InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Resistance ❯ Lady Nanami ( Chapter 5 )

A/n: Ok so here's chapter 4! Hope you enjoy it!

 

Lady Nanami

 

“Oh? and who the hell are you?” I snapped back glaring hard.

 

“Oguri, one of the leading generals under the honorable King Kaito.” She held her chin in the air and my lip curled in disgust.

 

“So he sent you to kill me did he? Hmm it's never worked before, all five previous attempts have died…has he not learned or does he not care?” I goaded her knowingly, a dangerous smirk stealing my face.

 

“He knows that I am more than capable! I will not fail! That's why I was sent!” Oguri's eyes bulged slightly with anger.

 

I lifted an eyebrow in disbelief, “Sounds more like he needs an effective way to rid himself of people he no longer has a use for.” I shrugged, “Either way you are going to die.”

 

“Silence! You don't know anything!” She screamed, clenching her fists by her side.

 

I shook my head, she sounded just like a child, “Awfully touchy aren't we?” I smiled cruelly as her lip lifted in a defiant snarl.

 

“ATTACK!” She screamed and lunged at me. That was what I had been waiting for, twisting to the side I dodged the ice daggers she had shot at me.

 

A male plant demon and a female air siren jumped towards Sesshomaru and Jaken. I blocked the water whip flying at my face with an overly large leaf and looked up to see the plant siren on fire and the air siren neatly decapitated. I frowned in the demon lord's direction, how on earth had he done that so quickly. My frown turned to angry disbelief as he turned to watch me fight, seemingly content to watch not help.

 

Left with one of each kind I pulled the entirety of my focus on the attacks flying at me. I jumped on top of an air current as it came at me, avoiding the roots spilling out of the ground and the steady shower of large hail that was shooting at me in blinding pace.

 

I jumped back and twisted sideways in my descent to avoid the next water whip strike and landed on my feet as a burst of air landed me square in the chest. I slid back a few feet, bracing myself until the wind stopped. I was prepared for another attack but they had stopped. My eyes narrowed at my attackers Oguri was smirking at me with a malicious glint in her eyes.

 

“You see, the only reason you have survived this long was because of the mere fact that you were attacked alone, but now, now you have someone to protect. And, there are three of us against you and your useless sister. I think the odds are in our favor don't you?” Oguri laughed and my eyes unwillingly flickered up towards Rin in the sky.

 

I saw Oguri motion towards the remaining air siren and horrible foreboding dread clogged my chest. In an instant I was skyrocketing towards the sky on a tree branch on the massive tree sprouting beneath me. Suddenly from the side I was blasted with an icy cold explosion of water on my shoulder, knocking me off the branch. The growth of the tree shuddered to a stop as my concentration was jarred. I caught a branch as I fell and looked up in panic as the air siren shot air at Rin and Ah-Un. I was pulling myself up when I saw Sesshomaru's figure leap into the air, I sighed with relief as I looped a leg up on a branch then almost fell off again with dread. Thick roiled roots shot up into the air and wrapped around his chest, slamming him back into the ground.

 

“Shit!” I exclaimed, as the air current hit Ah-Un, “NO!” Rin was knocked to the side, sliding from the saddle, I was frozen with fear only thawing a little to jump up as Rin caught one of Ah-Un's reigns. I was on the branch again, shooting upward as fast as I could. Rin was dangling in midair as Ah-Un attempted to steady himself

 

Glancing down I saw the now dead plant siren, a murderous Sesshomaru, Oguri glaring at me and the air siren sending yet another blast at Rin. As I saw Oguri's hands extended toward me, followed by water I leapt off the branch and shot at Rin. As I caught her as I flew past, I wrapped her securely against my chest just as the air hit me full force in the back. My course was changed in mid air and we went flying towards a huge tree. I had just enough time to twist, my back taking the full force of the impact as I hit the tree, hard. Immediately the air whooshed out of my chest, I was sliding down the rough bark, I could feel my skin rubbing raw underneath the cloth of my clothes.

 

I was going to hit the ground. Hard. But, I was still holding Rin, I could hardly catch my breath, pain was lacing my back and as hard as I tried I couldn't focus. I knew we were falling fast, but it was as if I watching everything in slow motion. Panic snapped through my normally confident façade, if I hit the ground with Rin, either she would be injured…or I would, how could I fight then.

 

Sucking in my breath, I screamed out, “AH-UN!” I looked up and saw the dragon demon fighting through the wind, finally he broke free, I would have to throw her. “Catch her!” I shouted and used all the strength in my arms to launch her at the flying demon. I blinked with relief as he ducked under and caught her on his back; he flew her away from harm. I had barely smiled when time decided to speed up, and I crashed into the ground.

