Hello dear readers! Sorry for the long wait. This is the last chapter of the Thunder Brothers Arc, which of course fill with battles. I hope you enjoy it.
I can't believe it that InuYasha's sequel: Hanyou no Yashahime only three episodes left. I actually plan to enter some of its elements but I refuse to put it as Canon due to the story is so scrambled that it even make InuYasha fans like me shake my head on the character's inconsistencies.
As for this fic continuity, I plan to follow the Manga after we reach Episode 167, which is when the original Inuyasha Anime end. Although the Final Act was a good sequel and all, I feel it skips too much especially during the time Moryomaru become more dangerous of a threat than Naraku himself.
/N: InuYasha belongs to Takahashi Rumiko. Tokyo Ghoul belongs to Sui Ishida. I don't own the story or all of its characters.
Chapter 6
Clash on Raimei Valley Part 2
On the Raimei Valley, thunders are rumbling while the sky starts to darken, shadowing the clash that happens between Inuyasha and Hiten. The two warriors, one using his Flying Wheels to stay airborne, while the other stand firmly on the ground. His Tessaiga is raise up toward his foe. On the sidelines, Shippo and Myouga is watching the battle unfold.
Inuyasha's persistence to fight him amused the elder of the Thunder Brothers. "Huh! You wish for me to draw-off this game I see. Fine, I shall relish your growl of suffering." Hiten stated.
Hearing it, Inuyasha smirk to mock him, brandishing his Tessaiga. "Huh, I heard similar threats from numbers of poor fools whose memories I keep alive by dancing on their tombstones." He mocked.
"Perhaps in your dreams." Hiten later fly a little higher to gain momentum for a dive strike before spin his Raigekijin on his hands. "Enough delay, time to meet your own unfortunate demise!" He then flying toward Inuyasha with his Raigekijin ready in position to stab the latter's right shoulder. However, its revealed to be a faint as Hiten suddenly slash the ground where the Hanyo's standing, forcing him to jump away to avoid the lightning bolts produced by it. Quickly keep his distance thanks to his Flying Wheels, Hiten quickly return toward Inuyasha, who still not landing on the ground to deliver a downward slash, which he managed to block with the Tessaiga.
"Enjoy your last moments of life!" Hiten said as he continuously assault Inuyasha with barrage of swings.
'Ggh! One touch from his weapon and I'll be a goner!' Inuyasha thought as he recognized how powerful Hiten's attack was. The Shikon Jewel Shard surely did its job on raising his opponent's battle prowess. Find an opening, he then retaliate by kick Hiten in the chest, making him thrown backward before manage to stabilize himself in the air while Inuyasha managed to gain footing on the ground.
"Huh, I must say that I'm impressed. You managed to stop my barrage of attacks." Hiten compliment him while touching his chest armor which have slight cracks on it.
"Huh! You're seeing nothing yet!" Inuyasha taunted. 'Still… I wonder how Hinami's doing against that Ghoul?' He thought in concern.
On Hinami's side, she and her mother see the rumbling that cause by Hiten and Inuyasha battle.
"So Hiten already begin his battle." Ryouko noted before look toward Hinami. "If so, we must begin our battle as well." She stated as the blue flame around her intensified.
"Mommy, you know this is pointless. I know that you didn't want any of this." Hinami softly tried to persuade her mother that the fight is all but meaningless. She didn't want to feel guilt of forcing to injure or killed her own mother, not when they're meet again after two years had passed.
"I think I said it once." Ryouko later raise her right hand, firing a blast of blue flame toward her daughter. Hinami managed to jump away from the attack while unleash her Rinkaku to help her grip the ground while the rest of her body is still in mid-air. "So you've managed to control your Rinkaku completely now. What I see in the castle was right. You've grown stronger." She smiled seeing her daughter development compare to the last time she saw her as she unleashes her Koukaku to jump toward Hinami.
'She jumps toward me using her Koukaku!' She thought in surprise.
"However, that stills not enough!" Ryouko then punch her own daughter using flame-coated fist, but Hinami managed to cross her arms together to protecting her face. She then counters by making side-sweep kick toward her mother's side with her left leg, delivering a hard kick to it.
"Ugh." Ryouko grunted in pain as she feels the impact of the kick. However, she suddenly smiled. "Burn to ash." Hinami's feet later consumed by the blue flames, that become intensifies as Ryouko put more of her power into it.
"AAAHHH!" Hinami yelled in pain as she feels her left leg burned from inside out. "Ggh!" Tried her best to hold her pain, the young Ghoul suddenly releasing the third Rinkaku that will smack Ryouko away if she didn't jump away and landing safely on the ground. However, instead of chasing her mother, she cut off her left leg to stop the burning before landing on the ground using her Rinkaku as a support of her body by constrict it around her left leg as some kind of mechanical leg.
"With that you can't move freely now, because regeneration will take quite a time." Ryouko said as she also land to the ground.
'This move… Is like that mommy becoming different person… She never this agile.' Hinami thought grimly as she tried her best to hold off the pain that caused by her severed left leg that make her hard to stand upright.
"Hinami, I said it before that you must defeat me if you want to assist that Hanyo. Hiten is more powerful than you can ever imagined. I doubt that he could stand a chance against him." Ryouko remind her once more.
Hinami coughed blood before wiping it from her mouth with her right hand. "Inuyasha-san is a lot stronger than you think mommy. Also… He respects my strength. Not just him, everyone in this world… I don't know why… But they're not as discriminative as in our world. Somehow… I feel like this is the place where I belong." She said while readying her Rinkaku. "That's why… For the sake of them… I WON'T LOSE TO YOU!" She screams while launching her Rinkaku toward her mother.
Ryouko however smiled hearing those words. 'You've grown Hinami…' She thought in happiness seeing her daughter's mental growth as she grab the pair of Rinkaku that raced toward her with her bare hands before burning it using Kitsunebi. "Your Kagune won't work against the heat of Kitsu-Guagh!" Ryouko gasped in pain as a single Rinkaku is pierce through her stomach. It is revealed that Hinami's using the same trick she used against Sesshoumaru: By sending one of her Rinkaku to the underground while bring the two for distraction. Her mother's blood is trickled from the sharp tip of Hinami's Rinkaku that pierced her stomach.
Hinami is seen panting. Forcing her Kagune to activate while regenerating her left leg take a toll on her stamina. 'I… Hit her! But…'
"You've surely… Grown stronger… Hinami…" Ryouko compliment her daughter skills while panting. Maintaining Kitsunebi really drains her Youki. "But… You need more than that to defeat me." Ryouko's left arm suddenly turn into that of scorpion pincers and snap the Rinkaku hard, severed it. She then quickly sends her scorpion tail from her back that is imbued with Kitsunebi toward Hinami, who block by unleashing her Koukaku. Using the momentum, the young Ghoul pulls her mother's body to the air before spin it then slams her to the rocky terrain behind her.
Back to Inuyasha and Hiten's battle, the two of them still clash with each other, though the Thunder Yokai is the one that have the advantage by able to fly using his Flying Wheel on his feet.
On a high rock not far away from the clash site, Shippou is watching the battle with awe. He never expected a Hanyo is able to keep up with Hiten. "Good, Hiten's busy. I'm certain Inuyasha can hold him off." He then looks at Manten, who's still holding Kagome on his Flying Cloud. "Meanwhile I'll find a way to save Kagome." He said determined. He knows that he won't stand a chance against Manten in battle, but the younger of the Thunder Brothers is bit an idiot so maybe he can trick him to lower his guard.
On the Flying Cloud, Kagome's worried that Inuyasha is push back by Hiten relentless attacks. "Inuyasha!"
On the other hand, Manten is clapping his hands seeing his brother's smooth path to victory. "Khu khu khu, Go for it Hiten anii-chan!" He then open his jaws, ready to shoot his trademark Thunder Breath to support Hiten. "I'll give my assistance."
Kagome who seeing this immediately act by pushing Manten to make him lose his balance on the Flying Cloud and also his concentration. "No fair! That's two against one!" She yelled. Her efforts is working, as Manten falls off from his Flying Cloud while his Thunder Breath instead of being fired toward Inuyasha it was fired to the ground below, creating a deep crater which he landed into. Due to Manten's no longer on the Flying Cloud, it was dispersed as well and Kagome later fall to the ground as well. She'll hardly hit the ground if she's not landing on Manten's huge body. Shippou who seeing it immediately rush to the scene.
Inuyasha who seeing the scene become panicked, momentarily drift off his attention. "Kagome!" He yelled in worry. Using the chance Hiten tried to slash him but Inuyasha managed to block just in time.
"Hah! A true warrior never puts a woman before a battle!" He proclaimed as he tried to break Inuyasha's guard. Sparks of lightning are form by their clash.
"Hold on Kagome! I come for you as soon as I finish him off!" Inuyasha said at her with high tone so she can listen.
Back to Kagome, she's land softly on the ground beside Manten that's lying on the crater. She then rubs her back. "Phew. At least the fall didn't kill me." She said in relief.
"No. But I might."
Shrieked, Kagome look at Manten who's standing completely uninjured despite his fall. He then look at Kagome with anger. "Whoa! I thought you were dead!" The girl quickly gets up and run away.
"Wench!" Manten mocked as he gives the chase.
However due to bad luck, Kagome was trip on a rock and falls to the ground. Seeing the chance, Manten then prepare to launch on her if Shippo didn't interfere in time.
