Days, weeks had passed, and Nanashi had not left her den. The grass and other insects and animals had begun to inhabit her once-cozy abode, a somber reminder of her self-imposed isolation. Her body, once a picture of health, now dwindled, her rib cage visible through her once-sleek fur. Even the regular visits from her friend and Sensei could not rouse her from her melancholic state.
Even Shippo showed up once in a while but his wife dared not approach, for the fear that the one she trusted most could lead to the definite end of the one she loved most.
But in her hibernation and isolation, loyalty to Himiko grew bigger and bigger. Himiko was using force against them, sending in a group of bandits to raid a village and then sending in her army to be the savior, promising them protection as long as some of the men of the village joined her army. This Hajimo, Sasuke, and Shippo could no longer ignore. They had to convince Suzune somehow, for one of Hajimo's inside informants had heard Himiko say that they would attack the village of her dear student, taking all the men and young boys and killing the rest who were not needed.
Upon hearing this, Suzune was left with no choice but to release Akiza, placing her life in the hands of fate, hoping that death would not claim her.
In the depths of her slumber, a familiar scent tickled Nanashi's nose, causing her tail to twitch ever so slightly, startling her illegal occupants. She thought it was her mind playing tricks on her, as the longing had become so great that her mind was creating its own reality to fill the void.
But this scent was soon confirmed as a little voice rang through the den, sparking a feeling of delight through her almost mummified body. Her ears shot up, and her tail began to wag with more vigor, causing some of her neighbors to hastily evacuate their homes at this unusual development.
A heavy sigh escaped Nanashi's lips as she murmured to herself, "Calm down, I guess I'm finally going crazy from loneliness. How pathetic I've become, from the great Su Daji to the pitiful and depressed Nanashi. Hah, so pathetic I don't even have a name." She let out a hollow, self-deprecating giggle.
And again, the voice rang through the den, "Nana! Nana! Doko (where are you)?"
"Argh, enough, brain! Please!" she said, covering her ears.
"Nana, please come out, I want to play with you?"
"Go away!" Nanashi erupted.
"Nande! (Why)?" a gentle voice asked at the entrance of the den. "You don't love me anymore?"
"No, that's not true."
"Mama said that you're not feeling well and needed some rest, but I think you've had enough rest now. No sickness can ever keep you down. After all, my Nana is the strongest yokai."
"Akiza?" Nanashi said, raising her head.
"Hai!"
Nanashi got up, her bones and joints cracking and popping from long disuse. She turned to look at the entrance, but all she could see was a black silhouette. Tears and shut eyes had formed a filament over her vision. She followed her nose and walked out, passing right by Akiza. When she emerged, her state shocked and broke her friends' hearts. She looked starved, down to twenty-five percent of her body weight, like a coyote on the brink of death, drenched in water.
Suzune gasped in shock, tears filling her eyes at the sight of her once healthy and fiery friend.
Hajimo ground his teeth, knowing this was partly his fault.
Sasuke turned away, unable to bear seeing his beloved friend in such a fragile state.
But Akiza, undeterred by Nanashi's appearance, wrapped her arms around the unsuspecting yokai. Startled at first, Nanashi soon embraced the warmth of the little girl's arms, collapsing to the ground.
"Akiza! No! You…" Both Suzune and Sasuke jolted forward, but Hajimo quickly held them back.
"Relax, she's perfectly fine. Just watch."
"How?" Sasuke asked.
"Do you see those two earrings that look like little bells? They help her regulate her absorbing ability. That little girl is in no harm whatsoever."
As Akiza hugged and cuddled her most beloved friend, Nanashi's fur began to change colour from its gray, ashy hue to a shiny, coal black. Her eyes cleared up, regaining their original bright amber colour. A bright red shade formed around her eyes, and a fiery emblem appeared in the center of her forehead. She grew in size, and so did the grass, which seemed to sprout from under her feet. Then, in a spectacular show of power, green flames exploded from within her, engulfing everything within their radius.
Sasuke quickly covered Suzune, but soon realized that the flames were not burning but healing. His withered hand was restored, and Suzune seemed ten years younger. Hajimo dropped his walking stick and stood up straight. The fire died down, bringing a strong gust of wind imbued with floral scents and petals. Then, it faded in an instant, revealing Nanashi in her human form, holding Akiza tightly in her arms, wearing her kitsune mask.
