Echoes: Makoto VII

DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Shogakukan Publishing, 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:

Hoo boy. This one gets pretty intense.

Again, there's a list of content warnings in the first chapter if you'd prefer to be warned.

Glossary

Oyakata-sama - a respectful way to address the head of one's samurai clan. Can be roughly translated as "honourable lord of the house"

-dono - an honorific used to refer to one's social superiors. Can also be used as a polite form of address between equals. Roughly equivalent to "milord" or the French "monseigneur".

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Makoto VII

The campaign proved easier than any of the Onuki had dared hope. The bandits were swift and savage but they lacked the soldiers' discipline. Their numbers soon ran short. The few survivors holed themselves up in the mountains like the cowards they were. It didn't take long for the Daimyou's shinobi to slip past their ramshackle defences. Once the gate was up the soldiers poured in like a flood.

The bandits were just as quick to flee their hill fort. Makoto's unit had plenty to keep them busy. The deserters were more than desperate enough to risk running into their line of fire. Soon only the stragglers remained. Easy pickings. Fear was the only thing that kept them running. He took down two men in a single strike. Four more fell to his comrades' arrows.

The remaining three blanched and turned tail. He cut off their escape at the knees. Let them run. Jatou never lost its prey.

"Nice one!" A soldier cast him a grin. His own blade was buried in a straggler's back.

Makoto couldn't help but grin back. The soldiers had soon stopped questioning his place in the battle. He may be too young to fight on the front lines but there were no shortage of ways to make himself useful. Even the older samurai had warmed up to him in the end.

Only Onuki-sama could have made this day better. The only time he left his side was during battle. He'd carried his messages, served his meals, washed his clothes, cleaned his armour and pitched his tent. He had barely a moment's rest from dawn till dusk. Once darkness fell, Onuki-sama often kept him awake for far longer.

He hadn't complained once.

A band of samurai cantered towards them. All were battle-worn and weary but none bore any serious wounds. The foremost greeted him with a smile.

"Ah, Makoto-kun!"

Uncle Masayoshi beamed down at him from astride his stallion. Even he cut an impressive sight in full armour. Hideyori was mounted by his side, his naginata drenched in blood. Onuki-sama was nowhere to be seen.

Makoto gave them a hurried bow. The soldiers followed suit.

"Good work, men. The main gate's been secured. We should-" His smile creased into a frown as he caught sight of Makoto's anxious face. "Is something wrong, Makoto-kun?"

Makoto started. "Oh, n-nothing. I was just looking for Onuki-sa-"

"Make way! Make way for the Daimyou!"

A cry came from the main gate.  Hoofbeats thundered towards them. The group of samurai parted to let the newcomers pass. Makoto scurried aside. He caught one look at the Daimyou's face before prostrating himself in the dirt.

The Daimyou and his party drew to a halt beside Masayoshi. He greeted his brother with a small nod. Makoto kept his face low and one eye on their conversation.

"Masayoshi. How goes the battle?"

Masayoshi bowed as deep as he was able. "It goes well, Oyakata-sama. We should have the fort secured before nightfall."

"And Yoshihiko?"

Masayoshi cleared his throat. He kept his eyes downcast. "I believe he's still down in the village. He thought it best to stay behind with the men."

He was wise enough to leave the rest unsaid. Onuki-sama had been removed from the vanguard after an arrow nearly took him in the eye. The Daimyou had sent him to head up the rear. He hadn't said a word to his father since. The tension hung in the air like a thundercloud waiting to burst.

"I see." The Daimyou's eyes were as unreadable as ever. He made another nod to Masayoshi. "See he's back by sunset."

Masayoshi bowed his head. "Of course, Oyakata-sama."

The Daimyou wheeled his horse round and set off for the hill fort. His retainers followed in his wake. Masayoshi and his men stayed put.

Makoto watched the Daimyou's back until he was out of sight. Surely Onuki-sama wouldn't take that long? He glanced up at Masayoshi. His eyes were still fixed on the fort.

Hideyori cleared his throat and nudged Masayoshi's arm. Masayoshi gave Makoto an apologetic look.

"Ah, sorry, Makoto-kun. You were saying?"

"Oh." He flushed and hurried to his feet. "It's nothing. Onuki-sama will be back soon." He looked away and scratched the back of his neck.

