Notes: Well, long time no see, huh everyone? lol. Sorry...I had a lot things to do, which included four days of karate practice. Also, the stupid stories feature wasn't working for some time. Whew. So, since I try to be faithful, here's a big chapter. lol. Big chapters are good aren't they? You get your fill while you're waiting for more. Let's see...to make this interesting I've decided to put the meaning of some names on here.

Kazuki Ken'Ichi: Kazuki means 'first of a new generation' as well as 'shining one'. Ken'Ichi means 'strong first son'.

Kaede: Means 'maple'

Haruka: Means 'Far off'

So, anyway, introducing a new character. Haruka! lol. Haruka is one of those possessive girlfriends. I'm sure she means well, but she's crazy! -shudders- The tension! Ah! lol. Let's see what else? Uh, well, I'm also including a small introduction of the next chapter, so you can be eager. Haha. Ugh! For some reason I seem to be lacking in description now, I hope this chapter isn't too bad. The first chapter is still my best so far. lol! Funny huh?

Have any of you heard Utada Hikaru's "Passion" song? It's VERY good.

Anyway, arigato my readers, and I'll shut up now. lol.
Kathy

The leader cried in anguish, as he fell to the ground, blood streaming from his torn arm that Kazuki's katana had pierced through in a matter of seconds. Barely after just speaking his cruel words, Kazuki had let loose his madness and had begun to tear through all of warriors who stood in his way. No utterance of screaming or talk came from the wanderer's mouth, but as Kaede stood frozen she could see the anger that blazed forth from his emerald eyes. The same eyes that used to hold such a sad clearness to them were now clouded over with a deep darkness.

In a blood-filled dance of death, Kazuki slew all the men, whose marred bodies lie on the ground, except the leader who struggled to get to his horse, crawling desperately with just his one arm.

"Where do you think you're going?" Kazuki's voice was deeper than before, raspy, and darker, not like the soft, low-tone he used before.

The leader turned his head around, his eyes wide; he cried out in panic and struggled harder to reach his horse, which was only a few meters away.

Kazuki seemed to enjoy the fear the leader cast off. He bobbed pleasantly over to the bleeding man, bearing a smirk on his upturned face, as he gripped the hilt of his sword tighter. "Don't run, friend, you need reparation."

The leader shrieked again in terror, but he was too slow, the wound was hemorrhaging too quickly causing him terrible pain internally and externally. Kazuki stood above him triumphantly, poising his katana point down. "Your sin will be paid for with your life!" Just as Kazuki spoke those horrid words, Kaede screamed for him to stop, grasping his black hakama in a fit.

But it was like he was in another world, he didn't even notice her! He plunged the sword into the back of the leader's spine, crushing it, as well as sending a spray of blood into the air, some of which hit Kaede in her face. Shocked, and heartbroken to see her Kazuki-san so changed, she dropped to the ground on her knees. She could only watch him race off to stop the other Yakuza raiders from entering the village. Shaken from her thoughts at the screaming of several horses, she hopped up, and took the leader's horse, which caused a sick feeling in her gut.

She rode a horse few times in her life, her sister, Kikyo, had taught her in case something bad happened and she needed to flee, but she would never, and this situation proved it. Kaede jabbed her heels into the horse's side, which caused the animal to stir, neigh, and began to gallop. Kaede directed the horse to the shrine, she looked back though; Kazuki was making a very good distraction for the Yakuza. He had leaped upon one of their horses and had stabbed his katana right through the heart of a man.

Sighing, Kaede stepped down from the horse once she made it, and rushed inside. Charging through the haiden hall, she shouted at the top of her lungs, "YAKUZA ARE HERE!" Instantly the room was in an uproar, most men grabbing their weapons up off the floor and swiftly leaving. The women and children stayed inside, while some miko watched over them. However, Kikyo and Tsubaki were ready hard looks played on their faces. Tsubaki grabbed a spear and set off outside.

"Kaede, stay inside." Kikyo ordered, seizing her bow and quiver.

