Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Kawaridane ❯ The Battle ( Chapter 23 )

The sun was just beginning to lighten the eastern sky when Genkai spotted the couple. They emerged slowly from the shadow of the trees, walking close together, practically fused at the hip.

She sighed. Finally.

Silently Ayako stepped forward and embraced her adopted mother warmly. A whispered thank you was heard and Genkai fought back the tears that were sure to gather in her eyes. Ayako released her and stepped back. Genkai looked at Hiei and he nodded slightly. She responded with a ghost of a smile and a nod of her own.

Good. It was done.

“Ayako, we need you to confirm … Tenmei's story to the rebels. They are antsy with him around.” She said softly.

Ayako nodded and stalked off toward the leader's tent.

“Hiei. What is her plan?” Yusuke entered the clearing with the others following close behind.

“She believes he will assist us. He is reformed, or perhaps simply re-informed.” Hiei jerked his head in the direction of the guarded tent.

Genkai nodded and the companions settled down to await Ayako and the rebel leaders. The main assault would happen today, and everyone was tense with anticipation.

An hour or so passed, the sun was getting closer and closer to rising,

`They needed to get underway!' Genkai grumbled and turned as Kurama rose.

Ayako approached slowly, the rebel leaders and Tenmei in tow. She nodded to the taller demon and he stepped forward.

“Today will be the day we all get our revenge on the hatred that has befallen this land. Nikushimi knows of my defection but he is careless. He believes all of us, to be of no threat to him. We will show him the error of his ways.” Tenmei began.

“The ranks of Nikushimi's men are loose. Any shake or severe break in morale will rip them apart. If Nikushimi is defeated the Karyuudo will flee. Their loyalties are not strong enough to carry on without the threat of Nikushimi's presence.” Ayako continued.

“Right, so all that needs to be done is to execute him, publicly.” Tenmei growled. “I can help a small number of us sneak in the back, all that is needed of the Rebel forces is to hold the main armies attention until I can lure Nikushimi between them to kill him.”

“Hold it! Why do you get to kill him…? Ayako's been-“ Yusuke began but Ayako cut him off with a glance.

“It's alright Yusuke. We've discussed this and though Nikushimi has always been out to kill me and Kagome he slaughtered Tenmei's family and subjected him to severe mental manipulation to turn him against his people. He deserves this retribution.” She said quietly.

Yusuke nodded. “Fine. What do we have to do?”

Ayako grinned. “We,” she gestured around the circle, “will enter the palace through a servant's tunnel that extends under our feet. The palace will be mostly empty; Nikushimi knows the rebel army will attack today so he has everyone prepared to face the onslaught behind the main gate. We need to ensure the Karyuudo see Nikushimi's death, so we must kill him on top of the battlements. The main gate will be perfect. Once Tenmei engages him, we must hold off all aid until he is dead. The Karyuudo will flee, I'm sure of it.”

Genkai nodded. It sounded good. “Not all of us will go in. Some of us need to stay with the rebel army. Kagome, Inuyasha, Yukina and Kuwabara will stay. Kurama, Hiei, Ayako, Yusuke and I will go in. Is everyone prepared, we must start immediately the sun is rising…”

Nods were seen all around. The rebel army leader grimaced. “Let's get this over with…”

Genkai turned to Tenmei. “Lead the way to this tunnel.”

Tenmei turned and took off running. The others following quickly behind.

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Ayako breathed steadily. Adrenalin surged through her veins. Finally, this nightmare would end.

A short distance away Tenmei drew their group to a halt and knelt on the forest floor, digging through the undergrowth. His hand grasped the handle and he heaved. A square trap door groaned and Hiei and Kurama helped him push it fully open. Ayako hopped down through the hole and allowed her demon senses to quickly adjust to the dark tunnel.

“All clear!” She called up and the rest dropped down quickly, Tenmei coming last and closing the trap door behind them. It was horrible cramped in the tunnel, the taller members of there party having to stoop considerably. Ayako moved freely down the tunnel towards the palace, the others followed silently behind her. They could tell by the change in the soil that they were within the walls. The smell of rich forest loam turned to a lighter dust and sandy composition. The lack of organic material a dead give away.

