InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Price ❯ Bloody Petals ( Chapter 14 )

Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha; Rumiko Takahashi and a large publishing conglomerate hold his leash.

 

A/N: I am thrilled to report that The Price placed in several categories at the IYFG's recent 2nd Quarter voting. Thanks so much for your support!

 

Bouquets to my ever-patient and ever-encouraging betas, Forthright, Ranuel and SilverontheRose.

 

Warnings: Coarse language, physical and sexual violence.

 

The Price

Chapter Fourteen: Bloody Petals

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Kagome lay on her bed, staring sightlessly up at the ceiling, listening with half an ear to the noises of the workmen across the hall in her mother's room. There's so much at stake, and I'm just an ordinary woman… how on earth did the first Shikon miko cope with the stress? Tsugane said that she had a younger sister, who must have been in constant danger of being used as a pawn, too. The door to her room opened, then closed, and a moment later, a madly purring tortoiseshell cat jumped up onto the bed and strolled right up to the surprised young woman. “Miss Buyo?” In reply, the cat-youkai wormed her way under Kagome's arm and snuggled against her side, rumbling like a two-stroke motor the entire time. Chuckling softly, the young woman began scratching Buyo's ears. “Thank you,” she murmured, allowing the familiar, comforting sound to lull her into sleep.

 

When Sha looked in an hour later, he was somewhat nonplussed to find his wife in the arms of another woman. Buyo treated him to a flat stare through her long bangs as she soothingly ran her fingers through Kagome's hair, but otherwise didn't react to his presence. The hanyou came into the room and stood at the foot of the bed, his arms folded on his chest. Noting how protectively the feline youkai was curled around her sleeping charge, he said, “That's my job, cat.”

 

Nodding agreeably, Buyo continued purring loudly. Sha watched the pair for a few more minutes, clamping down on the urge to crawl in beside Kagome and make it a cozy threesome. Finally, he scrubbed his hand through his bangs and muttered, “Stay with her; I gotta go pick up something.” When Buyo arched an enquiring brow, he smiled grimly. “I hear Naraku's got a thing for red and white.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Sota glared ferociously at the cheerful yakuza as he trussed up Karin in an elaborate network of knotted ropes that extended from neck to knee. Tears streamed down the young woman's cheeks and she whimpered helplessly every time the restraints were tightened… which was far too frequently for the teen's liking. “You're a sadistic bastard,” he spat.

 

The gangster, who wore a flamboyantly floral kimono over a very short frock that showed off an indecent amount of leg, flashed him a bright smile. “Thanks for noticing, sweetie… although it was much more fun tying you up.” Blowing the teen a kiss, he leered, “By the way, I liked the way you screamed for me last night.”

 

Asshole. Sota tested his own artistically-tied restraints even though he knew it was useless; his earlier attempts had merely scraped the strategically-placed knots across his wounded flesh. He's good, dammit… oh shit, now what? Grinning mirthlessly, the bald-pated yakuza approached, producing a length of tightly-woven fabric from his pocket. There was a brief, futile struggle before the gag was forced between the teen's teeth and tied tightly. Sota was then slung over his jailer's shoulder, with a clear view of Karin being treated to the same `finishing touch'.

 

While humming a jaunty tune that included the English words `the love boat', the kimono-clad yakuza hefted the young woman in a none-too-gentle fashion. “You're heavier than you look, girlie,” he commented. “Your funeral urn will have to be extra-large to hold all of your ashes!”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“Wake up, my lady.”

 

Dark lashes fluttered, but instead of obeying the summons, Kagome nestled closer. Clawed fingertips feathered through her bangs before tickling the crook of her neck. “I am astonished that you can sleep through the racket that those dogs are making.”

 

Sighing deeply, the young woman gave up trying to stay unconscious. “What're they doing?” she asked, yawning, and picked up the sharp sounds of clattering wood along with the accompanying exchange of insults.

 

“I believe that they call it `sparring'.”

 

Rubbing her eyes, Kagome glanced at the clock… and sat bolt upright. “Oh, my gosh! Look at the time!” The young woman scrambled off the bed and began pulling apart her dresser.

 

“What's the rush?” Buyo mildly inquired.

 

“Tsugane said that Oshima Island is a two-hour ferry ride from Tokyo harbour, and we're at least an hour away from the pier!”

 

“Calm yourself, my lady. The Western Lord has set your departure for dusk.”

 

Kagome frowned. “The note said that we had to be at the rendezvous point just after nightfall!”

 

“The House of the West is not without resources, as I am sure you have noticed.”

 

“Um… right.” Pausing to consider the potential dramatics of arriving by jet helicopter, Kagome remembered to ask, “How are you feeling?”

 

“Fully recovered,” Buyo answered, stretching languorously. “However, I have been asked to remain here tonight to watch over your lady mother.”

 

“Do you know who is coming with us?”

 

“The Western Lord and his two pups.”

 

“That's it?”

 

“Apparently it is a transportation issue.”

 

If we're using a helicopter, then limited numbers makes sense. “Where is Sha?” When Buyo pointed at the window, she went to look. “Wow.” Gathering her jaw up off the floor, Kagome knelt before the glass pane. Resting her elbows on the sill, she propped her chin on her palm as she admired the scenery.

 

Under the Goshinboku, silver, red and black whirled and flashed as Sha faced off against Tsugane and Tenmaru. The three hanyou were moving so fast that at times they appeared as nothing more than trailing impressions of colour. For a brief moment, all three came to a stop, Sha burning brightly in flowing scarlet-red against his nephews' more sober tones. “He looks amazing,” she breathed.

 

Buyo joined her at the window. “When their fire-rat robes are imbued with youki, they are stronger than any human-made armour,” she commented. “Full youkai like myself and the Western Lord do not require extra assistance.”

 

Kagome dreamily agreed, then had a very disquieting thought. “If Sha loses his powers on the New Moon, then are his robes affected as well?” When Buyo looked surprised, then nodded, she exclaimed, “He's completely helpless! Why is he even risking himself tonight? Ouch!” The young woman pouted at Buyo as she rubbed the spot on her forehead where she had just been soundly flicked.

 

“Do you honestly think that he would be content to remain here while you face mortal peril?” Waving off Kagome's mumbled reply, the cat-youkai noted, “You have time for a bath before dinner.”

