Inuyasha's ears perked suddenly and he lifted his nose to sniff the air
lightly.
"What is it now?" Kagome asked as she continued to roast her marshmallow in the fire.
"Nothing, nothing." He replied. He didn't want her to be alerted to the dangers around them.
"C'mon and sit down Inuyasha. Roast marshmallows with us!" Shippo bit down into his and chewed cheerily.
"Mistress Kagome these are absolutely delectable. I usually don't eat anything other than the refreshing, nourishing blood you humans and animals produce." Myouga bit into his small half.
"Kagome I must agree that these marsh-mallow things are delicious." Miroku said as he stuffed another into his mouth.
"Yes very." Sango bowed slightly.
"Oh thanks you guys. But they're really nothing special I assure you." She smiled.
"Must you roast those things now?!" Inuyasha yelled.
"What's the problem with roasting them now? You want one?" Kagome held out toasted marshmallow to him.
"Don't you know those things are attracting other things?!" He waved his hand in the direction of the forest where the outline of two huge hellish eyes could be seen. Sango, Miroku, Kagome and Shippo froze. Myouga seized the opportunity and took off without so much as a goodbye.
"Well I think that's enough roasting of marsh-mallows tonight wouldn't you say Kagome?" Shippo cringed as he heard a low growl emit from the forest. Kagome nodded quickly.
"Sango, douse the fire.now!" Miroku whispered. Sango kicked dirt on the fire and it went out instantly. The dark blanket of night had now encircled itself upon them. Giant footsteps were heard and they went rigid.
"Inuyasha, what is that thing?" Kagome whispered and Inuyasha grasped Tetsuaiga tightly.
"I don't know, and quite frankly, I really don't want to find out." He growled. There was a loud crash as a tree fell a few yards away. Kagome tried to steady herself as she reached for her bow and arrow. Miroku and Sango readied their weapons as well. An ear-piercing screech was heard and a giant, heavily-armored, wolf youkai appeared. He roared loudly and swung his club at a nearby tree, smashing it in two.
"I don't like the look of this guy." Shippo gulped. He came within fifty feet of them before he opened his large jaw. Spittle ran down the side of his cheek into his matted fur as he growled deep in his throat.
"WHY ARE YOU TRESPASSING IN MY FOREST?" His voice made the earth shake beneath them as birds flew from the trees in fear. Inuyasha shook with anger.
"Why do you have to scare the shit out of everyone?!" He growled as he readied Tetsuaiga.
"I AM JIGOKU OF THE ANCESTRIAL FOREST REALM. YOU HAVE ALL TRESPASSED WITHOUT PERMISSION, AND FOR THAT YOU MUST PAY." He swung his club at another tree and it fell, smashed in two. Inuyasha smirked. Tetsuaiga transformed.
"If that's the way you want it." He prepared himself to lunge.
"SIT!" Kagome yelled and Inuyasha's face was planted to the dirt.
"BITCH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" He grimaced as he pulled at the rosary beads around his neck.
"We're trespassing Inuyasha, maybe we could reason with him." Kagome smiled reassuringly as she put her bow and arrow away.
"Kagome, do you honestly think that that thing can be reasoned with?" Sango asked as she watched Jigoku knock another tree over.
"It's possible." She murmured as she advanced.
"Kagome, don't do it!" Shippo yelled but he was too paralyzed by fear to follow.
"Kagome come back!" Inuyasha yelled.
"It's too dangerous!" Miroku shouted. Kagome flung her arms out when she was just feet away from Jigoku.
"Jigoku! We meant no harm to your forest! Please allow us to leave in peace and we'll never return!" Jigoku ceased from swinging his club angrily and stared down at Kagome. He snorted as he raised his club above his head.
"I CANNOT PERMIT YOU TO LEAVE, YOU ALL MUST DIE!!" Kagome screamed as Inuyasha jumped over to her and gathered her in his arms and carted her over to Shippo, Miroku, and Sango as soon as the club collided with the ground.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Inuyasha growled as he set her down.
"Thanks for asking if I'm alright you jerk!" She scoffed.
"I just saved your life! I think I deserve a little gratitude!"
"You don't deserve anything!" She retorted.
"Uh, guys, we have way bigger problems on our hands." Sango pointed to Jigoku just as he started making his way over to them.
"He might be too big for my wind tunnel; we'll have to find another way." Sango gripped the straps on her boomerang.
"Looks like we're up for a fight then." She grinned. Jigoku knocked a tree over next to them and it toppled sideways, just inches away.
"Fox Fire!" Shippo yelled as he shot flames at Jigoku's face. He swatted the flames away and roared angrily.
"Take that!" Inuyasha lunged at Jigoku and slashed his arm bearing the club off. If fell lifeless to the ground with a thud. Jigoku let out a horrible shrill roar as dark blood flowed from the massive incision. Inuyasha landed near the group, now covered in Jigoku's blood.
"Well that should do it." Shippo smiled.
"I wouldn't be too sure." Sango prepared herself. Jigoku's eyes starting glowing red as his arm grew back suddenly. He pried the club from his lifeless detached arm and grasped it firmly.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Inuyasha cursed.
"NICE TRY. I COMMEND YOU ON YOUR FUTILE ATTEMPTS." He growled as a hideous smiled spread across his face.
"There's no way we can kill him." Kagome trembled slightly.