Preparing a top that's connected by a line, he imbued it with his Kitsunebi Youjutsu before throwing it at Manten's vulnerable head. "Tsubushi Goma!" When the top touch Manten's head, who look at it in confusion, the top was enlarged in size until it was reach gigantic size while still spinning, making the younger of the Thunder Brothers grunt in pain as he loose his footing and falls to the ground.
Kagome look in awe didn't expecting that Shippou was able to make Manten fall to his knees.
"Get away while you can Kagome!" Shippou warned. He knew that his attack won't be enough to kill Manten, only buying time enough for Kagome to escape.
"No arguments here!" Kagome look at Shippou as she runs and quickly climbs up the crater. She then smiled at the young Kitsune. "Wow, nice move down there!" She praised.
Shippou, though he received the compliment, has a shy look on his face since besides his father, it was the first time his ability was praised. "Er… It was nothing."
Myouga then appears from Shippou's back. "It still too early for celebration!" He warned. "Shippou's Kitsunebi Youjutsu is all about illusion, Behold."
Confused by Myouga's explanation, Kagome quickly turn to Manten to see that the spinning top is shrinking until its back to normal size. 'To think that illusion was able to fool me… Seems I lack of training.' Kagome internally sighed.
On Manten side, he then get up while crush the spinning top on his right hand. "Grrh. That fox tyke would pay for his tricks!" He said as the very thing that he treasured the most is fall from his head. The last strand of hair on his head, as the other two already fall because of Kagome's arrow, with one of them embedded on his snout. "Huh!?" He look in shock as his hair is fall to the ground then desperately trying to search for any remaining one on his head, only find nothing. Tears are threatens to falls from his eyes. "N-No! My beautiful hair! Gone! Their all gone! Every last one of my hair is FALLING!" In rage, he shoots his Thunder Breath toward the sky before firing it randomly at close proximity, burn every plant and scorches every rocks that's touch by it. Kagome, Shippou and Myouga quickly get away from its range. "YOU HAVE PLUCKED MY LAST STRANDS OF HAIR!" He screamed in anger as he firing his Thunder Breath.
Lucky for Kagome, Shippou, and Myouga, they're managed to find safe place behind the tree that luckily spared by Manten's rage blast before sitting down.
"It's as though we added fuel to the fire…" Kagome said referring to Manten's rage while catch her breath.
"You said it!" Shippou agreed that his attack put him in rage.
After his random attack, Manten gets out from the crater before walking toward Kagome's hiding place. "I can smell your fear!" He claimed. "I hunt you down, and use one for my hair potion and the other for a new belt!" He declared as he searching around the site.
"Got any bright ideas? Cause something tells me we're in trouble!" Kagome asked Shippou. She can't deny that she's fear by Manten. She then noticed her remaining arrow on Manten snout. 'Wait a minute! That arrow! Maybe I could use it again!' She analyzed after seeing the arrow not damaged at all. She then look at Shippou, ready to tell her ideas. "Shippou, I need your help!"
Shippou however is frightened, but finally agrees.
However, their rustling is heard by Manten. "Over there!" He then shoots his Thunder Breath at the tree, destroying it and only leaves the rocky terrain. He then walks closer to inspect, and found Kagome's lying unconscious. "There's the little wench!" He then lifts Kagome by the hair. "Did you honestly think you can elude a Thunder Brother?"
Much to his surprise though, Kagome's is suddenly awake with the look 'I got you' on her face. "Yeah actually you scrawny mudskipper!"
"Huh!?"
Kagome's hair suddenly moved and constricts Manten's arm, hold him in place. "Funny! I just can do a thing with my hair today!"
"Hah?" Glanced to his right, Manten finds another Kagome's running toward him. "What trickery is this!?" He said in confusion as Kagome pulls the arrow from his snout, making him flinch in pain.
"I'll be taking back that arrow if you don't mind!" She said as she pulls the arrow.
Manten now finally realized what's happening as the Kagome that he holds had her hair turn into brown. "You that miserable fox!"
"And for flesh and blood, here's revenge!" Shippou declared as Kagome tried to kill him by stabbing the arrow to the Shikon Jewel Shards on his forehead.
'All I have to do is hit the Shikon Jewel Shards in his forehead.' She thought. "Hold him down Shippou! This maybe our last chance!" Kagome said to the young Kitsune as he ready to pierce Manten's Shikon Jewel Shards. "Here goes nothing!"
However, Manten quickly recovered and managed to punch Kagome by ripping off Shippou's hair that constrict him using his power alone, making her tumbles to the ground. He then lift Shippou, that's still on his disguise form. "Damn you witch!" He then throw him to the ground, returning him to his normal form before kick him away. He then turns his attention to Kagome. "Your turn!" He then swipe down to her before she can react and choke her, planning to suffocate her to death.
"Hngh!" Kagome gasp for air as she tried to fight Manten's strength, but to no avail. "Inu… Yasha…" She desperately called.
Kagome's voice is heard by Inuyasha and it makes him distracted from his fight. He managed to swipe two of Hiten's attacks before look at her vulnerable position, making him worried. "Kagome!" Not wasting his chance, Hiten quickly speared his Raigekijin toward Inuyasha's left shoulder, managed to pierce through his Hinezumi no Koromo. "UAH!" He grunt in pain as the electricity is spread to his body.
"Hah! Didn't hear my advice about woman worth heeding!" He then enlarges the wound by swipe his Raigekijin down while still embedded on Inuyasha, creating a gash on his left shoulder. The forces and the effects of the attacks make Inuyasha thrown and crash to the ground. He also loses grip on Tessaiga, as the sword is stabbed not far from him and return to its junk form. As he tried to get up, he was met by Raigekijin sharp tip just an inch from his face, while Hiten is hovering in front of his fallen form, smirk in triumph. "Pathetic! You don't live up to your reputation! Human compassion proves your undoing Hanyo! Which to die first? That cursed fox or the odd woman you've been occupied with?" Hiten wondered as he know Manten situation.
Meanwhile, something's coming out from the inside of the Thunder Yokai castle, which is revealed to be Soten and Tsuyu that's running outside toward the battle site where Hiten, Manten, and Ryouko is.
Soten then looks to one of the watch tower of the castle. "Come here Koryu!" She commanded with firm tone despite her age.
Not long after, from the inside of the watch tower, a small, red dragon is flying down toward Soten and Tsuyu. "Soten-sama?" He asked, confused why'd Soten called him. Suddenly, the little dragon was hold by none other than Tsuyu and hug tightly by her. "L-Let go of me human!?" He shrieked in panic as he struggles to get free from Tsuyu's grasp.
"So cute!" The princess said as she releases the hug. "So this is your friend Soten?"
"U-Um!" Soten shyly nodded before look toward Koryu. "Koryu, please transport us to the battlefield where onii-chan and Fueguchi-san is."
Back to Hinami's fight against Ryouko, her last attack has worn her mother down as she lying on the ground. Out of energy due to overuse of the Kitsunebi, Yokai parts, and her Kagune, she reverts back to her base form. Her Kimono now in tatters with the most prominent damage to it are Inuyasha slash on her torso and Hinami attack on her stomach that leaves a hole although she's starting to regenerate faster than usual thanks to the Yokai parts she had eaten, enhancing her normal regeneration. This though takes time as her Youki is depleted due to overuse.
Hinami also panting in exhaustion as her Kagune finally disperses, making her fall to her knees as her left leg not fully regenerated yet. She look at her mother's beaten form with a pity look on her face.
"That form of yours… It gained momentarily power at the cost of your energy." Hinami concluded after seeing it. "Not to mention the wounds that I inflicted drain it more."
Ryouko smiled hearing it while her face shown she's clearly tired from using her Kitsunebi form. "As expected… From my daughter…." She said before cough. "Seems… You'd been through a lot of… Things… Whoever teaches you… Must be a good teacher…" She acknowledged that Hinami must have been through many battles to make her observant to her opponents. "Well… What are you waiting for… Kill me… And let me free from this burden… I no longer had much energy to fight… It should be easy… For you…"
Hearing it once again bring Hinami's body stiffened as her pupils shrinking with a neutral look on her face. What she heard before the battle despite her pleas was not a dream or her own hallucination, her mother really wanted to die. She then tried to stand up, hardly stands because of her severed left leg. Using her last remaining strength, she tried to unleash her Rinkaku to use as a makeshift leg, to partially success, as she walks using it when she reaches close to Ryouko's body, the Kagune disperses, making her fall close to her mother if she not supporting her body using her hands. "I… Can't do it… I… Can't ever kill another person…" She wallowed in sadness for her lack in power; tears are starting to form on her eyes.
Ryouko weakly turn her head to look at her daughter. "Hinami…"
"Mommy… Maybe you didn't know about this… But after you died, the man that killed you… He… He turn your Kagune into one of those weapons that used by CCG to kill us and then he tried to kill me… By using your body parts to lure me to where he's planned to dispose of me." She revealed since she thought that Ryouko deserve to know what happens to her remains after her death.
