us this."
The woman scoffed but did not say another word for some time, perhaps considering Kaede's words. During this moment, Inuyasha spoke to Kagome again.
"Kagome, please."
She hesitated briefly, and he knew it took every ounce of strength from her not to tell him off in front of the others because she was just as capable as everyone else there of fighting against humans and demons alike. But she understood Inuyasha's concern. Though completely healed from all she had been through, it would not be wise to put herself in another precarious situation that left her helpless.
She sighed, lowering her bow. "Fine."
She then walked away from the three and made her way home. Inside, she set her bow to rest and rolled her eyes to the ceiling, then smiled. Kirara walked in and rubbed against Kagome's leg, before jumping on to her lap to be held. While the cat demon purred, Kagome thought to herself that it was rather ironic how before Inuyasha lost his memory she was the one who wished to stay behind during battles, yet here she was now, ready to take on anything. It was a marvel to think that even through trials and tragedy, one could come out of it stronger than ever. And she was—stronger that is.
Suddenly, an idea came to her, one which set her on a path away from any company, toward the Tree of Time where Akihiko lay to rest.
Yes, she was stronger and she knew just how to prove it.
Inuyasha remained firm on the ground, waiting for any sudden movement from the soldiers standing in front of their leader in formation with spears and bows in place. He found it odd that they came here so ready for battle before even discussing anything. Prior to meeting Kagome, he used to hate humans and demons. They were impetuous with their actions, nary giving a thought to how they should behave with beings who were simply different from them. He used to care about their opinions, for such musings tainted the very sinews of his mind. Yet now he could not muster up an iota of concern for these people who clearly despised him with every fiber of their being.
All of his being centered around the friends he made, the respect he gained and the love he now claimed. He would let none destroy what he himself had earned, so he glared at the villains, making it known that none should prevail against this place he called home.
He listened in on the woman who whispered to her husband in hushed tones, her hands gesticulating wildly, with a desire to enact violence against people who did nothing except help their brother. A man who wished for nothing short of Inuyasha's demise. They deserved what was coming should they act upon their impulses.
Miroku knew Inuyasha could hear their rumblings and walked to him. He whispered, "What are they saying?"
"They doubt Kaede and are seeking the next course of action." Inuyasha keh'd. "Though I don't know why they'd doubt the old lady."
Miroku, ever pensive, added, "I understand. You see, they believe they were consecrated by their priestesses, giving them a sense of shield and forbearance against demonic forces, but they forgot one thing: hate vanquishes any semblance of grace, and for this they are now left defenseless. Sword and spear may pierce the flesh of a demon, but it is the soul that is at stake when it matches the very same ire of the creature they fight."
"So you're saying their pride is fighting against what's true because they can't fathom being wrong about their prejudice and my kind?"
Miroku gave a curt nod.
Inuyasha shrugged. "Far be it from me to change their minds. I've tried that and now I don't give a shit."
"I know." And Miroku said nothing more. Inuyasha observed him for a short moment, realizing that the human really did understand him. He felt closer to him somehow and was thankful for his presence, not because he needed the help, but because he knew his loyalty would never waver. After all, he and Inuyasha were, as Miroku once quoted, "the best of friends."
He could see that now.
For some strange reason, he wanted to thank the man for accepting him despite all that occurred, but he set the sentiment aside, when he heard the woman shout to her soldiers.
"Ready yourselves. We take Akihiko today!"
Whelp. So much for diplomacy.
Akihiko seemed so at peace situated upon the tree. The village men had set him on the grass, chained with his back against the wooden grains. It would keep him from aging until Kagome or Kaede devised a way for him to be set free from his coil. Until then, he would remain there, untethered by the ticking of time.
At least, after today, because Kagome remembered that she could possibly control the mortal and his demon for a short while, but long enough to give proof to his family. It could give them a chance to settle things and end in peace. To do so, Kagome would have to give Akihiko something she had given to none other than her husband. Even now, the thought of doing so sent a twist of hesitancy within her gut because it seemed rather wrong. She had to do it though.
So she clasped her hands together, whilst astride Kirara's back, and muttered the age-old incantation that would grant a gift to any she bestowed it upon. In seconds, a flash of light appeared before Akihiko's neck and then a black beaded necklace, the same as her husband's, rested on the nape of his chest, its round orbs both smooth and unflinching.
