Hanyo of Snow

Ch49 Higeki

(Y/N POV)

Kikyō released her arrow and I threw an ice sphere. Guided by Yura's hairs it collided with the arrow. Yet the reiryoku around it incinerated it and Inuko barely jumped out of the way before the arose touched the ground, creating a small crater.

This was bad, with the hama ya she could easily draw out her reiryoku into her arrows.

Considering she had a clearly monstrous amount of it, had a half full quiver of arrows, and had apparently had the same access to the rosary around Inuko's neck as Kagome she had more than enough means to kill us if she wanted to.

This was going to bode poorly.

As she notched another arrow as I wordlessly pulled out another pair of orbs and handed one to Yura, who threw it down onto the ground between the three of us and a cloud of mist.

Which immediately proved useful as Inuko dodged another arrow more seamlessly now.

Except for an arrow that passed between my and Yura's heads and for her to wince.

"Yura are you alright?" I asked her.

"She burnt through a number of my hairs but otherwise alright. That was only a warning shot master." Yura said, to which I nodded. Figuring as much.

"Last warning Y/N. The next arrow goes in your shoulder or right through the tsukumogami's comb." Kikyō threatened through the mist, getting Yura to pale and myself to move another orb in my gi.

She was going to follow through on that threat.

"Leave them out of this." Inuko growled out and jumped away from another arrow that cratered the ground.

Before another one tore through her kimono's sleeves as the mist began to fade.

"Lady Inuko-" "I'm fine, Kikyō didn't hit my arm. If only barely." Inuko growled out and cutting of Myōga. Quickly ducking under another arrow that flew past her head and detonated a crater in the cliff side. "And that one nearly took my ear off!"

Quickly I readied a sphere for another barrier as the mist had begun to drop-

"Y/N, Inuko any reservations about destroying my sister's body banish them!

" Kaede called, getting all of our attention.

Seeing her standing over Kagome's prone body with Shippō standing guard.

"Urasue's resurrection was nothing more than a sham, messing with factors no one but the divine should dive into.

Please, put my sister's soul to rest like she should have been all those years ago. .."

There was a brief pause as I looked at Inuko stopped moving and even Kikyō lowered the hama ya at her words...

"Master were you planning that, to not destroy Kikyō?" Yura asked, getting me to sigh.

"As much as I don't want to, there seems to be no other way to free Kagome or prevent her from killing Inuko. This whole situation-"" I know master, even by this era this situation is messed up." Yura sighed out, getting me to nod with one of my own.

This mess caused by Urasue would have been ripped straight out of a tragedy. It might as well be one...

"Let me be the one master to deal with the priestess. Just be sure to support me." Yura stated as she drew Benigasumi.

"Are you certain Yura?"I asked her.

Pretty sure that unlike both me and Inuko, she pretty has no qualms in killing Kikyō. Which is more than sadly is needed at this moment.

"I was going to go after her 50 years ago, no more use in delaying the inevitable." Yura said as I pulled out another sphere and readied that one as well. "And it is to free both her and Kagome."

To which I nodded as Kikyō began to reach behind her back and I got ready.

Yura was right, doing this will bring Kagome's soul to her body and free Kikyō from her shibito body.

But she was determined to not go back without Inuko with her, so it was going to be anything but easy...

(Inuko POV)

"So it is what my sister says is true, you would prefer not to kill me?" Kikyō inquired as she pulled out two arrows, getting me to growl a little.

"I would prefer not to, I never intended to from the very beginning." I sighed out, wishing for anything but this. That and to maul the onibaba even more. "Yet if that means breaking apart that damn shibito body for you to finally rest I will!"

Honestly I would prefer if Kikyō didn't have to die again and for real this time by my actual hand...

Yet as much as I wished not to, this could only be the only way to get here to rest without killing me...

Why did it come to this...

"And I welcome it." Kikyō said, shocking me as a small smile graced her lips before frowning once again. An arrow trained directly at my heart. "But I'm not going back without you."

"Than I'm sorry to disappoint you Kikyō." I said sadly as she nodded and released the arrow.

Jumping back as an ice wall was created between us and was destroyed as the arrow smashed through it and cratered the ground. Before Kikyō turned her attention to Y/N and Yura with her second arrow.

"Lady Inuko, now's your chance." Myōga said in my ear as she released the arrow.

Yura pulled herself and Y/N up as the arrow barely missed her leg. Although with the way she grimaced and her lower left leg went limp, probably not without severing some of her hairs.

I just growled as I drew Tessaiga and leapt towards Kikyō before she notched another arrow and fired it.

Quickly raising Tessaiga to block the arrow, only to my shock it was restored to it's rusted form as I struggled to block it!

Damn it, this was a yokai blade! But I didn't expect for her reiryoku to be this strong!

With a growl I barely managed to deflect the arrow with Tessaiga and jumped back. The arrow clipping my other sleeve before hitting a tree.

"Myōga what happened!" I growled out as he looked shocked as Kikyō notched an arrow and fired it at Y/N.

Which Yura barely pulled him out of the way, the arrow impacting where his left shoulder would have been.

"Lady Kikyō's reiryoku was strong enough to dispel the Tessaiga's form. The last time Lord Tōga faced someone with such strong reiryoku it was before it was forged. One more hit and I'm afraid it might damage the blade." Myōga said, getting me to growl as I sheathed the blade.

Might as well be a useless hunk of iron before Kikyō and using the sheath was not an option. Her arrows would be more than enough to snap that thing in half.

"Not good enough beloved." Kikyō said before I felt the damned rosary around my neck grow heavier.

Damned it all!

I face planted into the ground and suddenly thankfully that Kikyō never really called me that before. Yet that was quickly replaced with panic as I saw an arrow flying past my head. And felt something strike the sleeve of my hamakama.

Seeing an arrow through it and the arrowhead buried in the ground.

I quickly tried to get up at rip the arrow out of my pant leg to see Kikyō staring me down, an arrow practically overflowing with reiryoku.

"Inuko catch!" I heard Y/N call out before seeing an ice sphere smashed into the ground at her feet.

(Y/N POV - A few moments earlier)

At seeing Tessaiga turned into it's rusted form and Kikyō firing an arrow at us to get a shot to kill Inuko I realized just besides her sheer reiryoku and archery why she was guarding the Shikon Jewel.

She was also quite pragmatic when she wished.

If she wanted anything else than to kill Inuko we would be screwed. Probably would have made good on her threat and done more than severe some of the hairs connecting Yura to her true form, that hand her reflexes.

Quickly looking at Shusūi I came up with and idea as I pulled out another ice sphere.

"Yura, can you please send this to Inuko when I give the signal?" I asked, holding out the new sphere and Shusūi to her as Yura fixed her leg.

"Are you certain about this?" She questioned while taking both objects in her hairs.

"I've got you watching my back, and Inuko needs it more than I do." I said, getting her to smile and nod.

Looking back at Inuko it seemed Kikyō used the rosary and had pinned one of her pant legs to the ground, an arrow trained at her heart.

Now's a good as time as ever.

"Inuko catch!" I yelled out at her as Yura sent the objects towards them.

Hopefully this works...

(Inuko POV)

As the ice sphere crashed to the ground, a small ice pillar rose up and forced Kikyō to take a step back.

While I managed to catch Shusūi and ripped the arrow out before getting a little feel for the blade.

"Pretty light." I said, taking a practice swing as Kikyō brushed her foot against the pillar. Shattering it in a burst of reiryoku.

"It is still a human blade albeit sturdier than most Lady Inuko. It will give you a better chance against Lady Kikyō." Myōga said, getting me to sigh at that before giving a thankful nod to Y/N.

To which he returned as Yura took an ice sphere and it was suddenly split in a burst of mist into a number of icicles that she found at Kikyō.

She notched another arrow and fired it at the icicles, dispersing them in a burst of reiryoku. Before another ice sphere crashed down between me and Kikyō, raising a cloud of mist between us. And another one crashed down, creating a pillar as an arrow fired into the mist towards Y/N's direction.

So that's what he was planning.

I rushed towards the mist, a reiryoku charged arrow flying just a little past me before I jumped onto the pillar.

Looking to see Y/N and Yura keeping Kikyō distracted. With her destroying another ice sphere mid air as one in Yura's hairs shifted into two ice shards to which she sent towards her along with Benigasumi.

Kikyō just stepped back before allowing the shards to come close to her, shattering them against a flare of reiryoku. Swinging the hama ya and Benigasumi clattered to the ground as Yura winced in pain.

Her and Y/N pulling back and him readying another pair of ice spheres, throwing one to the ground between them as a barrier as Kikyō as she drew another arrow and fired it.

I took the chance to leap at Kikyō who stepped back. With another swing of Shusūi she dodged again.

Only to counter by slamming the hama ya in my face, smelling blood and feeling it burn from the reiryoku as I jumped back!

Damn it I think she busted my nose!

That's always a bitch to heal from.

"Lady Inuko!" Myōga cried out as I jumped onto the ice pillar while clutching my nose.

"I'm fine, for now at least." I growled out as Kikyō touched the pillar with the bow, shattering it and forcing me to jump off it.

She drew another pair of arrows and notched one of them. Only to train it towards Y/N and Yura as another ice sphere was tossed towards her. Shattering it mid air as I noticed Benigasumi was pulled back to Yura.

Before her attention was focused on me again and fired the other arrow and this time swung Shusūi at it.

Cutting the shaft in half and both piece of the arrow fell to the ground.

Finally got one, yet my arm did feel kind of numb.

Kikyō frowned at that before taking another arrow and practically coating it in reiryoku before firing it at Yura!

Y/N created another ice barrier and she tried to dodge, only for it to shatter and for the arrow to graze Yura. Causing her to yell out in pain as he right arm and shoulder were destroyed!

If that arrow had hit her dead on it would have probably destroyed her entire body. While the hairy bitch could possibly reform herself, if the way she was clutching her missing shoulder was of any indication than it will probably take a lot longer than normal.

"Yura!" Y/N called out, only to be silenced as Kikyō shot forward and placed her hand on his face. Freezing him in place.

No she didn't...

"Kikyō what did you do!" I growled out, getting Kikyō to look at me from behind shaking her head.

"Rendered him unable to continue. It should last long enough for me to finish this." Kikyō said as she reached for another arrow.

"Get away from him you undead priestess!" Yura yelled as she threw Benigasumi, only for Kikyō to side step the wakizashi and swing the hama ya to severe the hair.

As the blade fell to the ground she notched the arrow and fired it, piercing Yura's left hand. Forcing her back.

Returning to face Y/N, scanning over his body and I figured what she was looking for.

"Kikyō leave them out of this!" I growled out, getting her to shake her head before she reached for another arrow.

"I will, but after a second my beloved." Kikyō said getting me to fall to the ground and she fired the arrow at Yura who had to pull herself back.

Damn it Kikyō!

I tried to look up as I saw her reaching for where Yura's comb was.

(Y/N POV)

I can't move.

Didn't know that reiryoku could do this, but it is terrifying.

Not being able to move, my entire body feeling numb except for my eyes, and than seeing and hearing what Kikyō plans to do. It was all disconcerting.

She was going to kill both Yura and than Inuko right before my eyes, currently reaching for Yura's comb and as much as I tried I couldn't activate my yoki.

There was nothing I could do but watch.

There has to be something to do!

Anything!

I started to panic as I tried to do anything to be able to move or do anything to prevent Kikyō from killing Yura! Yet nothing happened.

Until the accursed jewel shard shown with a lightish pink, surprising Kikyō before I felt my entire body growing warmer. And the ice sphere going off on it's own, shocking me as part of my chest and Kikyō's hand was coated in a translucent ice that seemed to shine with a lightish hue.

Kikyō pulled back and I quickly regained mobility as the warm feeling faded away, until it was in one spot. Reaching into my gi to reveal one of the orbs shining with the same lightish hue.

Whoever you are, thank you.

I threw down the orb infront of me, rising to form a large ice wall much like the ice coating my chest and Kikyō's hand.

"Yura are you alright." I said as she quickly pulled herself behind the barrier. Shivering and still holding her missing shoulder, looking like that it had reformed a little.

"I-I'm fine master just glad you're alright. A-A little chilly though." Yura said shivering.

"Sorry about that." I said, placing my hand on the ice on my chest.

Hoping that it would work, I was relieved when the ice dissipated without issue.

"Much better. Glad to see you're still alive bitch." Yura said, looking past my shoulder.

Following her gaze to see Inuko jumping behind the barrier, wiping some more blood from her nose while grinning.

"Same could be said to you, was cutting it pretty close." Inuko said before looking through the barrier. "So this is from your jewel shard."

"First time I'm actually thankful for it." I said as we inspected the barrier, looking to the ice starting to break off of Kikyō's hand.

"It's reiryoku empowered." Myōga said as he jumped down on Inuko's arm and briefly touched the wall. Quickly jerking it back with a wince. "Hopefully it should hold for a bit."