 

The young woman made a face. “I suppose a purification-style cold shower would be more appropriate since I'm supposed to be a priestess.”

 

“Only if you so wish,” Buyo said gently.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“You kids having fun yet?” asked a too-bright voice. “You've been so quiet… such great travellers!”

 

Sota rolled his eyes and tuned out the rest of the yakuza's prattle as the van lurched again, an effect of the ferry they were on battling rough seas. I'd hoped that these two morons would follow Hitomi up to the passenger deck, but no luck. Testing his bonds for the umpteenth time while glaring at the conveniently muffling lining of the small cargo compartment, he fumed silently. The assholes have thought of everything, dammit.

 

Casting a concerned glance at Karin, he noted that while her eyes were closed as if asleep, tears leaked out of the corners and dripped onto the rubber matting. Ever since they were loaded into this van and driven to what was obviously a public pier, the young woman had been unresponsive. Sota first suspected that she'd fainted from the strain, but then the small fearful noises began, quickly followed by tears.

 

What's off the coast? Puzzling over their destination gave him something to think about instead of Karin's misery… not to mention ignoring the steady stream of celebrity gossip being read to the silent driver by his colleague. Hitomi had barely closed the van's passenger door when the dark-haired thug had sprawled across the rear seat and cracked his glossy magazine. Sota could see a floral-covered elbow sticking over the back of the seat above his head.

 

“Hey, Ren… I hear that this island is famous for its camellia festival! Maybe we'll get a chance to check it out tomorrow!” There was a pause, in which `Ren' grunted noncommittally, and then the falsetto voice coaxed in a simpering tone, “I'll wash your back for you in the hot springs.”

 

If the saliva-soaked gag hadn't added to the misery of his throbbing jaw, Sota would have grimaced. Camellia festival? Could he mean the Izu Islands? Crap. That's at least a two hour trip… in good weather.

 

When the van again bounced on its springs, courtesy of yet another wave, Karin let out a tiny, anguished sound. There was movement on the seat next to Sota's head, followed by a mocking voice. “Try not to puke, kiddies, because you'll just have to swallow it again.”

 

Karin shuddered, whimpering; Sota ignored the pain and rolled awkwardly onto his side. Wriggling closer, he soothingly rubbed his cheek against the crown of her head. The young woman responded by tucking herself under his chin. “Awww…lookit the pair of puppies,” their tormentor cooed. “Almost too cute to be put down.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

After a shower and a brief soak, during which she failed to concoct a strategy that didn't involve her coming into close personal contact with Naraku, Kagome reluctantly donned the red and white ceremonial robes that had been `requested' in the ransom note. However, when Mrs. Higurashi offered to pull back her hair with the traditional paper ribbon, she demurred. “I'm only going so far to make Naraku's fantasy come to life.”

 

Yayoi bit her lip before asking, “Why are you dressing like this at all, dear?”

 

“I don't want to give him any pretext for claiming that I didn't meet his demands.” Turning around, she looked her mother in the eye as she collected her bow and quiver. “Sota's life is on the line.”

 

“Naraku is fully aware of your capacity to destroy him with your arrows,” Buyo interrupted, pointing at Kagome's equipment. “He will undoubtedly demand that all weapons be discarded.”

 

“Having them makes me feel better, and he might not know that I can pump spiritual energy into my bow,” Kagome answered, then shivered. “I really don't want to get any closer to him than I have to, but if that's what it takes to activate the Jewel….”

 

Buyo's fine eyebrows disappeared under her bangs. “Please tell me that you are not considering allowing him to actually touch you?”

 

“It's the best option I've come up with so far,” the young woman admitted uncomfortably. “I might get hurt again, but he'll be fried.”

 

The cat-youkai couldn't suppress her appalled reaction. “I assume that you will discuss this scheme with the others?”

 

“Yes… but Sha isn't going to like it.”

 

“Understatement of the half-millennium,” Buyo wryly observed. Kagome shrugged apologetically and headed downstairs to look for her straw sandals.

 

When the bedroom door closed behind her only daughter, Yayoi's composure crumbled; Buyo said nothing as she opened her arms to the distraught woman, but inside she was consumed by fear. We could lose both of the children.

 

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Dinner was a subdued affair; Kagome tried to eat but ended up merely picking at her food. Sha didn't have much of an appetite, either, because he was not only dealing with his own fears, but he could easily detect his wife's unhappiness as well as his mother-in-law's distress. On the other side of the table, Tsugane and Tenmaru were patently agitated, the ears of the former twitching madly, while the tail of the latter restlessly thumped against the mats. Only Sesshiro appeared unperturbed, ingesting his meal with complete equanimity. When the too-quiet meal came to an end, Yayoi tried to offer more tea, but burst into tears instead.

 

“It'll be okay, Mom,” Kagome immediately soothed, scooting around the table to hug the sobbing woman. “We're all coming back, so keep the leftovers warm… you know Sota will be starving hungry.”

 

Yayoi clung desperately to her daughter, terrified beyond reason that this would be the last time she could hold her. Kagome began to sniffle, her own nerves at the breaking point. Both women were on the edge of completely losing it when strong arms wrapped around both of them. “Everything will be fine,” Sha murmured. Yayoi briefly loosened her grip on her daughter to include him in her embrace, her hand fisting in the back of his fire-rat jacket.

 

“You must come home,” she whispered brokenly. “All of you!”

 

“You have my word that everyone will return alive,” Sesshiro calmly stated as he set his teacup on the table. Lifting one of the two swords arranged neatly beside his cushion, he presented the ordinary-looking weapon across his palms, its neatly-wrapped hilt giving no hint of its origins. “Tenseiga has the power to retrieve one hundred souls from the depths of hell.”

 

Yayoi's eyes were riveted on the gleaming promise of survival. “I-Is this true?” she breathed, hardly daring to hope.

 

“Yes,” Sesshiro replied, managing to sound mildly annoyed at her disbelief even though his expression did not change.

 

Intrigued by this admission, Kagome considered his pronouncement. “A sword that can give back one hundred souls… the opposite of the Tetsusaiga.”

 

“They were both forged from one of Grandfather's fangs,” Tenmaru proudly confirmed.

