Echoes: Makoto VI

DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Author's notes:

Sorry for the delay. I had a migraine on Sunday. ><

This... this was a very difficult chapter to write. I'm afraid that's as much as I can say without giving away some major spoilers.

One quick reminder: there's a list of content warnings in the first chapter if you'd prefer to be warned.

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Makoto VI

Three against one just wasn't fair.

Iwakami had asked for a challenge. The three boys may as well have been leaves in a gale.  Whereas Onuki-sama flowed like a river, Iwakami was a tempest. Any opponent fool enough to come at him was swept aside like driftwood. None of them could land a single blow.

The summer sun beat down with even less mercy than Iwakami. It was shaping up to be another airless day. The boys staggered on, encouraged by Uncle Masayoshi's  support. Iwakami didn't give an inch. Makoto didn't envy them. They kept up their efforts until Iwakami caught one of them in the chest with his pommel. He went down like a sack of rice.

Masayoshi held up his hand. "That's enough for this morning. Well fought." He gave a nod to Iwakami.

The young samurai could barely contain their relief. Iwakami snorted in contempt. He didn't lower his bokken until all his opponents had yielded theirs.

Hideyori stepped forwards to help the fallen boy to his feet. Masayoshi's retainer was a regular in the practice yard. Although the sturdy veteran samurai favoured the naginata, he was no slouch with a sword. He eyed Iwakami with a touch of disapproval.

"Most impressive. Although a little restraint wouldn't go amiss."

Iwakami responded with a laugh. "You won't find much of that on the battlefield."

"One doesn't usually find children on the battlefield either."

"They'll be grown soon enough." Iwakami removed his helmet and shook out his hair. Drops of sweat glistened on his brow. "Leave the fretting to their mamas. No one ever died from bruises."

Hideyori didn't do much to hide his glare. Uncle Masayoshi cleared his throat.

"Makoto. Kei. Some water."

The boys scrambled to obey. Masayoshi was by far the most easy-going of the older samurai. As for Hideyori, he may have been a dry old stick but at least he was fair.  He'd even offered to let Makoto help out with the young samurais' practice.

And where Makoto went, Kei was sure to follow. Not that he minded much. Kei's chattering was far more bearable than Nagisa's glares.

Kei snuck him a glance as he reached for a bamboo pitcher. "You'd have seen that one coming" he whispered, with a nod towards the winded samurai.

Makoto shook his head. "No way." He kept his voice as low as possible. The boys' ears were sharper than their swordsmanship.

He hushed Kei's reply and busied himself with his task. Kei wasn't too wrong though. He wouldn't best Iwakami anytime soon but any of these three would be lucky to make him break a sweat. Samurai they may be but none of them had ever faced a true battle. Even Masayoshi's youngest son was unblooded.

Still, a little humility wouldn't do either of them any harm, even if it did sting his pride. Helping out with practice sessions was one thing but even Onuki-sama wouldn't let him raise his sword against a samurai. At least, not in full view of the rest of the castle. No one raised an eyebrow at him tagging along for a few long rides and hunting trips.

His thoughts were scattered by Iwakami's footsteps. Kei shrank back against him as the samurai approached. He squeezed his arm. He couldn't blame Kei, really. It wasn't for him to question Onuki-sama's choice of friends but he'd never been able to warm up to Iwakami. Of course, he wouldn't lay so much as a finger on them while Onuki-sama was around but that was small comfort when he could feel the looks he gave him.

He handed Iwakami a pitcher before he could open his mouth. The samurai smirked and took a swig. He and sloshed the remains over his head. He shook the droplets from his mane and turned his gaze back on them.

"Don't suppose you boys remembered to bring a towel?"

Makoto already had one slung over his arm. Iwakami grinned and took it from him. He tried not to cringe as the samurai's fingertips brushed his bare skin.

"Thanks, kid." He wiped his face and shook off a few more drops. "I'm guessing you don't know how to take this off." He tapped his breastplate.

Makoto shook his head. Perhaps a little too fast. Iwakami shot him another smirk.

"Thought as much. Guess I'll just ask one of this lot then."

He tossed the towel back to Makoto. Makoto flailed to catch it. Iwakami sauntered off across the yard, his smirk still on his lips.

Kei's eyes narrowed as he watched Iwakami's back. Makoto put a finger to his lips. One of the unfortunate samurai boys was soon pressed into helping Iwakami remove his armour. The other two stuck with Masayoshi and Hideyori.

The two older samurai began whispering as soon as Iwakami was out of earshot. Makoto hid a smile. For all their bickering they were as inseparable as he and Kei. The young samurai kept a polite silence. Makoto strained to catch the conversation.