This revelation shook Ryouko to the core. If death isn't worse, then what's more worse than letting your body parts being used as an instrument to kill your own flesh and blood? "T-That…"
"In the end… I alongside Touka-neechan fight him while Onii-chan holds his partner. During the battle, that man keeps mocking us as a species that don't deserve to live and he said that I should become his Quinque in order to be together with you again. I… Even sever one of his legs so he won't be able to hurt Touka-neechan anymore, who's already beaten by him. I don't know, maybe at that time I also angry, seeing Mommy's Kagune being used in such a horrid way." Hinami continued while look down, remembering the particular scene when she almost killed a living person on her own. "However in the very end, I decided to spare him. At first, I don't know why I would do such a thing. However, when he finally killed by Touka-neechan and it was revealed he have a daughter… I realized, maybe that I did back there is the right thing to do. Because… If we keep continue killing Ghoul Investigator for our survival, we'll just be portrayed as man-eating monsters and the endless cycle… It will keep continues."
Ryouko can't speak any comforting words after hearing Hinami's explanation. Seems after her death, many circumstances happens that makes her daughter mature in world view. 'Hearing your story… Only make me feel at fault. Here I am, try to play a mother with someone unrelated to me while my own flesh and blood manage to mature on her own this fast… In those two years before you get thrown in here, what's exactly happen to you Hinami?' She wondered as she tries to stand up but her wounds which regenerate slowly due to her exhaust of energy prevent her.
"Mommy you mustn't move!" Hinami said in concern. "Please! We have no need to fight anymore!"
"I-I know." Ryouko replied with a sad smile on her face while manage to sit up despite her wounds. "H-However… You truly grown stronger, Hinami. With this, I… I don't need to worry about your own safety anymore."
"M-Mommy…" Hinami sniffed as she tries to hold tears.
"Hinami!" Hinami quickly look to see Tsuyu ran toward her with worry look on her face. The princess quickly jumps and embraces her in a hug. "I'm glad that you're all right! I was scared!?" She said as she unable to hold her tears anymore.
"Tsuyu?" Hinami can only said in surprise as her dear friend revealed to be just fine without any injuries on her body. She then return the hug. "I-I'm glad that you're fine…" She said with relief evident on her tone as tears threaten to fall from her eyes.
"Fueguchi-san, are you okay!?" Souten asked in worried tone after seeing Ryouko's battered form. "W-What happened!? D-Did-"
"I-I'm okay… Souten." Ryouko weakly said as she still concentrates on healing her stomach wound. "B-But… Why'd you going here… It's dangerous… Your brothers-"
"I want to stop both of them from this foolish conquest for power! I prefer more for the three of us to be together instead of my brothers killing others for sheer joy of it!" Souten said in desperate tone which makes Ryouko can't hide her shock. How could she figure it out?
"How'd you-"
"Do you think I not know my brothers evil deeds!? Koryu was the one that inform all of it to me! I know that Manten-niichan boil young girl for his hair concoction and Hiten-niichan evil deeds toward every woman that he brings back home…*Hiks*…" Souten can't hold her tears with the revelation. "B-But even so… *Hiks*… I-I can't hate both of them…" She can't hold it anymore as she cries for real. Ryouko can't do anything but look in sadness. She always tried her best to close Souten as far as possible from Hiten and Manten evil nature. However, it seems she underestimate a child curiosity.
"Souten…" Ryouko can only uttered in shame.
"Souten already explain everything to me, Fueguchi-san." Ryouko then look toward Tsuyu who supporting Hinami whose left leg starting to regenerate. "If you think she hates you for hiding Hiten and Manten true nature, she doesn't. In fact, she thanked you that because of it, she doesn't hate her own brothers." She explained. "Now, she wants to stop both of their madness. However, she just a child. She needs someone support. Yours to be exact."
"I know." Ryouko said in agreement with Tsuyu's words as the Kitsunebi Flamesare starting to flicker, try to sped-up the healing of her wounds despite her lack of energy. "I'm a mother once before. I know Souten feelings the most. Her feelings are not naïve for me, because… There's no way someone that still shown genuine cares for her can be hate that easy." She then manage to stand up, and wobbly walk toward Souten who's still crying in a curl behind Tsuyu and Hinami.
"Mommy…" Hinami uttered as she knows what her mother is trying to do.
Ryouko then smiled at her daughter. "We'll talk again later Hinami. This time… I promise that I won't leave you again. For that." She then walk passing Hinami and Tsuyu. "I'll do something right to prevent the same thing that happened to us… Won't happen to Souten as well."
Back on the section of Raimei Valley where Hiten and Manten battling Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippou, the situation is truly favoring the Thunder Brothers. Shippou is knock down by Manten while Myouga as usual is too cowardly for a flea. Kagome was being choked to death by Manten. Inuyasha on the other hand suffer a deep wound on his left shoulder thanks to Hiten who manage to catch him off-guard. The elder of the Thunder Brothers now watching Inuyasha like hawk with his Raigekijin point directly at the Hanyo's face.
'I can deal with this loser afterward! I've got to save Kagome!' Inuyasha thought in worry as he feels immense pain from his left shoulder. It's not a normal case when you find someone is able to cut through his robe which is made from a Fire Rat.
Hiten however, decided to gloat at their favorable situations by calling his younger brother. "What'd you think Manten? Should we make these fools out of their misery or making them suffers a little longer?" He asked in taunting tone.
Manten then look at Hiten. "I'm in no rush Hiten. I'm quite enjoying myself." Manten said in glee and utter cruelty as he continues to choke the life out of Kagome who start to struggle to breathe. "A woman in the verge of death is irresistible!"
However, Shippou manages to wake up and can only look in horror for what Manten did to Kagome. However, he overcome his shock and fear and immediately jumps to Manten, perching on his right arm. "Grrgh! Let her go!" He said in bravery.
"Ugh!" Manten irritated as with a single swing of his right arm, he throws Shippou away while his left hand still continues to choking Kagome. Shippou tumbling to the rocky terrain for a bit before stop after being thrown to a considerable distance.
"Grrrh…" Shippou growled in anger as he glare toward Manten, who only laugh at him.
"A ha ha ha. When I'm done I have a surprise for you. My curt is being expanded lately. After I kill this wench, I'll fleece you. It'll be quite a family reunion." Manten said without remorse as he pat his pelt which is made from Shippou's Father Skin and fur.
This enraged Shippou who growled in anger and look at Manten with hatred.
"Should I slay you first and skinned you alive like your father? Perhaps I shall use your toes for new sets of earring." Manten threatened Shippo with clear threat.
Hiten, impressed with his younger brother cruelty decide to add salt to the injury for Shippou as he was the one that kill his father instead of Ryouko back then. "Very clever Manten. If I don't know you better I'd say you become quite a villain." He said in pride to his younger brother. This make Manten laughing cruelly in a strange way.
"How can you say so Hiten!" Manten said in happiness for his older brother praise.
"You won't get away with this!" Had enough of each words the Thunder Brothers said, Shippou stand up once again and jump again toward Manten, this time biting his throat although for the younger of the Thunder Brothers, it has no effect at all.
"Hmm…" Manten then get a hold of Shippou's head using his right hand. "Try to seal your fate already I see." He then starts to hold Shippou's head tightly, trying to crack it like a peanut.
'I won't let go even if it kills me!' Shippou thought in determination. If he died and failed to save Kagome, he can at least reunite with his father in the afterlife.
"Grrh… Release me you little pest!" Manten then tried to pull off Shippou from his neck, but the little Fox Yokai didn't even lessen his bite on him. He then decide to punch Shippou on the head repeatedly. "Release me immediately fox tyke! Remove those baby teeth from me now! Or I'll beat your head to a pulp!" He said while punching Shippou repeatedly, making him muffled in pain.
Hiten, clearly feels he's got the upper hand, decide to disregard Inuyasha for a while. "Manten. Be careful not to soil that precious fox sweater of yours. Wouldn't want to see it soak with blood." He said as he knows how his younger brother likes it.
"Thanks for the tip Hiten!" Manten thanked.
Seeing the opening that he need, Inuyasha decide to speak up. "I maybe not the nicest guy around… But I'm innocent compare to you two swine!" Inuyasha declared in anger as he manages to stand up and using the blood on his left shoulder, preparing an attack. "Hijin-Kesso!" He then swipes his right hand, creating dozens of blade made from his own blood toward Hiten.
"Tch!" Hiten however manage to realize the sneak attack and put the pole of Raigekijin in the direction of the incoming attack, deflecting it from causing him harm. After the attack was over, he then smirk as he sees Inuyasha seems not all talk after all. "Finally this is start to getting interesting!" He said as he look in realization that the attack is a mere distraction. Inuyasha not expect that Hijin-Kesso will harm him.
He plan to take the Tessaiga back. Hiten tried to stop it but it's too late. The distraction was a success. Finally holding his main weapon on his right hand, The Hanyo then jump high to the air and in surprising movement, throwing the Tessaiga toward Hiten, who manage to dodge it with no effort.
"Nice throw! But you're aiming at the rock!" Hiten taunted, completely unaware of what Inuyasha truly aim with that movement.
"Did I get him?" Inuyasha wondered as he lands to the ground, making Hiten confused and decided to look behind…
Only to witness the Tessaiga pierce through Manten chest and stomach, making the younger of the Thunder Brothers crash to the ground and releasing Shippou and Kagome from his clutches. Hiten who witness that his younger brother was caught up in a sneak attack, can only look in shock.
"Manten!" Hiten screamed in concern as he flying toward the fallen body of his younger brother.
Kagome, finally regaining her strength back, rush quickly to get Shippou whose knock-out momentarily due to the repeated punch from Manten to his head. She then looks toward the Tessaiga that still embedded on Manten's body. "The Tessaiga! I'd got to bring it to Inuyasha!" She said as she tries to pull it out from Manten's body.