Ayako saw the end up ahead and had a moment of recall. This was the very tunnel that the servant who saved her and her sister had used. She silently thanked the brave woman once again and turned back to her companions.

“I don't sense anyone above, but I'll look around to be sure.” Ayako whispered.

Hiei nodded to her and she climbed the rickety ladder up to the trap door. She applied gentle pressure and the door popped open with a snap. She winced and held completely still. Hearing nothing she opened it enough to look around.

She threw the trap door open silently and leapt out into the open, beckoning the rest to follow her. They were in a small room obviously used to store the servants cleaning supplies. Ayako moved to the door and peeked out. Behind her the others were emerging from the tunnel. Tenmei approached her and looked out the door above her. If the situation wasn't so serious she would have giggled. He was so much taller than her; they probably looked ridiculous.

She could feel Hiei behind her and welcomed his presence. His emotions coming through their bond calmed her. He was completely at ease. This was his kind of environment; battle. She grinned.

“Alright. We are a fair distance from the main gate. If you sense anyone along the way do not hesitate to dispose of them quietly. Our coming must be a surprise. No one speaks until we are can see the Karyuudo army. Then we will decide how to isolate Nikushimi, I have ideas as I'm sure you all do as well. We must survey the area before deciding, however, so keep it up here `til then.” Tenmei tapped the side of his head and silence was his only reply.

Ayako allowed her senses to fully open. She could feel the presence of a couple demons here and there; no one would be discovering them until it was absolutely necessary.

Tenmei lead the way out of the room followed closely by Ayako, Hiei, Kurama, Yusuke and Genkai. Tenmei kept to the path and the others darted off every now and then to dispose of a threat. No one spoke. There was no need. They were focused and they had been trained well. They all suppressed there demon and in Ayako's case, her holy presence as much as possible. It was a difficult thing to do while in combat but it was absolutely necessary until they engaged the enemy.

It took longer than Ayako expected to reach the front doors. They emerged slowly from a tunnel into the main hall and saw guards dotting the wall, they were taken care of quickly and then the group followed Tenmei up onto a balcony that had access to a window outside. They all took turns surveying the enemy and then gathered a ways from the opening to discuss strategy.

Nikushimi was, not surprisingly, at the back of the forces. Just on the other side of the doors they saw in front and below them.

“Alright kiddies,” Genkai began. “What's the plan? The battlements above the gate have at least 20 demon archers engaging the rebel army and the rest seem to just be standing around.”

“I think the direct approach is best.” Yusuke piped in. “Tenmei, Kurama, Hiei and I leap to the battlements and clear out the demons there. Ayako and Genkai grab Nikushimi and forcefully bring him to the battlements. Tenmei gets his fight and the rest of us hold off any wannabe heroes from the Karyuudo side.”

Everyone looked around. It sounded good. Besides it would take too long to devise a plan to lure Nikushimi up there. He wasn't that stupid.

Genkai rummaged in her pack and turned to Ayako, holding a long coil of rope.

“Infuse this with some holy binding energy. It will not hold him for long, but it will be long enough to move him without getting into a battle ourselves.” She said quietly.

Ayako nodded and took the rope in her hands. Pushing aside her demon side she brought her holy powers to the surface. They came with the ease of long practice and she opened her eyes to see the rope glow softly with a purple light and fade to normal.

Hiei backed away as she turned. Any demon that touched it would get a nasty shock.

They spoke quickly, sorting out the details of the capture and move. Ayako smiled to her friends and nodded.

“Let's do this.” With that Ayako handed Genkai one end of the rope and held tightly to her end and the majority of the coil. She crawled into the window, which was really just an opening in the wall, and she flash stepped away. The others watched as shock registered on the face of Nikushimi. She was so fast he couldn't see her until he was on his knees from pain and she stood with a grin in front of him.

“Alright Genkai! Do it!” She called and turned to the demon masses to face the onslaught.