The two samurai exchanged a glance.

"I see." Masayoshi's eyes were strange, almost sad. "I fear he may be a while yet. There's no harm in you staying here for now. You're welcome to eat with us."

Hideyori nodded. "There's plenty to go round. You'd be surprised what those scum had stashed away."

Makoto was hungry. Yet he'd never spent the evening away from Onuki-sama. The camp was a rowdy place at the best of times and it was only likely to get rowdier. Besides, Masayoshi's campfire was never short of visitors, most of them young men. Small wonder he saw no need for another wife.

No, Onuki-sama would be back soon. He'd need a fresh fire and a bath and a meal of his own. He'd also need a room for the night. The Daimyou's son could hardly be expected to stay in his tent now they'd taken the fort. He'd better find him before things got too wild.

"Th... thank you, Onuki-dono. But I'm sure he'll be back soon. The guards at the gate must have seen him."

"I-I see." Another question hovered on the tip of Masayoshi's tongue. He swallowed it back. "We'll be here if you change your mind."

"Thank you, Onuki-dono." Makoto's voice was a little too bright. He bowed and left before doubt could set in.

oooooooooooo

The village may as well have been a graveyard. No one was there to greet him except crows and corpses. The flames of conquest had dwindled to embers and ashes. The reek of death hung heavy in the air. Even the looters were long gone. He suppressed a shiver as the wind whistled through a deserted street.

He pressed on, Jatou in his hand. It wasn't like Onuki-sama to keep him waiting this long. Makoto was usually the first to greet him when he returned to camp. Onuki-sama would always gift him a smile.

Sometimes he brought other gifts: a mirror, a hairpin, even a new kosode. That was by far his favourite, crimson and ivory silk embellished with golden butterflies. When Onuki-sama pressed the mirror into his hands it could have been Mama's face staring back at him. All he could do was hug him in response. The memory of his smile spurred him further.

He rounded a corner and chanced upon a narrow alleyway. A shout came from the darkness. A ragged figure shot towards him. Makoto raised his sword. The figure gasped, stumbled and fell. He tumbled to a halt at his feet. Makoto stared down at him, ready to strike.  He was met with a pair of wide brown eyes.

The same brown as Kei's.

The shock stayed his hand. He stood motionless, Jatou poised above his head. The boy stayed rooted to the spot. Only his eyes moved, flitting from one dead end to another. Now that Makoto got a good look at him, he couldn't be more than ten. No older than Kei. He even had his freckles.

A shadow drifted across his path. "Looking for something, Mako-chan?"

Makoto started. The boy flinched and shuddered. Iwakami stood in the alleyway behind him, one hand propped against the wall. His head was bare but he was still clad in armour from throat to foot. Fire glinted in his eyes. The boy shrank back as he moved into the light.

"Not much of a talker, are you?" Iwakami favoured him with a slow smile. "How about a hello?"

"Iwakami-sama." Makoto gave him a stiff bow. He'd shared their campfire every night yet he still couldn't let his guard down around him. "I was just-"

"Onuki-sama? Haven't seen him."

Surprise flashed across Makoto's face.  Iwakami let out a chuckle.

"What? It wasn't hard to guess." His face settled into a smirk. "Well, you can still make yourself useful." His gaze shifted to the boy cowering between them.

The boy gave another shudder. Iwakami's smirk grew wider.

"Mind he doesn't run too far, Mako-chan."

"Iwakami-sama?"

Makoto received no reply. Iwakami drew his katana and advanced on the boy. The glint in his eyes brightened as he drew nearer. Makoto's free hand clenched. Flames stirred in his memory.

The boy started and scrabbled backwards. He bumped into Makoto's leg and flinched away.

That only made Iwakami laugh. "Save your breath, kid. You're going to need it." He made a grab for the boy's haori.

The boy yelped and darted behind Makoto. Before he could protest, the boy was clinging to his leg like a limpet. He stared down at him, unmoving. The boy stared back. His gaze stayed steady despite his trembling body.

Iwakami shook his head. "Honestly. You don't want to end up like your sister, do you?" He levelled his sword at Makoto. "Step aside, Mako-chan."

Makoto didn't move. The boy's stare had pinned him to the spot. All he could do was watch those big brown eyes fill with tears.