"There's always a way!" Sango yelled as she flung her giant boomerang at him. It cut through his midriff and returned to her. He laughed heartily as the slash dissolved.
"Maybe I can shoot at his eye!" Kagome reached for her bow and arrow. Jigoku noticed the Shikon jewel shards hanging from her neck. He growled lowly in his throat as Kagome shot an arrow from her bow. He caught it between his fingers and crushed it easily.
"Or maybe not." Miroku replied sarcastically.
"At least I'm trying!" Kagome hissed.
"YOUR ANTICS AMUSE ME, BUT THIS FOOLERY ENDS HERE. HAND OVER THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS AND YOU MAY PASS SAFELY, OTHERWISE I WILL TAKE THEM BY FORCE." He bellowed.
"Go ahead and try to take them you bastard!" Inuyasha yelled.
"VERY WELL THEN." He raised his immense hand and Kagome began to float inches above the ground.
"What's going on here?!" She began to panic. Inuyasha grasped her hand firmly as Miroku grasped her other hand. Shippo pulled at Miroku's leg as Sango pulled on Inuyasha's waist.
"Hang on Jigoku! Taking Kagome has nothing to do with our fight!" Inuyasha growled angrily.
"SHE POSSESSES THE SHIKON NO TAMA SHARDS. SINCE I KNOW YOU WILL NOT HAND THEM OVER EASILY, I MUST HAVE THE GIRL AS WELL." Kagome slipped from their grip and flew into the giant palm of Jigoku. He clasped his fingers around her small frame.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Inuyasha!" She screamed. He turned his back to them and began walking off.
"And where the hell do you think you're going?!" Inuyasha sliced at his back and Jigoku roared as he turned around.
"I WOULDN'T DO THAT IF I WERE YOU. YOU WOULDN'T WANT HARM TO COME TO THIS LITTLE BEAUTY NOW WOULD YOU?" His tightened his grip around Kagome and she screamed in pain as tears gathered in her eyes.
"With his strength, he could pop Kagome like a balloon." Shippo said nervously.
"We've got to do something." Miroku looked over at Sango and Shippo; they nodded as they ran to join Inuyasha.
"Stay back!" Inuyasha warned, "This is my fight." Sango, Shippo, and Miroku hesitated in their spots. But they thought it best not to anger Inuyasha any further.
"I ADVISE YOU TO LEAVE FOREVER OR I WILL NOT BE AS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO LET THE GIRL LIVE." He laughed heavily. Inuyasha lunged for another assault but Jigoku knocked him aside with his club. Inuyasha flew several feet into a tree, unconscious. Tetsuaiga changed back.
"I can't take this anymore." Miroku began removing the rosary beads that held his wind tunnel.
"No Miroku! You'll suck in Kagome too." Sango alerted him and he covered his wind tunnel again. They watched Jigoku carry Kagome deep into the forest. Then Miroku, Sango, and Shippo ran over to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha, wake up." Shippo smacked his cheek repeatedly until Inuyasha came to.
"Where's Kagome.?" He flinched as he tried to get up.
"Jigoku has her." Miroku replied solemnly.
"We couldn't stop him." Shippo added.
"Damn it." He sighed heatedly as he wobbled to his feet, shifting all his weight on Miroku and Sango.
"We must go get Kagome before something bad happens to her." The young kitsune pleaded.
"That would be best. A guy his size could do major damage to girl as small and as beautiful as Kagome. If you know what I mean." Miroku closed his eyes, folded his arms, and bowed his head slightly as if he had gone deep into thought. Sango slapped him harshly.
"This is NOT a time for your antics!" She snarled.
"Seriously Miroku." Inuyasha frowned at his behavior.
"I suppose I deserved that then."
"Are we gonna go now?! Kagome's in trouble." Shippo was starting to become frustrated. Inuyasha winced as he leaned downward to pick up Tetsuaiga. Shippo quickly ran back to the campsite and gathered Kagome's things.
"Let's go get Kagome." Inuyasha muttered through clenched teeth. Then they all walked into the deep, dark, desolate forest.
"Where are you taking me Jigoku?" Kagome watched his expression attentively as his yellows eyes shifted down to stare at her.
"WHY MUST YOU PESTER ME WITH SUCH QUESTIONS?" He bellowed.
"Well I'd like to know where I'm going if you're planning on killing me."
"I HAVE NO INTENTION OF KILLING YOU. THAT WAS JUST TO KEEP YOUR ASSOCIATES AWAY."
"But, then why are you keeping me hostage?!" She hissed.
"YOU POSSESS THE SHIKON NO TAMA SHARDS AND YOUR ASSOCIATES WILL COME FOR YOU I AM SURE. YOU ARE MERELY INSURANCE SO THAT I MAY PROTECT MYSELF." He smiled horribly. 'What a coward.' Kagome thought.
"No matter, Inuyasha will save me. He always does."
"THIS INUYASHA YOU SPEAK OF, IS HE KIN TO SESSHOMARU?" Kagome could feel herself go rigid at the mention of Sesshomaru's name. They had come in contact with Sesshomaru many times before.
"Yes he is. And you better watch out because Inuyasha's defeated him time and time again." Kagome folded her arms.
"YOU SEEM SO SURE OF INUYASHA HUMAN. IS INUYASHA YOUR LOVER?" He smiled wickedly. Kagome blushed suddenly. She remembered when the Thunder Brothers had asked her the same question. Maybe she could fool him like she did with them.
