OMG I'm back! Heheh, i haven't been here in a while, much longer than the 'soon' i left you with in my last Fanfic. Though i have recently switched from home schooling to normal school, and i have been super busy. I've finally finished the blueprints to my next story, so here we go, and don't forget to review!

Hell Hole

Chapter 1: Bigger Isn't Better

Boom!

The earth shuddered as the demons gigantic, clawed foot struck the earth, barely missing Kagome and Shippo as Inuyasha whisked them out of the way. Carefully he set the miko down near the edge of the clearing, behind a few smashed tree's. Shippo clung desperately to Kagome's shoulder.

" Stay here! " He ordered her as he jumped away. Rising into the air, Inuyasha could see the whole battle scene. The bear demon they were fighting was extremely large, though Kagome could see no jewel shards, so it could easily be defeated with a bit of effort- if Kagome would stay out of the way!

Sango nimbly flew around the demons head on Kirara, waiting for the best moment to strike with her Hiraikotsu. Miroku ran on the ground, distracting the demon and dodging it's brutal attacks on him as Inuyasha moved Kagome. Though the monk was fast, all the sprinting and dodging was slowly wearing him down, though it would be a while before he was in any more danger. Good thing it won't last that long, Inuyasha growled.

" Wind scar!" Inuyasha shouted as he slashed his sword at the bear demon, causing great gusts of slicing wind to rush at it. Suddenly in a great rush of movement, the demon dodges to the side, missing the wind by inches.

" It dodged the wind scar?.! " He heard Miroku's surprised voice below him. In the demons fury it suddenly dived at the source of sound, Miroku again easily dodging the bears massive black claws as they dug into the soft earth. Sango's Hiraikotsu then suddenly appeared and sliced through the demon's outstretched paw, cutting into the dirt as well before flying back to her. Roaring in pain the demon backed away, leaving it's paw and a pool of blood behind.

" The attack has made it more violent! " Sango informed them as she caught her weapon, ordering Kirara to go higher.

" I'll slow it down! " Miroku shouted. His paper sutra's twirled neatly through the air and attached themselves to the demons fur. Instantly there were sparks of electricity and the bear was forced to the ground, paralysed.

" Now! " Inuyasha shouted as he rushed towards the demon from the air. At that angle it was too dangerous to use the wind scar, Sango and Miroku were too close. Inuyasha sheathed his sword and stretched out his hand.

" Sankon Tessou! " He cried. He slashed through the demons hide, his talons cutting through the flesh like wet paper. He then landed nimbly on the ground behind it, flicking off the blood from his had as he turned. Miroku's sutra's had fallen by the attack, but the demon had not yet died. It had almost been cut in two, and roared in anger and pain as it struggled to it's feet.

" Stand back! " Miroku yelled, raising his right hand and grabbing the beads around his wrist with the other. Hastily Inuyasha moved behind Miroku. Kagome was safe behind him, further into the tree's. Sango moved to the side, stopping where she knew from experience the Kazaana's power failed.

Miroku pulled off the magical beads and the mighty sucking wind began. As usual it began to draw in the bear demon, chunks of loose dirt and shrubs also being lifted and drawn in to the hole.

Suddenly, up in the air on Kirara, Sango began to feel a slight tug in the direction of Miroku. This tug quickly became a strong pull, and she could feel Kirara struggling against the pull.

Oh, no! She cried in her mind. I must have miss calculated! But i was sure i was out of reach! Below her she heard Inuyasha and Miroku's startled cries. She knew they had seen the pull affecting her.

" Kirara, fly to the side! " She ordered her companion. As told, Kirara began to fly further to the side, trying to escape the pull of the Kazaana.

Down below, the bear demon was being drawn in too slowly from it's great mass. Desperately Miroku willed the demon to be sucked in faster, panic welling up in his heart over Sango's current problem.

" Can't you suck that thing in any faster?.! " Inuyasha barked in his ear. Clearly he was as worried as Miroku.

" If i could i would have done so by now! " Miroku shouted, panicked. I can't move closer, it will make the pull on Sango strengthen, but i can't move further away, for it will widen the area of suction around her! I can't move my hand away, since that will endanger Inuyasha. I have only one option!

Swiftly, Miroku pulled the enchanted beads back over his hand, the wind from his Kazaana ending immediately. The pull on Sango had ended, Kirara recovering quickly from the sudden end in force. Pale faced, Sango urged her friend to the ground.

