InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Before the Fairytale ❯ The Might of Namariryuuko ( Chapter 5 )

Chapter 05: The Might of Namariryuuko

After he got half of his face sewn back onto his skull, a freshly bandaged Sukusokubou brought Touga off to the side and began to tell him about the swords he had suddenly inherited. Sukusokubou first told him about the history of the swords, most of it Touga knew from hearing his father talk about them when small.

Hikarimono-inu, the first of the great dog-lords, had nobly sacrificed his life in battle fending off a terrible and powerful oni, one that would even rival the power of the dragon Namariryuuko that opposes them today. Before his death, Hikarimono given upon his twin sons, Araimouken and Araimeiken, two of his fangs and told them to immediately take them to the great youkai-sword smith Tsuchikakigan and have him fashion them each a powerful sword. Hikarimono told Tsuchikakigan many years in advance that they would be arriving, and agreed to make their swords. Thus, Araimouken was forged the Monosugoi-desu, and Araimeiken was made the Mugoi-kyouran.

The Monosugoi-desu was a brute-fighter's sword, extremely sharp and durable; only a master sword smith would be able to destroy such a fine sword. The Monosugoi-desu had the power of sunder; that even if the opponent can resist the sword's cut, the blade will send an invisible wave through them rattling them from the inside out, weakening them for following blows. The ability will also work against inanimate objects, like other weapons or armor. It was known to frequently shatter the finest of steel blades in a single block.

While the Mugoi-kyouran was an elegant weapon, easily concealed and just as grand as it's larger counterpart. The Mugoi-kyouran's blade was 2/3's a meter long, barely long enough for it to be called a sword instead of a dagger. This sword was almost vaporal, an ability to go through any substance as if it were air. True vaporal swords are extremely difficult to make, and the forger would have to be as mighty as the great gods. Which is why the sword is so small and shaped so oddly, Tsuchikakigan could only make the tip of the sword vaporal-like. So the sword had became short and pointed in order for the wielder to easily thrust it through their adversary and quickly pull it out.

Araimouken and Araimeiken, though they looked identical, had vastly different personalities and yet still know everything about the other, their likes, dislikes, personality, routines, and fighting style. If ever a spat had erupted between them, it would always come to a draw and moments later would act like it has never happened. Araimouken was the first born of the two, and was wedded to a female named Shikahu-meinu, and was the one that inherited the superior designation in the residence when great houses were set in place, but Araimeiken was the true ruler, though he didn't share the title. Araimeiken was the strategist and peacekeeper, while Araimouken was the doer and warrior and had to rely on Araimeiken's knowledge to keep order within the fledgling houses.

Araimeiken didn't care that his brother was the head of the house and needed him; he was actually quite happy that he wasn't the one under constant pressure and lulled times he had more freedom to do what ever he wanted. His levelheaded nature kept him in check, and always knew his priorities, frequently opting to stay at the castle to be by Araimouken's side even when he had permission to go.

Araimouken was soon blessed with a son, Noraseimaru. Noraseimaru was raised at the best of Araimouken and even Araimeiken's abilities, but Noraseimaru was still troubled. He was violent and arrogant, and as he got older he became annoyed at the incompetence of his father and Araimouken's need to take constant counsel in Araimeiken. Noraseimaru did not hold anger towards Araimeiken, seeing his uncle as the valuable component in the inner workings of the family and a great asset to his people. He, instead, focused his anger upon his own father Araimouken.

Decades had passed, Araimeiken finally gone about finding a mate of his own and made plans to settle down in his own family order. Noraseimaru became greatly upset about Araimeiken introducing this bride, Reiseiya, and then announcing his separation from the family. Late that night, Noraseimaru entered Reiseiya's room as she slept and murdered her. Still not quenched of his thirst, he moved back down the hall and entered his father's chambers, where he took the Monosugoi-desu from its place and swiftly lopped off Araimouken's head. Noraseimaru escaped from the manner, taking the fabled sword along with him.

Araimeiken found Reiseiya early the next morning, a blade lodged in her chest. Distraught, he hurried to Araimouken's chamber, only to find him dead as well. He awakened Shikahu-meinu from her sleep and showed her what has happened, she became hysterical and asked where Noraseimaru was. Realizing that he had forgotten about Noraseimaru, he set about to try and find him on the grounds, but only found the path of blood he had left. It was also Noraseimaru's sent that littered the chambers, and that it was the missing Monosugoi-desu that had cast the blow on Araimouken. He told Shikahu what he had discovered, and she reluctantly gave Araimeiken permission to do what ever it took to avenge Araimouken and Reinseiya's murders.

Araimeiken diligently followed Noraseimaru's trail for years, but the psychopath was always a step ahead of him, even slaughtering more innocence as time passed. Araimeiken finally cornered Noraseimaru, and though Noraseimaru put up a valiant fight, the more experienced fighter disposed of him. Araimeiken retrieved the sword Monosugoi-desu and the head of Noraseimaru, and brought them back before Shikahu. Noraseimaru's soul was cursed to wander the earth until it redeemed itself from his atrocities, and the Monosugoi-desu was locked away until it and the Mugoi-kyouran were given to Araimeiken's son, Ginshiroiai-inu (Sukusokubou's father), upon Araimeiken's death.