"Yes he is, and we care so much about each other. He'll rescue me, I just know it!" She was a scarlet color now. 'What am I saying?' She asked herself.
"HEH, NO MATTER HOW YOU THINK ABOUT IT, I CANNOT BE DEFEATED. I AM THE INVINCIBLE GARDIAN OF THIS FOREST." He seemed rather proud of himself.
"I guess."
"YOU WILL HAND ME THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS ONCE WE ARRIVE AT MY CAVE." He pushed over a large boulder that led into a dark cave. It smelled of rotting garbage and carcasses and the constant sound of dripping could be heard. 'Nice place.' Kagome thought to herself. He threw his club against a wall of the cave and it crashed a few feet away amongst a pile of festering corpses. Then he moved the boulder back behind him. He carried Kagome deeper into the cave where it was lit ever so slightly. There was a huge table with a single jar and a small lantern atop it in the corner. In the other corner was a huge pelt amongst tons of straw. Kagome suspected it to be a bed. He placed Kagome on the table and stared her deep in the face as if inspecting her.
"What are you going to do to me?" She trembled slightly. He reached his long fingernails just above her breasts and he plucked the Shikon jewel shards from around her neck.
"THIS'LL DO NICELY." He laughed, "NOW," He said as he picked up Kagome by the back of her shirt between his two fingernails, "YOU WILL REMAIN HERE FOR ALL ETERNITY." He dropped Kagome in the jar and closed the lid. There were several punctures in the jar lid. 'There must have been people here before me.' Kagome shook as she sat down and watched Jigoku lay on his bed of fur and straw. He twiddled the Shikon no Tama shards between his immense fingers and smiled wickedly. 'Inuyasha will come for me, I just know he will.' She propped her head on her knees and watch Jigoku closely.
"Where are we?" Shippo asked as he struggled to keep himself from falling under the immense weight of Kagome's bag. Inuyasha slashed through the vines in front of them.
"We shouldn't be too far off." He murmured.
"There are some rather large tracks over there." Miroku pointed his staff in the direction of the footprints.
"Good job Miroku, I'm glad you're finally being useful." Sango laughed shortly.
"What is this may I ask? Pick on Miroku day?" He laughed as the rest of them filed past.
"Let's hurry, who knows what kind of condition Kagome's in right now." Inuyasha jumped ahead. He leaped through the vines all the while thinking of Kagome. 'Please be alright Kagome.' He stopped suddenly when he reached the mouth of a large cave. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo arrived at the scene just moments later.
"Great, how're we going to get in? There's a humongous boulder blocking the way!" Shippo moaned.
"There's always a way my friend." Miroku walked over the boulder and placed his hand on the rocky surface. He felt his way around the boulder to the far left.
"What the hell are you doing Miroku?" Inuyasha was starting to get impatient.
"It's right here." He smiled.
"What's right there?" Sango questioned. He tapped the boulder lightly and it crumbled, revealing a passageway large enough for them to fit through.
"Wow Miroku! How'd you do that?" Shippo asked as he ran over and examined the opening.
"Yes, I'm also curious." Sango smiled as she crossed her arms.
"Well, being a monk, you learn certain things." He began, but was quickly cut off as Inuyasha pushed by him and entered the passageway. They followed close behind.
"Ugh," Shippo covered his nose with his hands, "smells like rotting eggs in here."
"And it's dark too." Sango covered her nose also.
"What're you two complaining about? I have a keener sense of smell then all of you put together." Inuyasha grimaced as he covered his nose.
"Shippo, could you possibly give us some light?" Miroku handed Shippo a stick.
"Certainly, Fox Fire!" He handed it to Sango. The smell became almost unbearable. Sango shined the torch in a corner where they found the source of the odor, a pile of decaying remains. Atop it sat the enormous club.
"Well at least we know where the smell is coming from." Shippo cringed. Sango gasped and backed into Miroku. He wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Feel free to stay close." She elbowed him and backed away.
"You feel free to stay away." She turned around swiftly and continued walking.
"Try and keep yourself calm Miroku." Inuyasha shook his head as he leapt over to join Sango.
"Hey, I can see a light up ahead!" Shippo pointed.
"That must be where Kagome is." Inuyasha ran ahead closely followed by Sango who had retrieved her boomerang from the straps on her back, Miroku had his staff poised and ready, and Shippo lagged behind because of the weight of Kagome's bag. They reached the room where Jigoku was snoring loudly on a bed of straw and fur and they suddenly felt extremely small.
"Where's Kagome?" Shippo panted. Inuyasha spotted the table with the large jar atop. He saw a small figure in the jar and his heart jumped. It was Kagome.
"She's up there." He pointed to the jar. They all ran over to the table and started climbing the leg of the table. Once they reached the top, Kagome stood happily. She ran over to the side of the glass and started beating it. It made repetitive clinking noises.
"Kagome, ssshhh! We don't want to wake up Jigoku!" Shippo whispered as he singled Kagome by putting his finger to his lips. She stopped and stood quietly. Inuyasha slashed at the glass but it didn't shatter on impact. It just clanked and wobbled a bit knocking Kagome backwards.
"Nice view." Miroku said as he looked at the fallen Kagome. Sango noticed where his eyes were and she smacked him hard.