Kagome then ran forward, her bow and arrow in hand. Drawing an arrow, she shot it at the still breathing bear demon, the miko energy easily evaporating it's body. Should have done that earlier.. She thought as she lowered her weapon.

Sango clutched Kirara tightly as the cat demon landed, white faced and shaking slightly. She knew all too well what would have happened if Miroku hadn't closed the wind tunnel. Calming herself, she tried to still her beating heart as she heard footsteps pound towards her.

" Sango! " Miroku shouted as he slowed to a stop next to her. Panic still showed in his eyes. He had almost sucked in one of his closest companions, a fear he wished greatly to never happen. " Are you all right, Lady Sango?.! "

" I'm fine. " She answered after a moment. " My apologies Lord Monk, i misjudged the power of the wind tunnel. "

" The fault is mine. " Miroku replied, his voice filled with gloom and hidden fear. " I should have been more careful, i shouldn't have let you fly near! "

" Well thanks to this doofus, " Inuyasha chimed in, Whacking Miroku on the head, " we almost lost a fighter. Two, not forgetting Kirara! Be more careful you idiot! " Sango didn't think it possible, but Miroku's face managed to become more sullen.

He's hiding something.. Sango thought. I can see it in his eyes.

" Inuyasha! " Kagome shouted as she ran over, Shippo still tightly gripping her shoulder. " Don't be so harsh! Couldn't you see? "

" See what?.! " Inuyasha yelled back. " Miroku almost kill Sango?.! Yeah, i saw that! "

" Sit! " Kagome yelled angrily. " I didn't mean that! " Quickly she turned to Miroku. " You noticed too, didn't you? " She asked gently.

" Notice what? " Sango chimed in, curious.

" The wind tunnel has grown. " Kagome replied, seeing Miroku's silence as he stared at his clothed hand. Sango uttered a short gasp of surprise.

" Indeed, " Miroku began, " The wind tunnel has grown bigger. That reason is why i should have been more careful Lady Sango, i knew it was to widen at this time of year, yet still i opened it when you lingered near. " In one swift movement he grabbed Sango's hand and pressed it against his face. " Do forgive my carelessness Milady! " He added.

" I will when you let go. " Sango said calmly through gritted teeth, yanking her hand from his grasp. As she did, Inuyasha climbed to his feet.

" So it's bigger? " He asked. " That means it's stronger. Excellent, more power! " He grinned broadly.

" Sit! " Kagome yelled. " It's not a good thing. " She added to the arrogant dog demon as his face planted into the ground. A muffled swear word reached her ears.

" Don't worry yourselves. " Miroku smiled, waving it off. " It widens slightly every year, there is no problem. "

" Are you sure? " Kagome asked worriedly.

" Like i said, it is no problem. " Miroku replied. " Now, we must start heading back to the village before it grows dark, there is not much of the day left. "

" All right. " Kagome agreed. " Let's go, Inuyasha. " Growling, Inuyasha peeled his face off the ground and stood up, sulking after her. Kirara then followed, Miroku coming last.

On top of Kirara, Sango stared absently at Kirara's fur. She thought back to just then, picturing Miroku's face as he waved off the problem.

His smile was not sincere. She thought sadly. Slowly, she turned back to look at the monk. He dawdled behind, paying attention only to his right hand. An expression of worry and concern covered his face. Poor Miroku.. She thought. He pretends not to care, but he really does fear it...

Darkness covered the village as the sun slowly set, making it's way to night. Inside a village inn many people sat and ate in the main room, Inuyasha and the gang included.

" Aah, this food is delicious! " Kagome sighed happily in between gulps of soup. They all had soup and fish for supper, Kagome clearly enjoying hers. It was a task explaining away the fact there was two demons and a hanyou in their group. The owner of the inn had been reluctant to let in such a strange group, though eventually decided to allow them after seeing Kirara's blind loyalty to the demon slayer, the harmless innocence of Shippo, and Kagome's interesting control over Inuyasha. Now they all sat in the main room, them, and many other travelers now eating. Inuyasha had quickly finished his, and was now trying to steal some of Shippo's.

" Kagome! " Shippo whined. " Inuyasha's taking my food! "

" Mo I'm mot! " Inuyasha managed to utter with a mouth full of fish.