"No! I'm going with you!" Kaede shot back.

Kikyo whirled around, taking hold of her, "No! It is safer in here! Men are smarter than Yokai, Kaede! I won't lose you!"

"And I don't want to lose you too!" Kaede yelled, she then mumbled, "We need to stay together." She clutched Kikyo's hand tightly.

Kikyo's face softened, but she turned away, slightly irritated, "Fine." She sighed. Kaede smiled and hugged her around the waist, which caused a surprised reaction from her older sister, but in return Kikyo only patted her back in reply, "Stay close." Kaede nodded in return, as Kikyo nocked an arrow into the string of her bow. Rushing outside, Kaede pursued closely, clutching a small Kaiken dagger tightly to her breast. Tsubaki had tossed it to her before going outside.

As they ran down the haiden hallway, a stampede of horses was heard and they were coming closer, but it seemed as though half of them were trying to get away from something. But it seemed most of the Yakuza still had their goal in mind. Kikyo drew back her arrow and launched it with perfect aim. It struck a front horseman in the forehead and he tumbled off his horse where he then proceeded into getting stomped by the coming horses. Kikyo's adrenaline was kicking in and in the excitement she fumbled with her next arrow, just when she set it in, a Yakuza leaped over the wooden wall and into the hallway where he drew out a long and curved blade called a Tachi.

He snorted; he seemed more into a frisky mode, then in a killing one. "Come on, eh miko? Give me your goods and you'll live." He reached forward slowly, as if unsure of himself; he was after all young, younger than Kikyo herself, either sixteen or fifteen.

A disgusted look crossed Kikyo's face, but it was quickly replaced with humor. In a few seconds, Kaede observed her sister smacking the boy underneath the chin in a style she couldn't recognize, flipping him over upon the ground where upon she placed her foot unto his back, her bow tight against his neck.

"Please…Miko-sama…please…don't kill me…I was just lonely that's all…please." The boy pleaded, a few tears ran down his dusty face.

A look of pity replaced Kikyo's cold face. She took her foot off his back, "I shall let you go. You are young, why you would want to join such a group is none of my business, but it isn't too late to change your path in life. Go now, don't come back." The boy nodded franticly before running away, leaving his Tachi blade lying on the floor.

Instantly Kikyo focused her attention back unto the battle for more men were swinging over into the haiden hall. Kikyo blasted another arrow into a man's chest, who fell dead unto the floor, but soon she felt cornered, as the Yakuza crowded around her and her sister, Kaede. Kaede clutched her sister's red hakama desperately, who reached back to grasp an arrow, but found none. Kikyo growled under her breath and taking hold of Kaede's hand, they raced down the hallway, the Yakuza following closely behind.

But then there came a series of shrieks and screams, which caused Kikyo to turn around. A flicker of lighting danced across the sky casting shadows eerily upon the scene of dead bodies, a figure enveloped in shadow glanced at them darkly with his emerald eyes. His blood stained sword dripped profusely upon the wooden floor of the hallway before he sprung unto the wooden wall, gripping the beams, as if chancing to catch another glimpse before springing off and outside where the sounds of battle occurred.

"Mr. Kazuki!" Kaede screamed, ripping her hand from Kikyo's. She raced forward and grasped the edges of the wooden wall, pulling herself up into its shelf. She had to get to him, somehow, he needed help. He wasn't…himself.

Kikyo was stunned, "Kaede…" She gasped, how could that possibly be Kazuki? Kazuki was…was soft, distant, how could a man such as himself do such slaughtering? But then…Kikyo peered down at her bow. She did so. Kikyo winched, and ran forward, reaching for Kaede, but she pulled away.

"No! I have to do this!" Kaede exclaimed, jumping off and down unto the other side. She instantly ran off into the massive crowd, calling for Kazuki. Kikyo was frantic; she hurried as fast as she could through the corridor and out of the shrine. As if reflecting the mood of the situation, more lighting flickered across the sky and soon a drizzle began to pour. Dark clouds swept across the sky slowly, encasing the village in more gloom. Kikyo was now running through mud and dank, watery blood.