 

Yayoi went very still. “The Inuyasha-no-Tetsusaiga,” she slowly enunciated, “belonged to the youkai who was sealed to the Goshinboku five hundred years ago.” Dark eyes searched Sha's face. “You are over eight hundred years old.” He nodded warily as she considered the ramifications of this knowledge. “Is the unofficial version of our Setsubun story the truth?” she finally ventured.

 

“Yes,” Buyo answered for the hanyou. When Yayoi looked at her in surprise, the cat-youkai bowed her head. “I witnessed the tragedy, my lady.”

 

Tsugane stepped in. “The evil creature that entrapped Uncle and the first Shikon miko is the same one that we face tonight,” he stated. “That is why Naraku insisted Auntie `dress for him'.”

 

“It's because he's a twisted bastard,” Sha growled, releasing both women and sitting up straight. “Isn't that why he chose Oshima Island?”

 

“It appears so.” In answer to the inquiring looks, Tsugane continued, “Father had taken Mother to view the camellia forests for which Oshima Island is rightly famous; Naraku attacked her but was driven off by the Bakusaiga's signature attack.”

 

“Blast Fang?” Kagome asked curiously.

 

With notable gravity, Sesshiro displayed the second of his two swords and slid the blade out of the scabbard just far enough to reveal the distinctive geometric designs etched into the steel. “One blow creates a powerful chain reaction that increases the target's damage many times over.” Replacing the weapon beside his cushion, he folded his hands into his sleeves and considered each of his audience members in turn. “Our enemy will more than likely demand that we disarm ourselves, but we will only give the appearance of compliance.”

 

“Pretty hard to hide my sword in this outfit,” Tsugane grumbled, indicating his close-fitting armour and clothing.

 

“Unfortunately, you and Brother are the most disadvantaged of us all tonight,” Sesshiro replied. “Neither of you are to risk yourselves except in support situations… do I make myself perfectly clear?” he rumbled when Sha moved restlessly. “Tsugane, your speed may be called upon to rescue the hostages, but you will await my command before going into any situation.”

 

The dog-hanyou's canine ears drooped. “Yes, Father,” he dutifully replied.

 

“Tenmaru, you will conceal your spear on your person for rapid deployment. Sister, I understand that you can imbue your bow with spiritual power?”

 

“Oh! Er, yes, Elder Brother,” Kagome hastily answered. “It worked last night against Tsubaki's shikigami.”

 

“Good. Naraku will assume that he is safe if he seizes your arrows, so he will not expect you to be a threat. I may call upon you to utilize this ability in battle tonight; Tsugane or Tenmaru, or both, will be your bodyguards. Do I ask too much of you, Sister?”

 

“N-no.” At Sesshiro's questioning look, she lifted her chin and firmly repeated, “No.”

 

“We'll take care of you, Aunt,” Tenmaru assured.

 

“Because if we don't, Uncle will skin us alive,” Tsugane chimed in.

 

Sesshiro considered the young woman. “Perhaps we can bluff Naraku into revealing whether or not he knows the Jewel's true location.” Withdrawing his hand from his sleeve, he handed over a small lacquer box.

 

Yayoi let go of her daughter so that she could accept the package, and then peered over her shoulder as she opened it. “Is that supposed to be the Shikon-no-Tama?” she inquired, obviously surprised.

 

Sha sat forward, carefully inspecting the box's contents. “Not bad, Sess,” he reluctantly admitted. “Looks pretty damn authentic to me.”

 

Kagome lifted the golf-ball-sized chunk of rose pink stone by its chain. “This is the actual size of the Jewel?”

 

“Yep. At least, as near as I can remember from five hundred years ago,” Sha replied in a too-neutral tone. So much pain, so much bad luck… even though I know it isn't the real thing, it still gives me the willies!

 

Oblivious to the hanyou's mood, Kagome chuckled softly. “Grandpa better reconsider ordering more of those key chains for the gift shop; they're way too small!”

 

“Better check the chain for length.” Sha took the necklace from Kagome and looped it around her neck. When the chilly pendant dropped down inside her robes and came to rest between her breasts, she squeaked and evicted it, only to have her husband replace it. “It has to hang over your heart, so if the Jewel starts glowing, Naraku will think that it's the decoy.”

 

“Higher… my heart isn't down there!” she hissed, blushing furiously while her nephews smirked.

 

Sesshiro brought the discussion back to the point. “How long can you conceivably contain the Jewel's energy if you are in physical contact with Naraku?”

 

Before she could reply, understanding dawned on Sha's face and quickly gave way to fury. “Oh, hell, no!” he thundered, protectively slinging both arms around his wife. “He isn't touching her!”

 

“Do you have an alternate plan, Brother?” Sesshiro inquired with deceptive mildness.

 

Sha's snarl abruptly lost most of its threatening tone and he muttered an expletive. Kagome had seen his transformation before, but this was a first for her mother. As silver changed to black and gold to violet, Yayoi watched in dismay as Sha's canine ears slid down the side of his head, lost their fur and became briefly pointed before taking on human shape. At her mournful look, the hanyou managed to crack a rueful grin. “They'll be back in the morning.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi blinked once, then took his now-clawless hand in hers and murmured, “This must be so difficult for you.”

 

“The timing couldn't be crappier,” he tightly agreed.

 

“Do you suppose that Naraku deliberately chose tonight for this reason?” Tenmaru pondered.

 

“Doubt it, but it sure didn't hurt his plans.” Sha noticed Sesshiro regarding him with a thoughtful look. “What?”

 

“We have three potential advantages of which the enemy is possibly unaware. One is our weapons' shield spells, and the second is the protective aura of the Tetsusaiga's sheath.”

 

Sha arched his eyebrow. “You want Kagome to carry the scabbard? Won't that be a dead giveaway that we're up to something?”

 

The taiyoukai stifled a sigh. “Your wife is protected by the Jewel.” His gaze sharpened as he prompted, “The Tetsusaiga's sheath has another ability which may prove highly valuable.”

 

The hanyou first scowled, then thought about it, and ended by smirking evilly. “You just might be onto something there, Big Brother.”

 

Puzzling over Sha's sudden confidence, Kagome asked, “What are you talking about?”

 

“If I have the scabbard, Tetsusaiga comes when I call it.”

 

“So even if the sword is taken away, you can get it back? That could come in handy!” Turning her attention to Sesshiro again, she inquired, “What is the other advantage?”

 

“My energy whip.”