Just like Kei's.

"Leave him."

Iwakami paused. He creased his brows. "You say something?"

Makoto swallowed. The boy clung closer. He fought back his rising panic and hardened his voice.

"I said, leave him alone." He put his left hand on the boy's shoulder and gave him a small squeeze. The boy's eyes glimmered with hope.

Iwakami's frown turned into another smirk. "Oh? You got your eye on this one?"

Makoto shot him a glare. "He's just a kid. Back off." His right hand reached for Jatou.

A dangerous smile rose to Iwakami's lips. "Big words for a little boy. Best take them back while you still can."

He made another grab for the boy. Makoto gasped and pulled him away. He stumbled back and dropped to one knee. He clutched the boy to his chest as the samurai glared down at them. Iwakami snorted and brought his hilt down on his head.

Makoto blocked it by a hair. That left him open. One kick to the ribs had him flat on his side. By the time he uncurled the boy was dangling from Iwakami's  grasp.

The boy screamed and stretched out a hand. He came up short. He was left clutching empty air as Iwakami yanked him backwards.

"Wait!"

Makoto scrambled to his feet and rushed forwards. He grabbed Iwakami by the arm. The boy gave a startled cry. Makoto clung on with both hands, straining to loosen the samurai's grip.

Iwakami tsked as though he'd been bitten by a mosquito. Then he swatted him away like one.

Makoto thudded straight into the wall. Iwakami sheathed his katana and grabbed him by the throat. The boy gave another scream as Iwakami hauled him off his feet.

Makoto choked out a gasp. His hands clawed at Iwakami's arm, scrabbling uselessly against his armour. His legs lashed out, his kicks growing feebler by the second. One caught the samurai in the thigh. He may as well have kicked the wall. Iwakami tightened his grip, forcing his eyes shut.

"You little bitch..." Iwakami's voice was pure venom. "Try that again and I'll-"

"Enough, Sukemori."

Iwakami froze. His grip eased just enough for Makoto to squeeze an eye open. Relief flooded his face as he made out a hazy figure striding towards them.

"Onuki-sama..." he croaked.

Onuki-sama didn't have to say a word. One look was all it took for Iwakami to release him. He dropped straight to the ground. He slumped against the wall, sucking in air like a dying carp.

Iwakami didn't even look at him. His eyes were fixed on Onuki-sama. There was more than a hint of tension in his jaw and shoulders. He drew back as Onuki-sama approached, the boy still in his grasp.

Makoto lifted his head, his vision swimming back into focus. Onuki-sama stood over him, his brows tight with concern. He knelt down and placed a hand on Makoto's shoulder.

"Are you hurt, Mako-chan?"

Makoto shook his head. "I-I'm okay. I think." He tried to stand, only for his knees to buckle underneath him. He grabbed Onuki-sama's arm for support.

"Don't force yourself. Just take deep breaths." Onuki-sama eased him down and drew his other arm around him. A light blush bloomed on Makoto's cheeks as he held him to his chest.

Onuki-sama turned his gaze back to Iwakami. The ice in his eyes was enough to make even him take a step back.

"I'd keep your hands to yourself in future, if I were you." His voice was soft as thunder.

Iwakami paused for a few moments before giving him a curt nod. "So long as he keeps his hands off my stuff." The boy whimpered as he clutched him closer.

"Very well." The tension left Onuki-sama's face. He bowed his head. "My apologies, Sukemori. Makoto can be a little... headstrong at times." He gave him a squeeze.

Iwakami snorted. "Well, that's one way of putting it."

Onuki-sama silenced him with another glare.

"See you're back by sundown. I have matters to attend to at camp." He rose and helped Makoto to his feet.

Makoto frowned. He glanced back at Iwakami. The boy was still squirming in his grasp, tears running down his cheeks. Anxiety rose in his throat. He tugged at Onuki-sama's sleeve and caught his eye. Surely he would-

"You too, Makoto."

Makoto's jaw dropped. He stood motionless, his feet as frozen as his mouth.

"O-Onuki-sama?"

"Leave him. We're finished here." He spoke with an eerie calm.

Makoto stayed still. He stared at Onuki-sama, his mouth agape. "But... he..."