Tenmei, Kurama, Hiei and Yusuke made quick work of the demons on the main battlements and a shout of victory from the rebel army beyond could be heard.

Genkai literally swung Nikushimi up on to the battlements with the rope and then leapt down beside Ayako to face the Karyuudo while Tenmei fought.

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Tenmei breathed deeply as she watched Nikushimi shake off the coils of rope and stand to his full height. They were both tall for demons and Tenmei knew that his small height advantage had always bothered Nikushimi. The arrogant bastard never wanted to be seen as smaller than anyone, and so whenever they were together in front of the men Nikushimi always stood on a dais and he stood below it so the height difference couldn't be seen.

The others were already engaged in small battles holding off the Karyuudo. He had a good idea who would be trying the hardest. The lieutenants would emerge soon and then his companions may start having trouble. They were all good fighters, and could most likely handle them one on one but that wasn't the case today. The only one on one battle would be his, and for the sake of his friends and the lives of the demons in the rebel army he best finish this quickly.

“Kurushimi, I wondered when you would show yourself and take your pitiful revenge.” Tenmei winced at his former name; it meant anguish, pain, and suffering. He despised it. That was no longer who he was. The demon in front of him had made him that way, and he had finally broken free. He would prove that he wasn't that demon anymore.

“Nikushimi. No words can describe my hatred for you. Let's not speak. I'm here to end you.” Tenmei spoke quietly and leaped at the demon standing in front of him.

They had fought many times as allies. They trained together all the time when Tenmei was a child and when he had grown to an adult. Hundreds of years.

They feinted and thrust, blocking and deflecting easily. Nikushimi began to chuckle.

“No speaking my loyal apprentice?” Nikushimi laughed harder. “I'm bored with that. Your speech was so profound I half expected you to kill me immediately, but now I see you're still the snivelling brat I salvaged from that noble family I slaughtered years ago.”

Tenmei didn't react. He knew the taunts would come, he was prepared. He was actually counting on it. He was counting on one thing in particular. Ayako and he had planned this extensively ahead of time, and she was ready for the signal.

He glanced out of the corner of his eye and spotted her engaged in a battle at the front doors. She was moving gracefully, and killing swiftly. She was fine.

Nikushimi followed the direction of his gaze and grinned menacingly. “The Kawaridane brat eh? I can kill you with out her but watching your face as I kill her may be interesting.”

Nikushimi turned and raised his handle slowly. Tenmei shouted loudly “NO! AYAKO!” He saw her snap to attention and halt all her movements.

Nikushimi laughed heartily and beckoned with her hand. Ayako leapt to the battlements her face completely blank as she faced Nikushimi.

Tenmei growled as Nikushimi brought her into his arms and turned her so she was facing away from him.

Ayako's face lost the blank look for a spilt second as she winked at Tenmei and then resumed her role.

Everything was going exactly as planned. Tenmei suppressed a grin.

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Hiei heard Tenmei give the signal. And watched as Ayako assumed her role. The plan was brilliant. Tenmei had enlightened them all inside as to his and Ayako's agreed upon plan. Hiei had protested at first, for it put Ayako in a significant amount of danger, but his mate had glared at him and told him to stuff it. She could handle herself.

Hiei had gotten separated from the others in the heat of the battle. He could sense the others around him were beginning to tire as well. These Karyuudo were endless.

His katana swung effortlessly, cutting down any who dared to approach the fight behind him. He wondered absently how long it would take. He was considerably bad ass but an endless swarm of demons would tire him completely eventually. He could sense a few demons with a considerable amount of power farther in the crowd. He could tell they were coming for them. Hiei grit his teeth and gathered his power around him. Let them come.

A figure emerged from the crowd. By his dress and the reactions of the demons around him, he was most likely an officer. He was definitely more powerful than the peons surrounding them and Hiei grinned. Finally a challenge.

He sensed more of the lieutenants heading for his companions. He glanced over at Kurama and his companion met his gaze. He promised Ayako he wouldn't let anything happen to any of them and he intended to keep that promise. With that he turned to face his new opponent.