She gave herself a moment after this. The deed she was about to commit to could never be undone, but it was the only positive course of action toward halting any sort of war between man and demon, for such an act against Kaede's village and theirs would create one.
The wind swelled through her tresses, and she was greeted with the music of the morning sun, its rays peaking in through the cluster of grey clouds hovering above the village like giants. But it was a comforting view, for the deluge to come did more than dampen the soil, it reminded her of her child and the hope of a future with Inuyasha that would be unending.
With this in mind, she spoke Akihiko's name into the void, and with the command, he awoke.
A second of clarity greeted Kagome. His eyes were brown, no longer marred by the evil hues of the demon inside, and he blinked softly, before smiling, as if he had forgotten what occurred all those weeks ago. But the moment did not last, for the cloud of malice engulfed him once more, and from his lips bubbles of acid frothed over. He came to his feet and broke in two the chains that were meant to bind him, then set off to pounce on Kagome, but she was ready.
She told Kirara to run and the creature did so with ease, racing swiftly through the withered road. Akihiko and his demon chased behind them, the acid falling to his clothes, weakening the material until scattered holes remained.
Kagome could see the village gates up ahead.
"Hurry, Kirara!"
The demon cat ran with haste at her tails, and finally, Kagome could see Inuyasha and Miroku fighting against the soldiers. This did not deter Kagome for none had been killed off. The duo was holding back. Good. Kaede as well simply shielded Inuyasha and Miroku from the arrows that hailed upon them, while she cried out to Akihiko's siblings to end this madness.
With a swiftness, Kagome raised her bow and shot an arrow to the sky, blasting a ream of white light across the village. It was simply a flare to get everyone's attention. The soldier's stopped their fighting in order to shield themselves from the light. Kirara flew over them all and planted herself right next to Inuyasha. He looked up at Kagome, but could not see clearly enough for even his vision had been spotted from the flare.
Kagome jumped down and shouted, "Akihiko approaches!"
With a wave of her hand, she then wiped the village of the white light, like an eraser to a board. Akihiko's family turned to hear him growling from behind and they gasped with certain horror at the sight of him.
"Akihiko!" his sister screamed.
The possessed man did not budge, his eyes set on Kagome. His malevolent intent was focused and he zeroed in on one goal; to kill the one who imprisoned him upon that cursed tree. In an instant, he leaped over the small infantry. He sucked in a breath and, to everyone's horror, hurled a bile of acid at Kagome.
Inuyasha wasted no time. He grabbed onto his wife and Kirara and jumped away from the onslaught.
"I told you to go home!" Inuyasha barked at Kagome when he set her on the roof of a small hut. From behind, they could see where the acid landed, green grass reverted to brown pockets of death.
"Let them see," Kagome replied.
"What the-"
Akihiko landed next to the village gate and growled ferociously at Kagome. His sister still screamed at him, begging the creature to cease this madness, but he was lost in the lunacy of a singular possession that could not be swayed. He heaved again, working to create another set of bile to hurl at Kagome, but then Kagome cried out, "Freeze!"
Immediately, the demon stiffened, as if frozen in time. Not even a blink was made while stuck to the ground.
"Put me down, Inuyasha."
He hesitated briefly before lowering her to the grass. The sister then ran to her brother, stopping just a few feet short of him. Tears streamed down her cheeks, while she hesitated to even raise her hands to place her fingers onto her brother's solid face. Kagome immediately warned against it.
"The acid may still be present. I would advise you not to touch him."
Slowly, the woman turned her gaze to Kagome, and gooseflesh rose from her skin. She had never seen another human show such apathy for another person.
The woman ground her teeth together and practically growled. "What have you done to him?"
"Nothing. He was possessed when we met him."
"Liar!" she seethed. Filled now with a potent sense of wrath, she unsheathed a thin sword from her cane and attempted to slash into Kagome.
Fortunately, she underestimated her foe and did not realize the woman's husband was a demon to fear. As if on instinct, Inuyasha unsheathed his own sword, and blocked the woman's blow. The strength he used against her sent the woman and her sword flying through the air, but Inuyasha didn't seem to care for he was now in the throes of his own demonic rage, set solely upon the woman who dared to hurt his Kagome.
She had to die.
He growled menacingly at her, and she screamed for her men to fight, but even they feared the devilry emanating from Inuyasha's aura. His eyes were the color of fresh blood, his fangs as sharp as daggers. With a shriek, the woman crawled away from Inuyasha, but no matter how far she moved, he came closer, stalking her like a predator to one's prey.