"Makoto..." Onuki-sama paused and gazed down at him. He studied him for a few moments then placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "I guess this place brings back some bad memories."

Makoto flushed and looked away. He gave him a small nod.

Onuki-sama's gaze softened. "I see." He cupped Makoto's cheek and tilted his face towards him. His fingers lingered in a caress. "You know I won't let anyone hurt you."

Makoto swallowed. Onuki-sama had never shown him anything but warmth. Yet a touch of frost still lingered in his eyes. He found his voice again.

"But he..."

Onuki-sama gave a sigh and slid his hand under Makoto's chin. He turned his head to face the boy. "Look at him, Makoto."

Makoto started and tried to pull away. He winced as Onuki-sama's grip grew tight.

"Look at him." His voice was a command.

Makoto stared at the boy. The boy pleaded back with tearful eyes. He was no bandit.

"But he's just a-"

"A little boy? Yes, I suppose he is..." Onuki-sama’s voice was distant, almost bored. He sized up the boy for a few moments, taking in those big brown eyes. "Yes.. for now."

There was a new edge to his words. Makoto cast him a glance from the tail of his eye. "Onuki-sama?"

"Tell me, Makoto," Onuki-sama continued, the edge in his voice growing sharper. "Did you spare the men who cut down your grandfather? Your mother?"

Makoto frowned. "But they were-"

"Bandits. Thieves. Murderers." Onuki-sama jerked Makoto's head up to meet his gaze. "They were his family, Makoto."

"But-"

"Brothers, uncles, perhaps even his father," Onuki-sama continued. "You think he'll have forgotten this in five years' time? Ten?"

His tone was as cold as his stare. Makoto swallowed. "Onuki-sama, you can't-"

"Tell me, Makoto, would they have spared you?"

Makoto made no reply. He couldn't meet his eyes.

A faint smile rose to Onuki-sama's lips. It didn't have a hint of kindness in it.

"That's what mercy buys you, Mako-chan." He forced Makoto to meet his gaze again. "You understand, don't you?"

Makoto nodded as best he could. Onuki-sama's glare had turned his body to ice.

"Understand, Mako-chan?" His fingers dug into his arm like talons.

Makoto stifled a squeal. "Y-yes, Onuki-sama!"

Onuki-sama's smile widened. It didn't meet his eyes. "That's more like it." He released his chin and turned to Iwakami. "I'll be in my tent. Try to keep this one quiet."

Iwakami dipped his head in a bow. "As you say, Onuki-sama." He slung the boy under his arm and set off round the corner. His smirk didn't leave his face.

Onuki-sama turned on his heel and strode off in the opposite direction. His face was as set as his path. Makoto had no choice but to follow or be dragged. He pressed on, wincing with every step.

A shriek pierced the air.

The shriek was followed by a slap. The boy gave a stifled sob. Makoto cringed and glanced over his shoulder. Onuki-sama yanked at his arm. The pain jolted his head back towards him.

"Makoto..."

The wind whistled a warning. Makoto swallowed. He wouldn't ask him again. He closed his ears to the boy's sobs and forced himself onwards. He was about to fall back into step when a low chuckle came from the alleyway.

"Still got some fight left in you, eh?"

There was a sickening crack. An anguished howl burst from the boy's lips. Makoto's eyes grew wide as a harvest moon.

"Makoto!" Onuki-sama's voice was strained as tight as his grip.

Makoto gritted his teeth and twisted out of his grasp.

His feet moved faster than his thoughts. He didn't even take the time to draw his sword. He rounded the corner in a heartbeat. The boy lay pinned and cowering. The sight only spurred his anger. Iwakami's head snapped round as he broke into a charge.

He flung himself straight at his back.

His arms closed around the samurai's neck. The boy let out a gasp. Iwakami choked out a curse. He grabbed Makoto's right wrist and broke his grip in an instant. He threw him off like a rag doll.

The impact knocked every breath of air from his lungs. He lay frozen, his mind screaming at his limbs. A shadow loomed over him. A rough hand grabbed his collar and hauled him off his feet. Another slammed him against the wall, cutting off his scream at the throat.

It wasn't Iwakami's eyes that met his. No, Iwakami's eyes held nothing but fire. He'd know these eyes anywhere. These were pure winter.

One glare was enough to end his struggles.

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Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update every Sunday.