Suddenly a man of the Yakuza stepped into her right view, swinging an even larger Tachi then the young boy had before. Kikyo side-stepped him, speedily placing the bow above and down around his head. Putting the string of her bow against his neck, whereas she twisted the bow around, sending a chilling crack to ring in the air as she stepped pass him all in one motion. Picking up her bow from the dead body, she pushed her way through a gathering crowd of villagers that had stopped to watch a final fray of the remaining Yakuza…against only one man.

It seemed the villagers did not want to help out, either because they didn't like him, or because he was doing well on his own. It turned out to be Kazuki, slashing madly, striking down his enemies with the force of a cobra. The assumptions were correct, he was doing splendid, but the many looks reflected in the faces of the villagers showed that they already had a negative view of him that this just added to it.

After killing the last of them, Kazuki fell to the ground, clutching his shoulder. Even though he had other wounds, his old deadly mark was bothering him. Blood began to stream from it, as he grimaced, sputtering, "Haruka…" He glanced at all the dead bodies around him, feeling a bitter emotion pulsing through his heart, until a girl's voice wiped it clean.

"Miss Kaede?" A pained expression crossed his face.

"Mr. Kazuki!" Kaede screamed, pushing herself through the crowd. The rain had no effect on her. She was almost there; he was within her sight until some men held her back.

"Kaede-chan…" They mumbled, "It would be best if you stayed away. He's a madman."

"No!" Kaede shot back, tears streaming from her eyes. She didn't want to believe it. "That's not true!"

"Kaede, calm yourself." Came her older sister's voice. The villagers realizing who it was parted allowing a path for the priestess, Kikyo. Kaede quickly wiped away her eyes, "But…onee-sama…"

Kikyo shushed her, and then turned to the ground, eyeing them. "Believe what you want to believe, but we must at least have the decency to thank this man for helping us." She turned around to look at Kazuki and their eyes met, it was beyond description the tormented glimpse he gave her, before lowering his head to the ground. He caught sight of the tips of his hakama and sleeves soaking in the blood, but he made no move to get out of it.

The men bowed, muttering amongst themselves, while gazing at Kazuki. Kikyo felt a small temper rise within her, but keeping her complexion calm and stable, she stated, "I suggest you all leave this area, grab your wives and children and go home, we have a big day tomorrow." They men nodded in return, bowing once more, before sauntering back to the shrine to pick up their families and tell them everything was all right. Kikyo sighed, before turning her attention to Kazuki. He was still kneeling pathetically in the wet mud.

Kikyo looked over at Kaede, who was trembling with an urge to get to him. "Go." Kikyo said sadly, and instantly Kaede charged forward. She grasped him by the shoulders and shook him, "Kazuki-san! Kazuki-san!" Kazuki suddenly awoke from his thoughts and looked at her sorrowfully. Kaede hugged him, sobbing, but he pushed her away when the old wound on his shoulder opened up in a rage of blood. Kazuki let out a whimper and grasped it, his eyes watering.

"Mr. Kazuki!" Kaede exclaimed worriedly, shaking him, "Onee-sama!" She called franticly. Kikyo hurried over, examining the deadly thing with knowledgeable eyes.

"This is an evil wound; we must get you inside, Kazuki-san." Kikyo said, offering her hand to him. A look of pity swept her face, which made Kazuki irritated.

He stood up in a fit, growling at her, "I don't need your damned pity, priestess! Get away from me! You'll never understand! I don't even know why I bothered!"

Grasping his bleeding shoulder tightly, he stumbled away from them to a small, but tall wooden hut, which was open in the front. It was nearby the bells, which were ringed to get the attention of the kami. Surprisingly, he found himself in the shelter for the sacred water, which people used to wash their hands in an act of purification before entering the shrine. Overhead on the ceiling was a large, beautiful painting of a dragon and a phoenix, which was reflected in the waters of the big ceramic basin in front of him. The painting caught his eye so much that he stumbled on the platform that held the basin, his head and arms plunging into the sacred water.