Over fifty thousand years had passed since the battle that clamed Hikarimono-sama's life. Within a hundred years after his death, all the dog youkai gathered together, even then there were just over fifty of them, and decided that it was best to dissolve the unified rule in favor of individual families being in control of a territory. This was due because no one, not even Hikarimono's sons, was as powerful as the great lord and only conflict had spurred up between them when trying to find the best successor. It was then that two-thirds of their people moved inland where they can expand their territories more then what they could within the island nation.

With the extensive separation of their people, common social laws where set in place in order to promote growth within each home. It was the same time that the laws of matrimony were made. As they are: the female will remain with her family, while the males will go to their father's family when they were of appropriate age. While the son was being trained, the mother uses the time to seek out a bride for the son. When the son finishes his training, he will return to his mother's family where he would then be wedded. The couple would remain together with bride's family, until the whole process repeats itself. Though complicated, it was exceedingly effective; it promoted continuous relations with all the families and frequently resolved bad blood that occasionally arose. If a coupling became successful, with permission from all the families involved, the pair can break away from them and start a house of their own, but this act has been rare. Generally the children are raised with an innate sense of family worth, and tend to want to stay in the order so to aid their houses to prosper.

Touga doubts such practices would remain in use after this battle is over. With their people so few, he hoped that they would remain joined beneath one banner instead of dividing up once again. But, he even doubts that would be possible with the intense pride and honor of his kind. Civil peace would be difficult with individuals wanting to uphold their ancient family memories and stature.

*

Amaya continued to eye him, coldly, from across the group. She never said more then two words to him as of yet, and Touga expects if she said more it would come along with a fist. She didn't like him, in fact she loathed him, Touga could tell but he didn't know why. He had never met her before, nor would Sannyo or Sukusokubou shed any light on the subject when he remarked about it to either. Sannyo, his mother, said for him not to dwell on it, and Sukusokubou told him that he would "get use to it"-what ever the hell that is suppose to mean.

All the dog youkai came together, there were only fourteen of them left, and it was demoralizing. Touga knew most of those that are present and about the rest through hearsay or by whom they were related to. Only two came from across the sea, bringing news about everybody else being dead. They didn't speak Japanese very well, being born and raised in a different country, but knew enough to convey what was happening.

Myouga sat upon Touga's shoulder listening in on the various conversations and accounts of what has been happening. Myouga showed back up moments after Touga was given the swords, but missed the history of them. The flea was upset that he missed a good story, but Touga promised to tell him the story later. Right now there was more pressing things to get to, other then retelling an old story.

Sukosokubou stood above the group on the hill face, looking out to study the dragon's path. Those at the base of the hill patiently waited for him to report his final assessment. Sukusokubou told them all, shortly before heading up to scout, that this would be the final attempt they would make in attacking Namariryuuko. If they fail at this last run, they would flee the battle, ordering an all out retreat to their forces; knowing that any more attempts would only be genocide.

Namariyuuko was making her way up the mountains, the ground forces having already been given their orders to fall back. Namariyuuko called them all fools and cowards for hiding from her. Sukusokubou told them that to stall her anymore would be pointless, and would save more lives if they just stay out of her grasp. This was not viewed as an act of cowardice to those on the field, but as a moment to regroup in case what the dogs were planning on doing backfires.

They all approached the hill as Sukusokubou made his descent, an indifferent look shown on the half of his face that was still visible. Touga was first to his side, but Sukusokubou didn't look to him as he passed. The others looked on quietly as he walked to the middle of the group.

"Namariyuuko will reach the summit in only a few minuets," Sukusokubou began. "That is where we will attack her. All of us will be waiting on the other side of the peak in our true forms. All but Touga," he didn't look back to Touga as he spoke. "Touga will aim for the face on Namariyuuko's chest. Our job is to keep her head and arms occupied while Touga ascends into attacking position."

"It didn't work the last time, Sukusokubou-sama!" Kuroshoumaru, a dog younger then Touga by about fifty years, spoke up. "What would make you think it would work this time?"

"I know the last time we had tried an attack similar to this we were forted," he answered. "But Touga is fresh and unharmed. He is also a much stronger and faster youkai then I have ever been. We all must have faith in him. This time we will not fail! For the sake of our mere survival, we are not allowed to fail!"

Touga felt a knot in his throat as Sukusokubou explained his plan. He had no idea how highly his grandfather thought of his abilities, and to put so much responsibility on him for this difficult task. Everybody in the group looked at Touga, uneasily; even his mother, Kumomeinu, and like always Amaya. Touga tried to look brave, but inside he felt like he was the same size as Myouga.

Sukusokubou placed a hand on Touga's shoulder. Touga looked over to the bandaged face of his grandfather. He turned his head towards Touga, a small calm smile on his lips.

"Grandfather…" Touga whispered.

"Trust me on this Touga-san," He said in return. "You must have faith in yourself, most of all. I have always known that one-day you will become greater then us all. Today is that day, and you must believe in yourself. This will be a difficult task to face, but where I have failed, you will succeed. You must prove yourself to them, that you are better, and have the power to guide them well after this is over. It has been your fate to come back on this day, and you cannot turn away. I have always had trust in you, even after you had left us, Touga-san. It is the matter of if you have the same trust in yourself-more so, even!"

