Author's Corner

Thank you all so much for the absolutely AMAZING reviews! You guys are the best. The previous chapters have all been revised now so there shouldn't be any SPAG errors (if you decide to reread and spot any I might have missed please feel free to let me know). Editing the entire thing has been a brilliant experience and I'm so happy with how far I've come in my writing abilities since the beginning. I'm also so excited about what this fic is turning into and I hope you guys feel the same! Enjoy the new chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

EIGHTH BLOOD

Chapter 45: Combat

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The morning after Tanabata was suspiciously quiet.

The only people awake were the ones that worked in the castle. Rin was sleeping soundly in the bed beside Octavia, and Sou had fallen asleep at his post, still holding his naginata. Even Sesshoumaru had barricaded himself in his room, which was out of bounds to everyone except him and the servants. It didn't take a genius to figure out that he wanted to be left alone.

Octavia left Rin sleeping and snuck past Sou – who'd be far too hungover to chase her once he awoke – with the intention of hunting herself some breakfast. She'd visited the castle's kitchens several times before, so she knew the staff fairly well.

When she arrived, the head cook Saya greeted her warmly and invited her to join them at the table. Saya was a plump woman with a freckled face and curly brown hair, who wore a blue apron and a smile that matched the sun. She also had a pair of goat horns sticking out of her head, and her pupils were horizontal rectangles. Octavia found her immensely likeable.

It definitely helped that Saya and her team never looked at her like she was beneath them. They weren't prejudiced like the nobles were. To them, she was just another stray, and the stronghold had plenty of those. She and Rin had simply happened to be the first humans.

After breakfast, one of the maids talked her into using her magic to help with the chores. The maid in question had the ability to control water, but for some reason, she could never manage more than a few droplets at a time.

Octavia closed her eyes and slowly pulled the maid's youki into her body. Unlike the handmaid Aya – who could summon flames at will – this maid could only influence her surroundings, not create. Luckily, there were enough pails of water around to get the job done. Raising her arms, she lifted the water into the air and separated it into pots for cooking and cleaning. The water glistened as it floated above their heads, creating the illusion of being underwater.

"I could watch you do that all day," Saya praised once she was done. "You're a wonder."

Octavia's cheeks burned at the compliment. "Thanks. I still have a lot left to learn, though."

"You remind me of an old legend about a village," a young manservant said. "Supposedly, the village was in danger of being destroyed, so a simple farmer's daughter sacrificed her body to a god and her bloodline gained magical powers. Your magic is similar to theirs."

"What village was this?" she asked.

He shrugged. "Who knows? It is just a story."

"And? All stories have elements of truth in them," said Saya.

Octavia couldn't agree more.

She left the kitchens at noon and went for a stroll in the gardens.

A series of loud clangs travelled into her ears, propelling her towards the stronghold wall, where two figures were engaged in a sparring match.

She watched as Hiroto slashed at Kanetsugu with his two curved blades, only to be blocked by the edge of Kanetsugu's metal spear. Hiroto grunted as Kanetsugu stood his ground and built up the strength to shove him away with his spear. He then lurched forwards like a bullet and aimed for a gap in the prince's armour, but Hiroto leapt out of the way before the sharp point of Kanetsugu's spear could make contact.

"This is a closed practice, human," Kanetsugu boomed, making her blood turn cold.

He and Hiroto ceased sparring and turned to look at her. Their eyes gleamed dangerously.

Octavia held her breath and waited to be dismissed, but they just stared at her, evidently wondering what she'd do next.

"I'm sorry," she said timidly, hoping it sounded genuine. "I didn't mean to interrupt—"

"What weapon do you favour?" Hiroto asked.

She blinked. "None, really. I've used swords before, but they're not exactly my forte."

"How do you defend yourself, then?"

"With magic, I suppose."

He narrowed his eyes. "I see."

Her fingernails dug into her palms as he stalked towards her slowly, his braid swinging behind him as he walked. She tried not to look him in the eye, but the prince had other plans. He caught her by the chin and tilted her head upwards, forcing her to meet his gaze. She fought to keep her expression neutral as his pink eyes glowed like neon lights, locking her in place.

"Sesshoumaru's scent is absent today," he observed. "How curious."

She didn't respond.