"Nana, why are you wearing that? Take it off," Akiza asked.
"No, I cannot," Nanashi said, pulling back.
"Why?"
"It is to keep the sickness away from you."
"That is a great way to explain it to someone like her," Hajimo said, patting her on the shoulder.
"So, I take it this is no social visit to see how I'm doing or even if I'm dead."
"Straight to the point - that's something I always liked about her," Sasuke said.
"Nanashi...the reason...I," Suzune mumbled, unable to formulate a proper sentence.
"There is no need to apologize for the actions and choices you made. You did what every caring mother would do and that is to shield her child from any potential threat, so I bear no ill feelings towards you. What's done is done. I see Shippo is not here - I guess you finally saw the light and left him..."
"I wouldn't be so sure about that," Shippo announced, appearing from behind a tree. His bald spot had healed from the power of the kirin flame, and his silky black hair was blowing in the wind.
"Why is he walking so slowly?" Nanashi asked Sasuke.
"I really don't get this guy," Sasuke replied.
"Shh!" Suzune hissed. "Just let him have his moment," she said, her eyes glistening with pride.
"I have a feeling that Akiza will be getting a little brother or sister soon," Sasuke said.
"Control, Sasuke, control," Hajimo responded.
"Seriously dude, there is a child here," Nanashi said, casting a pointed look in Sasuke's direction. She then turned her gaze to Shippo, who was still taking his sweet time walking over to them. A little smile tugged at the corner of his mouth, as if he were savoring the moment.
Hajimo looked at them both and slowly shook his head, but the two simply shrugged, their shoulders rising and falling in perfect synchronicity. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind propelled Shippo forward, as if the very elements were conspiring against him. A tree root, seemingly conjured from thin air, appeared before his feet, causing him to trip and face-plant directly into a strange puddle of mud. The impact sent droplets of the viscous, earthy liquid splattering in all directions, as if the earth itself was laughing at his misfortune. Shippo lay there, stunned, his pristine appearance now marred by the telltale signs of the forest's mischievous nature.
"HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?" Shippo cried out, still sprawled on the ground, mud-covered and bewildered.
Sasuke and Nanashi turned to each other and gave slow nods of approval, as if silently acknowledging their shared mischievous streak.
"I know it was you two!" Suzune snapped, her eyes narrowing accusatorily.
"So, they are planning to invade the village, tomorrow or tonight."Sasuke said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness.
"Mhmm, I see, so you're saying that she has gained quite a number of followers?" Nanashi inquired.
"Yes." Hajimo replied, his expression grave.
"And suddenly they are engaged in a serious discussion." Suzune mumbled, her brow furrowed.
"Are we sure that this is the same Himiko, the one who's offering to protect the villages?" Sasuke asked, a hint of skepticism in his voice.
'It is her, sending bandits to raid and kill villages, then sending the same people to "help," with an additional price of asking the young and able to join her "protection squad" out of debt and a false sense of duty. They're unaware that they're nothing but a fuel source,' Hajimo answered, his words laced with disdain.
'Sounds like her, playing on a man's pride and values. So, what's the plan?' Nanashi asked, her eyes narrowing with determination.
"Well, that's why we're here and why we've come to resurrect you," Sasuke said. "You know very well that I cannot interfere in these human matters, even though I would really want to, and Haji over here is a little on the old side - his days of dancing on the battlefield are long gone. Hence, we're here because we know one person who has the strength and is not bound by any law, not even that of time."
"Ah, Sasuke, flattery will get you nowhere, my dear. However, it does sadden me to know that if Himiko had not decided to target this village next, you would have left me in my pit of despair. But we're not here to ponder over the past; we're here to fight!" Nanashi proclaimed, her voice crackling with a newfound energy.
"Hai!" both Hajimo, Akiza, and Suzune cheered, their spirits buoyed by her determination.
"I'm not good at the fighting thing; I'm more of a lover, not a fighter," Shippo commented from his mud-caked position on the ground.
"Worry not, Shippo, we were not counting on you doing anything of such. However, the plan is simple, I will wait for them, and anyone who desires to join me may. Attendance is not mandatory," Nanashi said, her gaze locking with Shippo's.
"I was going to come, but I have work tomorrow," Shippo said, his voice tinged with genuine regret.
"We understand," Sasuke replied, nodding in acknowledgment.