"U-Ugh… Don't leave my father…" Shippou grumbled as he regaining consciousness.
Kagome nod toward the little Fox Yokai. "Yes of course. But I can't carry the Tessaiga and your father's fur at the same time." She said as Hiten finally arrive, face filled with concern and anger.
"Manten!"
"Kagome! Get out of there before he kills you!" Inuyasha warned in high tone, concerned about her and Shippou safety.
Arriving at the site, Hiten quickly releasing a lightning from a single swipe of his Raigekijin, knocking Kagome backward. He then lands down, lifting his younger brother body to make him able to sit up. "Manten!"
"Uuh…" Manten regaining consciousness despite the clear open wound. He knows that he have not long to life. "Hiten… Their gone… Every last strands of my hair is falling… And with it my hopes of becoming happy…" He said in depressed but sad tone.
"Don't be so foolish Manten! We can make it grow back!" Hiten said in concerned tone as if this is his usual banter, he will completely disregard Manten complaining about his hair. "Hang on and be strong! Souten-"
Manten then weakly look at his older brother. "It's no use kidding myself… I'll never have you and Souten beautiful hair… Both of you are fortunate enough to inherit father's looks… But fate is smoke me… It was my unfortunate to resemble our reptilian mother… I wonder why our father falls in love with our mother in the first place…" Manten said while remembering his mother, who is look just like him in appearance.
Hiten, clearly saddened and agitated as he actually knows what Manten said is the truth. In fact, he remembers on the time when they're still a normal child he always ridiculed Manten for his reptilian look and lack of hair. That's when until his father decided to put an end to it by scolding him for doing that to his own younger brother.
However, he can't accept this! His father critically injured by those damn cats 50 years ago, leaving him comatose and later died few months ago and his mother died in grief before giving birth to Souten eight years ago. After both of his parents passed away, Hiten finally understand the true importance of a family. Because of that, he can't let it go like what happens right now.
He can't lose another family. Not like this. He still needs to avenge his father for the scores 50 years ago.
"Beauty isn't about what's on the outside! It won't change a thing about you brother! I love every lasts bald inch of you!" Hiten said in clear desperate tone in contrast to his arrogant self. "Please Manten… Just hang on. Souten… She needs both of us… What shall I tell her about this…"
Seeing the ongoing event, Inuyasha just narrow his eyes. 'Souten? Who's that? Does that means there is still the third Yokai that lurking around here?' He thought in wary.
Back on Manten, he realized that he has not long to life. He at least must say all of his frustration and comforting words. "Ugh… Thank you… Even if you don't mind it… When I reborn someday… I thought I want to be a caterpillar… With hair all over my body… But I don't think so… Who am I trying to kid… I rather reborn bald again… I'd make that sacrifices if I'm going to be reborn as your younger brother once more…" He said before look weakly toward Hiten. "Tell Souten… Forgive me for being a bad brother…" Manten then draw his lasts breath as his body later become limp, finally succumb to his injuries.
Like being hit by a lightning bolt, Hiten can only look is shock and disbelief that his younger brother is no more. "Manten!" He try to shake Manten's body to awake him, but to no avail. "Manten! MANTEN!"
On Hinami's side, she finally manage to regenerate her left leg and is seen carrying Tsuyu on her back although she still use her Rinkaku as the way to straighten her recently regenerated left leg. Ryouko on the other hand also manages to regain some of her strength after Tsuyu offers her to bit her shoulders. Souten was perching on Ryouko's back while Koryu return back to the Thunder Palace to continue his guard duty while the rest of the Thunder Yokai were gone.
"This scent…" Ryouko said aloud in somber tone after picking up a familiar scent. 'So… Manten was killed.' She thought in sadness for Souten. Despite his psychotic personality, there's no doubt for her that Manten is the most tolerable of the two.
"There's someone that being killed." Hinami said as she and the others walking toward the location. She avoid said it was one of the Thunder Brothers that being killed in order not to make Souten become stressed.
"I hope Inuyasha-san and Kagome-san are all right." Tsuyu voiced her concern. "Those two are unlike Tsukumo no Gama at all." She said. Compare to both of them, even Tsukumo no Gama can probably be defeated with ease.
"I agree. Both of their powers are increased thanks to the Shikon Jewel Shard on their forehead. I see it firsthand how they easily decimate whole soldiers of a castle not far from here. However, if one of the Thunder Brothers truly being killed… That's what the most dangerous thing begins." Ryouko claimed. "If someone with blood ties on the Thunder Yokai Tribe dies, then the sibling whether they are older and younger than the one that deceased can eat their heart, thus therefore increase their power to about fiftyfold than usual." She explained.
"That's…" Hinami couldn't believe of what she heard. Of course based on what she heard so far, either Hiten or Manten probably couldn't hold a candle against Sesshoumaru. However, that much increase in power frightens her as she knows how Yokai is stronger than Ghoul in every way possible. "If that so, Inuyasha-san could be in danger!" She said in concern.
"However, that's where we come in. I think you already realized something about me when we fight each other." Ryouko then look at her daughter with a smile, knowing Hinami is smart enough to know what she was talking about.
"Myouga-jiisan already explained it to me about Ghoul can become stronger by eating Yokai body parts. But how that works actually?" Hinami asked in confusion. Ever since she heard that fact from the Flea Yokai and how her own mother able to become stronger by ingesting Yokai body parts, she eager to do it so she can become stronger and not become a liability to Inuyasha and Kagome during battles like this.
However, eating and ingesting body parts of a Yokai… Does that mean she must kill them? She, who always on the sidelines during each of Aogiri Tree Mission, tending the injured members, and not even hunt on her own and let Ayato do the killing?
Can she do something… That she never do till' now?
"Does that mean… Hinami must kill a Yokai in order to gain their power?" Tsuyu decided to ask this time.
"I kill a scorpion Yokai and a mantis Yokai during the time I was forced by Hiten to look for a female for him to play with. That's why I was able to sprout something that I previously can't do. You already probably know about how I obtain my Kitsunebi Flame." Ryouko explained to the princess before she look at her daughter distraught face, since she knows currently what she was thinking about.
"But mommy." Hinami then look at Ryouko with that distraught look. "I-I can't kill. Even during my time as a member of Aogiri Tree, Ayato-kun was the one that-"
"Hinami. I know you're not like to kill others. After all, what Yoshimura-san said to us back then is the truth. No matter what reason, taking a life was evil." Ryouko said as she know how conflicted her daughter currently, cutting off her rambling. "However, the Feudal Era where Yokai ruled is not as kind as our era. If you not strong, you get left behind." She advises.
"But still… I can't do it." Hinami then turn to look at front as they continuing their journey toward the location where the battle currently rages on. "If must… I won't do it."
Ryouko just look at her daughter in concern as she also looks forward. 'Hinami… You probably now can think like that. However… You can't be like that forever. The girl that captured by Manten… Even though she and the princess fearful of him. When I see her eyes when she alongside Hiten and Manten are going to the battlefield, her eyes… It like it tell that whoever this Inuyasha person is, she will ready if both of them will die. Hinami… I hope you realize this. Even if you killed someone… Is does not mean your kindness will gone.'
Back on the battlefield, Hiten is still seen crying over Manten corpse, who of course already lying lifeless on the ground. He try to be delusional but what he saw right now, is the reality.
His younger brother had died in battle.
However, what filled Hiten heart right now is not giving up. His pride won't allow it.
"No… No… MANTEN!" Hiten then cried as hard as he can to the air while still hugging his brother's corpse. However, he then doing something unexpected. "Poor Manten…" He said as he dig up his right hand to his brother's corpse.
"H-He's crying… But what'd he do?" Kagome was flabbergasted by what she just saw. Is this the Thunder Yokai Tribe tradition to mourn their loved ones?
Inuyasha just look at him seriously, prepare to fight again shall Hiten decide to do anything.
'Oh No! T-This is bad!' Myouga, who perch on Inuyasha right shoulder, realized what the elder of the Thunder Brothers was currently doing.
On the other side, Hiten then pull his right hand off from Manten's body, revealing that he rip his younger brother's heart out. He then weeps as he brings the heart closer to his mouth. "I swore… I'll get revenge for you… Those cats will die… Because we'll be fighting them as one." He declared as he later doing something unimaginable.
He then ravenously eating his own younger brother heart.
"H-He ate his own brother's heart…" Kagome said as she can only look in disbelief about how someone could do such a horrid act to your own flesh and blood.
"He's ingesting Manten's Yoki." Myouga said as he jumps toward Kagome, knowing what she is worrying about. "This is how the Thunder Yokai Tribe respect the dead of loved ones, by eating the heart of their deceased member, thus strengthen the one that are still alive!" He warned.
"Myouga?" Kagome said, realizing his presence at last.
"Hiten Yoki now will increase to at least fiftyfold that his current one! Be careful Inuyasha-sama!" Myouga warned as he looks at Hiten who already finish on devouring Manten's heart.
However, Inuyasha truly more than annoyed as he knows Myouga was not with him or Kagome the moment they almost lose to the Thunder Brothers. "Well… Thanks for telling me now, you little parasite." He said while look annoyed at Myouga cowardice.
"What!?"
"I guess he found a nice, safe place to watch the fight!" Kagome noted with annoyed look on her face.