"You're not much to look at, but your smell . . . I can see why he fell into your trap. He was always the easiest to sway. Not like me." He leaned in close and whispered, "My father refuses to see reason, but I will not allow what happened with Ryukotsusei to repeat itself."

Octavia's heart missed a beat. That was the second time he'd said that name. Come to think of it, Nagisa had mentioned him once, too. Why do you think your father couldn't beat Ryukotsusei? Who was this Ryukotsusei? And why had he battled with Sesshoumaru's father?

"Sesshoumaru will be angry if I kill you, so why don't we settle this with a duel? If you are somehow victorious, then you are free to do whatever you like with me, but if I win, you will promise to never interfere with my family or the Southern Lands. Does that sound fair?"

Not really. He was hundreds of years old, and she still hadn't gotten any closer to understanding her powers, so she was at a huge disadvantage. Besides, she'd been specifically ordered not to pick fights with the guests. If she agreed, she'd have to face Sesshoumaru's wrath.

"I'm not interested in hurting your family," she said. "You don't need to defeat me to ensure their safety."

His eyes flashed. "Do you not want a chance to prove yourself? You see how our kind looks at you. We pretend, but our eyes are taunting, hateful, and filled with disgust. You may have a fellow Daiyoukai's favour, but you are still nothing in our minds. Are you truly content with that?"

Of course she wasn't. She wanted to be taken seriously for a change. She wanted them to look at her and cower with fear. She was sick of being a toy. Her heart raced as she imagined Hiroto bleeding on the ground in front of her, and Kanetsugu fleeing in terror. The other courts would have no choice but to recognise her as an equal if she bested one of their own.

She pushed Hiroto's hand away and said, "No weapons."

He arched an eyebrow. "Is that your only condition?"

"No. If I win, I get to choose a punishment for him, as well."

Hiroto's eyes flickered to Kanetsugu, who smiled menacingly. "Whatever you want, little mouse."

She and Hiroto stood a couple of metres apart and waited for Kanetsugu to give the word.

"Good luck," Hiroto purred, flashing his fangs.

"Ditto."

Kanetsugu signalled and Hiroto's youki expanded to fill the area. Octavia immediately latched onto it and ducked as he swiped at her head with his claws. Beams of dark purple light suddenly exploded from her hands, scorching the grass beneath her feet. She raised her hands and aimed the beams at Hiroto, who dodged them with ease. He jumped into the air and landed behind her, then grabbed her wrists before she could point her hands at him again.

She flinched as his claws pierced her flesh and drew blood.

"Is that all you're capable of?" he hissed.

"Fuck no."

Her blood fizzed and burned his hands, prompting him to release her wrists and move to a safer distance. Smoke rose from his palms, which were now covered in eight-pointed stars, and he growled in annoyance. Grinning, she raised her glowing hands, but he was ultimately faster. One minute, he was standing a good ten metres away from her, and the next, his closed fist was making contact with her face, knocking her off her feet. Blood ran down her chin from her split lip as she hit the ground. She groaned and wiped the blood away with the back of her hand.

The sound of Hiroto cracking his knuckles alerted her to his presence. She rolled onto her side to avoid the second punch and quickly pulled herself back up. Her ears were ringing badly as he lunged at her again. She held out her palms and created a forcefield with his youki, which launched him backwards into the wall around the perimeter. The act exhausted Octavia and caused her to fall to her knees. Hiroto picked himself up and shot over to her, then struck her again in the jaw. His fists felt like iron, but she refused to let him hear her pained cries.

"What are you waiting for?" he taunted. "Use the marks."

"What?" she spluttered, spitting blood.

He paused his assault and frowned. "You don't know? Ryukotsusei's freaky little witch did." When she didn't react, he shrugged and wrapped his large hands around her neck. "No matter. I think it's clear which one of us will be victorious. Now submit."

"Never," she snarled.

His hands tightened around her throat. "So be it."

She grimaced as he raked his claws down her neck, spilling even more blood. Why hadn't anyone smelled it yet? Or maybe they had and were simply too afraid of Hiroto to do anything. Her eyes filled with tears, and she cursed herself for being so reckless.

Sesshoumaru wouldn't come this time. Friends or not friends, he would never risk jeopardising his relationships with the other courts.

"STOP!"

Hiroto's claws froze on her collarbone. Octavia's face and neck were slick with blood as she craned her head to find out who the voice belonged to.

The sight of Kannika's blue-black hair shocked her to her core.