 

“Uugghhh.” I groaned, I must have blacked out for minute, I remember hitting the ground, and now I was lifting myself up with shaking arms, my back felt like it was ripped wide open, my body was on fire. I heard cruel laughter, finally I was on my knees, I looked dizzily behind me where Oguri was staring at me, a cruel glint in her eyes as she laughed at my crumpled form.

 

“You certainly aren't living up to the rumors of your strength,” She cackled, shaking her head in disappointment.

 

I stood, facing her, anger strongly overpowering the aches in my body, “You've yet to see me fight. Stop this Oguri; don't let someone else's beliefs guide you.” I said the same thing to all the generals, hoping and praying that they would see just how wrong they were to follow Kaito.

 

“Shut up, you have no idea what you speak of!” She snarled, defensive and angry.

 

“I do, you watch me and my troops, tracking us and killing us at every opportunity. You need to realize that your whole life, your mission as a general, has been a lie. You are fighting for a cannibalistic king, cruel and cold. You are fighting against we who are trying to right our lives, back to when we could live, peaceful and happy under the water, no more fighting, no more death, no more destruction. Can't you see it?” I pleaded with her, I could see the torn look in her face, but soon enough determination and denial slid the consideration from her face.

 

“No, you're a liar, I was warned about you, these word tricks of yours, I won't believe it, I won't fall for it!” She was screaming at me.

 

“I don't want to kill you Oguri.” I spoke softly; all the while filling my lungs, realizing the small chance there was that she would change her mind.

 

“Oh you won't, you'll be dead before you ever get the chance.” She snapped, thrusting her hands at me, ice shoot from behind her, I neatly moved and began to sing.

 

I got a lot to say to you
Yeah, I got a lot to say
I noticed your eyes are always glued to me
Keeping them here
It makes no sense at all

 

Oguri's eyes widened as green roots shot up around her and her only remaining ally, an air siren.

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

They were cutting them away as quickly as they could, I regretfully took the advantage.

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush

Trees began to crash around them; they were separated as they dodged the quickly falling oaks.

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting down
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than, this

 

“I can stop this Oguri, let's be more than mindless soldiers, you are still alive, but I can change that.” I stopped singing for a moment; I had always had a weak heart for killing.

 

“NO!” She screamed, I blocked the sharp blast of water with a wall of vines and sighed.

If you want to play it like a game
Well, come on, come on, let's play
I won't waste my life pretending
And try to forget the truth for one whole minute

 

One of the vines caught the air siren by the ankle, jerking him up into the air; a startled and panicked yell escaped his so far silent mouth.

They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies
They taped over your mouth
Scribbled out the truth with their lies
Your little spies

Oguri sliced down the vines around her, noticeable fear on her face as she became quickly overwhelmed, lacking her ally's help.

Crush
Crush
Crush
Crush, crush

I closed my eyes as the air siren was caught under a falling tree, two others crashed to the ground around Oguri.

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting down
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than this now

It was silent as Oguri realized that she was alone, she glanced around frantically, as if looking for help in the trees.

Rock and roll, baby
Don't you know that we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
I need something to sing about
Rock and roll, hey
Don't you know, baby, we're all alone now?
Give me something to sing about

 

I was tempting her to fight, I hated killing when the enemy had no fighting chance. She half glared, half pleaded, the glare winning as she sent a sharp icicle shooting my way. I raised a fallen tree and the ice shattered upon it, spraying in all directions.

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting down
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than

She watched me, I watched her.

O-o-o-o-oh

I was calm and collected; she was scared with no ideas on how to escape.

Nothing compares to a quiet evening alone
Just the one, two of us who's counting down
That never happens
I guess I'm dreaming again
Let's be more than
More than this

I watched as her brow furrowed, I sent another tree crashing down, she barely avoided this one. She was shaking, I saw her decision all over her face and my jaw clenched. I could not just let her just escape though, it was either her death or her acceptance of the truth

 

Oh

 

She lunged for the trees, my trees, my allies. The thundering of trees crashing would be heard for leagues, the feel of the earth trembling felt for miles. I heard a scream and took off into the forest, leaping over fallen logs until I reached blood soaked earth. She had been struck, yet she was not here. Cursing, the trees cleared out of my way with a wave of my hand.

 

As I returned to Rin, my eyes were hard and I was practically spitting with anger. How had they found out about Rin? How did they find me? Why oh why had I been stupid enough to let her escape?!?

 

Sesshomaru was staring at me, assessing me no doubt, deciding whether or not just to kill me himself and save himself this trouble again.

 

That just fueled my fury unfortunately. Especially for Takumi who had arrived in just that moment, followed closely by one of my generals, the water siren Ayumu.