"But Nanashi," Suzune interjected, "will you take on all the bandits by yourself?'
"Sure," Nanashi replied, her confidence unwavering.
"But will they not be too many"' Suzune pressed, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Maybe?" Nanashi shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.
"And you're not worried or fearful?"
"Nope."
"Why?"
"Because she's the strongest!" Akiza shouted, her eyes shining with pride.
"I guess that answers that," Suzune murmured, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in a breath taking array of warm hues, Sasuke and Nanashi had set up camp just a few meters from the village. Nanashi sat gracefully, draped in her finest white kimono, adorned with delicate cherry blossom petals that seemed to dance across the fabric, their golden outlines shimmering in the fading light.
Her neatly braided hair was carefully arranged and adorned with exquisite hairpins and jewelry, accentuating her regal bearing. Nanashi held a steaming cup of tea in her hands, her movements fluid and precise as she put the final touches on her majestic appearance.
Every detail of her ensemble, from the intricate embroidery to the gleaming accessories, spoke of a refined elegance that commanded the eye and demanded respect. She sat, poised and serene, radiating an aura of wisdom and power that belied the storm that was about to unfold.
"Aren't you dressed up to the nines tonight? Going out with someone or have you been out with someone?" Sasuke inquired, the words grinding out through clenched teeth as if forced from his very soul.
Nanashi's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she fixed him with a pointed stare. "Why do you men always assume that whenever we dress up, we must be going out with someone? Sometimes, we simply dress up for the sake of dressing up, to look good and feel good - a little self-love, if you will. You know the saying, "If you look good, you feel good; if you feel good, you do good." She took a delicate sip of her tea, the steam billowing around her face in an almost ethereal manner.
"Mhmm, this tea with the spicy notes is quite nice. I'm actually really enjoying it,' Sasuke mused, the corners of his lips curling ever so slightly.
"You and Hei-long both," Nanashi muttered under his breath, just loud enough for Sasuke to hear.
Upon hearing this name, Sasuke suddenly spat out the tea, the liquid spraying forth. "Hei-long? Who in the seven hells is Hei-long?" he demanded, his eyes wild with a strange mix of alarm and... was that a hint of jealousy?
Nanashi's smirk grew, a touch of mischief sparkling in her eyes. "Hush now, Sasuke. Our guests are arriving," she murmured, her voice low and almost sing-song in nature.
Sasuke's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I don't care. Do as you please. What do I matter?" he replied, his tone dripping with a heavy melancholy.
The group of bandits suddenly appeared before them, their leader signalling the rest to stay back. "Stay here. She is mine. I will take care of that fool quickly," he growled, his horse thundering forward towards the unsuspecting pair.
A chill seemed to settle over the campsite, the air growing heavy and thick with a palpable tension. Nanashi's eyes narrowed, her grip on the teacup tightening ever so slightly as she prepared to face this new challenge.
The moonlight cast long shadows as Nanashi rose, her movements unnaturally fluid. Dust cascaded off her form, revealing an aura of menace that seemed to darken the night itself.
"Good evening, my good sir," she purred, her voice dripping with false sweetness. "What brings you to this treacherous place? The night harbours countless dangers... some of which may prove quite... fatal."
The leader's chuckle died in his throat as he dismounted, a chill running down his spine despite his bravado. He approached Nanashi, fighting the urge to flee.
"I believe those should be my words to you," he said, forcing a grin as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Best we depart and leave this fool behind."
"It seems the only fool here is you," Sasuke interjected, tension thickening the air.
The leader's retort was cut short by Nanashi's deceptively gentle tone. "Excuse me, my good sir..."
"Sesshoumaru," he supplied, unaware of the trap closing around him.
"Sesshoumaru," Nanashi repeated, her voice like honey laced with poison. "Would you kindly remove your hand from my shoulder?"
"Come now, darling. Don't be like that. We're just getting acquainted," Sesshoumaru pressed, oblivious to the danger.
Nanashi's eyes glinted with malice behind her mask. "I understand, but I truly detest being touched."
In a blur of motion too fast for mortal eyes, her hand clamped down on his. The sickening crunch of bones and the wet explosion of flesh filled the air as Sesshoumaru's hand burst like an overripe fruit. Blood sprayed across Nanashi's face, and in a twisted parody of concern, she absently wiped at her eyes – tearing Sesshoumaru's entire arm from its socket in the process.