"We're here to save her, not to gawk at her panties!" Sango snapped quietly.
"It was worth the pain." He smirked as he pointed his staff at the jar lid, "Inuyasha, I don't think we'll be able to break through the glass. Let's try for the lid." Inuyasha climbed the jar onto the lid and slashed at one of the holes. It widened enough for him to fit through.
"Inuyasha, you came to save me!" Kagome beamed.
"Who said I came to save you? Are the jewel shards okay?" He asked. Kagome's smile turned into an angry grimace.
"If that's all you care about, then why don't you leave me here?!" She yelled angrily as she folded her arms. All eyes but Kagome's turned to Jigoku. He was still sleeping.
"Kagome, quite joking around. Come on, let's get out of here." He jumped down into the jar with her. She turned her back to him.
"No." She sighed.
"Fine, have it your way." He picked her up and hoisted her up over his shoulders, "We don't have time for this." She pounded on his back.
"Put me down!" She squirmed as he jumped out of the jar and down onto the table where the others stood. Inuyasha set her down.
"Kagome! You're okay!" Shippo threw down her stuff and hugged her tightly. She returned his tight embrace.
"Yep, I am now." She smiled.
"Glad to know you're okay Kagome." Sango smiled.
"Yes, likewise. And I think Inuyasha feels the same way. Don't you?" Miroku said as he looked over at Inuyasha. Inuyasha didn't respond but he came close to Kagome and let his eyes traveled down her shirt and rest on her breasts. She covered herself quickly.
"What are you staring at?!" Kagome yelled and they all hushed her. Inuyasha let out a gasp.
"Where in the hell are the Shikon jewel shards?!" He began searching feverishly.
"You won't find them anywhere on the table, in the jar, or on me!" Kagome muttered as Inuyasha began searching through her hair.
"Kagome, what happened to the shards?" Miroku asked. Kagome pointed solemnly at Jigoku who was still snoring loudly.
"He took them from me."
"Damn!" Inuyasha cursed, "Well we'll just have to go and get them then." He jumped off the table and landed on his feet gracefully.
"Inuyasha be careful!" Kagome whispered.
"Don't worry about me." He replied as he jumped on Jigoku's vast stomach. They all went rigid as they saw Inuyasha prying his massive hand open. "Ok big guy, where are you keeping the shards?" He asked as he pushed Jigoku's hand open. He saw the sparkle of the shards on the silver chain Kagome had been keeping them on. He retrieved them from his palm and then jumped on his nose. He waved the shards in Jigoku's face and laughed silently.
"What is he doing?" Shippo asked, surprised by the way Inuyasha was acting.
"It seems to me that he's taunting the sleeping youkai." Miroku leaned against his staff.
"He's going to get us all killed is what he's doing." Sango added.
"Inuyasha's not as smart as we give him credit for." Kagome sighed.
"And just for giving me a hard time," Inuyasha held up Tetsuaiga and it transformed, "TAKE THAT!" He jammed Tetsuaiga into Jigoku's eye. Jigoku awoke and roared fiercely.
"Now he's done it!" Kagome yelled as she threw her stuff on her back, "Let's get out of here!" Inuyasha pulled Tetsuaiga out of the bloody eye of Jigoku and he bounded over to where the others were climbing down the leg of the table.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Sango yelled.
"I just wanted to teach him who's boss." He replied coolly. Jigoku started rampaging as he threw straw and fur everywhere.
"WHERE ARE YOU LOVER OF KAGOME?!" He yelled angrily. They were halfway through the passageway when Inuyasha stopped.
"What did he say?!" Inuyasha yelled. Kagome ran back and pulled him along.
"We really have no time for this now Inuyasha!" Once they reached the boulder, Jigoku's footsteps could be heard coming fast down the passage.
"You just had to make him angry didn't you?!" Shippo growled as they squeezed through the entryway and started running madly through the forest.
"Hey, don't blame Kagome getting captured and the Shikon jewel shards being stolen on me!" He retorted as their pace quickened once they were safely out of the forest. Jigoku could be heard trailing them close behind, knocking down every tree in his blinded fury.
"Could we maybe argue later? Like when we aren't being chased by a three-hundred foot guardian wolf youkai?!" Kagome screamed. Jigoku was close behind when they ran by the campfire site.
"Kirara!" Sango yelled and Kirara transformed and came to their aid. They all climbed on quickly as Kirara took flight. They looked back to see Jigoku running after them still.
"MASTER NARAKU WILL HAVE MY HEAD!" He screamed. They all gasped.
"Did he say Naraku?" Inuyasha growled. Suddenly, Jigoku swatted them out of the sky with his club. They all looked up in time to see Jigoku's immense foot just mere feet above their heads. They all rolled out of the way in time to see his foot come crashing down. The earth shook beneath them as he lifted his foot again and prepared for another assault.
"I MUST TAKE THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS TO MASTER NARAKU, REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE ALIVE OR DEAD!!!" He bellowed angrily as he pounded the ground with his club. They had backed up so much that no one knew realized they had backed into the well that lead to Kagome's time. Kagome backed into the well. She grabbed Miroku's robes causing him to fall with her so he pulled on Sango's arm. Sango grabbed Inuyasha's arm and Inuyasha grasped Shippo who was holding tight to Kirara. Thus they all flew forward into Kagome's time. They arrived at the base of the well in the shrine.