 

Tenmaru and Tsugane both loudly whooped. “Excellent, Father!” Tsugane crowed, grinning widely. “He can't demand the surrender of that!”

 

The two human women looked at each other, but before either of them could ask, Sesshiro steepled his long fingers on the tabletop and said, “We cannot formulate an exact plan of attack, due to the inherent fluidity of the situation, but we have the potential to take control if opportunity presents itself. Never forget that our enemy is as devious as he is implacable… but his confidence in his superior position may prove his undoing.”

 

Rising to his feet, he announced, “It is time,” and replaced his swords in his sash. Bowing to Mrs. Higurashi, he turned to leave. However, instead of immediately departing, he paused in front of the wall niche. After a few moments of reflection, he gravely bowed to the photograph of Mr. Higurashi before sweeping from the room.

 

“What was that all about?” Kagome asked in a hushed tone.

 

“One father to another, I expect,” Tsugane suggested as he stood up and stretched. “Let's go; our ride will arrive in a few minutes.”

 

“I can't believe a helicopter is going to land in the courtyard,” she muttered, then wondered why her nephews appeared highly amused.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

The lights had been dimmed in order to `preserve night vision', which only made the evening seem chillier than nerves were already making it. Kagome stood next to Sha, holding hands with her mother as they waited in the rapidly-cooling twilight. Tenmaru and Tsugane flanked Sesshiro, intently listening as their father murmured final instructions.

 

I'm so not ready for this. Kagome laid her head on Mrs. Higurashi's shoulder and received a kiss on the forehead in return. A few steps away, Buyo lifted her chin and deeply sniffed the night breeze.

 

“Here it comes,” Sha muttered, and held out a red-clad arm in front of the two women.

 

Kagome strained her ears for the thunk-thunk-thunk of rotors, but heard only the usual sounds of the surrounding city. “Which direction is it coming fro… eeep!” Despite Sha's reassuring presence, both she and Yayoi leapt backwards when something that was definitely not a helicopter landed in front of them.

 

“W-what is that?” Mrs. Higurashi quavered, peering around Kagome's shoulder at the strange bronze-coloured, twin-headed beast, its talons clicking loudly against the paving stones as it tossed its black manes and looked about itself with two pairs of piercingly yellow cat's-slit eyes. A very long, snake-like tail rasped across the pavement.

 

“Ah-Un,” Sha supplied as the uniformed groomsman jumped down, bowed deeply and handed Tsugane the reins. “A flying horse-dragon hybrid.”

 

“A-are we expected to ride it?” Kagome nervously asked.

 

“You could go with Sess instead,” he answered, “but I prefer this varmint to his youki.”

 

“His youki?” In answer, Sha pointed at the taiyoukai and Kagome gaped at the iridescent cloud of energy coalescing around his feet. Tenmaru stood next to his father, the fur-like youki curling outward to include him as it thickened into a platform, then lifted them into the air.

 

“C'mon, Auntie!” Tsugane called, beckoning from the animal's back. “Ah-Un might look fierce, but he's a real sweetheart.”

 

Kagome squared her shoulders. This is really it. Gotta stay in control or it'll make things worse for Mom. Kissing her mother and waving to Buyo, she moved towards Ah-Un while Sha said his own goodbyes. However, when the pair of massive heads swung towards her, she quailed. “Let him give you a sniff,” Tsugane urged. “He won't bite.”

 

She eyed the elaborate silver-gilt masks adorning both curious noses, but obediently held out her hands. Heated metal brushed her palms while she was inspected in duplicate by the clearly intelligent creature. “What are these muzzles for?” she asked, daring to pet one long neck and found the scaly hide to be warm to the touch.

 

“He breathes fire,” her nephew nonchalantly replied, then grinned when she paled. Holding out his hand in clear command, he urged Kagome forward; Sha arrived in time to boost her up onto Ah-Un's back before she could formulate a protest.

 

When Kagome yipped and flung her arms around Tsugane, it was Sha's turn to complain. “Oi… leggo of the brat already,” he grumbled as he swung up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I've got you.”

 

“Yes, Auntie… please loosen your grip,” Tsugane chuckled, tugging on her tightly-clasped hands. “I need to breathe now and then.” When she reluctantly obeyed, he showed her the thickly braided straps attached to the saddle's high cantle. “Between these and Uncle, you don't have to worry.” Sha pressed up firmly against Kagome's back and slid his free hand around her hip to take a firm grip on the cantle itself, leaving the straps for her.

 

“I-I've never even ridden a horse before,” the young woman breathlessly admitted.

 

Tsugane drawled, “Never would've guessed. Ever flown before?”

 

“N-no.”

 

He looked over his shoulder. “I forgot the barf bags, so watch where you aim, okay?”

 

“Wait!” Mrs. Higurashi puffed across the courtyard, the medical case tucked under her arm, and attempted to hand it up to Sha. “Just in case Sota or Miss Mifune need treatment.”

 

Tsugane smiled. “Great minds think alike, ma'am; there's already one in the saddlebag.”

 

She took back the bulky box, biting her lip. “Be safe….”

 

“We will, Mom. See you soon.” Kagome put on a brave face as Tsugane turned Ah-Un's heads into the wind and clucked to their unlikely mount. She barely had time to tighten her grip on the straps before they were airborne and the rush of wind drowned out both her small shriek and Mrs. Higurashi's final farewell.

 

As the two dots, one slightly brighter than the other, quickly vanished into the sky, Buyo padded across the paving and slipped her arm around Yayoi's shoulders. “The Western Lord always keeps his word,” she murmured.

 

The woman wiped her eyes on her sleeve. “I pray that the gods will protect them.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

They'd been travelling for some minutes before Kagome dared crack open an eye… and immediately wished she hadn't when her stomach flipped at the sight of the millions of pinpricks of light spreading below them. “Ohhh…!”

 

Sha's chin came to rest on her shoulder as his arm tightened around her waist. “Don't look down,” he murmured in her ear. “Look towards the horizon and it isn't so bad.”

 

“O-okay.” Taking a deep breath, Kagome heeded Sha's advice and cautiously took another peek. “I see Mount Fuji!” she exclaimed, spotting a familiar silhouette in the distance, the snowy cap gleaming faintly in the star-shine.

 

“Yep. It's even prettier under a full moon.”