"-won't learn anything while he's hammering at them like a blacksmith." Hideyori grumbled.

"Now, now. I'm sure Yoshihiko will be here soon enough."

Hideyori heaved a sigh. "Yoshihiko only makes him-"

"Uncle!" Onuki-sama's voice came clear across the courtyard. He'd spent most of the morning in the Daimyou's palace but he'd come dressed for practice. He was armoured from head to foot, his paired swords at his side. Whatever he had planned, it had to be worth the wait.

Makoto's face brightened at the sight of him. Kei broke into a smile. Even the young samurai perked up a bit. Hideyori was rather less impressed.

Masayoshi bowed his head. "Nephew." He raised an eyebrow at his garb. "I see you're ready for practice."

Onuki-sama returned the bow. "My apologies to the three of you. My father had urgent business to attend to."

"Even so, it 's good to see you. I thought it best for the boys to take a short break." Masayoshi inclined his head towards Iwakami.

Onuki-sama gave a chuckle. "Looks like you've been working them hard. I hope they haven't been too much trouble."

"No trouble at all, Nephew," Masayoshi replied. His face remained sincere.

Hideyori gave a small cough and a pointed glance in Iwakami's direction. Makoto caught Masayoshi rolling his eyes.

If Onuki-sama noticed, he didn't show it.

Iwakami certainly did. Not that it bothered him much. He turned his smirk on Onuki-sama. "Oh, I wouldn't say you're too late for another round."

"Is that so?" There was more than a glint of interest in Onuki-sama's eyes. He turned to Masayoshi. "Uncle?"

Masayoshi sized up the two men with a frown. He flicked his gaze towards Hideyori and caught his eye. His retainer let out another sigh. Masayoshi waited a few moments before giving them a cautious nod.

"No injuries this time."

Onuki-sama returned the nod. "Of course, Uncle." The light in his eyes grew brighter.

He strode into the yard and selected a bokken from the rack. He tested the wooden sword's weight and gave a few practice swings. Satisfied, he waited for the young samurai to relace Iwakami's armour.

Iwakami was soon ready. He sauntered into the yard as casually as he'd wandered out of it. Makoto's heart began to patter as the two samurai sized each other up.

Onuki-sama bowed to his opponent. "I'll let you go first."

Iwakami favoured him with a grin. "Like you'd go easy on me." He raised his bokken. "Come on, you lot. Onuki-sama'll show you how it's done."

Onuki-sama brought up his sword in response. Makoto held his breath. No one had come close to beating Onuki-sama at practice. At least, not when he'd been watching. His teeth clenched as the two samurai prepared to spring.

A conch bellowed across the courtyard.

Onuki-sama spun towards the sound. Iwakami followed suit. The boys could only gape. Guards exchanged shouts across the battlements. Others scrambled for their weapons. People spilled from every doorway in bewilderment. More conches took up the call.

"What's going on?" Kei somehow made himself audible above the rising din.

Makoto kept staring at the battlements. He didn't have to see for himself.  The darkness was already closing in. He hugged his arms to his chest as the flames crackled in his memory. The screams still rang in his ears.

"Smoke..."

oooooooooooo

He was called back to the kitchen before his tears could dry. Nagisa took one look at him and set him to washing rice. For once, he was grateful. Even Kei-chan's company was too much to bear right now.

He took up his task in the far corner of the room, his back turned to curious whispers and prying eyes. At least the twins would leave him alone. He tipped a little water into his basin and milled through the grains, trying to keep his thoughts on anything but the battle ahead of them. Uncle Masayoshi had been as soft-spoken as ever but he'd made it plain they wouldn't take any boys. Tall as he was, there was no way he'd pass for sixteen.

He sniffed back a sob and looked down at his handiwork. The rice was little more than mush. He cursed under his breath and tipped the water into another basin, attempting to salvage some of the contents. It wasn't worth the effort. He sighed and pushed the basin aside. Better start over.

"May I have a word, Nagisa?"

Makoto couldn't help glancing upwards at the sound of Onuki-sama's voice. His face fell as he caught sight of O-Shizu beside him. Her summer silks did little to hide the swell of her belly. It hadn't taken long for her to catch up with her husband.

He kept his gaze fixed on the wall, afraid his eyes would betray him at any moment. It was a small blessing that he was too far away to make out the conversation, although he did catch the word "bandits".

Finally, the lady took her leave, scurrying to keep up with Onuki-sama's long strides. The tension left Makoto's shoulders. He was about to drain the rice when a low cough came from behind him.

"The young master wishes to speak with you."

Makoto started and made a hurried bow towards Nagisa. She regarded him with her usual distaste.

"See you're back in time to serve dinner."