Though I wasn't sure for how long as Kikyō broke the ice of her hand and immediately notched an arrow and fired an arrow at the barrier, cracking it. Another arrow cracked the barrier even further. With a third one it caused the glow to fade as the arrow was embedded into it.

"Not for much longer, we are going to need to move now." Inuko said as Myōga jumped ont9 her shoulder while Yura picked up Benigasumi.

I was about to die the same, when I felt the same feeling from the jewel shard earlier...only it was much weaker.

Nor that it originate from the jewel...it couldn't be...

Kikyō notched another arrow and before she fired it I placed my hands back on the wall.

I felt Yura's hairs tug on me, but as the arrow struck the wall they laxed as it glowed once again.

Only for a brief second before I fell to my news and started to pant as the wall was cracked even further.

It felt like I had run out of yoki...yet I could still feel it...

So I really did have it...

"Master come on." Yura said, tugging her hairs and began to pull me back.

Until Kikyō shot another arrow that broke threw the wall, the tip flying by and cutting into my left shoulder! Getting me to yell in pain and clutched it as I felt it burn.

But my own pain didn't matter as a reiryoku charged arrow was on course to a wide eyed Inuko, aimed directly to her heart.

(Kikyō POV)

Well I would have preferred to not do so, I finally found the right moment to make the perfect shot.

It should only be a few moments more and than I'll be joining Inuko back in the afterlife. Y/N and Yura will still be alive albeit injured. Which is good, it will be a long road ahead for them in their task to reform the Shikon no Tama.

Yet it doesn't matter to me anymore.

Wait for me Inuko I'll be there-

Like Yomi I will allow that Kikyō!

What, you were supposed to be asleep Kagome? How?

You might've been in control and been my past life Kikyō, but this is still my soul in this body and I'm taking it back! I'm just sorry that it had to turn out like this...

"No!" I said as I felt and saw the reiryoku bursting out of me, quickly feeling myself slipping away.

I wish that it didn't have to come to this Kikyō...

For that we are in agreement...but that will not be it for me....

What?

I'm not going to allow myself to just fade away again...Not without her...

(Inuko POV)

As the arrow burned through my kimono and started to feel it burn my skin all noise and my vision blurred.

So this is it, Kikyō finishes off what she started 50 years ago...

This is how I die an arrow through my heart from the woman I loved brought back from the dead...At least it isn't to Sesshōmaru...

My bitch of a sister won't get the satisfaction of killing me and I'll happily go to Yomi for that...

But for the others...

Y/N, Kagome, Kaede, Shippō, Myōga, and I suppose that hairy bitch Yura too...I'm sorry...

So I closed my eyes, bracing for the end and hopefully to see mom on the other side...

Only for a bright flash and the burning sensation to fade, getting me to open them wide to see the arrow fall to the ground. No longer being pushed back and suspended in the air.

"Lady Inuko you're alright!" Myōga said, getting me to sigh.

"I nearly wasn't." I admitted before struggling to move in what I presumed to be Yura's hairs before being lowered to the ground. Noticing the light flying around. "Wait isn't this-"

"No! I can still-!" I was interrupted by Kikyō yelling as light flew out and I could practically feel a surge of reiryoku.

Kikyō...I see...

Kagome was taking here her soul back. While I was happy to see that, I just wish the circumstances where better...

I looked away from Kikyō and back on Kagome. Seeing that her body released a burst of reiryoku and sent Kaede and Shippō flying away. With a small growl I jumped up to catch Kaede. Looking to Shippō falling down before getting wrapped in Yura's hairs.

"Put me down creepy lady!" Shippō yelled as he hung upside down for a moment before he was lowered to the ground.

"Not now kit." Yura said as she lowered him down while Y/N froze his wound shut. With the kit quickly running towards Kagome as the lights died down.

With myself lowering Kaede who immediately began to check over the girl.

"Kaede how is she?" Y/N asked, getting her to shake her head as she inspected one of her eyes before closing it.

"Kagome is fine, her soul has returned to her body. She is going to need quite some rest." Kaede said, getting all of us to sigh in relief.

Wait...

"What about Kikyō?" I asked, looking back to where she had last been.

Only to see the hama ya and a quiver with a several arrows fallen out of it.

And to see past the anagama Kikyō running/stumbling away...

She was still alive.

"The miko is still alive, she still retains some of her soul than." Yura said, getting Y/N to nod.

"I do know that some cases of being able to split pieces of one's soul for various purposes, but that is not recommended. Yet I have never heard of a case like this." Y/N said, before we heard a laugh.

A laugh from someone who should have been nothing more than a charcoal corpse.

"It would seem Kikyō has kept part of her soul, her shibito body absorbing her grudges and desires." Urasue said as Kaede got up and walked over to her. "A priestess such as her turned into a yokai. Isn't it-"

Whatever she said was replaced by agonizing yelling as Kaede spread a handful of purification salt over her, reiryoku briefly flashing before the damned onibaba was burnt even more.

Going limp before I stomped on her head, her corpse breaking into ashes as I grounded the ashes and salt underfoot into the dirt. The rest being carried off by the wind.

Good riddance, may she burn in the deepest pits of Yomi. That's what I'm pretty sure what await her.

Urasue deserves nothing better.

"Your vile tongue will no longer poison the ears of the living." Kaede said before turning to me. "If you are going after my sister you better do it now."

"Are you certain about that?" I asked, getting her to nod grimly before turning away from me.

"I do not know if what remains of her soul will linger for much longer or not, I've already had to see my sister perish once in my life.

Kikyō made her intent that only you could put her to rest quite clear.

Perhaps it is best for you to do so..." Kaede said, and I couldn't even begin to wonder what she must be feeling by all of this.

Still having trouble coming to terms with this myself...

"We'll catch up to you in a minute, just go ahead." Y/N said as he and Yura looked over Kagome.

With my decision made I began to run after Kikyō, dropping Shusūi by them as I began to follow after where Kikyō went.

"Lady Inuko I must ask you to not do anything rash." Myōga said getting my to scoff.

"Too late for that, what else do you think I was going to do when I catch up to her." I said.

"I'm unsure and that is what scares me Lady Inuko." Myōga admitted with a sigh. "What you could do and Lady Kikyō may still try to kill you."

"She probably will, and you're right about one thing Myōga. I don't what I am going to do." I admitted as I followed her tracks down the mountain.

I don't know what I was going to do or what will happen to Kikyō. There is a pretty good chance that she will still try and kill me.

Yet there is one thing I do know.

I needed to see here one last time.

(??? POV)

Kikyō was still alive, such a factor I can not allow.

Unfortunately conditions with my main body and the shibito Ryūma will make that a nonfactor.

So for now I'll just watch and if Kikyō does kill Inuko I'll kill her with this kugutsu. If not, perhaps it would be optimal to shift the pelt into something a bit less distinct. Fortifying this kugutsu a bit more than warranted.

With Urasue's resultant actions it will not be much of a variable if they know my identity, yet anonymity will be a beneficial factor in the next few days. Gathering parts to replenish the damage done by Ryūma and for the rest of the kugutsu to gather more of the shards.

Yes and if Inuko does survive...well I didn't want to sully the results from her human half. Yet considering the yokai half is daiyokai inugami and the strongest one there is...

Harvesting them and removing another variable would be worth this body's destruction...and for getting some satisfaction out of this sceanario.

(Kagome POV)

I couldn't feel anything for Amaterasu knows how long before light started to flood my eyes. I started to blink and everything seemed blurry...

Could barely hear, feel, move, and I'm pretty sure I can feel like I could fall asleep at any moment...

But I can feel that I was back in my own body...yet something was missing...

Right Kikyō...

Part of me felt hollow...yet also clearer...

She must've took what remained of her soul with her...

Kikyō can keep it for all I care, would rather not have anything like this happen again or any other part of my soul ripped out...

I could go the rest of my life without that, thank you very much...

Still there is one thing I know she will try...

"-gome's awake!" I heard Shippō say as me vision and hearing started to clear up.

He looked so relieved and I saw both Y/N and Yura sharing the same feeling, the later's entire right arm minus the shoulder missing. At least Kikyō didn't manage to kill her. Though if she does make it out of here I'll probably put an arrow through her shoulder like she nearly did with Y/N...

"Shippō...I'm okay, but can you please not yell..." I sighed/yawned out, getting Shippō to back up.

"Sorry." He said as Kaede stepped forward, checking up on me.

"You should be resting Kagome." She said, to which I just nodded weakly.

"I should...probably feel like falling asleep again..." I said.

"For once I agree with the old miko for once girl, you are stubborn yet you just had your soul ripped out." Yura said, getting me to chuckle at that.

"I'm fine now...mostly." I groaned out "Inuko is gone isn't she...?"

"She left after Kikyō with Myōga. Me and Yura were about to go after her after making sure that you were alright. That and making sure that you were moved to once Kaede said so." Y/N said, getting me to smile and nod.

Alongside Ryūma there were still shibito on this mountain and Urasue did seem to live here. So it probably be a good idea to lay low here for a few minutes...

Especially with...oh no...

"We need to go after Inuko, Kikyō still plans to kill her... But there is more..." I groaned out. "Ryūma pretty much confirmed to Urasue that there is another intruder... One who tried to come here yesterday..."

"So the yokai is definitely here than." Y/N said with a frown.

"And if Ryūma is dealing with it, but it already seemed to have escaped him before." Kaede said before her eye grew wide.

As silence drew over the rest...

If the yokai already escaped from the shibito once before, what's to do so from it doing it again and going after Inuko and Kikyō to finish off what it started 50 years ago properly... Especially since it had those Saiymōshō at the bridge...

"Master go, I'll catch up soon." Yura said, surprising both me and him before raising the stump forming from her shoulder.

"As much as I don't care about the priestess especially after this, she and the bitch couldn't have gotten far.

Better to get to them before that yokai possibly does or she gets herself killed. "

"And don't worry about Kagome, me and Kaede have got her covered!" Shippō said, puffing up his chest. Getting both myself and Y/N to smile, which faded as he frowned. "Please make sure Inuko is okay too, promise?"

"I promise Shippō, I'll make sure she comes back." Y/N said as he got up and looked at me. "I'll be back soon Kagome."

"You will, just please be careful?" I asked, getting him to nod before running towards where I believe Kikyō and Inuko went.

Hopefully he could make it before anything happens to them...

Soon I found myself being pulled into the air by Yura's hairs.

"I believe I found somewhere by the anagama, looks like it might be where that damned onibaba lived or stored those molds. Going to check it out, but it would make a good temporary shelter." Yura said.

"That sounds...good..." I said between yawns, my vision turning blurry again...

"Just rest Kagome." Yura said before my vision darkened and I began to feel weightless...

Guess I've reached my limit now...

Y/N...Inuko...please be okay...

(Ryūma POV - Other side of the mountain)

After all this time we finally got the intruder cornered.

The miasma had completely dissipated and the clearing was riddled with fallen Saimyōshō, broke pieces of shibito, remains of various yokai parts and roots, and a few fallen trees. Of the shibito I had brought with me only four were still capable of fighting.

While the rest had been smashed in the ensuring battle.

Yet the yokai in question was not faring any better.

With a frown marring it's face, the mantle had several pieces torn or cut off, it's sleeves tattered, hands missing some fingers, and the left leg below the knee severed form it's body.

Considering that it hadn't lashed out with any tendrils meant that it was planning some or had seen something through it's kugutsu. Either was not a good option considering how dishonorably this yokai acts.

And considering this kimono had several more tears and this body a few more dents that I would have to ask Enju for help repairing, the yokai was someone we couldn't keep our blades not trained on.

For a few moments the yokai looked between us all before letting out an irritated sigh.

"No more use in continuing this pointless affair, it has been a massive waste of resources for us all." The yokai said, getting me to frown.

"I take it that Kikyō is still alive?" I inquired, it's frown only confirming my suspicions.

"Indeed and still retains part of her soul, some unknown factor keeping the shibito body operating when she should have faded into her reincarnation's soul. At the least she disposed of the variable of Urasue before she die." The yokai confirmed.

Good, the dishonorable onibaba will surely pay for her sins in Yomi. I just wish that if Kawaramaru didn't see it if he heeded my instructions with Enju.

They should be safe for the moment if so.

"Unfortunately for you I can not let you leave this mountain, take solace I will make your end a merciful one." I said, to which the figure only smirked.

What did it have planned?

"I am going to decline your proposition, I still have one last variable to affect the outcome. But at this point I could careless if it could be able to eliminate Kikyō or Inuko if they don't finish each other off first." It said before the right arm shifted into a tendril and tried to whip at me.

Cutting of the end with my tachi before hearing a loud buzzing sound as a dozen Saimyōshō flew into the clearing.

Half of them grabbed by tendrils sprouting from the yokai's back as the other half dove to attack us.

"Your're another variable which I will have to eliminate, all in due time." The yokai said jumping back as I fended of a pair of Saimyōshō.

Quickly dealing with them, only to find the yokai had disappeared.

Long gone by this point.

Dishonorable cur.