 

Gaining confidence, Kagome leaned back into Sha's chest… at least as much as her quiver and bow would allow. He kissed her ear and gave her a gentle squeeze, the warmth of his body seeping through her clothing everywhere they touched. She was just beginning to feel comfortable when something occurred to her. “Why didn't you tell me about Tenseiga last night?”

 

Both hanyou twitched, but Tsugane kept quiet while Sha reluctantly answered, “Because sometimes the damned sword doesn't do what Sess wants.”

 

Kagome mulled over that unwelcome revelation. “It has a mind of its own?”

 

“You said that Tetsusaiga's aura kinda-sorta hugged you when it was released, like it was reassuring you, right? Tenseiga came from the same fang, so it has similar sentience… and it can choose between whom it saves and who it doesn't.”

 

“Let's hope it's feeling generous tonight.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“They're late and I'm bored. Can I start cutting up these two?”

 

“Hold your tongue… and your sword… or you will lose them both,” Narakage Hitomi coolly replied as he scanned the evening sky. The yakuza pulled a formidable pout, but he slung his sword over his shoulder and stalked off to lay waste to more of the straggling vegetation adorning the edges of the rocky plateau.

 

Sota and Karin were propped up back-to-back on the rocky ground, with the bald thug stoically standing guard. They had a good view of the blanket of flowers that covered the forested lower slopes of Mount Mihara and spread out from the base, the millions of red blossoms briefly appearing to catch fire from the sunset before darkening to a more sombre shade of dried blood in the twilight. Let's hope that's not an omen!

 

“They approach,” Narakage suddenly declared, a satisfied smile curving his lips. The dark-haired yakuza immediately trotted back to join his fellow in looming over the prisoners, then hopped on one foot and cursed as he dislodged a pebble from beneath his sandal-clad toes with a painted fingernail. Fishing inside his flowing sleeve, he retrieved lip gloss and used his sword blade as a mirror. Narakage cast the primping flunky a sharp look before musing aloud, “I wonder if the Lord of the West truly appreciates the setting of this confrontation?”

 

Sota frowned. What the hell does that mean? It can't have anything to do with Sis, so it must relate to Miss Mifune. Tilting his head, he squinted up at the darkening sky. S'gonna be hard to see anything. Distant movement against the pale stars caught his eye and he looked hard, finally making out two small dark streaks heading straight for them. Fighter jets? Helicopter gunships? Watching the objects rapidly grow larger, he realized that they were too low and slow for the one and not noisy enough for the other. What the…? He jumped a little and swore through his gag when a gleaming sword blade casually nicked an exposed patch of skin on his arm.

 

“Just whetting the Jakotsutou's appetite, cutie,” his dark-haired tormenter smirked, practically licking his glossy lips in anticipation. His colleague continued tossing and catching what looked like a keychain with a thick pin attached to it, his gaze locked on the incoming threat.

 

Sota wasn't sure what to expect, but he was completely taken aback by what landed on the edge of the plateau. Wh-what the hell is that thing? Karin's reaction was even more negative; her frightened shriek was plainly audible through the gag. I did tell her that she'd see some weird shit, but neither of us was prepared for this! The two-headed dragon-like creature danced sideways, revealing three familiar passengers. Tsugane, Sis and Sha… that's Tenmaru, so the silver-haired guy in the fur boa must be Lord Nishiki. I wonder why Sha is wearing his concealment spell? He was immeasurably cheered by Kagome's relief that he was alive and nodded in response to her wave.

 

“Oh, Ren…! They're gorgeous! Just look at `em!” the dark-haired gangster squealed, clapping his hands to his rouged cheeks. “Not a dog among `em!”

 

You obviously haven't noticed Tsugane's ears, Sota thought with dark humour, then immediately wished that he had earplugs.

 

“Look! Look, Ren! That one has puppy ears! Oh my gods… so cute! I must have them!”

 

“Who the hell is that?” Tsugane demanded in an undertone, curling his lip at the prancing yakuza.

 

“One of the two remaining Band of Seven members,” Sha replied, keeping one eye on Sesshiro while trying to assess the condition of the hostages. “The whelp definitely took some damage but looks like he's spoiling for a fight… Miss Mifune, on the other hand….”

 

“Shit.” Glancing at the cloud of youki writhing around his father's tall form, Tsugane muttered, “Don't lose it yet….”

 

Shooting a quelling glance at his starry-eyed minion, Narakage stepped forward, his long white coat billowing in the wind boiling off of Sesshiro's youki. Spreading his arms wide in mock welcome, he exclaimed, “So good of you to come, Western Lord! You will of course drop your weapons… purely for the safety of my other guests, you understand.” Gesturing to where the dark-haired yakuza's sword was now menacing Sota's jugular and the bald one was painfully twisting a handful of Karin's hair, Narakage thoroughly savoured the helpless fury emanating from Sesshiro.

 

While Tenmaru and Sesshiro complied, Tsugane let loose a quiet stream of invective as he slid out of Ah-Un's saddle and laid his sword on the ground. Sha reluctantly followed his nephew's lead, drawing the blade and arranging it next to Tsugane's weapon while the scabbard remained in his waistband. “Stay put,” he warned Kagome when she handed him her quiver and began to dismount. “If things get messy, I want you out of here.”

 

“Both of your swords, Western Lord,” Narakage coolly requested.

 

“What do you have to fear from a blade that cannot kill?” Tenmaru calmly asked while Sesshiro looked on in stony silence.

 

“A `blade that cannot kill', eh? Then why carry it at all?”

 

“The Tenseiga is an heirloom from his lord father, the Inu-no-Taisho.”

 

“How sweetly sentimental… and how unlike your reputation, Lord Nishiki. I must naturally request a demonstration.”

 

Sesshiro drew Tenseiga, and Kagome immediately noticed that it had a wispy aura twining around the blade that was quite different from Tetsusaiga's. Tenmaru took a step back and fixed his eyes on his father; in a deliberately slow motion, the taiyoukai raised the weapon and viciously struck his youngest son a seemingly deadly blow as Kagome clapped her hands over her mouth to muffle her horrified scream.

 

Except that Tenmaru didn't come apart in a welter of blood and gore. Instead, he merely dusted off his sleeves before addressing Narakage. “If that wasn't enough proof, perhaps one of your thugs would like to volunteer?”