"I will do my best, Grandfather," Touga replied. "I will not back down from this battle."

Sukusokubou slapped him on the shoulder, a broad smile coming to his bandaged face. "I knew you wouldn't." He stepped back from Touga, letting go of his shoulder. "You must hurry to get into position. Namariryuuko isn't piddling around, you know!"

"Right away!" Touga said brazenly, a façade to the wrenching his soul is really going through. Sukusokubou looked to him seriously with concern, before turning away and bounding off.

"Touga-sama?" Myouga's small voice squeaked.

Touga sighed and looked down to the flea with sudden trepidation. "I guess you should hide somewhere, Myouga-kun…"

"Are you going to be alright?" Myouga inquired.

"No," Touga answered frankly, his voice now showing his worry. He tightly clutched the hilts of the swords at his sides, desperately holding back the fear. "But I've got to do this or we will all die!"

*

The black earth was uneven from being gouged out by Namariryuuko's powerful blasts. The gargantuan black dragon towered over her ash-covered surroundings, pursuing her hidden prey. The youkai forces had moved behind the mountains, where the dog youkai lay ready to strike. Namariryuuko crawled up the blackened face, her claws dug into the rock as she hauled her long massive body forward.

"You cannot run from I, Namariryuuko, pathetic youkai," she bellowed. "I shall capture every last one of you and feast upon your filthy corpses!"

Touga felt his stomach twist listening to the approaching youkai. He crouched in a patch of felled trees off to the side of the main line. Sukusokubou instructed him to wait here no mater what happens, until after Sukusokubou enterers the fray. Sukusokubou was going in as a decoy, in his lower form, armed with a pair of steel swords. Once he makes his run for Namariryuuko, Touga is to run in behind him, and when Sukusokubou has her attention is when Touga is to make the real attack.

The dragon's dark reptilian head appeared over the mountain horizon, the dog youkai sprang up and charged towards the dragon. Namariyuuko reared up as the hounds gnashed and clawed at her face. She roared angrily swinging at them with her massive hands, but as soon as she knocked one away, there was another to come in behind them. Her tail swung forward, slapping a dog from her face, as her hands were occupied with the mongrels snapping at them.

Touga looked on anxiously, keeping one eye on Sukusokubou waiting on the other side of the field, and another on the dragon. The dogs' attacks were doing no damage to the beast, only aggravating her further. Watching the few remaining of his kind being slapped away so easily only fueled his desire to join in the clash, but he has confidence in his grandfather's judgment more and remained where he was.

Namariryuuko's serpent mouth glowed with bright red youkai-energy, but the dogs continued to maul in vain at her. The sphere of energy shot from her mouth towards a pair of dogs on the ground. Touga watched in horror as one of them vanished in the ruby day glow light, while the other barely evaded the blaze and was flung several meters away before crashing hard into the ground. Touga impatiently kept an eye on Sukusokubou, even more now then before. The old lord didn't even flinch from the powerful attack and continued to stand his ground.

"Annoying pests!" Namariryuuko swung at the dogs as if she were swatting at flies. "You will all burn!"

Her mouth once again filled with a red crackling power. The dogs' ranks parted as they moved out of the path of the massive sphere of energy. The awesome crimson orb cut through the gray overcast, sailing far across the land before vanishing over the horizon. The smoke and clouds sizzled and crackled with scarlet lightning, the evening sun peered through the fissure, bathing the sable terrain below in its orange rays.

Touga was barely able to react, his attention stolen by the display, when Sukusokubou leapt from his hiding place. Touga swore under his breath seeing the old dog on the move and jumped forward.

Sukusokubou had drawn his swords and ran with them extended at his side. Touga unsheathed the Monosugoi-desu and Mugoi-kyrouran, and held them in a similar fashion. Touga was able to catch up with Sukusokubou rather easily, enough so where the old lord motioned for him to fall back several paces.

The remaining dog youkai quickly returned their offensive attack on the gargantuan dragon. Namariyuuko began to writhe violently about on the ground, to deter their unrelenting and annoying assaults. The earth shattered below her massive weight, causing the whole mountain to cave in on itself.

Sukusokubou darted abruptly to one side, dodging a fracture that appeared before his feet, but the rock below him gave way and he fell. Touga bounced from rock to rock to catch up with him, re-sheathing the mighty weapons as he moved. He took hold of his grandfather's arm and hit the side of the crag. Touga shot strait up along its face, hauling Sukusokubou along with him. They settled on the other side of the fissure, just as the boulders filled it in.

"Are you alright, Grandfather?"

Sukusokubou pulled his shoulder from Touga's hand. Wearily, he got back to his feet, "I'm fine, Touga-san."

The ground continued to shutter under the mass of Namariryuuko. Whole mountains sank beneath the earth and lava began to seep through the rock to fill the voids where they once stood. The dog youkai scattered to avoid the thrashing dragon, as well as the jagged rocks and molten lava being hurled into the air.

Sennyo landed beside the duo. She was between fifteen and twenty meters tall on all fours, tiny compared to Sukusokubou's true form but average for the rest of them. Her white and brown features receded back down to her armor-clad warrior visage.