The general's scream pierced the night, a sound of pure terror and agony. He stumbled back, eyes wide with horror. "Bakemono!" he shrieked, scrambling for his horse.
Nanashi's laughter, cold and cruel, echoed through the clearing. "Oh my, how careless of me. Here, you seem to have misplaced something." She waved the severed limb tauntingly.
Sesshoumaru turned, arm outstretched in desperate hope. Nanashi's aim was true, but as the arm sailed through the air, a monstrous fox head erupted from the earth, swallowing both the limb and its former owner whole.
"Yama, you greedy bastard," Nanashi chided, a note of amusement in her voice as the fox winked and melted back into the shadows.
She turned to the remaining bandits, adjusting her mask with exaggerated care. "Well now, it seems I need to mind my manners. One never knows what might happen next." Her voice carried a promise of violence that sent shivers down the spines of all who heard it.
The night thieves stood paralyzed, caught between terror and disbelief. The silence stretched, broken only by the second-in-command's desperate cry: "CHARGE!"
But as the bandits surged forward, Nanashi's laughter rang out once more – a sound that promised their charge would end only in blood and regret.
The air crackled with tension as the men charged. Nanashi's eyes glinted with malevolent anticipation, her fingers slowly loosening her kimono.
"What are you doing?" Sasuke hissed, alarm evident in his voice.
Nanashi's lips curled into a cruel smile. "I'm thinking of going manual on this one."
"How?"
"I've always wondered how many hearts I could rip out in three seconds," she purred, her voice dripping with bloodlust.
Sasuke's eyes widened. "Seriously? How many are there?"
"About twenty, I'd say."
"Fine. I'll count for you."
Nanashi assumed a ready stance, her body coiling like a viper about to strike. Razor-sharp talons extended from her fingertips, gleaming in the moonlight. Eerie, luminescent green tattoos began to writhe across her skin, pulsing with otherworldly power.
"Hold!" Sasuke shouted suddenly. "You're not going all natural?"
"Nope," Nanashi replied, her eyes never leaving her prey.
"Then the stakes are higher. I don't want to see a single drop of blood on the ground. I want a perfect clean takedown."
"As you wish," Nanashi whispered, her voice barely audible over the thundering footsteps of the approaching men.
"One..." Sasuke began the count.
In that instant, Nanashi vanished. The air itself seemed to shudder at her impossible speed.
"Two..."
A white blur flickered in and out of existence, dancing between the charging men. They had no time to register what was happening, their faces frozen in expressions of confusion and growing terror.
"Three! STOP!" Sasuke roared.
"Damn it!" Nanashi materialized, frustration evident as she tossed a still-beating heart to the ground. "There's still one left."
"I knew I should've left the horse hearts alone," she muttered, her inhuman eyes scanning the battlefield.
Sasuke's jaw dropped. "You took the horse hearts too? I didn't even notice—"
His words were cut short as a horrifying symphony of thuds filled the air. Men and horses alike collapsed in unison, their bodies hitting the ground with sickening finality. Blood began to pool beneath them, a stark contrast to their intact exteriors.
The clearing fell deathly silent, save for the wet, rhythmic squelching of disembodied hearts scattered across the battlefield. Nanashi stood amidst the carnage, her form still crackling with unholy energy, a testament to the monstrous power that lay just beneath her skin.
Sasuke surveyed the scene, a mix of awe and terror etched on his face. In mere seconds, Nanashi had turned a group of hardened bandits into lifeless husks, their demise so swift they hadn't even had time to scream.
"Impressive," he managed to choke out, his eyes never leaving the terrifying figure before him. "But next time, try not to leave any... souvenirs."
The night air grew thick with tension as the last man standing trembled before Sasuke's otherworldly power. Invisible forces gripped him, lifting him off the ground and drawing him closer to his piercing gaze.
"What did you do?" Sasuke's voice cut through the silence like a blade. "And where do you think you're going?"
The man's words tumbled out in a desperate plea. "I have a family! We were just a distraction, I swear!"
"Distraction?" Sasuke's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Nanashi's breath caught in her throat. "The village!"
"Yes," the man gasped. "She knew about the informant and your sensei. It was all a ruse to lure you away. Now, please, I've told you everything—"
His words were silenced forever as his body separated into seven distinct parts, each falling to the earth with a sickening finality.
Nanashi shuddered. "That was cold, even for you."