 

“Fascinating,” the dark hanyou replied, stroking his chin. “Very well; you may keep that weapon… now take a long step back, gentlemen.” When they unwillingly obeyed, Narakage jerked his head at the bald yakuza. “Ren, if you please?” While the gangster jogged across the plateau towards the dog-youkai, his employer inspected Sha's human appearance. Why would he bother with his concealment spell when the rest…? Ah-ha! What a stroke of luck! “Dear Inuyasha… is this unfortunate timing for you? What a pity; I'm surprised that you even dared show your face here tonight!”

 

Sha ignored the taunt in favour of keenly watching Ren reach for Bakusaiga. The shield spell should kick in and blast him to kingdom come… might get that opening sooner rather than later!

 

Nothing happened. The yakuza also collected Tenmaru's short sword without so much as a turned hair. In the stunned silence, Narakage purred, “You wound me, House of the West… did you think I would overlook such a simple precaution as an anti-shield spell?”

 

Ren paused in front of Sha, his eyes flicking from the battered-looking Tetsusaiga to the empty scabbard retained by the defiant hanyou. “What's the matter?” Sha truculently demanded. “Scared of a human with a piece of hollow wood?” The thug silently considered him for a moment before his eyes flicked to Kagome's bow, then shrugged and added the two swords and quiver to his armload.

 

When the weapons were dumped in a clattering pile behind the hostages, Narakage cleared his throat. “Your cooperation is appreciated, gentlemen,” he said, smiling guilelessly before switching his gaze to the young woman still seated on the back of the unlikely steed. “Shall we open the negotiations? What are you willing to exchange for this boy?” he asked, pointing at Sota.

 

“Don't fucking jerk us around, you bastard,” Sha snapped. “The Shikon-no-Tama, right?”

 

“Ah, Inuyasha, how kind of you to make the offer… but isn't that the Lady Kikyo's prerogative?”

 

“If Kikyo were still alive, it would be,” the hanyou ground out. “But you haven't given Kagome any fucking choice in the matter, either.”

 

Time for me to speak up… but, oh, gods… please let us all survive this! Kagome swallowed hard and called, “Give me my brother and I will give you the Jewel.”

 

Narakage clasped his hands over his heart. “My dear, dear priestess… your lovely voice is such a welcome sound; I have missed it so.” His melodious tone abruptly hardened. “Do I have your word that you will honour this exchange?”

 

“Y-yes. Of course,” she answered, anxiously touching the pendant tucked inside her clothing, but for very different reasons than Narakage assumed. I can't mess this up!

 

“Then you may greet your brother before handing over the Shikon-no-Tama,” he magnanimously declared.

 

“Thanks for the memories, cutie,” jeered the dark-haired yakuza. Taking hold of the rope netting between Sota's shoulder blades, he shoved the teen face-down onto the ground to allow his colleague to lend a hand.

 

When Sota was yanked away, Karin let out a panicked cry as she toppled over. Through the tangled veil of her hair, her wild eyes plainly showed her fear at being left alone in Narakage's presence… and her uncertainty about her `rescuers', despite Sota's earlier assurances. The dark hanyou smiled in satisfaction as her scent broadcast her heightened terror. Even better than last time because this girl is equally frightened of them as she is of me!

 

While Sota was dragged across the plateau, Narakage crouched down beside Karin. Stroking her hair away from her face in a parody of affection, he made sure that Sesshiro had a clear view of her bruises. “Such a lucky young lady, Miss Mifune, to have the Lord of the Western Lands himself here to witness your final moments,” he murmured. When she flinched away from his touch, he roughly jerked on her hair. “Do you wish to know why Lord Sesshiro Nishiki is interested in an insignificant human girl?”

 

Terrified noised leaked past the gag as he yanked back her head on a painful angle. Placing his lips next to her ear, Narakage whispered, “Do you believe in reincarnation, Miss Mifune?” then pulled back to smile darkly at the young woman. “You were once known as the Lady Rin of the Western Lands, wife to the Western Lord and the mother of his sons.” Her eyes unwillingly flicked to the three silver-haired figures silently watching her torment. “Yes, Miss Mifune… those three dog-youkai are your family, and they are my sworn enemies.” Moving in close again, as if he were giving her a tender kiss, he purred, “And that is why you must die tonight; I have waited nearly five hundred years to take my revenge.”

 

The gangsters dumped their angry burden onto the rocky ground, the kimono-clad one blowing kisses over his shoulder at Tsugane as he sashayed off. Sesshiro assessed the situation, then gave a curt growl, sending his two sons charging forward to retrieve the teen. Tsugane hauled Sota into his arms and rapidly backed away, Tenmaru screening their retreat, while Sha helped Kagome down from Ah-Un's saddle and extracted the medical case from the saddlebag.

 

“Sota!” Kagome exclaimed as her brother was delivered to safety, torn between relief that he was alive and consternation over his oozing injuries.

 

While Tenmaru efficiently sliced through the gag with his claw, Tsugane went to work on the elaborate bindings. “Figures that Naraku would have a shibari freak on staff,” the dog-hanyou muttered as he tackled the network of knots.

 

“Shouldn't you be with your old man?” Sha quietly asked, alert to Sesshiro's movements.

 

“We can hear him from here,” Tenmaru muttered while Kagome fumbled with the medical case, her fingers strangely numb as she tried to organize ointments and bandages.

 

As soon as his arms were free, Sota caught hold of his sister's hands. “I'm okay, Sis.” She looked him over, inspecting the spreading bruise disfiguring his jaw, at the dark circles under his eyes, at his blood-soaked clothing and the crusted wounds… and arched a sceptical eyebrow. “These are just scratches,” he grinned crookedly. Dropping his voice, he asked, “So, what's the plan?”

 

“Rescuing Miss Mifune and killing the bad guys,” Tenmaru answered.

 

“I was expecting something a little more… complex?”

 

Tsugane looked distinctly sheepish. “We're kinda making it up as we go along.”

 

“I've been telling Miss Mifune how awesome you guys are,” the teen grumbled. “Don't make me look bad!”

 

Sha lightly cuffed Sota's head. “Don't waste your time on this one, Kagome. He's fine.”

 

The teen smirked, then stifled a pained yelp when his sister threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Hey, Sis… sorry that I worried you,” he murmured. “Mom must be freaking out pretty good, huh?”

 

“Just a little,” she answered with a watery smile as she sat back and wiped her eyes.