However, before they can continue their banter, Hiten quickly make the first move. Swinging his Raigekijin, he creates a larger Lightning Blast than his normal one that raced toward Inuyasha and the others. However, Inuyasha realized it in time, grab hold of Kagome, Shippo, and his deceased father before jump out of way of the large Lightning Blast. Inuyasha then look at Hiten, who's clearly fill with anger and his Yoki become heavy enough that the lightning bolt in the sky start to intensified.
"How dare you strike down my beloved brother." Hiten said as he look at Inuyasha and the others with hatred. His eyes glowing red as the thunderstorm intensify. "I shall not stop till' I return the deed." He declared.
Inuyasha return the glare, knowing that Hiten was not joking about the threat. 'His Raigekijin is even stronger than before! He truly ingests Manten's Yoki! And I have a real fight on my hands!' He thought in wary before he look at Kagome who carrying Shippou and his father's skin. "Kagome. Take Shippou and get away from here as far as you able to!" He instructed as he stand his ground, preparing to face the wrath of Hiten.
"But we can't leave you." Kagome insisted.
"Do it now." Inuyasha said, leaving no room for negotiation. He knows based on his opponent current mental state, he will strike everything on his way. Kagome then nod, said to him to stay safe as she get away as far as she could but not too far away so she can support Inuyasha when he needs it.
His Raigekijin crackling with lightning, Hiten then raise it up to the air, creating a large orb of lightning. "I shall avenge my brother! Prepare to DIE!" He declared as he later launches the Lightning Orb toward Inuyasha, leaving him with no room to dodge because of the terrain.
'Man! I can't avoid it!?' Inuyasha thought as the Lightning Orb races toward him with incredible speed. However, when all hope seems lost, Myouga then hop close to him from his left shoulder.
"Inuyasha-sama! Use the sheath of Tessaiga!" Myouga said.
"What're you talking about in a time like this!?" Inuyasha said, not convinced at all. It was sheath, how the heck it could block such huge Lightning Orb?
"It should block Hiten's Lightning Orb!" Myouga explained.
"You better be right." Inuyasha said to Myouga as he picks up Tessaiga Sheath from his waist before using it to block the Lightning Orb.
"Take that, Hanyo! Payment for Manten's-What!?" Hiten proud declaration of his attack quickly turn into disbelief as he clearly look that Tessaiga Sheath manage to block his Lightning Orb till' it dissipates. 'H-How could he block it!? That was father's ultimate technique! Thanks to only the Shikon Jewel Shard and I ingesting Manten's Yoki… I was able to perform it!? How could he…' He then looks with surprise at Inuyasha holding the Tessaiga Sheath. 'Impossible!' He thought in disbelief. A mere sheath can block his Lightning Orb!? It was a mockery to the Thunder Yokai Tribe!?
After the attack was dissipated and only leaves huge crater except the place he was standing on, Inuyasha can only look at Tessaiga Sheath in disbelief. "It really worked!"
"Just as I presume! The sheath keeps the almighty power of Tessaiga in check! So naturally it can repel a mere Lightning Blast!" Myouga explained. "My hunch was correct it seems…"
"You ask me to use this on a battle in a mere hunch!" Inuyasha screamed in disbelief at what Myouga just said.
"I-I wouldn't exactly call it a mere hunch Inuyasha-sama! More like a highly educated guess! But let's get back to the more permanent matter and escaping with our lives!" Myouga insisted.
"No chance! I'll use this to defeat Hiten!" Inuyasha said as he now believe he have the correct arsenal to turn the tide of the battle to his favor. He then runs toward Hiten who's flying in the air and jumps right at him.
Gritting his teeth in anger, Hiten then fly a bit higher to keep his distance, pointing his Raigekijin toward Inuyasha before releasing another Lightning Orb at him. 'Fine then! I'll turn this into battle of attrition!'
However, Inuyasha manage to block it using the Tessaiga Sheath. He races through the Lightning Orb toward Hiten location. 'If I can pierce through the core of this attack, I can crack his skull open!' He thought as he manages to pass the Lightning Orb, but he not find Hiten anywhere. Shocked, he forgot one crucial thing.
Hiten can fly. Using this to his advantage, the elder of the Thunder Brothers manages to sneak up behind the Hanyo and stab him in the back using Raigekijin, sending shocks of lightning to his body. "Splendid plan, I must say!" He mocked on Inuyasha stupidity as the Hanyo falls to the ground. Not want to give him any chance to counter-attack, Hiten immediately flies down toward him and go to the offensive but Inuyasha once again manage to block the blade of Raigekijin in time using Tessaiga Sheath. 'Damn that sheath!' Hiten thought in annoyance as the sheath won't break.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed in worry as Hiten once again hold the advantage against Inuyasha. She then hears a low grunt voice as Shippou wakes up. When he wakes up, he realizes he was on his deceased father's fur. He then hug it in comfort. Kagome then quickly get close to him. "Shippou. Are you all right?"
"Kagome?" Shippou then sit up while rubbing his cheek. He then widen his eyes as he remembers something before he pass out. "What happen to Manten?!"
Kagome then look at Manten corpse with the Tessaiga lying beside it. "Inuyasha brought him down, but now Hiten thirst for revenge." She explained in the simplest way possible.
"Ms. Kagome! Shippou!" Kagome then look toward her back to see Hinami approaches her with Tsuyu on her back. She already not uses her Rinkaku to straighten up her left leg. Not far behind, Ryouko was seen carrying Souten.
"Hinami-chan! Tsuyu-hime!" Kagome said in relief that her friends are okay. "I'm glad that both of you are all right! But why'd she-"
"I was the one that allows her to be released." Ryouko said as she carrying Souten on her back. "We must stop this madness immediately. According to Souten, there is a possibility that the Shikon Jewel Shards on Hiten's forehead is the one that influence his actions."
"She is Hiten younger sister? S-She just a…" Kagome stuttered, truly never expected that Hiten and Manten have a younger sister and a child nonetheless. 'I-Inuyasha killed Manten… Oh no…' She thought in pity as she feared Souten will lash at whoever kills her elder brother. "Manten was brought down by Inuyasha moments ago." She said, deciding to bring the grim news immediately.
"I see." Ryouko nod although she look solemn.
"Manten-niichan…" Souten uttered as she truly crying, now knowing that thanks to their quest for the Shikon Jewel Shards, it costs one of them his life. "MANTEN-NIICHAN!" She screamed out.
The sudden screaming shock Hiten to the core as he currently tries his best to breakthrough Tessaiga Sheath. He then quickly glances behind, seeing his younger sister on Ryouko's back. "Souten…" Hiten said in shock as how'd his sister reach here?
"You shouldn't look away!" Using the momentum, Inuyasha then deliver a hard punch to Hiten's face, sending him crashing to the ground as the force also destroying one of his Flying Wheels, eliminating his aerial advantage. He then looks at the recently arrived Hinami. 'Hinami's all right. Heh, I know she can do it! The princess and the Ghoul who Hinami said was her mother also here. Also… Did that little girl was Souten?' Inuyasha noted before called Hinami. "Hinami! I trust Kagome and Shippou to you while I take care of the bastard over here!"
"Leave it to me Inuyasha-san!" Hinami said to the Hanyo.
"Hinami." Ryouko then look at her daughter. "Remember what we plan on the journey towards here. The key to do it is right here."
Hinami although have an uneasy look on her face, nod. She then looks at Souten who look down on the ground and crying for the loss of her elder brother before uttering something. "… Forgive me…" She said as she quickly dash to the location of Manten corpse after putting Tsuyu on the ground.
"What'll Hinami-chan do?" Kagome confused by the looks of the young ghoul's face before something clicks to her. "Don't tell me… She's going to-"
"Look out!" Ryouko then jump in front of Kagome, Shippou, and Tsuyu as she immediately activated her Kitsunebi Flames, creating a wall of flame to block Lightning Blast that created by Hiten that already stand up from his crash on the ground.
"Damn you swine… Not only Manten… But Souten as well…" Hiten said as he clenches his Raigekijin in anger. At the same time, his body emits lots of heat as it glows to represent the great increase in Youki. "I'll send all of you to hell…" He then turns his attention toward Ryouko and preparing Manten signature Thunder Blast from his mouth. "Starting with you!" He said before firing the Thunder Blast that lot more powerful than the one Manten use. However in turn, he turn his eyes off Inuyasha who grip the deep wound on his left shoulder as he put Tessaiga Sheath back to his waist.
'Damn! My left shoulder wound is reopened thanks to the previous attacks! Moreover… Hiten got Manten's technique as well!? I don't know if Hinami's mother truly helps us or not! I can't rely on her for the others safety while Hinami over there try to take my Tessaiga!' Inuyasha thought as he still grip on it.
"Are you all right Inuyasha-sama!?" Myouga ask in concern from Inuyasha's right shoulder.
"This wound is nothing. If only I can get the Tessaiga…" Inuyasha grunted as he try to intercept Hiten attack.
'Tch! She blocks it!' Hiten thought in frustration as he finally stop the Thunder Blast. Using the chance, Ryouko unleash her Koukakuin order to stab him. But the elder of the Thunder Brothers manage to jump himself out of the way. "Damn you!"
"Hinami's friends. I leave Souten in your care." Ryouko said with no option to argue as she launches herself toward Hiten, covered in Kitsunebi Flames.
"Heh! You try to fight me in close combat!? Lowly race such as you!?" Hiten mocked her as he swing his Raigekijin to create Lightning Blast that will strike her down if she not block it using the top part of her Koukaku that covered with Kitsunebi Flames. "Don't you ever think such weak flame can withstand my attack!" He claimed as he jump toward her and doing downward slash with his Raigekijin, only for Ryouko to transform both of her arms into Mantis Yokai front legs to parried the strike.