Shaking my head of those thoughts it was quick work to deal with the rest of them before turning to the shibito.

"Gather the rest of the shibito on the mountain to this clearing and await for further instructions, ignore anyone else still here." I ordered, sheathing my tachi and sprinting out of the clearing.

I needed to check the rest of the mountain for where that kugutsu would be. Possibly somewhere near the anagama.

Needed to find it and get rid of it before Kawaramaru and Enju could be safe.

Considering Tōga's younger daughter and the yuki-onna hanyo there was still the option to end things peacefully once it has been disposed off.

There has been enough conflict and bloodshed on this day as it was.

(Inuko POV - Mountain's edge - A few minutes later)

Kikyō had been keeping her distance the entire time, staying way ahead of me...

I wasn't in any rush to catch up to her in the first place...

The smell of my own blood had stopped blocking my sense of smell, and I could tell that she wasn't that much further up ahead.

Wasn't too sure if I should be thankful or not if I had encountered any other shibito. Could have used something to smash apart to vent a little. Other than that I was still unsure what I would do when I would meet Kikyō again...

Even now as I got further down the mountain and mist emerging from the canyon below, I still don't know what I will do...

She was back alive, but now as a shibito and only a portion of her soul to call her own...

I don't know what to do.

"Lady Inuko, can you tell where Lady Kikyō is? This mist is starting to grow really thick." Myōga said, this which I just nodded.

"She's close, the mist is barely doing anything to mask her scent." I said, continue to walk through it.

Kikyō was not that far ahead of us.

Just a little bit more and I'll catch up to her.

There will still be a good chance that she will probably try to kill me as well. But it didn't really matter to me, I just need to see her again.

"This body is getting harder to move in..." My ears pricked up as I heard Kikyō's voice. She was straight ahead. "I need to get further away from Kagome."

So what remains of her soul sounds like it isn't enough for her new body...I needed to hurry.

Bounding in the direction of where I heard and smelled Kikyō it wasn't that much longer before I managed to catch up to her. She was still walking away, her movements seemed stiffer than what they were just a few minutes ago.

"Kikyō!" I called out, getting Kikyō to stilled as she turned to face me.

"Inuko stay back." Kikyō said, taking a step back.

Before nearly falling down a slope over the canyon, grabbing her wrist and pulling her back a few steps.

"You okay?" I asked after letting her go.

Kikyō looked a little startled, looking back behind her than to me as she began to calm down a little.

"I'm fine, stay back Inuko. I won't tell you again." Kikyō said, turning to walk away.

"Kikyō please stop you can't go on like this!" I yelled out, startling Myōga and getting her to pause. "I heard what you said, your soul can't fully support that body. Am I right?"

The silence between us was telling as Kikyō just shook her head, facing me with a frown.

"Do you wish for me to perish Inuko." She said, shocking me. "If I do not get any further from Kagome I'll be gone. This soul will be absorbed back into her own and I will no longer be myself. And I will not exist anymore, do you truly wish that for me?"

"Never!" I growled out before my ears flattened as I looked away. "I just wanted you to rest Kikyō. Even after everything, after I thought that you betrayed and sealed me for 50 years in a kami forsaken tree. Still mad about that, but I had hoped that you had a peaceful afterlife."

"I didn't, not until I reincarnated. Yet even after everything you still wish for that. Or more accurately to return where we left off?" Kikyō inquired, getting me to shudder and shake my head.

As good as that sounded...everything has changed now...and there was still my own issues to sort out...

"Or it might be time for a new start for us? To figure things out?" Kikyō said breaking me from my thoughts as she hugged me.

Pain and burning as reiryoku emerged from her body, sending Myōga flying off yelling in agony as she began to walk backwards.

"Kikyō what in Yomi are you thinking?!" I said, trying to dig in my heels into the ground to stop her from moving.

Which wasn't all that easy as my body felt like it was on fire!

"That we will have an eternity to figure things out in the afterlife. As I said Inuko, I'm not going back with you." She said with a small smile.

It quickly turned into a frown as my ears picked up the sound of someone running towards us.

Who-

"Inuko! Kikyō!" Y/N called out, rushing towards us as Kikyō took another step and sent us down the slope.

I'm sorry Kikyō, but I am not dying here today and neither are you.

As we fell I struggled before breaking and arm free and digging my claws into the edge of the canyon. Managing to bring us to a stop before we could fall over, yet Kikyō didn't let up with her reiryoku.

Yet I wouldn't let go of her either despite the pain.

"Y/N get down here now before she tries anything else!" I growled out through the pain, seeing through the corner of my eyes that he was making his way down to us quickly.

"Inuko let go." Kikyō said, turning up the intensity of her reiryoku a little and began to push off of the cliff.

Before I could even tell her no, she turned up the intensity and I struggled to hold back a yell of pain before feeling Y/N grabbing my wrist.

"I've got you two." Y/N said, mist coming off his feet as he started to create ice around them. Before stretching out his other hand to pull us up. Holding back a wince from Kikyō's reiryoku.

I hefted her up over the edge, but Kikyō shot forward to make another grab at Y/N!

"No!" I growled out, trying to move her back without dropping Kikyō!

Only for her to grab onto him, with Y/N yelling in pain from her reiryoku before the ice broke and all three of us were sent falling down!

Damn it all!

I sunk my claws into the canyon wall and managed to hook my foot onto a ledge, stopping my fall.

Looking down I saw that Y/N's left hand was coated in an icy claw. In his other hand he had grabbed onto Kikyō and coating the area in ice to prevent her from escaping.

Yet from what I see the sleeves of his gi were starting to turn red, I could smell his blood, and I think I heard a faint cracking.

I better get down there.

(Y/N POV)

Pretty sure my arms were scraped pretty badly and my shoulder wound had been broken open, other than that I'm completely soaked as Kikyō's reiryoku broke the remaining spheres.

Managed to grab onto a ledge and Kikyō, but I couldn't manage to find somewhere to create a proper foothold. Add in freezing part of Kikyō's sleeve and the other hand holding onto the cliff, we were pretty much hanging here.

Thankfully Inuko seemed to trying to make her way down here without slipping down, altough I'm not sure what Kikyō will try to do.

That and the ledge might be cracking too, starting to worry me even more.

"You might as well drop me. I am not going back there nor can I let you die with me for Kagome's sake." Kikyō said coldly, her free hand sparkling with reiryoku.

"Wait Kikyō-" "Like I said to Inuko the closer I am to that girl I will fade away. There is nothing short of allowing me to kill her for you to help me." I tried to say, but Kikyō rebutted with a determined glare.

She was not backing down from this choice no matter what I said. Along with feeling my arms starting to burn, the cracking growing louder, and her reaching forward to the ice it wasn't good.

Either we both were going to fall or she was going to allow herself to fall.

And either option was something no one of us would like to happen even if for different reasons.

"Than if that is the case, than Kikyō just for now come with us off this accursed mountain.

Kagome confirmed the yokai that was behind what happened to you and Inuko is here.

And it had already escaped from Urasue's shibito yesterday.

There is a good chance it could do so again, no one wants a repeat of what happened 50 years ago.

" I said honestly, getting Kikyō to pause and retract her hand.

She than gave me a scrutinizing glance for moment before sighing.

"And what than, even if I agreed I will not stop. Nor risk losing my own soul." Kikyō said flatly.

"Then I'll go with you off the mountain away from Kagome. As for going after Inuko, you don't want to go back to the afterlife alone? Do you?" I asked, dreading her answer.

The silence except for the crumbling ledge was telling.

"There has to be a better way for this Kikyō, neither of use saw Kagome getting her soul back or you retaining this body at the same time.

Yet here we are, maybe there is a way for you to live without you killing Inuko.

And if not...a better way for you to return to the afterlife.

But we would be by your side Kikyō. There has to be some way. .." I said while trailing off.

While I did have some knowledge about this subject and Kikyō had access in the past on other aspects, her and Kagome's situation is something neither of us had heard before.

Perhaps such knowledge does exist, but this is a first for either of us.

And if such a things is trues, perhaps there is a way to help Kikyō without anyone else getting killed after we get off this mountain...

"Y/N you are too kind for your own good, yet I suppose I was much the same when I was alive.

Before coming to guard the Shikon no Tama.

" Kikyō said with a small smile. "You and Inuko are much alike too, if you are more open and honest about it.

As you said, I wish we could have met under better circumstances. "

"I wish the same. So Inuko was like that than too." I said, trying to ignore a small party of the ledge falling past my arm.

"Can you two please not right now!" Inuko growled out as she jumped down close to use, with one hand claws deep into the cliff and the other hand grabbed my wrist. Pulling me off of the ledge and about a quarter of it plummeted into the mist below. "I've got you both."

(Inuko POV)

Could have done without the two of them talking about me like that...

Still it looks like he managed to get Kikyō to see reason. Although with how she had been trying to kill me I wasn't to sure about that...

Needed to get them out of here.

Y/N dissipated his ice claw as I placed him on my back. With him and I grabbing Kikyō as he broke the ice binding them and stretched out a hand to her while she placed her foot on the ledge.

She looked at us both, smiling a little and reaching forward towards him.

Before looking up, shaking her head and grabbing a hold of me while her other hand was pressed against the cliff side.

"Kikyō don't/What are you thinking!" Y/N and I called/yelled out worriedly.

Even now she was still trying kill me.

"I never should have been brought back or met you again Inuko...but I am happy of only briefly." Kikyō said, getting me to shake my head.

Kikyō no, please for the love of Amaterasu don't!

"But I will be going back to the afterlife, alongside you." Kikyō said before slamming her hand into the cliff side.

Cratering it and blasting all three of us off the cliff!

Izanami damn it Kikyō!

Mentally apologizing to Y/N I grabbed him off my back and threw him up into the air before he could protest, getting me to fall faster. He should fall back onto the mountain roughly, but I will apologize after knocking some sense into Kikyō!

I dove down and reached out to Kikyō as she did the same.

Kikyō please just stop this!

Just take my hand and stop all of this!

She grabbed a hold of my hand and I yelled out in pain as reiryoku covered my body!

Before I felt something wrapped around my foot and nearly pulled my leg out before I stopped falling, Kikyō's grip loosening as she continued to plummet.

With the last I saw of her was Kikyō falling into the mist of the canyon below...

No...Kikyō why...

Looking back up I saw a morose looking Yura with both arms pulling me back up and Y/N pulled back onto the mountain.

Soon I felt the rest of my body being lifted up and I didn't dare try to resist her...

Kikyō, she saw that Yura was up there didn't she...

She saw a chance to take the both of us out while sparing Y/N...and almost succeeded too...

Damn it Kikyō, you stubborn idiot!

Why...

Why...

Why did this happen...

Kikyō was right, we never should have met again...

"In...uko..."

None of this should have happened...

"Inu...ko!"

Kikyō...please Amaterasu tell me she will be at peace this time...

"Inuko!" Y/N's voice said, snapping me out of it to see that I was back on the mountain. With him and Myōga looking at me in worry.

"What..." I said blankly, my eyes starting to water a little.

Before being surprised as he hugged me.

"I was worried, it looked like you were catatonic Inuko." Y/N said before letting go. "I can't even begin to imagine what you must be feeling what just happened, but we need to get out of here."

"And why is that..." I said, trying not to look back in the canyon.

"Because unless you destroyed a pair of shibito not that far from here, than the yokai is nearby. Master admitted to not encountering any on his way here." Yura said, getting me to grit my teeth and dig my claws into the ground...

"No, so it is here than..." I said with a snarl.

That damned thing was nearby and probably saw everything! I'm going to rip apart until only the very shreds of it's soul is sent to Yomi when I get my claws on it!

"Lady Inuko you mustn't fight whoever it is, at least not yet." Myōga said, getting me to snarl as I got up and barred my fangs at him.

"Give me a reason not to squash you into paste for that! You above anyone here besides possibly Kaede would be okay with it!" I snarled at him.

To my surprise he didn't flinch.

"As much as I wish to see them get what they deserve for what they did to you and Lady Kikyō alongside her death, I believe that you're not in the right condition to do so. I do not want a repeat on what happened with Lord Tōga." Myōga said, getting me to pause.

"He's right Inuko, I can't imagine what you must be thinking or feeling but we need to get out of here.

Kaede's arm is broken, Kagome is still resting, Kikyō got the both of us good, and with what just happened to her.

.." Y/N said trailing off before shaking his head.

"If you charge at it blindly this yokai will be more than smart enough to take advantage.

And we can't afford to lose anyone else today. .."

...Izanami damn it all!

As much as I hate to admit it, he's right!

Even if not including the yokai we were still on a mountain with shibito including Ryūma if he hadn't been destroyed and the yokai only got away!

Facing either one of them or both after what Kikyō did could only end badly...

"As much as I don't like it myself I agree with master on this one, this yokai has been around for 50 years.

You'll get another shot a it soon enough.

" Yura said, getting me to nod before she sighed.

"And I'll check the mountain after we get far enough away, so if you want know about her I'll tell you.