 

“Nanami!” I heard him shout from across the field, I whirled my face fixed in boiling rage. Their eyes weren't upon me though; they were taking in the ruin around them. Takumi's eyes drifted into the trees, seeing the path of uprooted oaks, and then his eyes flitted back to me.

 

I walked towards them, anger clear in my gait, “What the hell happened?!?” I shouted. Ayumu's gaze jerking back to me, Takumi's was face hard as it looked upon mine.

 

“You let one get away didn't you Nami?” He asked, “The leader? The water female? I've told you not to be so forgiving! When will you learn to just kill them when you ca-”

 

“Do not question me!” I snarled, “Never forget who is in charge!” He flinched from my tone and Ayumu leaned backwards slightly as flowers around them died, a result of my uncontrolled anger.

 

Takumi swallowed and dropped his gaze, “Yes, milady, my apologies, I was out of line.” His head bowed and he dropped to his knee. Ayumu followed suit but kept her eyes bravely on me.

 

“Explain.” I snapped, “Explain this now!”

 

Ayumu inhaled deeply and spoke before Takumi could, “It is my fault Lady Nanami. When my battalion and I arrived at the camp of the water vermin there were five less than we had been told.”

 

“So you just let them get away did you?!” I snapped, my jaw clenched as I glared at their kneeling forms. I heard Rin and Ah-Un approach behind me. A quick glance over my shoulder affirmed that my new traveling group of four was in hearing range. Too bad I didn't give a damn at the moment.

 

“No.” Ayumu shook her head defiantly, “I listened in, we had scouts around the camp, trying to confirm whether five had left, or if our information had just been faulty in the first place. I knew that sending men out on a wild goose chase could be the death of us all, I was suspicious of a trap.”

 

At her words I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, calming myself down. I knew she had been thinking at the very least. “And, what did you find?” A very small modicum of control had returned to my voice, it seemed to reassure Ayumu though.

 

“Somehow word of you, where you were headed, and why had leaked out to the flesh eaters, when we found that out, we killed them immediately. I left the men with orders to hide all the evidence of the fight, just like you said. Hopefully Kaito will think they moved, and not send anymore vermin onto our land. Then Takumi and I set out to try and assist you before it was too late.” Ayumu released everything in one breath, looking up at me with hope of approval.

 

I looked down at my boots for a moment then shifted my gaze to the sky, “It seems we have a trader in our midst.” I sighed and looked back at them, anger replaced with tired resignation.

 

“Yes milady.” She nodded, “I can find them though, I can do this, I will redeem myself.” Her tone was fierce and I allowed a soft smile to grace my lips.

 

“There is no need to redeem anything, you simply had the unfortunate luck of having that assignment for your first. Regardless I am satisfied, you played everything out as I would have advised you to. Yes, you have quite lived up to your new rank.” I met her eyes and a small proud smile crossed her face.

 

“Thank you Lady Nanami.” She bowed her head and I walked to them.

 

“It seems that a revision to our defense tactics is necessary.” I thought aloud, I extended a hand to Takumi who grasped it and stood up, meeting my eyes with a respectful apology. “New precautions will be set into effect to ensure that information does not reach the wrong ears again.” Next I helped Ayumu from her knees, meeting her gaze as I spoke my next words.

 

“I will need to arrange a meeting with my generals soon, we shall meet in the center of Japan, at the village of Dokuji.” I received a nod from Ayumu.

 

“I can have them there at dusk in two days if I leave now.” Ayumu adjusted her daggers on her hips and whistled. Her ferret came running from the trees and leapt up on her shoulder, I smiled at stroked the unusually intelligent animal that Ayumu always had with her.

 

“Hello Itachi.” I murmured, “Well, in that case Ayumu, get them there on the morning of the third and stay the night. You could use some rest.” I smiled warmly, looking her over and narrowing knowing eyes on her cloth wrapped hand and tired expression.

 

Ayumu grinned and gave me hug, “Thanks Nami.” She sighed, the time for formalities thankfully done.

 

“You too Takumi, there is someone who would very much like to meet you both I think.” I smiled, and inclined my head towards Rin.

 

They followed me over to her as I studiously ignored the stoic lord who was watching us. “Rin, this is my second in command Takumi, my very oldest of friends. This is another close friend and a general in the Resistance, Ayumu.” Rin slid from Ah-Un and ran over to them, hugging me around my hips, her head on my stomach.

 

“Are you okay Nami? Thank you for saving me! These are your friends? Why do they call you Lady Nanami? Are you in charge?” Questions spilled from her mouth and I put a finger over her lips.

 

“I will explain, let us make camp and eat.” I smiled at her and she nodded, turning her head to the dog demon.