"I won't let you kill them." Ryouko declared as she struggles to hold off Hiten increased strength.
"What the heck you doing bring Souten here you wench!? I should kill you back then while I still have the chance! Bring her back to the castle!" Hiten ordered as he manage to slowly cut through Ryouko's Mantis Yokai front legs.
"She comes on her own volition! Why both of you can't understand all that she wants was both of you to stop this madness of searching Shikon Jewel Shards! It corrupts your mind to gain more power that you'll never be satisfied with!" Ryouko argued.
"I don't need Ghoul to give me damn advice!" Hiten dismissed her as he swing the Raigekijin down as hard as he could, manage to cut through the Mantis Yokai front legs and Ryouko if she not protect her front body with Kitsunebi Flames in time. However, the force of the swings launches her to the rocky terrain, creating a huge hole as she crashes to the ground.
"Fueguchi-san!" Tsuyu said in concern as Hiten land close to Ryouko, intended to finish her off.
"U-Ugh…" Ryouko grunted in pain as Hiten point his Raigekijin to her neck before she can stand up.
"You truly put my patience thin damn wench." Hiten growled in anger as his body grows hotter. "I should've known killing you after that time I found you was the best choice."
"Then do it. Or maybe… You can't." Ryouko taunted him, something that she never do back in her old dimension. "For all that few redeemable qualities you have… You still care for your sister despite she being weak. What makes her happy matters to you most than anything else." She said as her glare softened a bit. "As a mother once before, I understand your love for both Manten and Souten were genuine. However, you always prioritize your ego and greed for power over everything. Did this senseless slaughter of innocent people, the way you treat every woman you bring to the castle… Is this what you parents want!?"
"Shut up you old creep! You don't know anything about us!" Hiten roared as his most sensitive part being touched by Ryouko. However, she not relents at all.
Kagome was confused on Ryouko's actions. While all that she said to Hiten makes sense, it's not like she tries to persuade Hiten to stop his actions.
It's like she's buying time.
Looking around, she notices that Inuyasha still standing but his left shoulder is injured. However-
"W-What'd she do?" Shippou and Souten who already calm down a bit asked simultaneously in fear as he looks to the direction of Manten corpse and Tessaiga was located.
'Hinami-chan!?' Kagome then quickly look toward the direction Shippou said and see quite gruesome scene.
Hinami was eating Manten's corpse and from the looks of it, she just finished it. However, Kagome sensing something strange coming from her.
"Because of that, now Manten is dead. I pity both of them truly… To have an evil brother that actually not cares at all about them except for his greed for power." Ryouko finished with a smile.
Hiten grit his teeth in frustration, hatred, and anger. Unable to take any retort at Ryouko's accusation, he then lifts the Raigekijin in order to decapitate her. "ENOUGH!" He roared as he prepares to swing his Raigekijin down prepare to decapitate her, However…
'This scent!' Hiten's nose picks up a familiar scent as he look toward the direction of Manten's corpse. All that he get was a blast of lightning that severed his left arm which hold the Raigekijin before he can even react. "GUAAAAAHHHH!" He screamed in pain as he jumps away from Ryouko to keep his distance. He then was shock by what he sees.
In front of Manten's corpse Hinami was stand up firmly as her strength rejuvenated after eating the younger Thunder Brothers flesh. However, the most striking features is that sparks of lightning thunders around her body, her pupils that changed into yellow in color, and her bob-styled brown hair become longer to waist-length and with unknown reason, shaped into the same braid as Hiten with the end of it sparks with lightning.
"What the hell!? What's happen to her!?" Inuyasha said in awe and confusion as he can truly feel how Hinami's Yoki was surging.
"That was I talking about before Inuyasha-sama! Ghoul like Hinami is able to gain Yokai abilities by consuming their body parts. Although because of Yokai's blood was toxic if it's not purified, Ghoul have varied limit of how much Yokai abilities that can be contained inside their body." Myouga explained.
"Fueguchi-san!" Kagome quickly rush at her with Shippou follows her as he hides behind her left leg. "Are you all right?" She asked as Ryouko struggles to stand up.
"N-No need to worry about-Ugh!" Ryouko then coughed up blood as she unable to stand up. She instead chooses to sit up. "T-This is the drawback of using Kitsunebi Flame when I still not in fit condition. No need to worry. I'll be back on my feet soon enough." She explained before look toward Kagome. "Girl-"
"My name is Kagome. Kagome Higurashi. I know it's too late but it's nice to meet you, Fueguchi-san." Kagome introduced herself to Ryouko with a smile.
"I think it makes no sense to ask something like this but… Why'd you show concern to me? If it because I'm Hinami's mother-"
Kagome however shook her head in disagreement. "Hinami-chan already told me everything about your old world. I must say that one that shall fix their views are humans who keeps persecute your kinds. I can't blame Ghouls for fight back and think they are superior to humans when all that they do are persecuting all of you as heartless monsters that can only eat human flesh." She reasoned while remembering her interactions with Hinami up till' now. "After interacting with Hinami, although I truly not know the other Ghoul personality especially those that according to her love to break others mind, I can said for certain that Ghoul and Yokai are not that much different than humans. They also have emotions, goals and have someone they care about in their own ways."
Ryouko was more than surprise hearing Kagome's explanation. Although she can say that Kagome was naïve for not knowing the true cruelty of Ghoul in her old world, people like Kagome is the key of co-existence because instead of succumb to fear, she tries to understand them better. She then let out a smile. "I see…" She then glanced at Shippou. "You're the son of the Kitsune Yokai that I dispatched right? Do you… Hate me?" She asked.
"I-I um…" Shippo stuttered. He clearly afraid of Ryouko despite the revelation that she's Hinami mother, probably the only Ghoul that he met beside the one in front of him right now.
"It's okay if you hate me. After all, despite it was Hiten that give the killing blow, I was equally guilty for-" Ryouko said before Shippo finally finishing his sentence.
"T-Thank you… For p-protecting all of us…" Shippo thanked her. Something that she not expected at all.
Widening her eyes hearing such response, Ryouko snorted before put her right hand that already turn back to its human form to her mouth, and giggling. 'Seriously…' She thought while using her left hand to clean tears that form on her eyes. 'What'd I do… To be thanked by a child whose father I ate to obtain power to survive on this Feudal Era…'
On Hiten situation, the elder of the Thunder Brothers was more than pissed of at Hinami right now.
He was enraged.
"How dare you…" Hiten growled as his body emits more heat. His mouth also sparks with electricity. "Not only that pathetic half-breed. A lowly species like you… Desecrate my lovely younger brother body…" He then opens his mouth. "YOU DESERVE DEATH!?" He screamed before shoots out Manten's signature technique toward Hinami.
However, Hinami just stand on her position as she inhale deep breath before sparks of electricity form on her mouth. She then exhales and shoots the same technique as Hiten to counters it. When the technique collides, it creates blinding explosion, making Hiten truly shocked.
'That lowlife using Manten's techniques! Damn her!' He thought as he shielded himself from the blinding light using his remaining arm that of course not holding Raigekijin as the pike was on the rocky terrain close to Ryouko after his left arm are incinerated.
Using the blinding light, Hinami unleash four Rinkaku and launches it toward Hiten who practically immobile. However, his hearing still works and he quickly moves to the side to avoid the strike. However, instead of stopping, the Rinkaku keep racing toward Inuyasha location. "Inuyasha-san!" She yelled at him, revealing that the attack was a distraction for her to bring Tessaiga to the Hanyo using her Rinkaku.
'What!?' Hiten truly panicked as he truly handicapped with the loss of his left arm plus he currently not stand a chance against Inuyasha who wielding Tessaiga if he's not hold his Raigekijin.
Inuyasha smirked as he quickly grabs a hold of the Tessaiga. "Heh! Nice work Hinami!" Inuyasha praised her as Tessaiga transform to its battle form.
"Beat him… Inuyasha-san…" Hinami said as she fall to her knees, still not used to the new power she acquires as the transformation dissipates and her Rinkaku disappears into red mist. Suddenly, she feels something stun her body as she coughed a bit of blood. "Ahak!" She coughed and panting in exhaustion. 'I-Is this the side e-effect of it? I wonder… How did mommy side effect when she first gain the Yokai abilities or body parts…'
On the other side, Hiten struggling to stand as he facing Inuyasha. The bleeding of his severed left arm already stopped thanks to the extra power he gain from eating Manten's heart. However, he clearly seen panting in slight exhaustion as the side effect of not adapted long enough to sudden boost in Yoki finally catch up to him.
'Ugh. Thanks to that damn wench… I used up too much Yoki to stop the bleeding. I need to get Raigekijin as quick as possible!' Hiten thought with anticipation as he glare at Inuyasha.
"Well then, lose your bravado because you lack your Raigekijin? Time to meet your maker Hiten!" Inuyasha declared with a grin as he dash toward the elder of the Thunder Brothers holding the Tessaiga on his right hand. After close enough, he jump to the air and lift it up before swing it down at Hiten. He then jump out of way just in time as the Tessaiga slice the ground he once stand on, creating huge crater.
"Don't get too cocky you bastard!" Hiten proclaimed as he landed to the ground. His mouth later sparks with electricity. "DIE!" He then doing the Thunder Breath attacks that race with great speed toward Inuyasha. However, it had a different outcome this time.