Instantly one thought went through his mind, he would feel stinging pain surge through his body, as the sacred water would reveal his true form. It would probably neutralize or stun him so that he would be lying on the floor, defenseless until someone found him. Panic filled him, what if Kikyo found him, Kaede? But as he waited, he felt nothing happen. "What?" He wondered out loud.

He looked down, his reflection staring back up at him. He examined it more closely, the water…the water was supposed to turn dark from evil, or demonic aura, but it did nothing! The blood and water that dripped off his wet face and hair dissolved instantly in the pure water, so what did this all mean? Pondering on this, Kazuki suddenly realized that the ache in his reopened wound did not hurt as much anymore.

But it didn't last long for another wave of pain blasted through his body. It was so strong that Kazuki fell backwards, down unto the floor, where he tried to crawl back towards the entrance. Spurts of dark blood shot from the wound, as his body went through a convulsion. "Haruka…" He managed to speak, his eyesight wavering, "…why?" As if in reply, he suddenly felt a grip aroundhis heart.But it disappeared when he heard the faint steps of someone outside, Kikyo and Kaede appearing into his view. They both rushed into the building when they spotted him lying in a pool of his own blood.

"Mr. Kazuki!" Kaede yelled.

"Kikyo-sama…sorry…" He reached for her. For some reason, he realized now that the deepest reason for following her here was because she was a beacon to him, a candle in a dark world, even if he didn't let it on. He should have showed more respect.

Kikyo knelt down, taking hold of his arm, as she helped him up, "You idiot." But that was all she could say. She propped his arm around her shoulders and started to heave him back to her home. "Kaede…" Kikyo called, speaking between breaths, "Run home and get the herbs ready, make a salve, and get some bandages."

Kaede nodded, franticly running off down a path that cut through the shrine and out into an open area of grass, where few trees stood. Their minka home awaited there, it wasn't too far off, but dragging Kazuki that far would most likely wear Kikyo out, but she didn't care, she was determined to make it there.

She pushed forward; sweat glistening on her forehead, but soon swept away by the cooling effects of the rain. An ominous moon shone in the dark sky.

Stepping up to the engawa of their home, Kikyo, with a shaking hand pushed open the shoji doors before falling inside. Kazuki tumbled off her, his blood spattering onto the polished wooden floor. Kaede's scream echoed from within the home, as she rushed towards them both.

Kikyo waved her aside, even tired, she stood up and grabbed the rags from Kaede's hands. "Bring me hot water. Did you make the salve?" Kikyo asked sternly. She was not in a very good mood.

"Yes onee-sama." Kaede said, bowing before running off to fetch it.

Kikyo knelt down to examine Kazuki's condition. He was breathing heavily, his eyes rolling into the back of his head, but he kept mumbling words that she could not understand. Kikyo turned away, lighting a candle and setting it aside before getting back to him. Kaede soon returned with the water and salve, both in separate bowls.

Kikyo thanked her and told her to go into her room. Kaede was reluctant, but she nodded and left. Kikyo pulled Kazuki's kimono off so that she could see his wound better. Dipping a rag in the warm water, she worked on cleaning off the blood and sanitizing the wounds. She then began to apply the salve; she worked first on the lesser wounds, and then started to begin on the major one. On her first touch, it started to emit smoke, when she tried again a sharp prick shot up her arm.

Kikyo's eyes widened. "This is demonic! This is a cursed wound, filled with hate and sorrow. Either he can't forgive himself, or something has latched on to him." Kikyo focused and when she opened her eyes again, a shadowly form of a woman appeared near Kazuki. Kikyo's sacred powers were allowing her to see what could not be seen. The woman was cradling his head and whispering words into his ear, feeling Kikyo's eyes boring into her, she turned her head upward, her red eyes gleaming in anger.