"Well that was interesting." Miroku laughed as they all heaved a much needed sigh of relief.
"What is it now?" Kagome asked as she continued to roast her marshmallow in the fire.
"Nothing, nothing." He replied. He didn't want her to be alerted to the dangers around them.
"C'mon and sit down Inuyasha. Roast marshmallows with us!" Shippo bit down into his and chewed cheerily.
"Mistress Kagome these are absolutely delectable. I usually don't eat anything other than the refreshing, nourishing blood you humans and animals produce." Myouga bit into his small half.
"Kagome I must agree that these marsh-mallow things are delicious." Miroku said as he stuffed another into his mouth.
"Yes very." Sango bowed slightly.
"Oh thanks you guys. But they're really nothing special I assure you." She smiled.
"Must you roast those things now?!" Inuyasha yelled.
"What's the problem with roasting them now? You want one?" Kagome held out toasted marshmallow to him.
"Don't you know those things are attracting other things?!" He waved his hand in the direction of the forest where the outline of two huge hellish eyes could be seen. Sango, Miroku, Kagome and Shippo froze. Myouga seized the opportunity and took off without so much as a goodbye.
"Well I think that's enough roasting of marsh-mallows tonight wouldn't you say Kagome?" Shippo cringed as he heard a low growl emit from the forest. Kagome nodded quickly.
"Sango, douse the fire.now!" Miroku whispered. Sango kicked dirt on the fire and it went out instantly. The dark blanket of night had now encircled itself upon them. Giant footsteps were heard and they went rigid.
"Inuyasha, what is that thing?" Kagome whispered and Inuyasha grasped Tetsuaiga tightly.
"I don't know, and quite frankly, I really don't want to find out." He growled. There was a loud crash as a tree fell a few yards away. Kagome tried to steady herself as she reached for her bow and arrow. Miroku and Sango readied their weapons as well. An ear-piercing screech was heard and a giant, heavily-armored, wolf youkai appeared. He roared loudly and swung his club at a nearby tree, smashing it in two.
"I don't like the look of this guy." Shippo gulped. He came within fifty feet of them before he opened his large jaw. Spittle ran down the side of his cheek into his matted fur as he growled deep in his throat.
"WHY ARE YOU TRESPASSING IN MY FOREST?" His voice made the earth shake beneath them as birds flew from the trees in fear. Inuyasha shook with anger.
"Why do you have to scare the shit out of everyone?!" He growled as he readied Tetsuaiga.
"I AM JIGOKU OF THE ANCESTRIAL FOREST REALM. YOU HAVE ALL TRESPASSED WITHOUT PERMISSION, AND FOR THAT YOU MUST PAY." He swung his club at another tree and it fell, smashed in two. Inuyasha smirked. Tetsuaiga transformed.
"If that's the way you want it." He prepared himself to lunge.
"SIT!" Kagome yelled and Inuyasha's face was planted to the dirt.
"BITCH! WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT FOR?!" He grimaced as he pulled at the rosary beads around his neck.
"We're trespassing Inuyasha, maybe we could reason with him." Kagome smiled reassuringly as she put her bow and arrow away.
"Kagome, do you honestly think that that thing can be reasoned with?" Sango asked as she watched Jigoku knock another tree over.
"It's possible." She murmured as she advanced.
"Kagome, don't do it!" Shippo yelled but he was too paralyzed by fear to follow.
"Kagome come back!" Inuyasha yelled.
"It's too dangerous!" Miroku shouted. Kagome flung her arms out when she was just feet away from Jigoku.
"Jigoku! We meant no harm to your forest! Please allow us to leave in peace and we'll never return!" Jigoku ceased from swinging his club angrily and stared down at Kagome. He snorted as he raised his club above his head.
"I CANNOT PERMIT YOU TO LEAVE, YOU ALL MUST DIE!!" Kagome screamed as Inuyasha jumped over to her and gathered her in his arms and carted her over to Shippo, Miroku, and Sango as soon as the club collided with the ground.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Inuyasha growled as he set her down.
"Thanks for asking if I'm alright you jerk!" She scoffed.
"I just saved your life! I think I deserve a little gratitude!"
"You don't deserve anything!" She retorted.
"Uh, guys, we have way bigger problems on our hands." Sango pointed to Jigoku just as he started making his way over to them.
"He might be too big for my wind tunnel; we'll have to find another way." Sango gripped the straps on her boomerang.
"Looks like we're up for a fight then." She grinned. Jigoku knocked a tree over next to them and it toppled sideways, just inches away.
"Fox Fire!" Shippo yelled as he shot flames at Jigoku's face. He swatted the flames away and roared angrily.
"Take that!" Inuyasha lunged at Jigoku and slashed his arm bearing the club off. If fell lifeless to the ground with a thud. Jigoku let out a horrible shrill roar as dark blood flowed from the massive incision. Inuyasha landed near the group, now covered in Jigoku's blood.
"Well that should do it." Shippo smiled.
"I wouldn't be too sure." Sango prepared herself. Jigoku's eyes starting glowing red as his arm grew back suddenly. He pried the club from his lifeless detached arm and grasped it firmly.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me!" Inuyasha cursed.
"NICE TRY. I COMMEND YOU ON YOUR FUTILE ATTEMPTS." He growled as a hideous smiled spread across his face.