Instead of dodging, Inuyasha swing his Tessaiga toward the Thunder Breath, cutting through it.
"WHAT!?" Hiten exclaimed in surprise as his attack being cut that easily. He then switch tactic as he bring his right hand forward, shooting his trademark Thunder Blast toward Inuyasha. However, like his Thunder Breath, Inuyasha manage to cut through it with the Tessaiga. "Kgh! Damn you!" Hiten roared as he won't accept defeat so easily. Using the remaining Yoki he has, he then making something unexpected.
A Raigekijin that make purely by lightning.
"He still manages to create that despite the injuries!?" Kagome said in shock seeing Hiten resilience.
Ryouko however, have a different opinion as she knows the look on Hiten's eye represent his current emotion. 'It not just the massive boost he got from eating Manten's heart. What drives him till' this point… Is his love for Manten. For all his ruthlessness, deep inside he's still an older brother… That loves his siblings more than anyone.'
'What the hell!? Just how much eating Manten's heart actually increases his strength!? Even with Hinami cut off his left arm, he still have enough power to create something like that! It's now or never!' Inuyasha thought in annoyance and surprise on Hiten's resilience to keep fighting.
"This is the end, Half-breed!" Hiten said in hidden fury before let out a battle cry and dash toward Inuyasha. From the way he holds his Lightning-made Raigekijin, he aim for a downward swing. "DIIIEEEEE!"
"You're the one that will die!" Inuyasha shot back as he also dash forward to do the same downward swing using the Tessaiga.
When the two get close toward each other, the battle was decide on who's going to deliver the attack first or overpower the other. However, both of their attacks are so fast they passing each other after the clash. Silence happens for a few moments, until a slash appears on Inuyasha's left shoulder.
"Gugh!" Inuyasha grunted in pain. However, he just smirk as Hiten was struggling to stand up. Inuyasha's attack leave him with a huge slash wound on his torso. The electricity that envelop him also gone as he fall to his knees and coughing large amount of blood. "Gahak!" He coughed. 'I-I was defeated… By a damn Half-breed!' He thought in anger as without realizing it, he let out tears of anger. The self-made Raigekijin also dissolved into nothing thanks to his body low in Yoki to sustain it.
Hinami can only watch in amazement as she clearly seen the outcome of the battle despite being exhausted from the first-time use of Manten's technique. 'H-He defeated him…' She perplexed by what she saw. For a moment, she can see that Inuyasha can probably defeat Eto or even the famous CCG Reaper, Arima Kishou. 'But…' She then look at Souten who trembling and paralyzed. 'Inuyasha-san… What'll you do?'
"H-Hiten-niichan…" Souten uttered as she saw how critically injured by the last clash. 'N-No… If he g-get another s-strike...' She thought before she ran off toward her injured older brother.
Tsuyu gasps as she seen Souten ran toward Hiten's location. "Souten-chan!" She try to catch up to her but Ryouko stands up at last and block her way despite Kagome's concern. "F-Fueguchi-san… But she-"
"Hiten already suffers critical injury plus he suffers great body strain due to his inexperience in using Manten's power without try to adapt to it first. The battle was Inuyasha-san victory. That means… The fate of Hiten now lies in Inuyasha and Souten's hands." Ryouko explained while looking at Souten with soft look on her face, make her remembering the situation of her liability to kill the two investigators which lead to her death.
Back on the battle site, Hiten try to make himself not fall face first to the ground by using his remaining hand to support his body who already in great strain. 'M-Manten. F-Forgive me… This Hanyo… Defeated me as well… It seems… I can't make them pay…' He thought in anger as he knows Inuyasha approaching him. He then glances behind him, to see Inuyasha with the Tessaiga drape on his right shoulder, prepare to deliver the finishing blow. "Well… What're you w-waiting for-Uhuk!" Hiten coughed up blood once again. "F-Finish me off…"
"That's what I plan to do." Inuyasha said with neutral look on his face instead of full of battle adrenaline like before as he prepare to finish him off for good. "I'll take care of that Shikon Jewel Shard of yours no need to worry."
"I see." Hiten then turn his body around on sitting position before look down and close his eye, accepting his fate.
However, instead of decapitating him like he expect, Inuyasha do the something unexpected even though it was probably a decision that he not truly like. Stabbing the Tessaiga to the ground, he then give Hiten a hard punch to the right side of his face, making him falls to the ground and unable to get up. "Forget it." He said before glancing at Souten who already arrives.
"HITEN-NIICHAN!" Souten screamed and crouch down to look at her eldest brother who clearly not have any more strength to get up. She then shaking his body, gaining his attention.
"S-Souten… Wh-What're you…" Hiten weakly glanced at her. "Y-You're not supposed to be here…"
Inuyasha who see it, just scoffed and turn around to walk toward Hinami. "Are you all right Hinami?" He asked in concern.
"I-I'm fine." Hinami replied as she stands up after recovering enough strength to do so. "Y-You don't kill him… Why?" She decided to ask seeing Inuyasha unusual decision to spare his enemies before she remember something and pick up something from her pocket: Manten's Shikon Jewel Shard. "I was able to take Manten's Shikon Jewel Shard at the same time I get your Tessaiga as well. It seems the barrier of Tessaiga allows Ghoul to touch it as well."
"Keh! It just a whim. He not that interesting to fight anymore that's all!" Inuyasha scoffed. "However." He then pat Hinami's head. "Nice work Hinami. You amaze me once again."
"N-No need to thank me…" Hinami uttered while look down, a bit embarrassed since Inuyasha praise her once more.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome run toward him before hugging him. "I was glad you're okay…"
"L-Let go of me Kagome!" Inuyasha screamed in total embarrassment as he comically try to push Kagome's away.
On the other hand, Shippou is walking toward Souten who still sit beside Hiten. The youngest of the Thunder Yokai Tribe gasps in surprise as she look the young Fox Yokai walk toward both of them.
"Y-You're…" Souten look at him while it is still clear she was crying.
"No." Shippou shook his head after he can guesses probably Souten think that he will finish Hiten off. "I leave Hiten's fate to Inuyasha because… I'm not strong enough to avenge my father. However… After seeing you… I-I just can't…" He unable to continue anymore as he look down to hold his tears. 'I-I can't let myself to make her suffer the same fate as I did…' He thought while he suddenly being hold by Ryouko.
"No need to cry Shippou." Ryouko gently said as she try to warm him up using the small flicker of his father's flame that already become a part of her body. "I know it was not my right to said this… Since after all, I was the one that eat him…"
"N-No… I-I can't hate you… Because if I did-"
"If you want to hate me, it's okay Shippou. We're free to hate and love. However, let me said that I'm truly sorry for what I've done. I… If I at that time brave enough to go against Hiten… Maybe-" Ryouko apologized to Shippou before Tsuyu touch her left shoulder in sympathy.
"Shippo already know you feel sorry Fueguchi-san." Tsuyu assured her with a smile. "I-I also want to thank you. For sparing most of my soldiers and not torturing me in any kind. Despite of what you did… You're truly Hinami-chan mother at heart. If not because of you… I-I probably won't befriend Hinami-chan at all…. Thank you." She thanked her with a soft smile on her face.
Ryouko was flabbergasted. A human, thank her? She never get thank from humans. Not since she eat them to survive. However, she then let out one thing that always anchored on her heart ever since she meets the princess.
"I should be the one that thank you." Ryouko thanked Tsuyu. "Thank you for befriending my daughter. Thank you for seeing us not as a human-eating monster."
Back to Kagome and Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha… What'll you do to Hiten from now on?" Kagome asked. "He and Manten cause suffering to Shippou so much. However, seeing he has a sister that stills a child… I-I can't bring myself to seeing him dead…"
"Yeah I know. Killing him will just create nightmare for his sister." Inuyasha said as he hold the two Shikon Jewel Shards from Manten's forehead. "At the very least, we manage to secure some of the Shikon Jewel Shards owned by Thunder Brothers. I think I'll let him to keep his." Just as Inuyasha said that.
"Inuyasha-san!" He then turn to look at Souten who's panting then bowed. "Thank you… Thank you… For sparing Hiten-niichan… Thank you…"
Inuyasha sighed since he not use to something like this. No one ever thank him for anything after all.
"I-It's okay Souten-chan. After all, Inuyasha's not that heartless to kill someone older brother like that." Kagome said in Inuyasha place. "Please don't grow up like yout older brother when you're adult okay." She adviced her. 'What am I saying!? Didn't it will make Souten-chan angry…'
"I won't." Surprisingly, Souten said with a serious look on her face. "For that… P-Please, take this thing with you…" She said, showing Hiten's Shikon Jewel Shards that she take from his forehead. Due to his injuries, Hiten probably too weak to take it back from his younger sister. "P-Please… Get those things away… I-I don't want to hear anything about it… Ever again…"
"Souten-chan…" Kagome uttered in sympathy as she understand what she feels. She then nod seriously.
"W-What're y-you doing, Souten?" The three of them plus Hinami look at Hiten who now manage to sit up. "G-Give i-it back…"
"No." Souten immediately replied with firm tone.
"What?" Hiten asked. "S-Souten… That Hanyo… He killed Manten… I-I… M-Must take-"
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Souten screamed as she crying once again. "Please… I don't want to see you killed as well… Please, just stop already… I-I don't want you to be killed as well… Hiten-niichan…"
Perplexed by Souten bravery to reprimand his decision to avenge Manten, Hiten was perplexed. "Souten…"
"You shall thank her, Hiten." Inuyasha glared at him as the victor. "If not because I'm not some heartless monster, your head will be rolling on the ground right now. Be grateful for that."