The only time I'll make an offer like this to you. "

I smirked a little and wiped my eyes at that.

She's right at that, the yokai has been lurking around for decades and this would be the second time we would have been near it one way or another. So what is a matter of it living a few more days/weeks until I get my claws on it.

"Only if you find anything to bury or cremate...she and Kaede deserve as much." I said before shaking my head. "Still thank you."

"Think nothing of it." Yura said as Y/N shook his head and approached me.

"We'll get them soon enough Inuko there will be another chance. There has been enough life lost today, we don't want to lose you Inuko. I don't, after all it's as you say." Y/N said with a small smile. "We hanyo have to stick together after all."

...Heh...

Why does have to be so nice...

"That's right." I said, wiping my eyes again. Yet smiling this time. "Let's get out of here."

Kikyō I hope that you can finally rest...and if not...

You'll get your turn at whatever remains of the yokai when I send them to you...

So wherever you are, please be okay...

Taking a step forward before everything went black...

(Y/N POV)

I moved forward to catch Inuko as she slumped, catching her before she hit the ground. Ears dropping a little and twitched.

She crashed again, honestly I would have been surprised if she didn't. Inuko must've held it together as best she could to not have done so earlier...

"Will Lady Inuko be alright?" Myōga asked as he jumped into my shoulder as I allowed Yura's hairs to wrap around her.

"Mentally I have no idea, but we just have to let her rest for now. But we need to get as far away from here as possible." I said, getting Myōga to let out a sigh of relief.

I couldn't do anything to convince Kikyō to stop...but at the least I managed to convince Inuko to stop. Yet we needed to get out of here quickly.

If Yura was right than the yokai was possibly watching us right now. It was too dangerous to stay around here.

And with the way she was flexing her hairs and had one to quickly launch Benigasumi she was prepared for an ambush. The both of us keeping our eyes peeled for it.

"Thank you, I was afraid she might have done what Lord Tōga would do.

I thought I had lost both her and Lady Kikyō once before on the same day, I just hoped that never could have happened again.

.." Myōga said before lowering his head.

"Lady Kikyō is lost once more, but Lady Inuko is still alive.

I just wish for her sake that it didn't have end up like this. .."

I just nodded, not sure on how to respond. But I did wish none of this had to happen...

For a bit longer we continued walking back the way we came, looking for the yokai or for any shibito. So far no signs of anything, but that could change at any moment.

The sooner we we get back to the others and get off this accursed mountain the better.

And was broken from my thoughts as Benigasumi was thrown infront of me, cutting a root that was on the ground near my foot...with the other half quickly retracting into brush.

Oh no...

I barely had any time to draw Shusūi as Yura pulled me and Inuko back as a mass of roots burst forth like tendrils. They made an attempt grab at Inuko but Yura pulled her back and cut up a few with her hairs.

One broke off from and I grunted in pain as it dig into my shoulder wound. Pulling back when a spike of red ice pierced through it. With it retracting alongside the rest of them before I could cut it with Shusūi.

"Master are you okay?" Yura asked as she placed Inuko between us.

"I'm fine." I said, sealing the wound shut.

"Good." Yura said before expression darkened. "Stick close to me, there is no telling where the yokai will come form."

I nodded at her words before we heard a crunching sound.

"So I see, my theory was correct. But what I wonder what is your fourth aspect?" A voice that didn't sound male or female emerged from the surrounding foliage. Their tone sounding borderline cold.

Yura through Benigasumi in, only to quickly retract with a growl as all that it had struck was the red ice spike. Only half of it was missing.

"Close, but not enough." The voice said again, getting Yura to remove it before pulling down branches from all around us in an attempt to find the yokai.

While looking, she pulled two strands of hair infront of me.

Figuring out what she wanted, I coated my free hand in mist and created some small icicles on the hairs. Before noticing something on the ground.

Pressing my hand down and in a burst of mist covered the ground around Inuko, freezing some roots in the process.

"I see, so the direct approach than." The voice said as we heard multiple snapping noises before the yokai stepped out of the foliage.

They seemed to be around my own height with most of their body hidden by a grayish cloak with a hood that hid almost their entire body.

The only pieces sticking out where broken roots retracting underneath, a bit of what looked like to be bone armor, and their mouth.

Nothing to really tell what their gender was or even what kind of yokai they were.

Yet I couldn't help but feel some dread as this was the yokai that had killed organized everything 50 years ago and had unleashed the Ne no Kubi on us.

Or it didn't even flinch as it's body had some icicles embedded into it's body when Yura flicked her wrist.

"I will ask you both to step aside, but neither of you will let me." The yokai said coldly.

"Not going to let you finish your job from 50 years ago with the bitch." Yura said, getting the yokai to shake their head.

"If I wanted her dead I would have killed her in that tree decades ago, all I wanted was Kikyō dead for what she did to me.

That and I can't act...rationally if she was still alive.

Confronting Ryūma and Urasue has been a waste of resources, but to remove one more variable is worth the risk.

" The yokai said, getting me to shudder at it's tone.

So it's main goal was to kill Kikyō and the main way they were speaking...

"And I can only assume unleashing the Ne no Kubi was just an experiment?" I asked and the yokai just smirked as I released mist from my body.

"Indeed a more controlled experiment to see if you were worthy of being the perfect specimen. More so than against her or the raijin." The yokai said while pointing at Yura shocking both me and Yura.

I-It has been watching us all since around when Yura attacked. And for me to be a specimen...

Just what was it planning...

"Stay away from him! Oni-bi Gushi!" Yura yelled out, lighting her hairs on fire as she swiped at the yokai.

With it generating more roots from it's body as a makeshift shield. The flaming hairs cut through most of them and into part of the yokai's arm. Yet it didn't even react at all, even if part of it's cloak caught fire.

"For now, all will be revealed soon enough. But for now I'll be dissecting that-" The yokai said, before cutting themselves off as a root reached out to smack the base of it's neck.

Where a pale looking Myōga had jumped off them and onto me.

"That yokai has no blood in it, it's nothing more than mud and dirt." Myōga said, getting me to think for a moment before realizing what we were dealing with was.

"So your main body is already far away from here?" I inquired, getting the kugutsu to smirk.

The ability to create a kugutsu was not a wide spread ability, one of the two counters yokai have developed to counter shikigami and the more controllable option than an omokage. Usually made off mud and soil.

Breaking the heart will destroy it, but the yokai was long gone. We could deal with the troubling implications later.

For now the kugutsu seemed dead set on killing Inuko until it would be destroyed.

"Quite astute." Was all the kugutsu said as multiple roots spread from it's arms as it charged forward.

Some were cut up by Yura's hairs and and others were coated in frost when they came in contact with the mist. But the kugutsu didn't mind in the slightest as I had to backpedal from a root nearly striking my shoulder again.

Yura pulled me back before lunging at the kugutsu, separating several of the roots with her hairs before throwing Benigasumi. The blade sticking the kugutsu dead in the chest, but didn't pierce the heart.

Through the cloak seeing the piece of bone armor that was peaking out earlier being a segment of some kind of bone fused together into a spot on top of where the kugutsu's heart would be.

Benigasumi's tip was had only pierce it and caused some cracks.

With the rest of the armor surrounding it looking like some kind of yokai hide.

Despite the kugutsu not caring for it's destruction, it seemed to have done a step or two to prevent it.

Yura pulled it out and sliced through a root making a grab at the wakizashi.

"Behind you!" Myōga said in my ear, getting me to look back to see two roots sprouting from the ground.

One reaching for my ankle and the other for my back. Before coating the both of them in frost, cutting through the top one with Shusūi.

"Thank you." I said, getting him to nod before seeing Yura cutting through a multitude of roots as the kugutsu kept generating them. With each root cut it seemed to be drawing closer, uncaring for any damage it would receive.

Only using it's roots to defend the armor around it's heart.

Hold on a minute...

"Yura." I called out to her while covering Shusūi in mist. She looked back before nodding and jumped out of the way.

Ice formed on Shusūi as I covered it not into like the longmaul, but a thin but sharp sheen of ice with still a bunch of mist around the tip. Cutting through the roots easily before drawing close to the kugutsu.

Forming the mist into a large blunt shape and striking it into bone, cracking and shattering a small part of it. Along with the ice on the blade.

I dispelled Shusūi and made an attempt to thrust the sword into the opening, yet the kugutsu stepped back and I had to sidestep some roots.

Only for it to frown and struggle as it found it's limbs, roots, and neck wrapped up in Yura's hairs.

"Got you!" She said before spreading her hands and fingers apart, spreading out the kugutsu as it struggled to get out.

Rushing forward and plunging Shusūi's tip into the bone armor and shattered for most of it. Before sinking it forward in, I grunted in pain as a root shot forward and slammed into my gut.

Letting go of Shusūi and doubling over in pain. Before being pulled back by Yura alongside the sword with one hand.

The kugutsu struggled forward and with several loud cracks managed to tear itself out of her hairs. Costing several roots, an arm, and it's neck being broken. The head bent in a way that would have killed a human instantly.

"Are you alright master?" Yura asked as she pulled me next to her, before catching Shusūi and handing it to me.

"A little winded, but I'll be alright." I panted out as I righted myself up. "And thank you."

"Not bad, a decent stratagem." The kugutsu said as two roots sprouted from it's shoulder and straightened it's head back into place with a crack. Before tilting a little to the left. "Yet you could do better."

"Indeed." We heard a voice behind the kugutsu, with it turning around.

Ryūma rushed past it, with his tachi drawn and cut off it's other arm.

Coming to a stop near us before looking down at Inuko and than back at me and Yura.

"I presume that the kugutsu is after Tōga's daughter, just like it said." Ryūma said before shaking his head. "How about we finish this hanyo, the last trace of this dishonorable yokai on this mountain."

"Alright. Yura can you please bind it." I asked, getting her to nod.

The kugutsu looked between us as more roots sprouted from it's stumps and charged at us.

"Right, Yura can you please tie it up?" I asked, getting her to grin.

"With pleasure master." Yura said as she flexed her hairs as both me and Ryūma rushed forward with our blades drawn.

The kugutsu tried to attack, but Yura pulled her hairs back and spread the roots away, creating the perfect opening.

Me and Ryūma slashed at it one after another. With Shusūi cutting through the rest of his armor and Ryūma's tachi cutting into kugutsu's heart and side, straight through the rest of the body.

It turned around and smiled at me before finally falling apart, getting me to shudder.

Finally it was over, for now at least...

Both me and Ryūma stared at each other before he nodded and sheathed his tachi, getting me to let out a sigh of relief.

"Take Tōga's daughter and leave this mountain, with Urasue departed from the mortal realm I control the shibito. I've already ordered them not to attack any of you. We'll begone from this mountain tomorrow. But if I have to ask, what happened to Kikyō?" Ryūma asked.

"She's gone, she fell into the canyon in an attempt to bring Inuko with her back to the afterlife. And it seemed like we finally reached her too..." I said, trailing off getting Ryūma to nod as Yura moved next to me.

Still with Benigasumi drawn and lifting Inuko's body with her hairs.

"It would seem like where the girl inherited her stubbornness from now, but it was her choice when she made that attempt master. At the very least she will probably have a better rest on the other side." Yura said.

"Indeed, may she return to a peaceful rest." Ryūma said with a nod as I sheathed Shusūi.

"Lord Ryūma, what do you plan on doing now?" Myōga inquired, getting the ronin shibito to look higher up the mountain.

"For now I will remain in the land of the living, there are a few issues I must tend to before I feel that I will be ready for when I may cross over once more.

Including shaking off the rust before I may die an honorable death to a worthy opponent.

" Ryūma said sternly before facing us. "And if not, I will claim what belongs to me until I do. "

The way he stared at me and Shusūi made his intentions quite clear.

Yura made a move forward before I held out my hand.

"Please Yura don't, he doesn't mean for it now...there has been enough conflict today." I asked.

She just looked between me and him for a few moments before sighing and retracting her hairs. Yet she still kept Benigasumi out.

"Fine, but I'm still keeping an eye on him master." Yura said, getting me to nod.

"That one has good instincts, is she his vassal?" Ryūma asked, getting Myōga to nod.

"Indeed a problematic one, but a loyal and true one none the less." Myōga said, getting Ryūma to chuckle and Yura to look irritated.

"Please don't kill him." I sighed out.

"I'm getting very tempted to squash the old flea, but I'll refrain to do so...for now." Yura said, getting Myōga to gulp.

"Now I see what you mean." Ryūma said with a small smile before facing me. "Expect our paths to cross again hanyo until our time draws near."

"I wouldn't expect anything less, but if I do have to ask. Do you know anything about the yokai?" I asked, hoping to get some answers.

Considering that it had apparently been spying on us for weeks, any additional information will be necessary.

"Only that it's a dishonorable schemer and shapeshifter. I have faced many such opponents during my time. With how badly I dismembered it and what it said it will be sometime before it becomes active again. Until than, keep your eyes to the shadows." Ryūma said, getting me sigh.