"We've got to pull back, Sukusokubou-sama!" she told him.

"Have everybody re-group," Sukusokubou said in return. "Tell them that we will wait for her to stop thrashing and try to lure her off the mountainside back into the hinterland. This battle is not over yet!"

"She would only go back into a death roll!" Sennyo retorted. "We can no longer get near her."

"I am not asking any of you to get near her," he said. "Just to lead her off the mountains. She is mad enough to follow after. All you have to do is watch out for her tail and her beam."

"I don't think we have enough people left to pull it off, Sukusokubou-sama!" she yelled, pointing angrily out to the burning rock field. "One of us had already died, a 1/3 injured beyond the ability to fight, and the rest are in pain!"

Sukusokubou frowned at the woman, then looked back to Touga. Touga was looking away from them towards the dragon, a melancholy look across his face.

"Touga-san!" Sukusokubou gruffly spoke.

Touga looked over shoulder to him, "Hum?"

"New plan," he said. "I'm going with Sennyo-meinu and several of the others to lure Namariryuuko away. I want you to head to North Promontory, or at least where it was, and wait for us there."

"As you wish," Touga nodded. "But what am I to do then?"

"We will bring the dragon towards you," he said, "and you will pierce the face on her chest. It would be harder then what it would've been, because there is a far greater chance that she'll notice you coming up on her. But, it is a risk you will have to take."

"I understand, Grandfather," Touga lowered his head to the old lord.

Sennyo came to Touga's side and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, "Don't do anything foolish, Touga-chan."

"I will try my best not to, Mother," He said softly, returning the embrace.

"I wouldn't know what I would do without you, Touga-chan." She let her arms slip away from him, a sadden expression across her soiled features.

"I can only promise that I would do my best," Touga sternly said. "But I am the only person that is able to pull this off, what ever happens, happens."

Sennyo wiped the tear from her eye, taking some of the soot off her cheek along with it. Touga leaned over, then briefly and gently kissed her forehead. Sukusokubou came beside Touga and clasped hold of his shoulder; Touga looked over to him.

"I think it is time for you to get moving, Touga-san," Sukusokubou said.

"I'm already gone…"

*

The North Promontory was a point near the northern most border of the mountain range; it was used as a general marking of two of the former lords' lands. It was a small piece of land that jutted out and over the sea, created long ago when the volcanic activity in the area stopped and the rock shelf fell into the waters below. The Promontory had been destroyed, flattened sometime during the weeks of combat, and only a low chasm remained.

Touga could see the dragon Namariryuuko clearly in the distance behind him, as well as his Grandfather's light gray form. There were a few others flying about the dragon, but they were too far away to tell them apart. Touga jumped down the thirty feet to reach the rocky base of the shelf. Below him was the sea, its dark waves foaming and spraying on the jagged fallen rocks.

Even from here he could feel the dragon's approach through the rocks, and see the bright red flashes of light. One of the energy spheres soared across the sky overhead and exploded far across the sea. Several more shot to the east and a few out to sea in the west.

He anxiously clutched the hilts of the swords by his side, the ancient blades that have bathed in the blood of enemies and family alike, and unsheathed them. Touga could feel the power of the Monosugoi-desu and Mugoi-kyrouran in the palms of his hands, but it wasn't all he had expected after all the years of admiring them and hoping one day they would have been his. He long thought that that day would have been millenniums from now, when he inherited them from his father Hakkouga. Touga wasn't yet five hundred years old, he wasn't even half that number, and his grandfather was still alive and relatively in one piece. His own father didn't live long enough to wield these blades. But, it was heartening to know that Hakkouga did not die in vain like Kumomeinu said, except he died valiantly like his mother and grandfather accounted for. Touga did regret not being able to see him before he had died, but knew that if he did, there would only have been bad blood between them.

Namariryuuko came ever closer, pulling her massive body after the dogs that remained out of her grasp. Sukusokubou grasped hold of her face with his maul, knocking her down to the ground. She lifted her head and the dog up and flung about, trying to knock him off of her. Her tail snapped forward and wrapped around his leg, to aid in pulling him off, but he only bit down harder; she did not bleed.

"Get off me you fucking mongrel!" Namariryuuko roared furiously, pulling at the dog with her talon-like hands. She scraped him across the ground, upturning stone and soil as she dug down into it. Sukusokubou was forced to release her face. She then whipped her tail forward towards the dog. Sukusokubou rolled to his paws, dodging the tail as it cracked against the ground where he fell.

"If you are the best they've got, Old Mutt, you all might as well roll over and die!" Namariryuuko growled.

Sennyo came up behind Namariryuuko and pounced on the back of her head. The dragon lurched forward with the impact, but wasn't enough to phase her. Her tail swung about and slapped the female dog away.

Namariryuuko began to laugh wickedly, her voice echoed across the barren land, piercing Touga's psyche with dread. He floated upwards and peered over the edge of the crevice. The dragon was closer now, very close, but not near enough for him to reveal his location to her yet. Her massive body continued to heave slowly forward with each strike, hit or miss, she made on the five that evade her.