"B-Bastard…." Hiten glared in contempt for what Inuyasha just said.
Kagome also give her own words to the eldest of the Thunder Brothers. "You're evil. You kill countless people for sheer joy of it. However, if we kill you now, we're not much different than you." She said while looking at Souten.
"I'll take care of the Shikon Jewel Shard you and Manten have. No need to worry." Inuyasha finished as he turns around walking away from the scene alongside Kagome. "Come to think of it, where's Myouga-jiisan?" He wondered as the old flea seems disappears after he punch Hiten's face.
Kagome have a comical sigh. "Probably looking for a safe place again…"
"Half-no, Inuyasha…" Inuyasha then glance at Hiten who look at him with full hatred. Souten was seen cleaning up his blood on his chest. "I… Admit my defeat this time… However, if you… Ever cross to our territory ever again… It will be your turn… That much I can guarantee…"
"No need to worry. I won't bother to ever step to this territory of yours again." Inuyasha replied without any care at all.
However, instead of following Inuyasha and Kagome, Hinami still stand looking at Hiten and Souten. "I'm sorry." She apologized to Hiten. "However, you also threatening someone precious to me just because you can. Because of that… I have no other choice…"
Hiten look at Hinami this time with plain look on his face. "The same goes for you, Ghoul." He declared with dark tone. "Now… Get out of here…"
Hinami who heard such reply only nod in understanding before look at Souten. "See you later, Souten." She bids her goodbye before following Inuyasha and Kagome.
"Souten…" Hiten weakly look to his younger sister. "Forgive me… For not being strong enough… Next time, it won't happens again…"
Souten softly shook her head. "Hiten-niichan… P-Please, don't keep lingering in dark thoughts anymore…"
"I… Unable to protect father… Mother died in grief… Now Manten was also killed. I…" He then openly crying in front of younger sister. "F-Forgive me Souten…"
"It's okay." Souten also crying as she jumps to hug her eldest brother. "I-It's okay Hiten-niichan… Because, you still in here with me… Don't leave me behind… Please…"
The time then skips to few hours later.
After some walk, Inuyasha and the others manage to get out from Raimei Valley.
"Then, I think this is where we will part ways." Ryouko said as she unleashing her Koukaku to hold Tsuyu and her wings for flight. "I'll escort Tsuyu-hime back to her castle. You can continue your walk to your village. I'll catch up to the four of you later." She assured with a smile.
"Thank you so much Fueguchi-san. However, it's okay if you not return to Souten again? She seems cares a lot about you." Kagome replied with the same smile.
Ryouko softly shook her head. "Souten already old enough for her age. Besides… She has those that cares about her." She then look at Hinami. "At least, with this second chance, I can truly spent my time with Hinami, without any fear for our lives like in our old world."
"Mommy…" Hinami feel touched by her mother words before close her eyes and smiled at her. "Take care of Tsuyu on the way okay? I'll wait for your return."
"We still had lot to catch up after all." Ryouko replied.
"Hinami." Hinami then look at Tsuyu. "Let's meet again sometimes okay. I from now on allowed you and your friends to come to my castle without any consent." She said before Ryouko take off and fly to the direction of Tsuyu's castle.
"See you later, Mommy…" Hinami said with a smile as she look on her mother slowly disappearing figure on the air.
Kagome smiled as she happy that Hinami find her own mother on this world. She then look at Shippou. "So Shippou, what're you plan to do now?" She asked with kind tone.
"I-I think I'll stay with you, Inuyasha, and Hinami." Shippou replied.
"Keh! You must be plan to steal the Shikon Jewel Shards again when we let our guard down." Inuyasha said in distrusting and annoyed tone that a brat will join their quest to gather the Shikon Jewel Shards.
"Take it easy, Inuyasha-san. Shippou after all doesn't have a home to return to." Hinami joined in the conversation with assuring smile. "After all, I can see that he's not a bad child at heart. It's like what I did back at the Aogiri Tree after all." She said, which makes Inuyasha look in understanding. Hinami already told to Inuyasha and Kagome that she's responsible for taking care of orphaned Ghoul thanks to CCG biased hatred against their kind.
"If that so. However, if he steals the jewel shards, is your responsibility okay?" Inuyasha simply said as he continues walking forward.
Hinami then sighed before turn to pat Shippo's head who standing on the seat of Kagome's bicycle. "Please don't take it to heart Shippou. Inuyasha-san really not that sociable. He's actually cared about your circumstances." She assured him with soft tone. "In any case, welcome to our group."
"Uuh.." Shippou was touched with Hinami's kindness before smiled at her. "I know."
And so, with their quest of gathers the shards of the Shikon Jewel continues, the group continues their journey.
On the other party though, thing was not as good as it seems. The time was a few days ago before Inuyasha confronting Tsukumo no Gama.
A group of soldiers from a nearby castle enjoying their days after they manage to press their rival castle soldiers back to their fortress. The time currently is midnight.
Suddenly, a gust of wind suddenly appears and someone was descended down from it while clutching his severed left arm. The person in question was no other than Sesshomaru. The left sleeve of his Kimono turns a bit red thanks to the blood from his severed arm.
"What is that?"
"A Yokai?"
"You're an eyesore. Out of my way." Sesshomaru said in cold tone despite of his injuries. His seen still holding the sleeve that hide the stump of his left arm.
Unknown to Sesshomaru though, someone was seen watching him from the castle that located not far away from the camp where Sesshomaru appears suddenly.
"W-Who is he?" A young woman is looking at Sesshomaru appearance in wonder at his bravery to go toward her rival Daimyo army on his own. She was a young woman probably older than Tsuyu with long brown hair that tied to a ponytail and blue eyes. Like Tsuyu, she also wears traditional princess clothing.
It seems when Inuyasha and his group are going to rest for a while, Sesshomaru will have a development of the situation of his own… That will develop his character in the future.
Author Notes
At last… After a long four years of Writer Block and try to find the best outcome for this story, the last chapter that cover Thunder Brothers Arc is finally done! Thanks for the readers who always patiently wait for its release even though I know it was my fault for facing the writer's block. Now let see some things that happened here since it will become crucial for the plot that happens forward.
First, the way Ghoul able to gain power of Yokai by ingesting their body parts. This is not a completely made-up though as in Canon Tokyo Ghoul they can develop Kakuja by eating other Ghouls even at some rare cases, have the ability of the Ghoul they eat (*Cough* Shikorae and Kaneki). However, this is not without its limitation. As already explained by Ryouko and Myouga, Yokai flesh no matter what species they belongs were toxic for Ghoul. For that very reason, there's a limit for how many Yokai abilities or body parts that Ghoul can have. And to gain their Ability or body parts, a Ghoul must consume at least 25 percent of the Yokai body.
For easy understanding, there's a limit of how many Ghoul can eat a Yokai. If a Ghoul reach that limit, they can't ever eat a Yokai again as the Yokai toxic flesh will melt their bodies from inside out if they dare to try it. From what I planned, the limit go as:
Ukaku-type Ghoul : 2 Yokai
Koukaku-type Ghoul : 3 Yokai
Rinkaku-type Ghoul : 4 Yokai
Bikaku-type Ghoul : 2 Yokai
Chimaera-type Ghoul : 5 Yokai
One-eyed Ghoul : 6 Yokai
And now I think is probably the most controversial plot that I make on this fic so far, Sparing Hiten.
For this, readers must be confused why Inuyasha spare a piece of shit like him. After all, Hiten was a cruel Yokai that slaughter others for the sheer joy of it yet still able to act like a human when on his brother. Meaning for all of his cruelty, what matter the most to him in the end is his family safety.
I find it strange that Hiten father and mother never appears in the Canon and that makes me come to conclusion that both of them already died long before the Canon starts. This is what eagers me to make Souten become Canon and gives Hiten importance for some plots that will happen in the future.
Now we finally get to the reason. If we follow InuYasha trope, surely that Hiten must be killed. Even I agrees with it. However, since we have Tokyo Ghoul troupe here, the outcome become totally different. Because remember, what makes the conflict between human and ghouls keep goes on is the cruel circle of hatred because both of them always try to justify kill each other for the sake of the others.
Because, if a character that morally questionable like Eto, Tsukiyama, Kurona, and Takizawa gets a second chance to better themselves, why shouldn't I do the same to Hiten? After all, with Hiten lives at least the circle of hatred of Shippo halts there as Souten will not have any reason to avenge him. After all, she just a child and based on Episode 68, I think the concept of revenge was alien to her and I must say what he did to Inuyasha and the others was nothing more than a childish pranks.
And also with this, Shippou and Ryouko joins the party. However, don't think Hinami's mother will always joined Inuyasha and the others each time (Considers there'll be others later on). She will become like Kaede, join when there are some scenes while mostly she stays on Kaede's Village. Her current relationship with Souten after this battle will be revealed later on.
For Tsuyu, I think readers surprised that I practically make one-time only characters become important to this arc plots. Well, she is the first royal on InuYasha verse currently that accepts Hinami and Ghoul as a whole. This meant her role not end just yet, she will appears again in the future and I hope readers keep watch of it.
The next chapter will covers about Sesshomaru and Princess Sara Asano. There'll be a big twist on the next chapter so stay tuned.
See you on the next update.