"There's no way we can kill him." Kagome trembled slightly.
"There's always a way!" Sango yelled as she flung her giant boomerang at him. It cut through his midriff and returned to her. He laughed heartily as the slash dissolved.
"Maybe I can shoot at his eye!" Kagome reached for her bow and arrow. Jigoku noticed the Shikon jewel shards hanging from her neck. He growled lowly in his throat as Kagome shot an arrow from her bow. He caught it between his fingers and crushed it easily.
"Or maybe not." Miroku replied sarcastically.
"At least I'm trying!" Kagome hissed.
"YOUR ANTICS AMUSE ME, BUT THIS FOOLERY ENDS HERE. HAND OVER THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS AND YOU MAY PASS SAFELY, OTHERWISE I WILL TAKE THEM BY FORCE." He bellowed.
"Go ahead and try to take them you bastard!" Inuyasha yelled.
"VERY WELL THEN." He raised his immense hand and Kagome began to float inches above the ground.
"What's going on here?!" She began to panic. Inuyasha grasped her hand firmly as Miroku grasped her other hand. Shippo pulled at Miroku's leg as Sango pulled on Inuyasha's waist.
"Hang on Jigoku! Taking Kagome has nothing to do with our fight!" Inuyasha growled angrily.
"SHE POSSESSES THE SHIKON NO TAMA SHARDS. SINCE I KNOW YOU WILL NOT HAND THEM OVER EASILY, I MUST HAVE THE GIRL AS WELL." Kagome slipped from their grip and flew into the giant palm of Jigoku. He clasped his fingers around her small frame.
"Kagome!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Inuyasha!" She screamed. He turned his back to them and began walking off.
"And where the hell do you think you're going?!" Inuyasha sliced at his back and Jigoku roared as he turned around.
"I WOULDN'T DO THAT IF I WERE YOU. YOU WOULDN'T WANT HARM TO COME TO THIS LITTLE BEAUTY NOW WOULD YOU?" His tightened his grip around Kagome and she screamed in pain as tears gathered in her eyes.
"With his strength, he could pop Kagome like a balloon." Shippo said nervously.
"We've got to do something." Miroku looked over at Sango and Shippo; they nodded as they ran to join Inuyasha.
"Stay back!" Inuyasha warned, "This is my fight." Sango, Shippo, and Miroku hesitated in their spots. But they thought it best not to anger Inuyasha any further.
"I ADVISE YOU TO LEAVE FOREVER OR I WILL NOT BE AS GENEROUS ENOUGH TO LET THE GIRL LIVE." He laughed heavily. Inuyasha lunged for another assault but Jigoku knocked him aside with his club. Inuyasha flew several feet into a tree, unconscious. Tetsuaiga changed back.
"I can't take this anymore." Miroku began removing the rosary beads that held his wind tunnel.
"No Miroku! You'll suck in Kagome too." Sango alerted him and he covered his wind tunnel again. They watched Jigoku carry Kagome deep into the forest. Then Miroku, Sango, and Shippo ran over to Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha, wake up." Shippo smacked his cheek repeatedly until Inuyasha came to.
"Where's Kagome.?" He flinched as he tried to get up.
"Jigoku has her." Miroku replied solemnly.
"We couldn't stop him." Shippo added.
"Damn it." He sighed heatedly as he wobbled to his feet, shifting all his weight on Miroku and Sango.
"We must go get Kagome before something bad happens to her." The young kitsune pleaded.
"That would be best. A guy his size could do major damage to girl as small and as beautiful as Kagome. If you know what I mean." Miroku closed his eyes, folded his arms, and bowed his head slightly as if he had gone deep into thought. Sango slapped him harshly.
"This is NOT a time for your antics!" She snarled.
"Seriously Miroku." Inuyasha frowned at his behavior.
"I suppose I deserved that then."
"Are we gonna go now?! Kagome's in trouble." Shippo was starting to become frustrated. Inuyasha winced as he leaned downward to pick up Tetsuaiga. Shippo quickly ran back to the campsite and gathered Kagome's things.
"Let's go get Kagome." Inuyasha muttered through clenched teeth. Then they all walked into the deep, dark, desolate forest.
"Where are you taking me Jigoku?" Kagome watched his expression attentively as his yellows eyes shifted down to stare at her.
"WHY MUST YOU PESTER ME WITH SUCH QUESTIONS?" He bellowed.
"Well I'd like to know where I'm going if you're planning on killing me."
"I HAVE NO INTENTION OF KILLING YOU. THAT WAS JUST TO KEEP YOUR ASSOCIATES AWAY."
"But, then why are you keeping me hostage?!" She hissed.
"YOU POSSESS THE SHIKON NO TAMA SHARDS AND YOUR ASSOCIATES WILL COME FOR YOU I AM SURE. YOU ARE MERELY INSURANCE SO THAT I MAY PROTECT MYSELF." He smiled horribly. 'What a coward.' Kagome thought.
"No matter, Inuyasha will save me. He always does."
"THIS INUYASHA YOU SPEAK OF, IS HE KIN TO SESSHOMARU?" Kagome could feel herself go rigid at the mention of Sesshomaru's name. They had come in contact with Sesshomaru many times before.
"Yes he is. And you better watch out because Inuyasha's defeated him time and time again." Kagome folded her arms.