" Inuyasha! If your still hungry I'll make you some ramen, but don't steal food from an infant! "

" That little runt has plenty! " Inuyasha argued. As if to prove a point, Inuyasha reached over and took another chunk of fish.

" Kagome, HE"S DOING IT AGAIN! " Shippo cried loudly. Shippo leaned over the remainder of the fish, trying to block Inuyasha.

" Inuyasha, don't make me say the S word! " Kagome threatened.

" I'm not doing anything! " Inuyasha snapped. Kagome looked furious.

" Inuyasha SI-! "

" I would advise against you doing that, Lady Kagome. " Miroku suddenly chimed in, cutting her off.

" Why?.! " Kagome glared at Miroku. The monk flinched slightly, but continued.

" The owner of the inn is already suspicious about us, bringing in demons of course. I'm sure he would not be very happy if one of those demons puts a hole in his floor. "

" Miroku's right. " Sango stated. " Find another way to punish him. "

" I know! " Shippo yelped happily. " I get his fish! "

" I've eaten my fish! " Inuyasha replied rudely.

" Inuyasha, no ramen for a week! " Kagome folded her arms.

" Wh-what?.! " Inuyasha stared at her with a dumbfounded look, stunned by her outrageous decision. " You can't do that! "

" I just did! " Kagome replied angrily.

" Well you can't! " Inuyasha repeated.

" You and what army?.! " Kagome retorted.

" Wha- I don't have an army! " Inuyasha barked.

" It was a retort, a figure of speech! " Kagome yelled.

" Well speak English when you talk to me! " Inuyasha ordered.

" Your such an idiot! " Kagome began thumping the ground with her fist.

" Your an idiot! " Inuyasha was now yelling at the top of his voice, his fists clenched in a tight ball.

"We had better stop them.. " Sango whispered to Miroku as the two continued raging. " They are attracting attention, and will get us into trouble. "

" Indeed. " Miroku replied. " I will take Inuyasha out of the building, you calm Lady Kagome. "

" Why do i have the hard one? " Sango grumbled as she stood up.

" Baka, baka baka baka baka! " Kagome was screaming, anger seething from her.

" Shut up shut up shut up shut up! " Inuyasha was screaming just as loud.

" Now now, stop this silly feud. " Sango said, moving over to Kagome.

" lets go Inuyasha. " Miroku said just as calmly, grabbing Inuyasha's arm and lifting him to his feet.

" What the hell do you think your doing?.! " Inuyasha snarled at the monk.

" We are going outside. " Miroku replied, now yanking him towards the door.

" He's such an idiot! " Kagome was now yelling at Sango, as if it was a reason for her anger.

" I know, i know. " Sango was saying.

" What?.! " Inuyasha snapped at Sango, but before Kagome could start again Miroku yanked him through the door and into the crisp night air. Now out of her sight, Kagome began to settle down, though Inuyasha still raged loudly.

" What'd you do that for?.! " He shouted. " Can't you mind your own business?.! "

" Well you definitely can't. " Miroku replied calmly, ignoring Inuyasha's harsh words. " You both were attracting everyone's attention, and ran the risk of us being kicked out. "

" But-! " Inuyasha started.

" No buts, Inuyasha. " Miroku interrupted. " Now calm yourself. You know Lady Kagome doesn't hold grudges often, there is only a small chance she will keep that promise. "

" She'd better not, or it's your head! " Inuyasha threatened, thinking back to his favourite meal and the chance of him being starved of it for a week.

" Are you going to calm yourself now? " Miroku continued. " We only have one room tonight, and i nor Lady Sango want to hear you two squabbling the whole time. "

" Oh fine! " Inuyasha folded his arms. " But only because you keep bitching about it! "

" Good. " Miroku sighed.

" Kagome, you must calm down. " Sango pleaded with her friend. " You are drawing the eyes of the other guests! "

" He just makes me so furious! " Kagome still feuded, but now more quietly.

" I know, he aggravates all of us. " Sango replied. " But you know Inuyasha, he won't back down, and now isn't a good time for a big fight. "

" Your right. " Kagome sighed. She looked up and noticed everybody was still watching her. Shippo had gone back to eating his meal ignoring the common fight between the two. " I think I'll go up to our room now.. " She added, blushing slightly from the watching eyes. " Bring Shippo up when he's done eating. "

" Ok, Kagome. " Sango smiled. " Good night. "

" Good night. " Kagome replied as she headed out of the room. Only moments later Inuyasha and Miroku reentered the room. Inuyasha was still grumbling under his breath, but it seemed the monk managed to calm him to a civilised level.