"Yes, O-Nagisa." He left before she could find another burden to add to his workload.

Onuki-sama was waiting for him on the porch. He already looked worn out. Speaking with his father tended to have that effect on him. He inclined his head as Makoto approached.

Makoto gave him a low bow, hiding his reddened eyes. "Onuki-sama."

"I trust you've heard the news."

"Yes, Onuki-sama." He kept his gaze at his feet.

"I'll be heading out to alert the farmers this afternoon." He paused, sizing up the moment. "I could do with some more messengers."

Makoto raised his head, his worries forgotten. "Onuki-sama?"

"You'd like to come?"

Makoto didn't need to answer.

"Be ready by midday. We'll need to return by sunset." He cast him a smile and turned on his heel.

Onuki-sama was excused from dinner. Makoto found him mounted and ready in the courtyard. Iwakami towered by his side. Both they and their retinue were dressed for battle. Onuki-sama had assured him he didn't need Jatou, although he'd taken his own swords just in case. Makoto was too grateful to care. They left the castle with the guards' well-wishes at their backs.

The party had little time for talk. They pressed on in near silence, unswerving in their purpose. Onuki-sama didn't say another word until they were at the crossroads. He reined up beside Iwakami and surveyed the horizon.

"I'll let you take it from here."

Iwakami flashed him a grin. "As you say, Onuki-sama." He wheeled his horse in the opposite direction. "See you at sunset."

He spurred the horse onwards. The retainers followed in his wake. Makoto stared after them, shielding his brow from the harsh sunlight. Only he and Onuki-sama remained.

The samurai gave a chuckle. "Looks like we've got the afternoon to ourselves, Mako-chan."

Makoto couldn't help but blush. Onuki-sama only called him that when they were alone.

"But what about-"

"There's no need. Sukemori can take care of the levies."

Makoto blinked. A flicker of hope fluttered in his chest. "Then where?"

A whisp of a smile tugged at Onuki-sama's lips. "You'll see."

oooooooooooo

It was more than he'd ever dared hope for.

They'd rode double through the forest, the sun at their backs. Everything was still in full bloom, sheltered from the sun's wrath. The forest teemed with life from roots to treetops yet they hadn't met so much as a woodcutter. Onuki-sama had passed their usual practice glade without a glance.

Makoto gave him a questioning look as they neared the path back to the castle. Onuki-sama squeezed his shoulder and rode on. When the path forked, they went left instead of right. Another look, another squeeze.

Finally, they reached a sheltered spot at the base of the mountain. Onuki-sama slid from the saddle and helped Makoto down. He hobbled the horse and left him to graze.

Makoto could only stand open-mouthed.

They were only at the far side of the castle yet they could have been in another world. Surely no human had touched those moss-strewn rocks in centuries. No one could ever have taken an axe to the twining branches above them. No feet had trod upon those trailing ferns. No hand had dipped into that sparkling pool.

For no one had ever told him about the waterfall.

The mountain streams trickled down into a cascade of pure crystal. A faint rainbow glistened in its spray. It must have been three hundred feet high. All castles held secrets but for this to be below them the entire time...

"I hope this was worth the wait."

"It's..." Makoto's words had tumbled right out of his mouth.

"I'll take that as a yes." He reached into his saddlebag with a smile. "That reminds me..."

He withdrew a long, thin package and tossed it to Makoto. Makoto caught it without a second thought. He stared down at the unmistakable object.

His bokken.

"We might just have time for one more round." Onuki-sama's smile was brighter than the sun.

He could have kissed him.

Instead he went straight for his head.

Onuki-sama met him with a parry. Makoto slipped aside and aimed a swing at his ribs. Another parry. Another strike. They danced around the pool exchanging blows and laughter.

Makoto pushed forwards, redoubling his efforts. Onuki-sama parried everything he could throw at him. He kept up his assault, uncaring of his aching arms and straining lungs. It was more than worth the pain. This could be the last afternoon they'd share together. All he could do was make it last as long possible.

Onuki-sama stepped aside from another blow. The pool was at his back. Just a little further. Makoto dodged, feinted, readied a riposte. For the briefest of seconds, he was almost in reach.

Almost.

Makoto swung wide and tripped forwards. The pool loomed up to greet him. Onuki-sama caught him with one hand. For a breathless moment he was clasped in Onuki-sama's arms.

He flushed as he pulled away.

Onuki-sama released his grip. His eyes were strangely calm.

"I think you could do with a break."

Makoto could only blush in response. He leaned against a rock, snatching back his breath. Onuki-sama retrieved a canteen from the saddlebag. He dipped it in the pool and took a draught. Makoto managed a small sip. Onuki-sama left him the canteen while he searched for another. This time, he threw the water straight over his head.