 

A high-pitched scream of pure terror snapped all of their attention back to Narakage's second captive, and Kagome couldn't suppress a shudder of her own when she saw the other young woman's plight. At some point her gag had been removed, and her shrieks echoed as she was dangled several feet above the ground by a tentacle wound around her body.

 

Sota scrambled to his feet. “Bastard!”

 

Kagome stood upright more slowly, a cold sensation in the pit of her stomach creeping through her muscles. “That poor girl….”

 

“He beat her up last night while his minion worked me over,” Sota snarled, clenching his fists. “Damn him!”

 

Several more tentacles snaked towards Karin; two wrapped around her ankles while a third slit through the rope netting. Two more spiralled around her arms as they were freed, and as the bindings fell to the rocks below, she was strung up in a painful-looking iron cross.

 

“Humans are such fragile creatures,” Narakage mused. “If Miss Mifune's arms were to be bent back just the slightest amount… like so… and I was to let her drop several inches, her shoulders would be dislocated.” Karin screamed as her arms were yanked behind her and then up, her body bending forward as her pinioned limbs were forced higher.

 

“You fucking son of a bitch!” Sota shouted, running towards Narakage with full intent. However, he hadn't taken more than three steps before Tsugane and Tenmaru were on him. “What the hell? Why?” he demanded, fighting them tooth and nail as they dragged him backwards.

 

“Not yet,” Tsugane hissed. “Believe me, that rat bastard will pay an eternity for every single moment of her pain… but we didn't rescue you so that you could hand yourself back to him!”

 

The teen grudgingly accepted their logic even as he brushed off the brothers' restraining hands. “What's she to you, anyways?”

 

“She's the reincarnation of their lady mother,” Kagome supplied when all three hanyou hesitated.

 

Sota's jaw dropped. “Seriously? That explains why the asshole grabbed her… but how can you guys let him torture her like this?” When there was silence, he curled his lip. “I think you need a better plan… oh, hell… what's he doing…? NO!”

 

Karin echoed his cry as more tentacles swarmed around her, slithering inside her tattered clothing and reducing what was left of it to rags. She was raised higher in the air, her arms twisted back down to bend her body outward, with the clear intent of giving Sesshiro an unobstructed view of her violation. The rubbery appendages roughly cupped and fondled her breasts while others worked their way into her panties.

 

The air shook with a sub-sonic command, and Tsugane launched himself across the plateau. A long, crackling lash of green youki energy whipped through the air and severed the assaulting tentacles while a silver and black blur made the catch. Beside Narakage, the kimono-clad yakuza let out a triumphant yell and swung his sword, the segmented blades reaching for the desperate dog-hanyou while more sharp-tipped appendages streaked towards them.

 

“Aunt! Now!” Sesshiro was already moving as Kagome was scooped onto Tenmaru's back as he took off towards the impending disaster. She nearly dropped her bow as she scrabbled for a handhold on his armour, but he didn't slow down. They were moving so fast that the wind of their passage made it hard to hear, but she could still plainly make out Sha's furious cursing. She hitched herself higher when Tenmaru shouted over his shoulder, “Use your bow against any tentacles that get past Father's whip!”

 

“Got it!” she managed to answer, even though her heart was in her throat.

 

“Nasty sword that charmer has,” he commented when Sesshiro's attack sliced off the sharp ends of the tentacles but was itself sliced apart by the strange sword-blade as it cut off Tsugane's escape route and attempted to encircle him. Despite being repeatedly severed by the taiyoukai's whip, the sharpened ends of Narakage's appendages re-formed and dove in on the trapped dog-hanyou… until a glowing pink long bow slashed through the tentacles, turning the squirming flesh to ash.

 

A loud metallic crash and a spray of sparks beside Kagome announced the collision between Tenmaru's spear and the yakuza's blade. He managed to deflect the razor-edged sword just enough to allow Tsugane to dive underneath and take off towards safety, but couldn't stop it from completing its trajectory and wrapping around both he and Kagome. As the sharpened metal whirled around them into a steely cocoon, he took a desperate swipe at the encroaching coils and managed to pin down a section. Grabbing Kagome around the waist, he fairly threw her out of harm's way as his spear splintered.

 

Sesshiro dove down from above and snatched up Kagome as he whipped his lash towards the enemy… only to have it deflected by a gleaming black barrier that was dropped as soon as the strike dissipated.

 

On the other side of the plateau, Tsugane pulled up with Karin clasped in his arms. “Shit, this is bad… what?” he demanded.

 

Sota gave him a flat look as he peremptorily removed the virtually naked young woman from his grasp. “Got anything to cover her up?”

 

“Uh… there's an emergency blanket in the medical case,” the startled hanyou answered.

 

“Let us worry about Miss Mifune,” Sha interjected as he fished out the silvery package and handed it to Sota. “You concentrate killing that bastard.”

 

“Er, okay…?” Tsugane said, still somewhat bemused, at least until Narakage spoke.

 

“Concealed weapons? I'm shocked, Lord Nishiki,” the dark hanyou smirked. The segmented blade clicked ominously as the angry thug slowly pulled back on the hilt until they bit into Tenmaru's flesh, and it didn't take much imagination to figure out what would happen to the young hanyou if the multiple blades were retracted.

 

“Stop it!” Kagome struggled in Sesshiro's grip until he landed and put her down. Fixing Narakage with a fiery gaze full of loathing, the young woman said, “I'm the one you want… the one you've always wanted. Let him go, and I'll surrender to you.” Gods, I really don't want to do this…! Clawed fingers clamped down on her shoulder as Sesshiro steadied her resolve.

 

The dark hanyou gestured sharply, and the sulky minion released the tension on his blade. Losing Miss Mifune… temporarily… is worth it for a chance at Kikyo's reincarnation! “The Shikon miko and the Shikon-no-Tama? A very generous offer, priestess. Are you sure?”

 

“Don't mock me,” she retorted bravely enough, although her knees began knocking under her flowing hakama despite Sesshiro's reassuring presence.

 

“This is not happening!” Sha groaned; Tsugane sympathetically gripped his uncle's arm.

 

“Ah, Inuyasha… you'll have to tell me which method of humiliation you prefer… spending centuries thinking that your love had betrayed you, or watching your love giving herself to me.”