 

“Lord Sesshomaru, is that all right? Do you mind?” I frowned, a strong dislike flaring in my chest at the realization that I had to somehow learn to work with this unemotional demon lord.

 

“We leave in the morning.” He finally said after a moment of silent surveying over the two new sirens. He sat against a tree trunk as the sun began to fall. I shook my head and knelt down on the edge of the meadow, gathering up the sticks that scattered the field to start a fire.

 

“First off Rin, I'm fine, only a little scraped up. Second, I'm sorry that I didn't take care of them before hand, you shouldn't have been attacked.” The fire was blazing and we all settled comfortable around it. I knew the toad and his lord were listening, so I spoke loudly enough for them to hear clearly, I would at the very least prepare them for what was to be expected when traveling with me.

 

“Yes, these are my friends, but they are also my subordinates. You see, I lead the Resistance I spoke of in the letter, I don't just fight with them, I am in charge of it all, that's why they call me Lady Nanami.” I explained, leaning against the fallen log behind me.

 

I pulled up my hair and tilted my head to the side so she could see my tattoo, “See this,” I pointed at it, “It's the sign of the resistance, all of us have it. Mine is simply different.” She leaned in and studied my tattoo then looked at Ayumu's and Takumi's.

 

“You have more water droplets on the dolphin.” She finally said as she looked back at me.

 

“Mm-hmm, exactly, I have four. Takumi has three because he's second in command, Ayumu and the other generals have two, and battalion leaders have one. Soldiers have nothing but the dolphins and the vines.” I dropped my heavy hair and Takumi grinned.

 

“So you've finally stopped showing off the mark have you?” He smirked as if he had won some victory.

 

I merely rolled my eyes, “No, I lost the chopsticks, as soon as I get more, up it goes. I don't want to hide who I am, I just don't want battalions or groups of assassins to find me like today. I can't be traceable…that's something we need to fix, evasiveness and knowing how to maneuver around this land unseen is the only way to stay in this war.” I rubbed my forehead, “Especially if the new rumors are true.”

 

“What do you mean Nami?” Rin asked suddenly, I looked over at her and winced, I was going to have to explain everything.

 

“The…flesh eaters…or the people we fight against…well the reason we stopped living in the water is because the new king, he wants us to eat humans. And, many of us, well we find that disgusting and wrong, so we fled. But they want us gone, dead, no longer a worry of theirs.” I smoothed her hair as she leaned into my side, “But, we refuse to live like that. The problem now is, that they have somehow convinced samurai troops that we are the bad ones, that we are here to steal land and food. Even though they eat humans and we protect them…they fight against us.”

 

Ayumu sighed and Takumi's face went stiff as he spoke, “Is this proven yet?”

 

“No, Saru reported to me that her guards had seen a massive army of humans heading towards the south, and were thought to be in the company of air sirens.”

 

“This is unfortunate news.” Ayumu squeezed her eyes closed for a minute, “What are you going to do?”

 

I laughed darkly, “A solution doesn't seem to want to present itself, I have a few ideas to help though, but they will have to wait until we are all together.”

 

Ayumu nodded and suddenly smiled. “So dinner?”

 

“Yes, I'll grow something really quick.” I smiled at her efforts to lighten the mood and quickly ran into the forest to gather some plants to cook. I could hear Ayumu and Rin talking, Takumi speaking up once in a while.

 

When dinner was over I laid Rin down so she could get some sleep, Ayumu and Takumi lying down as well. I sat back for a moment, then slid to a fetal position, normally I slept every other night, but I was tired. I could feel the scrapes on my back already mostly healed, but my head was throbbing with more than an average amount of stress. Closing my eyes I could hear Rin's steady breathing, thoughts of what had to be done flew through my head an amazing pace and exhausted as I was I sat back up, far to restless.

 

Looking to the side I noticed Sesshomaru wide awake, staring ahead of him at nothing. Somehow I would have to convince him to head in the direction of the village, no doubt it would be difficult, but I was going to stay calm. He had, after all, killed three sirens, I would have been in far worse shape if it wasn't for him. Even if it was for himself, I was grateful regardless.

 

His cold gaze slid to me for a second, I tensed as I restrained myself from shivering with unexplainable chills. I shook my head as he looked away and curled back up next to Rin. Closing my eyes once more I carefully cleared my mind and pleaded for sleep until it finally gave in.

 

o0o

 

A/n: what'd ya think? Please tell me in form of a review! I'm not begging I'm just…asking nicely lol. Anyway I'd like to give props to animegirl333 for the fantabulous pic she found for Nami and agreeing to be a beta for this story, also to one of my bff's Jordyn for assistance with all the song stuff!! Also I will be posting the pic link for Ayumu and hopefully Takumi on my profile soon! :D