Time seamed to slow down for Touga, waiting for the dragon to come closer. He uneasily clutched hold of the swords once again, his knuckles becoming white as his grip tightened. Sukusokubou had already acknowledged that he had spotted the young dog, sneaking a couple glances in his direction when the dragon was busy with someone else. It was now a matter of narrowing the gap between him and Namariryuuko by several meters, so to make the run swift and have less of chance of being noticed.

Namariyuuko's mouth filled with its red electric death. The beam spewed from her mouth and cut across the land, following the heels of Sukusokubou, before detaching and speeding across the sky. Namariyuuko focused most of her attacks on the old lord, ignoring the others like they were mere flies on her back, only taking a seldom swat at them with her tail.

She finally became close enough for Touga to make his run on her, but the opportunity to do so was not present. Namariryuuko, though focused on Sukusokubou, still could have her attention easily stolen if he were to make his approach-she has two pairs of eyes after all! He became more nervous, being forced to wait longer then what he hoped for, but he knew he had to wait cause he would only have one chance to make this attack.

Once again her maw glowed crimson. Sukusokubou landed on the ledge just above Touga. The old lord's voice came thundering in his head:Touga!

Touga climbed up onto the ledge, hiding under Sukusokubou's massive form, out of sight of the dragon. Namariryuuko's beam came rapidly towards them. Sukusokubou bounded into the air and Touga dashed forward hidden beneath the beam of light. Namariryuuko turned upward, firing several smaller spheres at the old dog.

Touga ran with the swords drawn back against his sides. He darted upwards alongside the blackened belly of the dragon Namariryuuko. He appeared before her face, a shocked expression coming to its white and green features. Her larger head paused in its attacks on the old dog, but couldn't turn in time to deter Touga from his assault. The Mugoi-kyrouran pierced through her right eye, black blood sprayed onto Touga.

Namariryuuko jerked suddenly, screaming in pain, and wrenched the small blade out of Touga's grasp. He was unable to make a strike with the Monosugoi-desu before she hurled herself backwards to the ground and started writhing in pain. She clawed at the sword in her face, but her talons were too big to extract the sword. The dog youkai scattered away from the dragon, returning to their lesser forms as they receded.

"Touga-san!" Sukusokubou yelled over Namariryuuko's wails. "Run!"

Touga spun about and hastily glided towards the old lord.

Namariryuuko rolled violently until she fell into the sea, partially submerging her self under the dark waves. Her serpentine body churned the waters, the spray forcefully rained back to the dark soiled ground.

Sukusokubou and Touga touched down to the ground just as she slipped completely below the waves. Touga sprinted off to the ledge to see where Namariryuuko had gone, Sukusokubou followed close beside him. All that was left was a whirlpool of froth amid the dark where she once was.

"She still has the Mugoi-kyrouran, Grandfather!" Touga gasped when he suddenly remembered that the sword had been ripped from his hand.

Sukusokubou laughed and patted him on the back. "It's better to lose a sword then your life, Touga-san!"

Touga moaned, rubbing his face. "But still.... I only had them for an hour!"

"It doesn't matter," He said with a sigh. "We can get an other sword."

Touga crossed his arms and looked away from him. Sukusokubou began to shake his head but his attention suddenly went elsewhere.

"Grandf-" he started to ask.

"Get down!" Sukusokubou shouted as he forcefully tackled Touga to the ground. Sukusokubou had his hand on the back of Touga's head, holding Touga's face into the ground as he peered over shoulder behind him. Namariryuuko's dragonhead surfaced from the water, soon followed by her entire upper body, the sword missing from the smaller face's eye. Sukusokubou swore under his breath.

"Foolish dogs!" She roared. "If you think that whelp and that tiny sword could strike my heart, you are sadly mistaken! I swear will return to finish what I had started!"

"And we will be waiting for you, with a better weapon!" Sukusokubou vowed in return, leaning heavily on Touga's head as he shook his other fist into the air at the dragon. Namariryuuko snorted and began to laugh as she sank back down into the water.

"I can't breathe…." Touga murmured. Sukusokubou got back to his feet and turned about. Touga sat back up, taking in a big gasp of air.

"Where the hell did it go?" Sukusokubou growled under his breath as he quickly scanned the area inland.

"When do think she will be back?" Touga asked as soon as he had enough wind.

He turned his one eye over to Touga, "She was bluffing; that attack really knocked some sense into her. It would be a really long time, if she does, especially after we found her weakness."

"What are you looking for?" Touga inquired, brushing the dust off his slacks.

"The Mugoi-kyrouran!" he answered. "She threw it back at us."

"I guess we better start looking for it then," Touga sighed as he sheathed the Monosugoi-desu. He looked to his grandfather, who stood with dignity for a victory well deserved and for the first time, Touga saw how old he really was. This impressive figure that always stood over him his entire life up to this point, if not physically, in name alone. The old dog appeared ragged, his face in bandages, his armor in shreds, his fine clothing covered in dirt, even his fur-pelt was covered in soil and fresh crimson blood. Touga narrowed his eyes at the blood, and then touched his own moist clothing. He held his hand out before him, covered in the old lord's blood.