Kikyo's eyes narrowed, "You demon of the undead, why do you torment him? Be gone!" She reached forward, touching the woman on her cheek. Kikyo's purification powers shot through her, but she did not disappear, though she appeared weak. Kikyo was amazed, "You have a strong will to remain here. What is your reason?"

The demon woman snarled at her, "Ha, you will soon understand, priestess!" A grin leaked unto her unruly face.

"What?" Kikyo asked, "What will I understand?" Her face twisted into anger, "Speak, before I send you into the lowest layer of hell!"

"You will know what it is to never let go of someone you devoted yourself to, who failed you, someone you care for to dismiss you. This wound bears my hatred, my love, and my grief, as well as being a symbol of a world that considers him abhorrence." She stroked his face, which made him groan in anguish.

"You injured him?" Kikyo snapped, narrowing her eyes.

"Ha, it wasn't only me, priestess. A legion of your kind came and attacked our clan. The leader struck him down, my Kazuki nearly died." She smiled down at Kazuki, "I watched him suffer. I watched him go mad. I kept him company during his blood-stained journey and now he suddenly wants atonement? How weak. I will never allow that!" She snarled at Kikyo, "And it's all because of you."

"Me?" Kikyo blurted, her face intensified, but the demon did not reply, instead she turned her attention back to Kazuki.

Touching his bleeding wound, she murmured in his ears, "If you hate, it doubles, if you love, it triples…only by spilling blood without feeling, thoughtless, will it prolong your life. That is your destiny, my darling…" She lowered her head and placed a darkly kiss on his cheek.

Kikyo's eyes widened and in rage she sprang forward, slapping the demon woman back with a large purifying aura that flung sparks in every direction, "Back away, Yokai!" She screamed. She placed herself protectively in front of Kazuki's waning body, her eyes locked fully upon the undead spirit. The demon woman screeched, her body smoking, "Ugh! You foolish human! You'll meet your end soon enough! I'll be back…" She quickly faded into a dark corner of the room.

Kikyo hastily turned back to Kazuki, cleaning out the wicked wound; she tore through the bandages as fast as she could, her hands trembling. "Hold on, Kazuki-san." She mumbled, binding the dressings over his wounds and lacerations with exceptional skill. After checking that they were firmly done, Kikyo could only pray that he would live. He had lost a great amount of blood.

Many hours passed through the night, as Kikyo fought sleep. She watched Kazuki shiver although she had placed a great many blankets over his body, his eyes rolling under his lids. Kikyo felt great tension in his aura, as if he was fighting a great battle inside him. Often she had to get up to purify his wound or change wrappings, when her eyes drooped she got hot tea to drink. Only once did she hear Kaede creep through the halls, which at once Kikyo sent her off to bed.

At four in the morning, Kikyo heard Kazuki mumble something that caught her ear. "Haruka…Haruka…"

"Haruka?" Kikyo pondered out loud. She glanced back at the murky corner of the irori room, the one the demon woman had miraculously disappeared into. "Haruka…that must have been her name…" Kikyo sucked in a breath, "They must have been lovers. So it is possible…a demon and a human…" (Kikyo does not know that Kazuki is really a demon.) For some reason this was amusing to her and suddenly she began to laugh, but she was so drowsy, Kikyo seemed drunk than anything else. She reached for her tea she had put away, but she fell over, passing out unto the floor.

Next Time On SWTS:

Kazuki regains his health quite quickly to everyone's amazement. Kikyo seems to be getting happier, but more distanced from him. The words '...yasha...' is heard muttering from her lips as she stares out into space one day. Kaede informs Kazuki of this half-demon called 'Inuyasha'. Has jealously occured? Winter is getting closer. Mistress Centipede tries to strike a deal with Kazuki. Tsubaki seems to be keeping an eye on him as well. Why is the 'New Moon' a perfect time for getting a Taka for Kaede, as well as being a fearful one? Is Kaede about to discover something Kazuki did not want seen at all?