Wasn't much we already didn't suspect, it was still useful advice.

At the very least of his words were true and what the kugutsu implied, it will need some time to recover and more resources too...

"Hanyo I have one final request. You know my name, but I do not know yours." Ryūma said, getting me to nod.

Simple enough request.

"Yukinokouji Y/N." I introduced, getting Ryūma no smile and nod.

"Shimotsuki Ryūma." He introduced back. "A good name, fitting for the son of a yuki-onna. Take care until we next meet Y/N."

We have each other a respectful nod before Ryūma walked back up the mountain, disappearing into the foliage.

It was about time we get off this accursed mountain, we needed to regroup with the others.

Between letting Kagome and Inuko rest some more, the revelations from the kugutsu, and whatever Myōga had found out the morning our future looks pretty uncertain...

"Master let's go, we've spent enough time on this accursed mountain." Yura said, breaking me out of my thoughts.

Looking between her and Myōga I nodded before we began to walk back to where everyone else was...before pausing and walking back over to where the half remaining chunk of red ice was.

"In a moment Yura, there is something I must do." I said as I began to walk over to the cliff side. Placing the red ice as mist generated in my hands, using my remaining yoki to shape it and to create something new.

Hopefully I can get it right...

"What are you planning on doing?" Myōga asked, but I ignored him to focus on the ice forming in my hands.

Coming to a stop on the cliff where myself, Inuko, and Kikyō fell off I stood there for a few minutes. Focusing on sculpting the ice in my hands and pouring enough yoki to make sure that it will not melt or break easily from what I was about to do.

And alongside the coloration, the details were important.

Both Myōga and Yura watched for a few moments before my work was done and I began to pant as I ran out of yoki. Smiling at seeing my work.

"Well, what do you two think?" I asked, getting Yura to smile and Myōga to wipe away tears from his eyes.

"It's beautiful." Yura said.

"If Lady Inuko was awake I can ensure you that she would have appreciated it very much Lord Y/N. It is the very least what Lady Kikyō deserves." Myōga said, getting me to smile as I looked down at the bundle in my hands.

A makeshift small bouquet of red spider lilies and white chrysanthemums made entirely out of ice, using the red ice for the lilies petals. Flowers usually used in funerals as offerings for the soul and a sign of mourning.

Written across the bouquet was a message of condolence. Couldn't very well include the note as tradition, but it will do.

Reading as: She will surely be missed.

Honestly it wouldn't win any contests by appearances alone, but it will be enough. For both Inuko and Kaede the most.

"Yura if you wouldn't mind helping me lower this, at least until it reaches the mist?" I asked, getting her to nod.

"Of course." She said, to which I nodded. Seeing her attach a hair at the end of it.

I poured most of my remaining yoki into to it so it would mostly be intact if it hits rocks.

As I stared over the cliff edge I looked between it and Inuko hanging on Yura's hairs before throwing the bouquet off the cliff.

Kikyō I wished things could have turned out differently...but hopefully now you can rest...

We watched as it was lowered down the canyon slowly before Yura let it go and fall into the mist.

"Let's go." Was all Yura said, before she turned and began to walk back up the mountain.

I just nodded and began to do the same.

"Thank...you..."

"Lady Inuko..." Myōga said, causing me to look back at her.

Seeing a sad smile grazing her face and a tear on her cheek, but was still unconscious.

I stared back at her for another moment before resuming walking back up the mountain in silence.

(Ryūma POV - Newr the Mountain's Peak - 20 minutes later)

Here they are, right like I had asked Kawaramaru to do so incase the worst ever comes.

Which it seems like today was, especially for him. He had seen Urasue like a mother, and from his yelling that was getting louder and better to understand he was planning vengeance.

I could understand why he would wish so, but swearing vengeance was an utterly foolish.

Especially with Kikyō also lost today too.

Better to do something before he does something rash.

"They'll all pay! If I didn't obey brother's orders than mother could possibly still be alive!" Kawaramaru yelled out as he swung a sword out in anger.

Truly dishonorable conduct.

Enju was with him, but kept herself against a nearby rock and away from his triad.

"Starting with that priestess Kikyō I would make them all pay!

I will raise mother's army to fulfill her dreams and than kill them!

" Kawaramaru said, before taking a breath, sheathing his blade before turning to Enju.

"And you are going to help me Enju. You are going to help me make this army to fulfill mother's dream. "

"No..." Enju said quietly as Kawaramaru approached her and I walked towards them from behind him.

"Care to repeat that." He said threatened, getting me to frown.

"No, I will not help you to create shibito to kill the living." Enju said, getting Kawaramaru to frown.

"That is enough Kawaramaru, Enju is right. We will not be following through on Urasue's sinful desires." I said, getting the man to freeze up and turned to look at me in fear while Enju sighed out in relief.

"B-Brother you've returned. How much have you heard?" He asked as I gave him a stern glance.

"Enough, and to stop you from doing something dishonorable.

Anything more than swinging your sword in anger like that, which we will be having words on later.

" I said, getting Kawaramaru to gulp. "As for now we will not be conquering Nippon or getting revenge on anyone.

The intruder from yesterday already fled and I am allow the others to go. "

"Brother-" Kawaramaru tried to say, but whatever else he was going to say died when I gave him a stern glance.

"Kikyō has passed on, so your desire for vengeance will go unfulfilled.

I know how much you cared for Urasue, but she invited everything single intruder on this mountain when her sinful action caught up to her.

It is not dishonorable for you to grieve her Kawaramaru, but what you were planning on would have been. " I said sternly.

He stayed still for a few moments, taking a few minutes before nodding.

"Fine, than what do you have planned than?" Kawaramaru said, sounding calmer than before.

Good, it will be better to have cooler plans prevail in this matter.

"There is still a means to do so, but I will need confirmation of her own accord." I said looking at Enju.

Walking past Kawaramaru and towards Enju who slowly began to step away from the rock before I came to a stop before.

"Enju, what is it that you want now that Urasue has departed to the afterlife?" I asked.

She stayed silent for a few moments, unsure of how to answer.

Before letting out a sigh.

"To no longer create shibito to kill others...and to finally rest again..." Enju said, getting me to nod.

An understandable wish, we who no longer should belong among the land of the living. With Urasue gone there were only two options.

Either allow ourselves to waste away until we return to the afterlife or to life the rest of our existences and sustain it until we pass on again.

"I see, than you can rest again Enju. But first I have a proposition for both you and Kawaramaru.

If you do not accept I will only ask that you patch up this body.

If you chose to listen than you will remain among the living for a little more time.

This is your choice Enju and we will respect your decision.

" I said, getting her to think about it.

Kawaramaru looked like he wished to protest, but an aside glance quailed it.

After a few moments Enju nodded as she came to a decision.

"I will listen to your proposal Ryūma before making my choice." Enju said, getting me to smile.

"Thank you, that is all that I ask." I said before sitting next to the rock formation.

"And what is it that you propose brother?" Kawaramaru said, getting me to take a deep breath before sighing.

"Very much like Enju I seek to rest once again. Yet I will only do so with an honorable death against a worthy and honorable foe. And I have already found them today in the yuki-onna hanyo." I said, surprising the both of them.

"The very same one who holds Shusūi!" Kawaramaru yelled out.

Only to be silenced with a glance.

"Tōga has honored my conditions and he has shown himself more than worthy enough to wield the blade." I said, remembering staying back before climbing off the mountain.

Glimpsing what he created to honor and pay tribute Kikyō...so far ever since the sin of coming back to the land of the living by Urasue into this new war torn era I've never seen anyone as honorable as him.

I am sure that there are others, but it was that action that erased all doubts that Y/N was unworthy of wielding Shusūi.

Almost, except for one.

"His skills with the blade are adequate, they will need to be homed with his own powers.

An aspect of which that made Tōga a worthy opponent.

As for myself and any accumulated rust I possess.

It is impossible to fully reclaim the strength I possesed in life.

When I feel that I have regained what I can in this body, I will channel be him. "

"And what if he proves to be unworthy?" Kawaramaru asked, getting me to sigh.

"Than I will give him an honorable death and reclaim Shusūi. Traveling until I can find another worthy opponent as I had done in life. Until than I will keep an eye on you two as Kawaramaru nearly confirmed my assumptions." I said, getting him to flinch.

He knows what he was about to do...

And what I was about to suggest count a dishonorable...but also as a means to atone for our sins and hopefully restore some form of order.

"As long as I still love Kawaramaru you will still lead Urasue's other shibito, not to conquer but to defend and uphold some form of order.

This era is constantly plagued by yokai, war, and bandits.

There is more than enough conflict for you to lead them into.

" I said, getting him to nod with a grin.

It would seem like my idea appeal to him.

"Of course brother, striking down on bandits and the dishonorable lords who rule and strike fear into their own subjects. I can just imagine it now, it will not be easy and it will not be enough in this time." Kawaramaru said, getting me to nod.

"Sadly this is true, but it will provide some relief to the chaos on Honshū. And Kawaramaru if you plan on otherwise or killing and recruiting those into the army, I will give you the option of an honorable death." I said, getting him to nod shakily.

Though at least it seems like he understands.

"If that is the case, than what is your plan to bring about more shibito?" Enju spoke up finally, getting me to nod.

"Find those alive and offer them the chance, those that were like us in life. And unfortunately their is no short supply during these times." I sighed out with both Kawaramaru and Enju looking grim.

Kawaramaru was betrayed by his vassal and left to be killed during a battle. Enju and myself were killed by famine, only I had one last duel with Tōga before it could consume my body.

Both were widespread during this era, there will be a number of those left for dead or bodies left by sickness who would welcome another chance to spend some more time among the living.

If they accept they can gain an honorable death by battle once their mortal body can no longer sustain their soul. And if they can decline, than we will honor their choice.

Ultimately it will be their choice to trust us with their fates, something I will make sure that Kawaramaru will not abuse.

"Enju I will ask you this now you have heard everything, will you accept?

There will still be lives lost to the shibito, but no longer indiscriminate like Urasue would have wished.

Only those deservedly. I will only ask you continue the work on your own terms until I am finally ready.

" I said, getting her to stare at me for a few moments.

"Than what if you lose, what will happen then?" Enju suggested.

Kawaramaru looked like he wanted to protest, but another glance from me silenced him.

"I have considered it. Should I fall or emerge the victor the results would remain the same.

We will part ways. You both will decide the paths you wish to take, but Kawaramaru you will not interfere with Enju's decision when the time passes.

Am I clear?" I said, to which he nodded in agreement without any complaint.

"Of course brother if that is what you wish." Kawaramaru said before turning to Enju. "If the path you chose is to rest than I will interfere."

Enju looked between both me and Kawaramaru for a few moments before nodding.

Good, it would seem we are all in agreement.

"Very well, I have ordered the shibito to gather on a clearing on the side of the mountain. We will take stock of them there and further plan for the future." I said as I stepped away from the rock.

There will be much to do to in the near future. With Tōga's daughter group, this yokai, and the Shikon no Tama shattered I fear that Honshū hasn't seen this much turmoil in centuries.

Plenty of chances to shake off the rust this accursed body has accumulated. Never to regain my full strength, but there were still ways to improve. And if anything else...

I looked down at the sheathed tachi and nodded.

Perhaps I will finally take Tōtōsai on offer after all these years, only time will tell.

"With all the shibito there it will take about another day or two to recover and take into account how many more lie in their molds. Along with the other ones at mother's other anagama. Brother with your plan their wouldn't be enough to raise a proper army." Kawaramaru said, getting me to nod.

"Yet you would know better Kawaramaru that numbers do not always lead to a success." I said, to which he grinned.

"Very true, I can work with what we have. Mother's other anagama should have more than enough weapons to supply an army. It will be a week's trek with the shibito we have to it." He said.

"Then let us get a head start on the task at hand before night falls." I said, with them both nodding before beginning to follow me. "And Kawaramaru do you still have Urasue's secret weapon?"

Another of her more sinful actions, a one way summoning of an yokai from Yomi under control from whoever summons it. A leftover from a more chaotic time in Nippon's ancient history, the scroll itself is practically indestructible until the summoning.

I've fought one such before when I was 18, summoned by a rather cowardly and disgraceful grave robber. Not the most difficult of challenges to overcome, but a decent sort.

Better to have it in the hands of someone who won't abuse it. As Urasue has made clear to him to use it only as a last resort. Something I am sure he will honor.

"I have it right here brother, this scroll never leaves my side." Kawaramaru said while pulling it out, getting me to nod as he put it back. "Now I have one last question?"

"Then speak it and I will answer it if it is not dishonorable." I stated looking behind to him.

"Actually quite honorable, have you found a name for your blade now you have a worth purchase opponent in mind?" He asked.

I briefly paused, as I had not figured out one.

Until one came to mind as I drew the tachi and stared at my reflection in the blade.

One more than fitting for Y/N's heritage and nature alongside my intent.

"Yubashiri, that will be it's name." I said, sheathing the tachi.