"YOU SEEM SO SURE OF INUYASHA HUMAN. IS INUYASHA YOUR LOVER?" He smiled wickedly. Kagome blushed suddenly. She remembered when the Thunder Brothers had asked her the same question. Maybe she could fool him like she did with them.
"Yes he is, and we care so much about each other. He'll rescue me, I just know it!" She was a scarlet color now. 'What am I saying?' She asked herself.
"HEH, NO MATTER HOW YOU THINK ABOUT IT, I CANNOT BE DEFEATED. I AM THE INVINCIBLE GARDIAN OF THIS FOREST." He seemed rather proud of himself.
"I guess."
"YOU WILL HAND ME THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS ONCE WE ARRIVE AT MY CAVE." He pushed over a large boulder that led into a dark cave. It smelled of rotting garbage and carcasses and the constant sound of dripping could be heard. 'Nice place.' Kagome thought to herself. He threw his club against a wall of the cave and it crashed a few feet away amongst a pile of festering corpses. Then he moved the boulder back behind him. He carried Kagome deeper into the cave where it was lit ever so slightly. There was a huge table with a single jar and a small lantern atop it in the corner. In the other corner was a huge pelt amongst tons of straw. Kagome suspected it to be a bed. He placed Kagome on the table and stared her deep in the face as if inspecting her.
"What are you going to do to me?" She trembled slightly. He reached his long fingernails just above her breasts and he plucked the Shikon jewel shards from around her neck.
"THIS'LL DO NICELY." He laughed, "NOW," He said as he picked up Kagome by the back of her shirt between his two fingernails, "YOU WILL REMAIN HERE FOR ALL ETERNITY." He dropped Kagome in the jar and closed the lid. There were several punctures in the jar lid. 'There must have been people here before me.' Kagome shook as she sat down and watched Jigoku lay on his bed of fur and straw. He twiddled the Shikon no Tama shards between his immense fingers and smiled wickedly. 'Inuyasha will come for me, I just know he will.' She propped her head on her knees and watch Jigoku closely.
"Where are we?" Shippo asked as he struggled to keep himself from falling under the immense weight of Kagome's bag. Inuyasha slashed through the vines in front of them.
"We shouldn't be too far off." He murmured.
"There are some rather large tracks over there." Miroku pointed his staff in the direction of the footprints.
"Good job Miroku, I'm glad you're finally being useful." Sango laughed shortly.
"What is this may I ask? Pick on Miroku day?" He laughed as the rest of them filed past.
"Let's hurry, who knows what kind of condition Kagome's in right now." Inuyasha jumped ahead. He leaped through the vines all the while thinking of Kagome. 'Please be alright Kagome.' He stopped suddenly when he reached the mouth of a large cave. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo arrived at the scene just moments later.
"Great, how're we going to get in? There's a humongous boulder blocking the way!" Shippo moaned.
"There's always a way my friend." Miroku walked over the boulder and placed his hand on the rocky surface. He felt his way around the boulder to the far left.
"What the hell are you doing Miroku?" Inuyasha was starting to get impatient.
"It's right here." He smiled.
"What's right there?" Sango questioned. He tapped the boulder lightly and it crumbled, revealing a passageway large enough for them to fit through.
"Wow Miroku! How'd you do that?" Shippo asked as he ran over and examined the opening.
"Yes, I'm also curious." Sango smiled as she crossed her arms.
"Well, being a monk, you learn certain things." He began, but was quickly cut off as Inuyasha pushed by him and entered the passageway. They followed close behind.
"Ugh," Shippo covered his nose with his hands, "smells like rotting eggs in here."
"And it's dark too." Sango covered her nose also.
"What're you two complaining about? I have a keener sense of smell then all of you put together." Inuyasha grimaced as he covered his nose.
"Shippo, could you possibly give us some light?" Miroku handed Shippo a stick.
"Certainly, Fox Fire!" He handed it to Sango. The smell became almost unbearable. Sango shined the torch in a corner where they found the source of the odor, a pile of decaying remains. Atop it sat the enormous club.
"Well at least we know where the smell is coming from." Shippo cringed. Sango gasped and backed into Miroku. He wrapped his arm around her waist.
"Feel free to stay close." She elbowed him and backed away.
"You feel free to stay away." She turned around swiftly and continued walking.
"Try and keep yourself calm Miroku." Inuyasha shook his head as he leapt over to join Sango.
"Hey, I can see a light up ahead!" Shippo pointed.
"That must be where Kagome is." Inuyasha ran ahead closely followed by Sango who had retrieved her boomerang from the straps on her back, Miroku had his staff poised and ready, and Shippo lagged behind because of the weight of Kagome's bag. They reached the room where Jigoku was snoring loudly on a bed of straw and fur and they suddenly felt extremely small.
"Where's Kagome?" Shippo panted. Inuyasha spotted the table with the large jar atop. He saw a small figure in the jar and his heart jumped. It was Kagome.
"She's up there." He pointed to the jar. They all ran over to the table and started climbing the leg of the table. Once they reached the top, Kagome stood happily. She ran over to the side of the glass and started beating it. It made repetitive clinking noises.
"Kagome, ssshhh! We don't want to wake up Jigoku!" Shippo whispered as he singled Kagome by putting his finger to his lips. She stopped and stood quietly. Inuyasha slashed at the glass but it didn't shatter on impact. It just clanked and wobbled a bit knocking Kagome backwards.