"Grandfather!" Touga yelled, his voice panic-stricken, as rushed to Sukusokubou's side. Sukusokubou partially turned, a perplexed expression across his wounded face. Touga took hold of the old dog's shoulders and turned his left flank towards him.

"What is it, Touga-san?"

Hiding behind the blood soaked pelt was the hilt of the Mugoi-kyrouran, its blade sunken completely into the side of Sukusokubou's chest. Touga gasped, adverting his eyes from the horrific sight.

"What the fuck is going on with you?!" Sukusokubou crossly said, trying to see what it was, but was unable to because of his missing eye. He reached over, his fingers softly brushing the hilt of the Mugoi-kyrouran and he quickly retracted them. Sukusokubou dropped to his knees; Touga moved forward and took hold of his shoulders as he fell. A look of sheer terror was plastered across Sukusokubou's disfigured face.

"I didn't...." The old lord faded away and buckled into Touga's embrace, succumbing to the numb, grievous gash in his chest. Touga held him tightly, tighter then he has ever held any body before. Tears streaked down his face, as he screamed in anguish.

*

Sennyo was the first to come to his side, hearing his cries. She comforted Touga with her presence, not saying anything to him, which was all he wanted right now. It was quite some time before she talked, and then it was only to say that they have leave and find Kumomeinu.

Kumomeinu became hysterical when she laid sights upon her fallen brother, more so then what Touga has been. She refused to leave his side for several days, even staying and helping when Sukusokubou's body was being prepared for the funeral. Eventually Touga and Sennyo gave up on trying to persuade Kumomeinu to leave, only after that did the old female finally depart from his side.

A memorial will be held for all the lives lost in the destructive path of Namariryuuko, and a small shrine will be placed on the site where the final assault had taken place. The shrine was to be nothing large or lavish, but something to represent closure to the ghastly fighting and a place where later respects can be given for the casualties.

Junitaiin pulled several strings and summoned forth many plant youkai to help restore the wasteland that Namariryuuko had created; but, it would still be centuries before the forests would be fully restored and the wrath of Namariryuuko be hidden from this land. Touga has spent most of the past fortnight with Junitaiin, helping him and the plants with the land. It was tedious work, but it kept his mind off of the events that had happened and the sorrow that was inside.

Touga had just finished cleansing his body and entered the dressing chambers, covered in a white robe and wooden sandals. Many of the castles had been destroyed in the battle, including Touga's home. The remaining dogs gathered in one of the lesser houses, which was relatively still in one piece, in order to prepare themselves for the memorial service later this evening. There were only twelve of them left now, eight females and four males, of variant ages. There were no children among the group; the one named Kuroshoumaru was the youngest of the dog youkai to survive. Kumomeinu was the oldest in the group, but she had locked herself away through most of the past month and was of little help to the others. Amaya was the only one of the other eleven that was around Touga's age, and he had little in common to say to her or did she act like she would welcome it if he did. The others were several centuries older and tended to act suspiciously around him, but still with regard.

Neatly folded up on the bench before Touga was a fresh robe, maroon in color, a shirt, and pair of slacks. The slacks were completely white, but the shirt had an elegant cobalt blue leaf-pattern across the shoulders and at the ends of both sleeves. He tied a wrap around his waist before he began to dress. Once he finished he slipped back on the sandals and went off into the adjacent room. Waiting inside that room were two of the females, Amaya was one of them. Touga didn't look to her as her as he moved further in. The women held up a set of heavy plated armor in their hands.

"Please, lean forward and extend your arms over your head," the other female, who was named Mumayau, told Touga. She was an older youkai, about the same age as his mother, perhaps older. Touga did as he was told, and the two women slipped the breast of the armor over his head. As Amaya tightened, rather roughly, the breastplate to fit, Mumayau attached the broad, spiked shoulder guards.

Amaya moved off to fetch a long forest-green and maroon silk sash and wrapped it about the waist of the armor, tying it off in a flowing bow. When she stood, she gazed up into Touga's face, pausing to study the quieted gloom upon it. Touga turned his eyes to her, a frown coming to his lips as she scrunched her nose and briskly moved off.

Mumayau snatched hold of his hand, pulling Touga's attention away from Amaya as she exited the room. Mumayau twisted the sleeve of his shirt around his forearm, before slipping it down into the cuff of an arm guard. She fluffed the upper part of the sleeve before starting his right arm.

"She will calm down, Touga-san," Mumayau said with a sigh as she adjusted the fabric of his sleeve.

"I don't really understand what's happening," Touga frowned.

"Amaya is trying to prove something to you," She replied, as she fetched a pair of shoes. "That she is someone who can take care of herself, or be fussed over."

"Well I can see that," Touga arched an eyebrow back towards the doorway. "But why? I did nothing to her, nor did we meet before a month ago."

"Don't you know?" Mumayau said with surprise.

Touga turned back to her, his face showing his curiosity, "Know what?"

"Amaya is your bride."

"My bride?!" Touga's squeaked, and cleared his throat. "She's my cousin!"

"Distant," she corrected. "You forget that your grandfather and Kumomeinu-san were only half siblings, having different mothers. Kumomeinu's son, Hanekeishi, was raised in a different family then yours, and Amaya in a family other then his."

"But still, it is the principle that matters," He groused.