"Help me!" the woman finally cried. Her husband stood behind his carriage, cowering at the sound of Inuyasha's snarl.
Inuyasha could feel Tessaiga pulse throughout his body and thicken with each second that passed, until it converted from a thin, abused sword, to one resembling a fang from a demon whose height rivaled mountains. It was not just the sword that moved, but his very soul, as if the tool sought to find something from deep within. Something that had been long gone. He ignored this novel experience, taking note to question it after he dealt with these monsters. Instead, he glared down at the stupid woman who attempted to take away every bit of happiness Inuyasha had ever received. As if he would allow it.
Contempt for the creature sought to engulf him, yet he somehow held reign over the destruction he wished to enact. She was not the true threat, after all. It was Akihiko. He needed to die. He was the source of all of his brokenness. He was the reason why he nearly lost Kagome. Why he lost his baby. He and his prejudice was the reason for everything wrong in this world.
A flash of electricity brought to remembrance his sword attacks from the past. Wind scar. Backlash wave. Adamant barrage... Meido Zangetsuha. Yes. He could use them on all of these people, sending them to the very fiery pits of hell.
Inuyasha raised Tessaiga and with each new pulse racing, a whisper came through, louder and louder until he could finally understand what was being said within the whirlwind and the roaring of his fury.
"Don't do it. Turn to Kagome. Don't do it."
While the woman whimpered beneath him, he kept his sword high, ready to strike, but the voice kept whispering until he suddenly heard a scream from behind, where Kagome told him, in unison with the voice, "Don't do it!"
Finally, he spun around to his wife and something exploded from within. It was stronger than anything he had ever felt before, encompassing every cell of his body, whooshing through him like a mighty wind, a fiery torrent blasting through every sense of loss, hurt, and shame. The sword continued to pulse, this time stronger and with more force, until a new rush of energy overtook his strength, enshrouding his vision.
A cloud of darkness was all that greeted him.
Kagome watched in horror as Inuyasha fell to the ground. She could not understand what happened, but the image of him collapsing would haunt her dreams for years. She ran to him, leaving Akihiko in a state of stupor. He wouldn't be able to move so long as the necklace remained around his neck and the chosen word of subjugation was not recanted.
When Inuyasha crumpled before the woman, she scrambled away from him and cried out, rushing to her brother. Even the husband finally ran from his hiding place and went to his wife. The two cautiously approached Akihiko, tears falling from their gaze. They could then see the demon's ghoulish skin moving through Akihiko's flesh and she choked back a sob, realizing the truth of his predicament.
"How do we save him?" she moaned.
Miroku approached the woman with Kaede in tow and muttered rather hastily, "We don't know how to rid him of this foe, but we shall work hard to free him, milady. You must give us time."
The woman nodded with a gulp. "H-how did this happen?"
Kaede gave her a shrewd look. "I suspicion it is because of his contempt for demons. Such malice attracts evil."
The woman swallowed thickly, all words lodged in her throat. Grief was etched upon every sinew of her skin. It was apparent that she worried for her brother and Kaede could feel a small sense of pity for the woman, but because of her actions, she caused unnecessary grief to her men. Some were in desperate need of medical attention, but Kaede cared very little for their discomfort. She worried instead over Inuyasha and walked away from the woman without a backward glance.
She knelt before Inuyasha and found Kagome at his side, weeping. He was sweating profusely, with a fever that rivaled a furnace. "I-I don't know what's wrong with him," Kagome whimpered.
"Come. We must take him to the infirmary." Kaede turned back to the woman. "I trust ye will return some other time when Akihiko is set free."
The woman hesitated before speaking, both apprehensive and wary, her eyes haunted. "W-will you help my brother?"
"Were we like ye, we would have killed the man, but ay, milady. That is what we intend to do."
The woman nodded and walked away. Before leaving, she took one last glimpse of her brother and went into her carriage. Some of her men remained, those battered by Inuyasha's blows, while others went to follow after her.
Miroku and Kagome then set off to lift Inuyasha from the ground. They took him to Kaede's house and it became apparent that he suffered from a nightmare while there. One he could not seem to wake from for days...
Author's Note: I apologize for the delay! I'll make sure to have the next chapter within the week. I was abroad for some time, exploring parts of Europe, but now I'm back on the grind! Thanks for reading. _