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Kagome watched the battle unfold before her eyes. Her friends on the inside were engaging the enemy keeping them away from the battle on top of the gate and the rebel army had pushed forward with the loss of the archers on the wall. The gates had been broken down and all hell had broken loose.

She spotted her sister upon the wall standing in front of Nikushimi. She didn't know what was happening but she knew for sure her sister wasn't under mind control. Her bond with Hiei was unbreakable now and so Kagome assumed it was a clever ruse to kill the demon once and for all.

Kagome broke from her staring to resume her firing on the enemy. She could see the others were engaged in some serious battles of their own and prayed for their safety.

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Ayako felt the others begin to strain under the pressure. She held her composure but she could tell the breaking point was soon to be reached. Tenmei's plan was brilliant; all they needed now was fro Nikushimi to play into their hands.

“Kurushimi, you seem so taken with the little Kawaridane. Perhaps I should have you sit still like a good boy as I slit her throat? Or… maybe she should kill you. Yes that sounds like much more fun. Come along darling.” Nikushimi purred.

Ayako felt a blade pressed to her neck as she started towards Tenmei. She could feel Hiei's strain through their connection and she was getting anxious. Without warning she felt Kurama's youki flare and begin to die out.

Her mind screamed! Not Kurama! He's going to be a father! She kept her face blank but she couldn't stop the tears from leaking from her eyes.

“Seems her mind still fights the control. Look she's crying for you Kurushimi.” Nikushimi laughed.

Ayako kept putting one foot in front of the other. She felt another surge of Youki as Yusuke suffered a massive blow. They were being overwhelmed!!

`Closer, closer… You will be dead soon you evil bastard.' Nikushimi moved his hand and Ayako guessed from his movement the time had almost come. She slowly began pulling her katana from the sheath, and pointed it at Tenmei.

“On your knees Kurushimi. My hand is clumsy and could slip at any moment.” Ayako felt a hot pain on the side of her throat. “Oops. I seem to have cut her. Don't worry its still shallow. She won't bleed out, yet.”

Ayako's expression didn't change. Tenmei watched her face intently as he got to his knees. The moment was close.

Ayako could feel Kurama's energy fading quickly. `If they didn't finish this up quickly her promise to Shizuru… NO. She would finish this and he would be fine. She couldn't think of what would happen if she didn't.'

“Come on darling; raise that arm higher, you have to remove his head cleanly from his body, no resisting now.” Nikushimi chuckled darkly.

Ayako looked Tenmei directly in the face. He nodded imperceptibly and she let a small grin crease her face. She waited for Nikushimi to give the order.

“Kill him.”

Tenmei leapt forward as she spun quickly and stabbed Nikushimi through the chest. Tenmei's claws were buried in his chest where the despicable demons heart was.

Ayako's ears were ringing. She dropped her blade and pressed her hand against her neck. Nikushimi had twitched when she turned and had treated her to a deep gash in the throat. Her carotid artery was nicked, she ignored it. She had lost sense of Kurama's youki.

She heard herself calling his name as she leapt to the ground and searched for him frantically. She spotted him lying on the ground and Hiei was battling fiercely over top of him. She noticed vaguely as the demons began to disperse. They were running wildly and the courtyard was a cacophony of noise but all Ayako could hear was her own harsh breathing and her heart pounding in her ears.

She fell to her knees next to Kurama's still form and turned him over. His eyes were closed and Ayako leaned in close to check if he was breathing. She felt for a pulse and couldn't find one.

She screamed her frustration and brought all the holy power she could muster to her hands. Blood seeped freely down her neck as she shocked Kurama's heart. Her vision swam as she checked for a pulse. Not finding on she shocked him again and checked again. Nothing.

She cried her frustration as she gathered the last of her strength to her hands and shocked him hard. She fell forward across his body and could feel herself beginning to blackout.

She fought the pain until a sound made her give in.

The slow pounding of Kurama's heartbeat.