"Snow Run?" Enju asked as we resumed our walk down the mountain.

"I see the hiragana has changed meaning, during my era it would have read as Snow Chaser. Either meaning of the name will be more than fitting." I said with a smile.

Enju just nodded in silence as we continued to walk.

For the first time since Urasue had committed the sin of bringing me back to life, I have never felt so alive or hopeful for the future.

(Kagome POV - Mountainous Region - Nightfall)

For the rest of the day I had been unconscious until I woke up at the campsite we had made this morning. Very thankful that I didn't get swarmed by the others immediately.

Same could be said with Inuko, she woke up not that much longer after I did...

Inuko had been rather quiet for the entire time, rarely saying a word and looking off into the distance... Considering what I have been filled in on I can't even begin to imagine what she must be feeling...

With what Kikyō being so stubborn that she still persisted after separating from me...

I just wish we could have done something for her, but even than what little Inuko has said that Kikyō's body was becoming more difficult to move in.

Something that I suppose was only from being a portion of an entire soul.

Even without her I felt perfectly fine, a little clearer and empty yet still fine.

The only thing really affected was my reiryoku, it wasn't as much as it was before the split.

But I could care about none of that...

Kikyō I believe I could understand your reasons, just not your intentions or actions

She ran away as she was likely to fade away otherwise. She was trying to kill Inuko as she was afraid of dying alone without the one she loved. She only tried to incapacitate Y/N and didn't plan to harm Shippō as she knew how much they meant to me.

I hope that you can finally rest Kikyō...I just wish it didn't have to end up like this for Inuko's sake...

And than there was the disturbing news of the yokai.

Y/N, Yura, and Myōga had encountered it...at least through what they could call a kugutsu. With the main body having long since fled from Ryūma.

It's only purpose was to observe Kikyō's death and to eliminate Inuko to at least salvage something from the mess today.

This yokai Y/N had said had probably been observing us since when the jewel shattered. It had seen out battles with Yura, the Raijū Kyodai, and the Ne no Kubi. Unleashing the later as nothing more than an experiment for Y/N.

Another yokai interested in him, but honestly I think it's eerie as it described him a perfect specimen for something.

An answer both me and him do not want to know what exactly it had in mind...

He described it as highly intelligent and cunning. Considering what happened 50 years ago and the Ne no Kubi I could see why.

Thankfully it seemed like thanks to Ryūma it would need sometime to recover.

But it was still out there and if it finds out about the Bone-Eater Well...I'm more afraid of what it could possibly do in the modern era than it could in this one...

Right now I was sitting next to the fire with Y/N sitting a bit behind me, Shippō on my lap.

Kaede and Inuko sat across from us with Myōga on her shoulder.

She was looking a little bit better than she was earlier yet still plenty morose.

With Yura sitting next on one side of the fire between her and Y/N.

She had been gone most of the afternoon, checking up upon the mountain and looking for any traces of Kikyō...

Yura had only returned not that long ago and was telling us what she saw.

Along with something Myōga had been waiting for since morning. We all decided to wait until Yura came back before figuring what we were going to do next before heading off to sleep.

It has been a long day today...

"There is no sign of Kikyō along the canyon bed around the mountain.

No shread of a priestess uniform, shards, or ice.

The place where she fell the river was wider than where the bridge collapsed.

Any remains of her is probably buried in silt or have been carried down stream.

I checked for a bit and I could not find anything.

" Yura sighed out, getting us all to nod.

"Sadly it might just be for the best. If we brought her body back to the village it could risk a repeat of what happened with Urasue." Kaede said sadly while shaking her head.

"Hopefully now she can't come back here...Kikyō will rest better now although I might not be too sure of that. Can only hope so." Inuko sighed out, Myōga looking at her in concern.

I can only wish the same...

"I see." Was all Y/N sighed out. "Did you find anything else out Yura?"

"No sighting of any shibito on the mountain, but I spotted some of them moving molds in the forest. If they noticed me than it would seem the ronin's orders still stand." Yura said.

"Yet any idea on what he could be planning with them?" I asked.

"No idea, but with Lord Ryūma in control it might be for the best if he does destroy them. But if he doesn't I'll make sure to spread word around. Those like myself who served under Lord Tōga will wish to know of his return." Myōga said. "We'll keep an ear out for his activities."

"That is if he doesn't make his intentions direct like he did before." Y/N sighed out. To which I nodded with a frown.

"At least with the ronin's intentions we can count on them being direct, unlike this yokai." Yura said and the whole mood soured.

Inuko growled at the mention while Shippō cling tighter to me.

"And the three of you said it has been spying on us for possibly since the jewel broke." Inuko growled out before looking at Myōga. "Remember that Saimyōshō hive at Raimei Valley? It probably didn't exist there in the first place."

"That could very well be the case given what Lady Kagome heard Ryūma said and their presence at the bridge." Myōga said.

"To keep you and the creepy lady from Y/N and Kagome right?" Shippō asked with his head tilted.

Getting Inuko to smile slightly at Yura who looked irritated but restrained it.

"Got it in one kit." She said, getting me to sigh.

"From what you told me it would seem like it while we were dealing with Manten." I said, getting Shippō to shudder as he clung closer to me. "It will be okay Shippō he has long since passed."

He just nodded shakily at that, but looked a bit more relieved.

"Do any of the three of you know about such a yokai, it has been around 50 years? Maybe mentioned somewhere in your father's notes Y/N?" I asked, maybe hoping one of them had a clue.

"Shapeshifting and making kugutsu is not that uncommon of a skill for yokai, so it will be hard to narrow down if there any records of it." Y/N sighed out.

"And there is one yokai that I know who can create kugutsu for centuries, but this wasn't her. If that was the case both Lady Kikyō and Lady Inuko would have died. Only after making sure Lady Inuko would suffer first." Myōga said, getting her to nod before he gave me an aside glance.

Wait a minute, was he talking about the yokai he mentioned when I asked him about Tōga?

If that was the case I could see why.

"So someone else my father pissed off, since I'm not dead yet it definitely can't be them." Inuko growled out.

"I believe that I might have a clue on who it might be, but not only did they appear sometime after the miko's death I truly hope I am wrong." Yura said, getting all of attention on her.

So Yura did suspected something, even if it might not be the same.

Though what could make her say she wished it would be wrong.

"Why would that be Yura?" Y/N inquired, getting her to shake her head.

"Despite appearing later after the miko's death this yokai was one of the most dangerous on Honshū for their intellect and being very difficult to kill alone.

Along with being elusive they left no survivors on less on purpose, they cursed their victims, or their reiryoku was too much to handle.

The last confirmed sighting was 15 years ago when they massacred the head priest of a shrine and a group of children in an attempt to kill a girl who supposedly was born with the greatest potential for reiryoku since Kikyō.

She was the only survivor through it alone.

" Yura said seriously with Y/N shuddering and the both of us looking uneasy.

"Master I swear to Chirizuka Kaiō that if it is the same yokai you have very much to fear. "

That kind of yokai was potentially after him...

If it was the same one Yura hopes it isn't and it learns about the Bone-Eater well...

Than what the Nikuzuki no Men did could possibly look tame compared to what this one could if she is swearing by the king of tsukumogami of this.

"Sounds like quite the nasty piece of work then." Inuko growled out while shaking her head. "Even if this is truly the same yokai we need to find out more info and jewel shards. If it gave one to that overgrown weed no problem than it probably has collected more shards than we have."

Inuko had a point, it gave the Ne no Kubi a shard and probably tempted it with the offer with more.

Excluding it's desire for revenge on Kikyō it seemed to have knowledge on the Shikon Jewel and attempted to corrupt it 50 years ago. It probably has gathered a lot of shards by now.

And it seemed to be something that we all agreed on.

Everyone but Kaede as she seemed to be deep in thought.

"Kaede?" Shippō asked first, breaking the old miko out of her thoughts.

"I'm fine Shippō, but I suspect I might know where this yokai might have originated from." Kaede said, shocking us all.

"You do!" Inuko exclaimed.

"Only I suspect, Kikyō has made dozens of yokai swear vengeance against her from when she first started to train to her death. I've spent decades dealing with most of them." Kaede sighed.

"Yet you suspect were this one might come from?" Y/N asked.

To which Kaede just sighed, looking like she had aged several years in moments.

"A place not that far from the village, one that will take a day or two to truly check. A place I've never set a single foot in 50 years out of the memories it brought forth. I had thought the place long desolate...but I will have to rethink it." She said, her tone sounding grim.

Whatever Kaede knew about the place, it sounded like she hoped to never go there again.

But if it was to get answers to whoever this yokai was, it could help get us some answers.

"Are you sure about this Kaede?" Inuko asked her, getting Kaede to nod.

"I'll be alright Inuko, I will have Rikichi with me when it comes time. My arm should have healed up more by than." Kaede said, to which Inuko huffed but nodded reluctantly.

"We will have to be even more careful from now on than with this yokai around. And I thought we had enough to worry about with Sesshōmaru and Hiten still out there. At the very least it seems like it will need some time to recover." I sighed out in relief.

"And I believe while it is, the news I discovered could help get a slight edge over it." Myōga said, all our attention now focused on him and Inuko.

"You do?" I asked.

"Indeed he does, and he already told me.

Figured best to wait for the this whole mess with the damned onibaba to pass.

Might as well tell them everything Myōga.

" Inuko said, getting Myōga to nod. Before she turned her attention to Y/N with a small grin.

"But I think you might suspect what it might be already. "

"It's a jewel shard isn't it." Y/N said.

"Correct, somewhere in a town almost a day away from these mountains.." Myōga said.

A jewel shard, another jewel shard.

"Are you still sure it's still there?" I asked.

"Positive Lady Kagome, it is still unclaimed as of yesterday. It had fallen somewhere into the town itself, but no one knows where." He said, getting me to smile.

There was a jewel shard that we could claim. If the yokai does posses more jewel shards than we do every shard counts.

Better to prevent it from getting anymore to reform the Shikon Jewel...

Although from our past experiences it would not be that easy...

"So what to expect than you old flea?" Yura questioned, mirroring my thoughts.

"The village had been plagued by bandits ever since.

Only stopping when a brood of omukade moved in nearby and rampaged, perhaps looking for the shard as well.

" Myōga said and I turned pale and shuddered at the mention of omukade.

"They've been dealt with by a hanyo that passed through it, but recently bandits have been disappearing from the surrounding area. "

"Maybe there was a survivor or two from the brood, that could explain it." Y/N said, getting Myōga to nod in agreement. Before he looked at me worriedly. "Kagome are you okay?"

"He's right, you are looking a little pale." Shippō said as he looked up to me.

No use in hiding it.

"I'm fine...not exactly thrilled at facing any omukade again..." I admitted with a sigh. "Though at least it won't be a brood."

Rather have my soul ripped out again than face that many omukade!

Thankfully it doesn't seem like to be many left, not all that thrilled to face one. But at least it wouldn't be just me to face them...

"Easy there girl, an omukade or two should not be an issue for us." Yura said, which did little soothe my worries.

But she was right on that front, to which I just nodded with a sigh.

Before Shippō began to pat my shoulder in an attempt to relieve me...

So cute...

"Unfortunately the omukade is probably the least of our worries." Myōga said as Shippō stopped patting me and the attention shifted to him. "For over two days a tatarimokke has been flying over and around the town."

"A tatarimokke?" I asked Y/N, figuring he would know.

"An owl yokai with four eyes usually. They specialize in illusions and curses. If not born naturally they are formed from the soul of a dead human newborn or a murder victim sometimes. Their temperament can usually form from purely benign to malicious." Y/N said, getting me to shudder.

So a yokai that one should rather steer clear from at night, got it.

"Than what is one doing around the village, do you think it could have been created from a bandit that went missing?" I asked Myōga, hoping that it was just an effect from the omukade.

Only for that one be dashed from him shaking his head.

"Unfortunately not, I recognize his plumage. The tatarimokke's name is Yotsume and he is a vassal for a retainer for Lord Kirinmaru." Myōga said, surprising everyone but me, Shippō, and Inuko.

With her I can understand since Myōga told her first. Judging from everyone else's reactions it was someone important.

"Girl Kirinmaru was the Inu no Taisho's rival and only equal, claiming eastern Nippon as his territory." Yura said, surprising me.

There was another yokai as powerful as Tōga. I mean it wouldn't be that much of a surprise, but it will still be hard to wrap my head around it.

"Kirinmaru is a qilin from China, which are recognized as daiyokai here in Japan. He is known as the Beast King for his ferocity in battle and as records shown an an honorable yet distant warrior." Y/N said, getting Myōga to nod.

"Indeed, although it is hard to understand what he will do at times.

Although unlike Lord Tōga he was more hands off in ruling his territory much like Lady Sesshōmaru has been.

Unlike her he still takes ruling it quite seriously.

Both lords were rivals and friends, but Lord Kirinmaru has been asleep for years now.

Not so sure of it now, especially lately.