" Wheres Kagome? " The hanyou demanded, sitting back down with a thump.

" She went to our room. " Sango replied.

" Ran off did she? " Inuyasha asked.

" No, Inuyasha, she's tired. " Sango answered patiently.

" Tired of you, more like. " Shippo chimed in casually, stuffing another piece of fish in his mouth. Inuyasha reached over and lifted his bowl of soup and dunked it on the Kitsune's head.

" HEEEEEYYY! " Shippo whined. " Sango, HE"S PICKING ON MEEE! "

With a sigh, Sango handed Shippo her own bowl of soup. It was half eaten, but the Kitsune seemed not to worry, chowing into it happily as the soup bowl still rested on his head.

Later that night, the entire gang were now up in their room. Inuyasha, Shippo, Sango, Kirara and Kagome slept soundly, the little fox demon snoring slightly. Miroku, restless and unable to sleep, sat against the wall and stared at his hand.

Another year, he thought, and again it has grown. How much longer do i have to live? Since it was vastly widened a few months ago, i have lost count... Reaching into his robes, Miroku pulled out two small twigs, one longer than the other by an inch. Miroku pressed the longer twig against his right palm. After a moment he broke off a small piece with his other hand. He then lined the two sticks together, measuring them.

How much longer..? He thought again.

" What is that? " A soft voice startled him. Miroku jumped slightly, looking around the room to seek out the voice. Sango sat up, watching him with curious, worried eyes. She now wore her Yukata, her other change of clothes, as she always did at night. So she was watching me.. Miroku figured, lowering the hand holding the twigs.

" It is nothing, Lady Sango. " Miroku reassured her. " Go to sleep. "

" Your face says it isn't nothing. " Sango persisted. Getting up, she walked over and sat near Miroku, determined to find out what he was looking at. She had been watching him for a while, in her own thoughts, though her attention had shifted to his person when he had moved to look at his hand earlier.

" It is nothing, Milady. " Miroku repeated, closing his hand to block her view.

" I saw you holding something that looked like a stick. " Sango said, starting conversation. " What could it be for? " Sango didn't want to demand him to show it to her, as it seemed like something he should tell her in trust, not in force. Seeing no way out of it, Miroku opened his hand to show Sango the two small twigs on his palm.

" These are indeed sticks. " Miroku began. " The short one was my fathers, and the longer, mine. "

" I see.. " Sango mumbled. " What are they used for? "

" The shorter twig, my fathers, shows the last measurement of the space between the edge of the Kazaana to the edge of his hand. As you can see, it is very small. "

Indeed. Thought Sango. It is barely as long as a fingernail cut short.

" The longer one, mine, " Miroku continued, " Shows the measurement of the edge of my Kazaana to the edge of my hand. As you can see, it is much larger than my fathers, but as each year passes it gets shorter, as my wind tunnel grows larger. "

" You measure your kazaana then. " Sango replied. " Does it grow larger once a year, or slightly every few months? "

" It is always growing, but very slowly. Though the strength seems to stay the same until once a year when the strength increases to suit it's new size. " Miroku explained.

" How terrible. " Was all Sango could think of saying. " It must be terrible to be constantly reminded of your shortened life like that. " Only after it left her mouth did Sango realize what she had said. " I-i mean- " She quickly added, though nothing came to mind. " Uhh- "

" I know what you mean. " Miroku smiled. " And it is, though it is also comforting to know just how slowly it grows. "

" Right. " Sango smiled, inwardly kicking herself from her choice of words.

" It is best to get sleep now. " Miroku said. " No doubt Inuyasha will still be angry in the morning, and will not like the excuse of wariness to slow down the search of Naraku. "

" Yes. " Sango stood up and headed back over to her bed roll. " Good night, Lord Monk. " She layed down with her back to him so he could not see her face. She heard the shift of his clothes as he too layed down on his own bed roll. Miroku was able to sleep sitting up, though it left him with slightly stiff necks, so he laid down to sleep whenever the opportunity arrived.

" Good night, Lady Sango. " Soon his calm breathing was added to the others, and not long after, her own was added.

What do you think? (grins) This chapter will probably be the longest, but ohwell. Anyway, Don't forget to review!