Makoto couldn't help but stare as Onuki-sama stripped off his armour. His sweat-drenched kosode clung to his skin. The droplets still glistened in his hair. His eyes grew wider still when Onuki-sama peeled his kosode down to his waist.

The samurai glanced at him from the corner of his eye. "Mako-chan?"

Makoto swallowed and looked away. "Um..."

"Is something wrong?" His voice was soft with concern.

"N-no, it's just..." It was all he could do to keep his voice steady. "Tomorrow?"

"Yes?" He put down the canteen and turned to face him. "Is there..."

Makoto gathered his breath and let the words spill out.

"Take me with you."

A shadow crossed Onuki-sama's face. For a few moments, he was completely silent. Finally, he sighed and looked down at Makoto. He laid a hand on his shoulder.

"How old are you, Mako-chan?"

His tone sent a chill down Makoto's spine. "Th-thirteen."

"Thirteen..." His eyes were unreadable. "I was fifteen when I fought my first battle."

"Please... it's just two years."

"It was almost my last." He fixed him with a solemn stare. "War isn't a game, Mako-chan."

Makoto swallowed. "I-I know. Onuki-sama. I saw - th-the village." He gathered his courage and returned the stare. "They're going to pay."

"You saw more than enough." His gaze was heavy with concern. "I promised your mother-"

"Please, Onuki-sama..." He choked back a sob. "I- I have to. For Mama. And Grandpa. I can help, I can fight-"

"Mako-chan..." Onuki-sama's eyes had never been more serious. "Is this really what you-"

"Please! I'll do anything! As long as I'm with y-"

His voice came short. His jaw dropped in horror. He tried to clap a hand over his mouth. Onuki-sama caught his wrist. Before Makoto could say another word, his hand was clasped in his.

"Is that what you want, Mako-chan?" His eyes held nothing but gentleness. His grip was firm as steel.

Makoto's words froze in his throat. All he could give him was one tearful nod.

That was all it took. One moment they were hand-in-hand, the next he was pinned against the rocks. His eyes shot wide as Onuki-sama crushed his lips against his. He attempted a yelp, only to be met with his tongue. His gasp was lost in the depths of his throat.

He was breathless by the time they broke apart. Onuki-sama had his arms pinned above his head with one hand. The other still cupped his chin. A flush spread through his body as the samurai traced a finger across his lips. He was the first to look away.

"Makoto?"

"We can't..." His voice was tiny beneath the water's roar. So fragile it would break at any moment. Tears threatened to overwhelm him once again.

Onuki-sama's gaze softened. His grip stayed firm. He turned Makoto's face towards him.

"Are you scared?"

"A- a little," he admitted. His stomach had turned to knots.

"I was scared too. The first time I was with another man." He brushed a tear from Makoto's face. "You know I'd never hurt you."

"But... your wife..."

"A wife has her place." He wiped away another tear. "And you have yours." He pressed a kiss against his cheek.

Makoto swallowed. His throat was dry as dust. "But..."

"O-Shizu can hardly follow me to war. Not now she's expecting. Besides," he continued, "there's no crime in loving another man. Especially not one as beautiful as you." He kissed his other cheek.

Makoto's breath caught in his throat. This was more than he could ever have hoped for. So why couldn't he stop shaking? "O-Onuki-sama," he stammered.

"Why deny it? You don't see my uncle taking another wife now, do you?" He reached up and released Makoto's ponytail from its tie. His hair was already damp with spray and sweat. He weaved his fingers through the strands, stroking his scalp.

"Another year or two and you'll be even lovelier than your mother."

Makoto's pulse quickened with every caress. The water's thunder shuddered through his bones. He shivered as Onuki-sama leaned closer.

"Please-"

He gasped as the samurai laid a kiss on his neck.

Onuki-sama gave a low chuckle. "You know, I don't think I could stop you from going to war if I tried." He slid his hand under Makoto's kosode and slipped it from his shoulder. "You weren't made for washing rice."

Every muscle in his body had turned to stone. His stomach clenched as Onuki-sama trailed a finger down his chest. Cool droplets trickled down his spine.

"I want you by my side, Mako-chan."

Wasn't this all he'd ever wanted? He couldn't say. If this was what it took...

"I-" He swallowed his doubts and forced out a nod. "I-If I'm with you then..."

Onuki-sama relaxed into a smile. So gentle. Yet it did nothing to reassure him.

"There's nothing to be afraid of."

Makoto shuddered as his hand crept inside his hakama. He bit back a whimper. "There's-"

He silenced him with another kiss.

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Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update every Sunday.