" Myōga sighed out before looking at Inuko.

"On the night we took care of that overgrown weed Yotsume was there. Coward was probably checking up to confirm if I had been unsealed." Inuko said.

"I thought I saw an owl pecking among the remains of the Ne no Kubi, but that was Yotsume instead." Y/N said, getting Inuko to shrug.

"More than likely, honestly I don't know that much myself. Myōga does and believes that he was there on orders from one of his retainers or another servant of him." Inuko said.

"So you think it might be one of them might be in the area of the town?" I asked, getting him to nod.

"His retainers have no problem plotting their own actions behind his back while still loyal to him. Doing things Lord Kirinmaru would disapprove of. I would not be surprised if they were doing something if he is still asleep." Myōga sighed out.

"We could avoid them all together, yet still considering our luck we could run into Yotsume." Yura sighed out.

"He is a coward, so he wouldn't stick around unless ordered to. We could potentially avoid whatever is going on, but asides from any omukade they could be a hinderance." Myōga sighed out.

Aside from omukade we could be dealing with a servant of a yokai as powerful as Tōga.

Great, just great.

Thankfully it sounds like we can avoid them if possibly, but we will have to brace for the possibility of it too...

But aside from that, from the way Myōga and Inuko were saying...

"You two believe that we might have deal with more than this from Kirinmaru in the future?" I asked, getting Inuko to nod.

"Practically unavoidable as long as I'm with you. Considering my father, there are a lot of enemies not only after myself but my bitch of a sister too. Didn't want to worry you lot further, but we are way past that after today..." Inuko sighed out before looking away.

"The only benefits are Lord Kirinmaru is more than likely still asleep and for who knows how long much longer.

That and he was no regards for the Shikon Jewel, he practically safeguarded it for a century before tossing it into the sea after Lord Tōga's death were I only assume it washed ashore. " Myōga said, surprising us all.

He held onto the Shikon no Tama for that long without making a wish on it?

Than again Sesshōmaru seemed to have a smiling sentiment to it's shards, so I can see that. So why did he decide to get rid of it?

"Any ideas why he got rid of it. And do you think one of his servants are after the shards?" I asked, getting Myōga to shake his head.

"Most of them share a similar sentiment to Lord Kirinmaru considering the jewel. Perhaps if it was whole maybe, but they would hold little use for the shards. They already have a means to blister their own abilities further like the shards, well most of them anyway." Myōga sighed out.

Really, there was something else like the jewel shards out there?

Before I could even ask, we all heard a loud yawn.

Looking to see it was from Shippō, rubbing his eyes.

"What...?" He said tiredly.

So cute...

"I believe now would be a good time to rest. We will discussion in the morning if you all wish, but I will be heading back to the village. I have been gone long enough and must give the news about Kikyō..." Kaede sighed out sadly. "I will find out what I can from my end."

We all pretty much nodded in agreement on that.

Today had been long and trying...and the near future didn't seem that much better...

"I'll come with you back to the village at least before joining the rest of you." Inuko stated.

"Are you sure about this Inuko?" Y/N asked, to which she just grunted.

"Of course...I just need some time." She sighed out before steeling herself. "Myōga stay with Y/N until I return, I can easily track you all down from this spot. Help him out and if I find out that you bailed...well let's say you'll meet father again real soon."

"Understood Lady Inuko." Myōga said nervously

"As for the rest of you." Inuko said before she grinned a little. "Pretty sure you all can handle an omukade or two, just be careful for anything else. Alright?"

She tried to hide it, her tone was filled with concern...

Considering what happened...

"We will try Inuko, although I can't guaranteed it at this point." I said, getting Inuko to let out a quite chuckle.

"No I suppose not, I'll take the first watch. Should let the hairy bitch rest." Inuko said.

"Are you certain that it should not be you?" Yura shot back.

"Already slept half the day, should not expect much otherwise. That and I'm not afraid to admit to saving my ass back there...so don't complain." Inuko said, turning her back to us.

"Wait!" Shippō exclaimed groggy, getting her to stall in her tracks. "Tomorrow...can I come with you..."

"Kit, are you sure about that?" Inuko asked, looking back at him. "Do you want to come with me or stay with Y/N and the others?"

"Maybe...I just want to-" Shippō cut himself off with a yawn.

He was worried about us, wasn't he...

"Get some rest Shippō, you can make your choice in the morning " Y/N said, getting me to smile.

"Whatever you chose we'll support it Shippō, but for now sleep." I said, getting him to whine before yawning again.

"Fine..." Shippō yawned out.

"Let us all get some rest now?" Kaede said, to which Ijust nodded as Inuko jumped away onto the surrounding rock formation.

I looked at her sadly before seeing everyone else preparing for the night.

For the first time since Hiten and Manten I've haven't felt this much uncertainty and dread.

I've had my soul ripped and a part of it missing with Kikyō gone, yet I didn't feel all that much different.

We now know of a dangerous yokai who orchestrated what what happened 50 years ago after the jewel shards and had something planned for Y/N.

Now a possible yokai equal to the Inu no Taisho's servants could potentially interfere itself into.

Both Y/N and Inuko seem to be a bit more withdrawn, more so the later. And I can't imagine what is going on in his head right now, nor can I even begin to imagine what it must be like for Inuko...

Things do not look all that bright or certain in the near future for us...

(Y/N POV - An hour and an half later)

I sighed at seeing Shippō curled up next to Kaede, both fast asleep.

Didn't really feel like falling asleep at the moment...too much on my mind right now.

I've only seen glimpses of Inuko and after a while Yura got up and went to keep watch too. She didn't need to sleep, but she is staying close by.

Saying at this point I could not be left alone at least in this era...

Hate to agree with Yura on this...but she does have a point sadly...

Especially if this yokai was the same one Yura described. Shapeshifting and kugutsu were not that uncommon abilities among strong yokai. Especially since it seemed to use soil and mud to create it, the most well recorded method.

If it had been used yokai flesh to make a kugutsu, we would have been screwed. And the yokai would have killed us easily as it have need to nearby to control it.

Factoring the basic composition of it, the nature of the kugutsu, that it retreated from Ryūma to recover, and if Yura was right about it's elusiveness than it also held a cautious/pragmatic approach to it.

Add in the way it spoke and seemed to possibly dissect Inuko this yokai seemed to have a scientific mindset, well a close as one could get in the Sengoku Jidai.

Making it especially dangerous and it has it's sights on me...

Really need to figure out what kind of yokai it is...could possibly narrow it down with more information. But with what possible types I believe it could be all prospects looked grim no matter the species.

Haven't been this afraid of yokai like this since Hiten was driven insane with grief and the shards...well more so than most raijū tended to be anyway.

Especially if Myōga is right about possibly facing one of Kirinmaru's servants...if even the legends of the Rainbow Pearls were remotely true than we could be in big trouble if they had one...

Speaking of which if the legends were correct a single one could amplify one's power about 1/10th of the Shikon no Tama, roughly times ten...and a shard could amplify it by twice.

And Kikyō said my own shard and Kagome tapping into her reiryoku continued to stir her...considering I also amplified Yura and Hiten to the power they held from the jewel shards...

Factoring Kikyō's connection to the Shikon no Tama...could the shard itself growing in power and Kagome continued us of her reiryoku amplified Kikyō's soul from within...

More than likely...

Still what could possibly manipulate and amplify a soul like that...

Wait a minute...Shikon...

Bringing out my phone and notebook I turned the light on and begin to draw on a blank page.

Shikon...Naohi...the four Mitamas that make up one's soul...

And what the yokai said about a theory and a fourth aspect.

This could provide some answers that I've been looking for...

"You can't sleep either Y/N." Kagome said as she hugged me from behind, nearly getting me to jump out of my skin and shattering my train of thought. "Sorry about that."

"It's alright." I said with a small smile as she sat next to me. "How are you feeling Kagome?"

"The same as the last time you asked...feeling a little better just lighter and clearer." Kagome said with a sigh. "I should be asking the same? You seem to have a lot on your mind."

Seeing right through me again.

I smiled at that and nodded.

"The yokai has me worried beyond belief." I said.

"Especially if it finds it's way to our era." Kagome said with a shudder. "It would make the Nikuzuki no Men's rampage look tame from it's actions alone, let alone what Yura believes. Much less with what we could face soon." She said before waving her hands "Besides the omukade of course!"

I just smiled and shook my head at that, not taking any risks.

Before I just sighed and frowned.

"We have much to worry about in the future. Kirinmaru will be like me worrying about Ryūma, it is expected and certain. If he isn't awake it will probably be soon if we do have to fight one of his servants...the main worry is this yokai itself. It's very intelligent and dangerous." I said.

"And we know practically nothing about it." Kagome finished. "It's the unpredictability of what it can do, it's dreading to think about."

"Truly it is. That and I can think of a few different species of yokai from what little we do know or suspect...doesn't exactly bring any relief to think about what it could be." I sighed out.

"I see..." Kagome said, shaking her head before giving me a small smile. "At least we have each other and everyone else when it should show up again. There is no way it is going to be easy. Yet we stand a better chance that way. But perhaps it will be best to focus on this shard."

"Dwelling on the yokai will only worsen the dread." I finished, getting her to nod.

Letting any worries about this yokai linger in my head could only lead to disaster if I focus on it too much. Won't be easy, but the more we find out about this yokai the better...

"What are you working on now Y/N?" Kagome asked, breaking me out of my musings.

"Something on what the yokai mentioned...and of everything that happened today might have gotten a clue about this accursed shard." I said, before pointing at the paper.

Wasn't much, just a large circle with four divides. But Kagome were more than familiar with the principle on it.

"Naohi and the four mitamas?" Kagome said before realization dawned on her. "The Shikon no Tama. Didn't Gramps say it was also called the Jewel of Four Souls? So he was referring to the four mitamas that make up one's spirit."

"That is correct, Kagome when did you first start to feel Kikyō's presence in your soul?" I asked her.

Kagome thought about it for a few moments as she leaned against me before sighing.

"Sesshōmaru, when that flat chested bitch attacked us. It was much fainter than but her presence grew stronger...as time went one. So you think your jewel shard caused her to awaken Y/N." Kagome said.

"No, I know so. Kikyō confirmed it herself that and you continuing to tap into your reiryoku. Considering her connection to the jewel, besides this accursed thing turning me more and more yuki-onna with each one gathered I think we both know what it does." I said, getting Kagome's eyes to widen.

"It amplifies those who were affected by the shards once, but it also affects their souls as well. You were able to bring Hiten back to live, so it stirred Kikyō's own soul too." Kagome said.

"Pretty much, you both are connected to the Shikon Jewel through death and birth. It probably affected her soul unconditionally and only grew stronger with each shard." I explained.

"Given what he have seen it probably wouldn't be strange considering what the shards have done besides enhance a yokai's powers. Still what does it have to deal with Niaoh?" Kagome asked, getting me to sigh.

"This shard's power affects and empowers the soul Kagome. You're right one thing, it could just be the shard's power. But it could also be a hint and something the yokai theorized and believed to be correct." I said before taking a deep breath and began to channel mist into my hand.

Focusing on something just beyond my yoki, the same weak feeling from before.

A small glowing translucent ice cube formed in my hand as I panted, no bigger than my pinky. Yet I couldn't even feel the slightest hint of perspiration.

It will be a little bit before

With Kagome looking at it in awe before I nodded and she took and inspected it for a few moments.

"Reiryoku, and not from the jewel shard." Kagome said, before looking back at me. "You okay Y/N?"

"Drained but okay, that's all I have." I said as she handed it back to me.

"We suspected, but for you to actually posses it." Kagome said, shaking her head before smiling. "Bet you're at least a little happy about this."

"I am, first member of my family in six generations to posses it. Well confirmed anyway." I said, shaking my head.

"Confirmed?" Kagome questioned.

"My grandfather had an older brother, thought that he might have possessed some signs before joining the army...he didn't make it long after the war ended. Prefer not to talk about it." I said, getting Kagome to nod.

"Alright, so your the first meter since your great, great, great granffather...but if you are using it now..." Kagome said as the realization hit her.

I just chuckled a little and smiled as I fiddled with the ice between my fingers.

"Had the same reaction Kagome, it was always there. Probably never would have even gotten this far in my life time without this accursed shard." I sighed out, tapping it before pulling up the paper.

The potential was there but it has been amplified by the jewel shard itself. Perhaps I could never unlock the ability to use it in my life time, but it has only been unlocked. Didn't think it was possible with being half yuki-onna, yet it seemed for me.

It will take more time and shards to truly be able to apply it.

Which I was really not looking forward too at all...

"But it is also an aspect of my own soul like it is for you and Kikyō. Like yuki-onna and human for me, inugami daiyokai and human for Inuko." I said.

"One of three aspects of your own soul...no wait four. Four aspects, four mitamas." Kagome said as I began to write on the paper. "Human, yokai, and reiryoku. Then what is the fourth?"