"She also is the only one near the same age as you are, Touga-san." Mumayau said as she handed him the shoes. Touga leaned over to put them on, and straitened back up.

"There you go…." Mumayau said as she brushed him off. "Now, if I were you, I would just accept it and try to talk to her, don't let her push you around."

"I'm not… I mean: she's not." Touga grumbled.

Mumayau looked doubtfully to him, "She is waiting in the next room to finish your armor, I won't intrude."

Touga watched as she departed through side screen off to the left from the doorway Amaya went in. He sighed, squaring his shoulders, which became heavy with the weight of the armor. He knew he would have to get use to the armor, after being accustomed to wearing just the fire-rodent outfit for several decades. The kimono he wore now, he knew to be made out of a just-as-durable material but was more finely woven.

He pulled open the doorway, Amaya stood in the middle of the room holding the lavish white pelt in her arms. Touga walked over and halted only inches before her. He was taller then her by a foot, and with the armor on, he appeared to be twice her size. She didn't flinch when he came so close.

"Why do you hate me, Amaya-san?" he said frankly. The tone in his voice was serious, as was the expression in his eyes as he glared down to her. She was visibly taken back by the question, unable to come up with an answer. Amaya quickly looked away, but Touga took hold of her arm and turned her back around.

"Tell me," Touga said softly. Amaya jerked her shoulder away and bowed her eyes from him. He reached over and touched the side of her face, gently turning her gaze to him. "I know we are being ordered to wed, Amaya-san. And all I'll ask of you is to be a friend first, before a mate."

"You don't understand!" she snapped, somberly, stepping back away from him.

"I would like to understand, Amaya-san," he pleaded.

"I was to marry somebody else," Amaya cried, "someone I knew and loved! We were to be married by winter."

"We've all lost people who are special to us," Touga approached her once again, and placed his hands on her slender shoulders. "But we cannot stop our lives because of it."

"But I don't want to marry you!" she yelled. "I don't know you, and I don't want to know you!"

Touga let go of her shoulders and held his fists to his sides. He softly told her, "I do not want to be married either, not now, not for a long time."

A silence came over the two; Amaya fondled the downy fur in her arms, holding back the tears. Touga looked over to her, despondently, examining her small frame as he placed the words together in his head before he spoke.

"Amaya-san," he finally said and she turned her eyes to him. "I offer you this, I will make Kumomeinu-san and my mother postpone the union for a thousand years. And in that time, if you can find someone-anyone-else that you would rather have as a husband, I will break off the engagement and personally consecrate the union."

"You-you would actually do that?" Amaya was breathless, taken aback by the offer. "For me?"

"In a heart beat," he held his hands to his chest over his heart. "I am still too young to be tied down with such a sacred responsibility, and I do not want to make you wait on the account of my selfishness."

A mix of emotions washed over Amaya, a broad smile was across her face but her eyes flowed with tears. She wrapped her arms and the fur around him, and gave him a small peck on the cheek with her lips before hopping back. "Thank you, Touga-sama!"

"You just have to promise not to wait for me, Amaya-san," he whispered in return. She nodded briskly, the smile still across her face.

"I guess I better get this attached to the suit," Amaya said, picking at the fur in her hand.

"I guess you should…." Touga acknowledged.

*

Touga pulled open the screen, stepping out into the main hall. The hall looked out into a garden, which he suspected was once beautiful but now was in ravages. Clad fully in his new garb, made him appear older by several centuries, even though inside he still felt like the teenager he was. Amaya followed a few meters behind him, keeping her distance from him. She no longer looked at Touga with the animosity she had been, nor did she look to him with joy, but with peace and satisfaction.

Touga made his way down the hallway, the only sounds being the female's soft steps on the floor behind him, and his own louder heavier ones. Most of the screens he passed where closed, except for one, where a familiar voice called out to him.

"Touga-chan!" It was Kumomeinu.

Touga backed up and looked into the door, sitting across from her was Sennyo, and between them was a low table with sake and fish upon it. "Yes, Kuromeinu-san?"

"Come, sit, and let us look at you," she said pointing to an empty spot to her side.

"Yes, Kumomeinu-san," he said with a sigh.

"You too, Amaya!" Kumomeinu called. Amaya had quickened her pace as she went by the door, but it didn't help. She swore under her breath and turned back. She grudgingly entered the room and took the remaining spot by the table. Sennyo prepared two small bowls and passed it to them, before refilling her own saucer and returning the vase to its spot on the table.

Kumomeinu picked a small piece of fish up and brought it into her mouth, she chewed on it slowly and swallowed. "We have been waiting for you to finish, Touga-chan," she said after a long pause. "There is something that needs to be returned to you."

"I know of nothing that I wished to be retuned to me, Kumomeinu-san," Touga replied.

Kumomeinu slipped her hands under the small table, "I had just finished cleaning it, and I took great care in doing so."

She pulled out a long box made of fine crafted cherry and was around a meter and a half long, 25cm wide, and 10cm thick. Touga's stomach clinched tight, he knew what was inside even before she opened it. Inside was the Mugoi-kyrouran, its sheath sitting next to it in the box, and the blade shining as if new.