 

Sha bared his blunted teeth, but Tenmaru gave Kagome a speaking glance before calmly saying, “Aunt… please do not endanger yourself on my account; I'm not afraid to die.”

 

Tenseiga be darned… I'm not willing to take the chance that it might decide that you're not worth bringing back! “Do we have a deal?” she reiterated, glaring at Narakage.

 

“Sis, you can't be serious!” Sota protested in horror, unaware of the undercurrents.

 

“Would you rather see Tenmaru turned into a bloody pulp? I wouldn't.” Squaring her shoulders, she demanded, “Well?”

 

“How can I possibly refuse such a lovely volunteer? Release him,” Narakage directed.

 

“I'd rather have his brother's ears, anyways,” the yakuza sniffed. “They're way cuter.” The segmented blades fell away and Tenmaru stumbled backwards, leaving bloodied footprints behind. Sesshiro left Kagome's side to steer his wounded son towards the solemn group surrounding Sota, who was comforting a sobbing Karin.

 

Kagome also turned towards them, but was brought up short by Narakage's delicate cough. “I reserve the right to say goodbye to my family,” she said icily, fighting to mask her growing fear with contempt.

 

“Very well… but do not keep me waiting for long,” he said, infusing his tone with unmistakeable menace.

 

“You miserable fucker,” Sha ground out as he arrived at Kagome's side and protectively wrapped his arm around her. “Why can't you just fucking leave us alone?”

 

“My dear Inuyasha… Kikyo belongs to me; I've merely permitted you to borrow her reincarnation,” Narakage smoothly replied. “All those centuries ago, I allowed the demons to consume my broken body in order to gain another so that I could make her my woman.”

 

“Then why did you kill her?” Sha snapped.

 

“An unfortunate miscalculation on my part; the darkness desired the Jewel and took control of my new body.” Narakage smirked lasciviously as he blatantly admired Kagome's figure. “I have been given a second chance.”

 

Sha felt his wife's shudder and had to force himself not to react, but he nearly drove his blunted fingernails into his palm. “We'll see about that,” he threatened, but his defiance only made Narakage's smile widen.

 

“Come on,” Kagome whispered tremulously, tugging on Sha's robes, and he tossed off a rude gesture as she led him back to their group. Lowering her voice even more, she said, “I like this even less than you do, but it's our best chance to take him off guard.”

 

“Fuck the plan,” he angrily hissed. “We can retreat right now without risking your life.”

 

“If we don't defeat him here, then we have to spend the rest of our lives wondering when he'll destroy our happiness. I'd rather be a brine shrimp than subject my family to that!” she fiercely retorted.

 

Sesshiro tore his gaze away from Karin and intervened. “Wisely and courageously spoken, Sister,” he intoned. Giving Sha a long look, he added, “Let us end this.”

 

The hanyou gritted his teeth before bowing his head. “I really don't fucking like this….”

 

In reply, Kagome rose up on tiptoe and softly brushed her lips against Sha's. He swept her against him and poured all of his conflicting emotions into a ferocious kiss that left her trembling. When he let her breathe, she could barely speak, but after a few moments she managed to rasp, “I want to be with you.” His intense expression cracked, allowing her to glimpse the fear underneath and she nearly lost all of her remaining confidence in the plan on the spot, but she managed a weak smile. They kissed again, a tender, lingering contact that was reluctantly broken. This might be the last time… I can't think like that, or I'm as good as dead! When Sha unwillingly released her, she handed him her bow and a brave smile. Stepping away and facing the rest of the group, she squared her shoulders. Okay… refocus… gotta make this sound good.

 

Approaching her brother, she said, “Tell Mom and Grandpa that I love them, okay?”

 

“Sis, this is insane!” he protested.

 

Lightly touching his grimy cheek, she whispered, “Trust us, okay? I know what I'm doing.”

 

Sota shook his head, his worried gaze never leaving her eyes. “Miss Mifune? This is my sister, Kagome Higurashi,” he finally said, directing the introduction to the young woman huddled in his arms. Habit overcame fright, and Karin clutched the rustling silver blanket around her and bobbed a small bow.

 

Smiling gently, Kagome assured, “These Nishiki guys might look a little scary, but they're really a bunch of puppy dogs, Miss Mifune. Please give them a chance.”

 

Bowing to the girl and then more formally to Sesshiro, she noted that he was in a convenient position to restrain Sha. As she turned away, a grim-faced Tsugane responded to another low-voiced command and left off bandaging his brother to fall into step beside her. “Miss Mifune is going to need plenty of support to get over all this,” Kagome observed. “I hope she recovers quickly.”

 

Glancing ahead, to where Narakage positively radiated smug satisfaction, he murmured, “You, too. Good luck, Mishi.” Bowing deeply, he halted at the half-way point, leaving her to cross the rest of the distance alone.

 

Kagome took a deep breath and continued towards Narakage. With every step, her resolve faltered, her heart rate increased and her stomach knotted itself even tighter. I can't lose control now; everything hinges on him not realizing what I'm up to until it's too late. No matter what he does, I have to make him believe that he's won.

 

“Stop right there,” Narakage abruptly directed when she was about fifteen feet away. “Let me admire you, my dear.” Raising his voice, he called, “My thanks, House of the West, for making this moment even possible.” Smiling at the young woman in a way that made shivers go down her spine, he leered, “Shall we become better acquainted, Kikyo?”

 

As multiple tentacles rushed towards her, Kagome's knees gave way and she screamed.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

A/N: In the IY manga, Sesshomaru tossed Tokijin after it broke in chapter 407 and was left with an upgraded Tenseiga as his sole weapon. In the lead-up to the Final Battle, he regained his missing arm and the sword Bakusaiga appeared at the same time. Check out IY chapter 518, page 16 on OneManga for a close-up look at the shiny!

 

For the purposes of this fic, the Tenseiga remains `Heaven's Sword' only.

 

Random trivia:

Oshima Island is famous for the things mentioned in the chapter (wild camellia forests, hot springs) as well as black sand beaches. It's a popular tourist destination from November to March, when the camellias are in bloom.

 

Mt. Mihara - the volcanic heart of Oshima Island is famous as the site of Godzilla's entombment in the 1984 film Return of Godzilla that rebooted the iconic monster movie franchise in Japan.

 

Shibari - `artful binding' is used to decoratively secure packages… and other items.