What was she doing here?

Kannika shot her brother an icy look before rushing over to where Hiroto was looming over Octavia. Taken aback by her beauty, the prince sheathed his claws and swallowed.

Kannika bowed her head and said, "Good morning, Hiroto-sama."

"Good morning," he murmured cautiously. "Lady . . ."

"Kannika," she replied, lifting her head. "And please, I'm no lady."

His eyes widened in shock. "You're Kanetsugu's sister?"

She nodded. Hiroto glanced backwards at Kanetsugu, who was staring at his sister warily, before returning his attention to the lovely demoness in front of him.

"What can I do for you?" he asked.

Her eyes brightened and she smiled at him. "Sesshoumaru-sama said it was my turn to play with the human today, so could you please let her go?"

Kanetsugu snorted softly.

Hiroto didn't seem remotely interested in what it might have meant, too focused on Kannika's gentle smile. "Of course," he said. "I didn't realise. Forgive me for stealing her."

"It's quite all right."

Kannika reached out and took Octavia's hand. Octavia glanced down at their interlaced fingers and wondered if she was hallucinating.

"It was wonderful to meet you, Kannika-san," Hiroto said with a slight grin.

Kannika smiled wider. "Likewise. Take care, my lord."

"And you."

Before they left, Hiroto spoke again.

"Human," he said, remembering that she existed. "I hope that our encounter today has taught you something. Don't forget your promise. The Southern Lands are beyond your reach now." His eyes narrowed and he smirked. "Never forget that you are weak and we are not. It is your magic that is powerful. Not you. Without it, you are nothing. Sesshoumaru will soon realise that."

Octavia was far too humiliated to reply.

Hiroto watched them leave, whilst Kanetsugu rolled his eyes and picked up his spear, mentally preparing for the prince to bore him with questions about his obviously not interested sister.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Kannika turned to Octavia and whispered, "You really are a fool."

Octavia was speechless as Kannika led her back inside.

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Her pride was in tatters. She struggled to look Kannika in the eye whilst the demoness gently wiped her face with a wet cloth, choosing to focus on her surroundings instead.

She'd never been in Kannika's room before. It was smaller than she'd expected. The furniture was far from modest, though. For example, there was an especially nice set of drawers with lily-of-the-valley flowers carved into the wood, and a gilded hand mirror on the table beside the futon.

Octavia winced when Kannika began cleaning the deep gashes in her neck. The warm water felt more like acid, burning her skin and making her sweat.

"Why did you help me?" she asked through gritted teeth.

Kannika kept her gaze fixed on the wounds. "It wasn't a fair fight."

"Your brother didn't seem to care about that."

Kannika's expression faltered slightly.

"Why does he hate me so much?" Octavia whispered.

"It's complicated. Sesshoumaru-sama wasn't the only one who felt abandoned when Touga-sama bedded that human. Touga-sama wasn't our father, but it still felt like he'd been stolen from us. And now you and Sesshoumaru-sama are . . ."

Her voice trailed away.

Octavia's eyes softened. "I'm not trying to steal him from you. Anyway, it's not like that."

"I know."

Touga-sama wasn't our father, but it still felt like he'd been stolen from us.

They weren't the only ones who'd been jealous of Izayoi and Inuyasha.

"Have the two of you ever spoken to Sesshoumaru about this?"

She shook her head. "It's a delicate subject. Besides, he'd be outraged if he found out we even dared to think of Touga-sama like that. We were lucky that he didn't banish us."

"Why?"

"Our father was a member of the Black Drakes."

Octavia's eyes widened.

Kannika smiled sadly. "It's why we were cast out. We had traitor's blood. After he died, we wandered the lands in search of a home, but no one wanted anything to do with us. Except for the man who'd killed our father. We should have resented him, but our father was an evil man, and Touga-sama didn't care that we were his kin. He could have easily turned us away like all the others had, but he didn't. He saved us . . . We never thanked him for it. I always regretted that."

Octavia laid her hand over Kannika's and gave it a squeeze.

"Thank you for helping me back there."

"Don't mention it."

"I'm serious."

"As am I," Kannika said fiercely. "Don't ever mention it again."

Octavia smiled faintly, remembering how Sesshoumaru had said something similar in Ebisu.

"Okay," she said. "I won't tell anyone. I promise."

"Good."

Kannika carried on tending to her wounds.

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