"No idea, and I have no idea which aspects fall under which mitama. But it might believe it is part of the reason for it acting this way. It deals with the principal of Shikon itself." I said, showing Kagome the paper.

The three aspect names and a question mark under each mitama with arrows connecting each part, along with question marks on each border.

"Shikon? Isn't that where all four mitamas are balanced." Kagome said before shaking her head. "You're about 56% yuki-onna thanks to that, the furthest thing from balanced."

"Perhaps that is why it's happening, the imbalance amplified by the shard. No way of knowing now and reason for the question marks. But the ability to drive out one's soul and manipulated it and their own has been recorded for those who can use Shikon." I said, getting Kagome to nod.

"And considering if this happened with Kikyō...we are definitely onto something." She said.

"Too soon to truly know know, we'll keep our eyes out." I said while closing my notebook.

For the first time in weeks we might have gotten a lead on the mystery of this accursed jewel shard. It wasn't much besides a theory and took confirmation from the yokai...I was just happy to get some answers.

Leading into more questions, but just one step at a time.

"Indeed...but I have to ask, do you have at least any idea on this fourth aspect Y/N?" Kagome asked, getting me to shake my head.

"Not entirely if the reiryoku was from before the shard, this could have been it too. Might have to deal with dad's side of things. Going back much longer than recorded." I sighed out.

More than likely with the Ashiya Clan. With my great, great, great grandfather was an outliner amongst them even the earliest records of their ancestors the clan had quite the shady history and messing with things beyond their control.

Ashiya Dōman's various crimes are practically legendary.

Practically their actions did cause some of the taboos on using blood or mortal humans delving into the territory of creating omokage. Especially of creating ones not based on humans in the Shiga Prefecture...

Hold on...

I wouldn't have put it passed him to do that...

"You figured something out Y/N." Kagome asked, looking at me with a smile

Which I returned.

"You know me all too well." I said with a small chuckle. "No, just that when we get back to our era we will have to check were your grandfather has stored everything while the storehouse is being rebuilt."

"So you believe something there might hold an answer?" Kagome asked, getting me to nod.

"Dad did store some stuff in the storehouse.

Your grandfather said nothing got burned and I've read all of the notes at home.

..I think he might have moved some notes along with a moroha supposedly belonged to an ancestor of mine, a woman from the Ashiya clan named Yuzuki.

Nearly split my thumb open on that when I was six" I said, wincing and feeling a phantom pain from my left thumb.

That was a close call...

"I remember that, not the cause. So you think he hide somethings away too, with the whole mess between you and Gramps I'm not surprised." Kagome said while rolling her eyes.

"Yeah it was among a small book supposedly from my great, great, great grandfather. Just another thing to work on in the future." I sighed out before looking at the ice in my hands and fiddled with it a little.

So much uncertainty lies ahead of us now...there is no telling what else we will find out on this path we continue to tread...

Just really hope that nothing else like today will happen, but there is no way to tell...

Before before broken from my thoughts as Kagome kissed my cheek and than hugged me!

"Kagome-" "It will be alright Y/N, we'll figure things out. Never seems easy for us, but eventually we'll figure everything out together." Kagome said, getting me to nod and hugged her back. "Now how about we het some rest soon...it is definitely going to be a long day tomorrow."

"Wouldn't expect otherwise at this point." I said with a smile, getting her to stifle a laugh as we separated from each other. "In a bit, but for now..." I said as I felt my face heat up a little. "How about we just enjoy the night together..."

"I would love that." Kagome said as she leaned against me and the both of us stared at the night sky.

"Y/N." Kagome spoke after a minute or two of just looking at the night sky. "What happened with Kikyō...do you think if we encounter anything like that again and I pray to Amaterasu that we don't...can we even prevent something like that again."

I thought hard on that issue for a few moments before sighing.

"Truly I have no clue Kagome...but if there is next time, I know the two of us will try our damndest to prevent it." I said.

She nodded as that answer seemed to satisfy her as we just stared at the stars in the sky, holding onto each other a little closer.

Just enjoying this little moment after the trying day we had...

(Kagome POV - 35 minutes later.)

"He's asleep." I said, looking at him after not hearing any sound from him for a few minutes.

Smiling at him before adjusting his scarf around his neck and laying his head on my shoulder.

Before picking up the half melted ice cube as the glow had almost completely dimmed.

Taking a deep breath before channeling into my reiryoku like I've done these past few weeks.

Finding more resistance at drawing it out while also not feeling the anger from before. Still not used to it, but at the same time reassuring and hollow.

Kikyō was gone and took a part of my own soul with her, but at the same time furthering myself from her. Being able to draw out reiryoku wasn't due to just being her reincarnation. But it also brought forward of the point of knowing that she was truly gone for good from my soul...

Quite a strange feeling, but considering what she was planning and if Urasue didn't try to resurrect her it was probably the best.

If Y/N was right than continuing to tap into my reiryoku and his shard growing in power, I didn't want to even imagine the damage she could have done if it had grown beyond merely influencing me to kill Inuko...

The ice cube in my hand glowed brilliantly for a few moments.

Cracking and ultimately melted away in my hands, getting me to sigh.

Honestly what else should I have expected, my control was shot now.

Shuddering at the prospect of facing an omukade like this, I would have to at least regain a decent grasp at this.

Thankfully there was still the lighter and aerosol to fall back on.

It's going to be a long day tomorrow...better start trying to get some sleep tonight.

Things we're spiraling out of control more than usual...

The fact I'm starting to think that is concerning as well.

Before today the biggest worries besides the jewel shards costing more and more of Y/N's humanity and any yokai finding out about the well was Sesshōmaru or Hiten returning.

Now there was a very dangerous yokai after the shards and scheming something for Y/N, Inuko's father's rival possibly waking up and his subordinates interfering, and an undead ronin now having command of an entire shibito army and intending to one day having a duel to the death with Y/N.

Here I thought the rumors Eri and Yura hear from Furinkan Highschool in the Nerima Ward were chaotic.

And than there was the issue I've been weighing on me for a while.

Looking back up at a nearby rock formation I saw Inuko staring me down for a moment before jumping further away from our encampment. Getting to to sigh before looking at Y/N.

Besides everything that happened and repeatedly trying to kill her, both Inuko and Kikyō still loved each other. Just that Kikyō was more adamant of not dying without the one she loved again...

Between hearing from Myōga about Tōga's relationship and his advice and now Inuko with Kikyō...

I needed to give Yura an answer soon. Not any one of us would allow it to develop into what happened today. Rather burn in Yomi that let things get that far.

But to actually see what happened and the heartache Kikyō left for Inuko...I needed to make an answer soon...

(Inuko POV - An hour later)

Heh so they had fallen asleep against each other once again...

Honestly I almost envy them...but not tonight...

"You should get some sleep." Yura said, breaking me from my thoughts and keeping Myōga awake. "I'll keep watch."

"Fine than, pretty sure nothing will happen. You sure as Yomi didn't rest." I grumbled up as I got up.

"Don't really need it, besides you need it more." Yura said, getting me to let out a small growl before shaking my head.

No use in protesting it now.

"Fine, just if you see anything let me know." I said as got up. "Been meaning to tear my claws into something."

"Yet you are still going with the old miko tomorrow. Won't blame you...none of this should have happened." Yura said, getting me to let out a dry chuckle.

"Been thinking the same all day." I said dryly.

"Especially when you're deciding on your feelings for both." Yura said, getting me to pause and stare in shock!

How?

How did she-?!

"Lady Inuko?" Myōga asked looking between me and her, glaring at Yura. "What are you insinuating?"

"Merely suspecting, since those filthy headhunters. Although it could have been longer, am I right." Yura said, getting me to growl. "Don't worry I won't tell master or anyone else. Especially after today."

I laughed.

A soul retching laugh!

This damned hairy bitch! Today of all days!

"Lady Inuko, you don't-" "Speak one word of this to anyone else and I will ground you underneath my heel!" I threatened as I began to calm myself, getting Myōga to cower as I wiped my eyes. "You should not be dragging me into whatever you have planned, even after that stunt you pulled!"

At this Yura just gave me a small smile and shook her head.

"You're right, it was much too soon and I apologize for that. But it will need to be addressed someday soon, I was just confirming it." Yura said, getting me to growl before huffing.

Too tired to deal with this shit.

"Bring it up again and I will snap you in half." I growled out before jumping down next to Kagome and Y/N and sighing.

Right now I could careless about everything else...I just wanted to sleep...

"You're lucky girl, treasure every moment you can with him." I said with a sad smile before walking past them and to a rock wall, slumping against it.

By Amaterasu they would be better off than me and Kikyō were. I could even see a bit of ourselves in them...it was both saddening and yet hopeful at the same time.

Still have a lot to learn, but they'd be better.

"Lady Inuko..." Myōga said as I sat down and began to feel drowsy.

"Please just not now...I just don't want to hear another comparison to my father with our shitty lovelifes." I chuckled out, getting him to nod as I looked up at the night sky.

For him it was my mother and my bitch of a sister's mother, with him dying for the former and me to live.

For me the woman I loved has died twice and tried to drag me with her the second time. And now someone like me I've been coming to like after he has someone else.

All so soon on this damnable day...

Kikyō was right on we should have never met again...but I was happy for just some more time after getting the truth.

Just that things had to turn out like this...

(Yura POV - Same Time)

I frowned at seeing the bitch crash again as she slumped against the wall.

Perhaps I should not have pushed, but needed confirmation. Can't imagine how it must be her...

"I've been around master too much. Him and his bleeding heart." I grumbled as I looked at him and Kagome. Before smiling and letting out sigh.

Few weeks ago non of today would have phased me. Perhaps for the miko coming back. I wouldn't even care for anyone else perhaps for master. I would have killed them all and claimed their hair before spiriting master away.

Still tempted to sometimes and I do still wish to claim that kit's pelt. Especially since he won't stop calling me a creepy lady!

But now doing such a thing...for the lack of a better term would be rather dull.

Can barely tolerate the kit due to master, but otherwise kind of prefer this. By Yomi I'm starting to enjoy trading barbs with the bitch. Than there is still Kagome...that is still developing but I more or less can not fear her breaking my comb.

Still not letting it out of master's hairs just incase.

I guess an understanding with each other, with myself actually worried for her when she lost her soul.

This is a strange experience.

For my entire life before that girl shattered the jewel shard I've had my nest which I've spent decades gathering hair and making to my liking. I spent weeks making repairs and it will still be quite sometime until I've rebuilt it to it's former glory.

And yet I've been spending less and less time at it.

Granted I do repair it, along with getting some thrill at robbing those of their hair in master's era...but returning to it...to that lifestyle again seems so droll...

Really hope that Kagome makes her decision soon. Once we get that issue sorted...there is the matter of Inuko after some time of course...

I heard the sound of something ringing before buzzing before throwing Benigasumi clear and far away. My blade striking something and pinning it to the ground.

Using my hairs I pulled myself a small distance from the camp to see some kind of purple insect yokai I didn't recognize impaled on Benigasumi. Buzzing once more before finally dying, it's miasma killing the plant life around the corpse.

Flicking Benigasumi before sheathing it, I attached a hair to the bug before burning it and returning to camp.

Plenty of poisonous insect yokai from around this part of Honshū, probably wondered too close but I wasn't taking any chances. Better to incinerate now.

Looking back to double check if anything wasn't there before returning to my perch.

They all had a long and tiring day, anything else than approaches the camp no matter wha I was going to kill it to let them all rest.

(??? POV - Same Time - ???)

That was too close, the yuki-onna hanyo's vassal nearly caught onto me.

Impressive.

Perhaps there is more to him than his rarity. Though I can't figure out why Lord Kirinmaru's interest in keeping an eye on him? That question has always stumped myself and the madame.

Just telling us to keep and eye on him and to spread the word down to the rest of his subordinates. Along with completing the repairs on the beni he asked me to recover before going to sleep.

Speaking of which.

I reached into my kosode and inspected the shell. A fine quality for what was originally a human beni and not even the slightest sign of it originally being shattered. Quite a shame this would be the last work of Hōsenki.

At the least his successor and him studied the Midori Pearl, perhaps I could pilfer one of his creations when he does make them. Another time perhaps.

I placed the beni back before walking further into the forest.

Better check on Yotsume to see if he has completed the madame's orders before reporting to her.

She might be disappointed that Tōga's daughter will not be going, she will be satisfied with at least figure out more about this yuki-onna hanyo.

(3rd POV - Riverbank kilometers away from Urasue's Anagama -Same Time)

A figure noticed something floating down the river that glinted in the moonlight.

Curious, they waded cautiously until they were around waste deep in the water. Scooping up the object it felt cold to the touch.

It was ice, a group of half melted chrysanthemums and red spider lilies made out of ice. The petals from the later still intact along with the writing on the object.

The figure gave a small sad smile as the walked out of the river, the ice beginning to glow.

Setting down the ice flowers on the bank and began to walk/shuffle away. Pausing only to give it one last look before disappearing into the brush.

"He truly is too kind for his own good."

(Chapter 49 end)