Kumomeinu closed the box and held it out to him, "The set cannot be broken and it was his last wish to you, to have them."

Touga held his hands out and let her place the box into his hands. He set the box across his lap, a somber semblance coming over him. "I can not brandish these swords in good faith, Kumomeinu-san."

"What?!" Kumomeinu snapped back. "Why?"

"Touga-chan," Sennyo stressed. "But you must."

"No, I don't," Touga's gaze jerked over to his mother. "I refuse to continue wielding these blades that have bathed in the blood of my own ancestors."

"You cannot refuse them!" Kumomeinu abruptly stood and fiercely glared down to him. "They are yours, no mater if you say they are not! Sukusokubou given them to you of his own will, and you had accepted them from his very hand."

"Please, Kumomeinu-san, sit back down," Sennyo pleaded. Kumomeinu eyed her for speaking up, but did what was asked anyways and lowered back down beside the table.

The four ate and drank in silence for several moments. Touga had left the box on his lap, not motioning to pick it up or move it. Amaya had a nervous expression across her face, as she made many small sips at the sake. Kumomeinu picked at her food bitterly, seldom taking an actual bite out of it.

"So," Sennyo said in a high chipper voice, "have you two decided on when the wedding will take place?"

Amaya choked on the sake and hit her chest to ease it going down. She snapped her head up and gave Touga a sharp forceful glare. Touga had bowed his head, a deep frown across his face.

"I had hoped to bring this up after the memorial," he gradually stated, "and on a better note."

"What seams to be the problem?" Sennyo asked.

Touga took in a deep breath, closing his eyes, releasing it as he blurted: "There isn't going to be one."

"Would you care to run that by me again, young man?" her voice was severe and sent chills down both Touga's and Amaya's backs. "Slower this time, and don't skip out on the details. I would just love to hear this!"

"We both…" he said with a sigh, "don't want to be married at this time. And I made a deal, with her, that we…put it off…." He then murmured: "for a thousand years."

"Is this true?" Sennyo turned to Amaya and asked; Amaya slowly nodded. She snapped her gaze back to Touga, a scowl across her face. "I really would like to understand what is going on inside your head, Touga-chan. I can understand why you do not want the swords, but to push back this union for so long? Our people had just been nearly eradicated!"

Amaya dropped the saucer on the table. "We may be dogs, but we are not cattle! I do not want to be forced to wed someone I just met because there aren't very many of us left."

"We are not saying that we won't marry," Touga added. "We aren't even adults yet, Mother. I still have many things I've got to do before I get tied down by the obligation involved."

"Are you going to run out on your own people then, Touga-chan?" Sennyo bitterly retorted.

Touga lowered his head halfheartedly, looking down to the box in his lap. "If that is what it means to you, then yes. But, I will not stay away like I had before. I do not want to repeat mistakes with you and Kumomeinu, the same ones that I had made with my father and grandfather. I will not do everything you wish of me, because I have a spirit of my own, and all I ever ask is that you'll be here by my side when I return." He turned his eyes up to Sennyo, then over to Kumomeinu, "Can you promise me only that much?"

"Yes…" Sennyo said with a heavy sigh.

Kumomeinu thinned her lips and eyed the young dog grimly. She then lowered her head, looking at the table before her. "…. As you wish."

She turned her head back up at him, concern written over her face. "But, what is to happen with us while you are away?"

"I will leave that up to you to decide, Kumomeinu-san," he responded. "You are the most eligible individual to lead our people at this time, I would be of little use without your experience to guide me. So, the task is yours."

"Thank you, Touga-san," she bowed her head with honor.

*

The memorial was short, but well done. Most of the dog youkai gave short highly prepared speeches and all placed a bundle of white flowers at the feet of the monument that was erected. The marker was a two-meter tall stone statue of a sitting dog, its mouth open with the tongue hanging down between the fangs, placed on the edge of the Northern Promontory. It wasn't far away from where Sukusokubou was cut down by the Mugoi-kyrouran. The statue looked out across the sea, and had been carved out of limestone, then polished so that it gleamed in the light. Several young trees lined the landscape, freshly planted only a few days ago. The trees set closer the shrine statue were flowering fruit-trees, sakura and peach trees. Junitaiin talked about his further plans on landscaping the area after the ceremony to the rest of the dog youkai, even asking them for their own ideas.

Touga stood in the back, his arms folded across his chest, as he watched the congregation before him. Myouga sat upon his armored shoulder, holding onto one of the large spikes. Myouga was around as much as he had been away for the past month. He was one of the first people to visit Touga after Sukusokubou's death, and respected Touga's wishes to be left alone about it. Touga had just finished telling him about Amaya and the arrangement between them, and of Kumomeinu's succession.

"What do you suppose we do now, Touga-sama?" Myouga then asked.

"I suppose we head back to Reimorikan, Myouga-kun," he said with a sigh. "There are several things I wish to ask him."

"Oh?" Myouga pried.

"I need to find somebody…." He answered. "Somebody who could help, by destroying the Mugoi-kyrouran and Monosugoi-desu."

Chapter 05: The Might of Namariryuuko

Author: L. D. Pickerill a.k.a. Myu2k2

Date: Wednesday Nov. 17, 2004.