"Nice view." Miroku said as he looked at the fallen Kagome. Sango noticed where his eyes were and she smacked him hard.
"We're here to save her, not to gawk at her panties!" Sango snapped quietly.
"It was worth the pain." He smirked as he pointed his staff at the jar lid, "Inuyasha, I don't think we'll be able to break through the glass. Let's try for the lid." Inuyasha climbed the jar onto the lid and slashed at one of the holes. It widened enough for him to fit through.
"Inuyasha, you came to save me!" Kagome beamed.
"Who said I came to save you? Are the jewel shards okay?" He asked. Kagome's smile turned into an angry grimace.
"If that's all you care about, then why don't you leave me here?!" She yelled angrily as she folded her arms. All eyes but Kagome's turned to Jigoku. He was still sleeping.
"Kagome, quite joking around. Come on, let's get out of here." He jumped down into the jar with her. She turned her back to him.
"No." She sighed.
"Fine, have it your way." He picked her up and hoisted her up over his shoulders, "We don't have time for this." She pounded on his back.
"Put me down!" She squirmed as he jumped out of the jar and down onto the table where the others stood. Inuyasha set her down.
"Kagome! You're okay!" Shippo threw down her stuff and hugged her tightly. She returned his tight embrace.
"Yep, I am now." She smiled.
"Glad to know you're okay Kagome." Sango smiled.
"Yes, likewise. And I think Inuyasha feels the same way. Don't you?" Miroku said as he looked over at Inuyasha. Inuyasha didn't respond but he came close to Kagome and let his eyes traveled down her shirt and rest on her breasts. She covered herself quickly.
"What are you staring at?!" Kagome yelled and they all hushed her. Inuyasha let out a gasp.
"Where in the hell are the Shikon jewel shards?!" He began searching feverishly.
"You won't find them anywhere on the table, in the jar, or on me!" Kagome muttered as Inuyasha began searching through her hair.
"Kagome, what happened to the shards?" Miroku asked. Kagome pointed solemnly at Jigoku who was still snoring loudly.
"He took them from me."
"Damn!" Inuyasha cursed, "Well we'll just have to go and get them then." He jumped off the table and landed on his feet gracefully.
"Inuyasha be careful!" Kagome whispered.
"Don't worry about me." He replied as he jumped on Jigoku's vast stomach. They all went rigid as they saw Inuyasha prying his massive hand open. "Ok big guy, where are you keeping the shards?" He asked as he pushed Jigoku's hand open. He saw the sparkle of the shards on the silver chain Kagome had been keeping them on. He retrieved them from his palm and then jumped on his nose. He waved the shards in Jigoku's face and laughed silently.
"What is he doing?" Shippo asked, surprised by the way Inuyasha was acting.
"It seems to me that he's taunting the sleeping youkai." Miroku leaned against his staff.
"He's going to get us all killed is what he's doing." Sango added.
"Inuyasha's not as smart as we give him credit for." Kagome sighed.
"And just for giving me a hard time," Inuyasha held up Tetsuaiga and it transformed, "TAKE THAT!" He jammed Tetsuaiga into Jigoku's eye. Jigoku awoke and roared fiercely.
"Now he's done it!" Kagome yelled as she threw her stuff on her back, "Let's get out of here!" Inuyasha pulled Tetsuaiga out of the bloody eye of Jigoku and he bounded over to where the others were climbing down the leg of the table.
"What the hell were you thinking?!" Sango yelled.
"I just wanted to teach him who's boss." He replied coolly. Jigoku started rampaging as he threw straw and fur everywhere.
"WHERE ARE YOU LOVER OF KAGOME?!" He yelled angrily. They were halfway through the passageway when Inuyasha stopped.
"What did he say?!" Inuyasha yelled. Kagome ran back and pulled him along.
"We really have no time for this now Inuyasha!" Once they reached the boulder, Jigoku's footsteps could be heard coming fast down the passage.
"You just had to make him angry didn't you?!" Shippo growled as they squeezed through the entryway and started running madly through the forest.
"Hey, don't blame Kagome getting captured and the Shikon jewel shards being stolen on me!" He retorted as their pace quickened once they were safely out of the forest. Jigoku could be heard trailing them close behind, knocking down every tree in his blinded fury.
"Could we maybe argue later? Like when we aren't being chased by a three-hundred foot guardian wolf youkai?!" Kagome screamed. Jigoku was close behind when they ran by the campfire site.
"Kirara!" Sango yelled and Kirara transformed and came to their aid. They all climbed on quickly as Kirara took flight. They looked back to see Jigoku running after them still.
"MASTER NARAKU WILL HAVE MY HEAD!" He screamed. They all gasped.
"Did he say Naraku?" Inuyasha growled. Suddenly, Jigoku swatted them out of the sky with his club. They all looked up in time to see Jigoku's immense foot just mere feet above their heads. They all rolled out of the way in time to see his foot come crashing down. The earth shook beneath them as he lifted his foot again and prepared for another assault.
"I MUST TAKE THE SHIKON JEWEL SHARDS TO MASTER NARAKU, REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE ALIVE OR DEAD!!!" He bellowed angrily as he pounded the ground with his club. They had backed up so much that no one knew realized they had backed into the well that lead to Kagome's time. Kagome backed into the well. She grabbed Miroku's robes causing him to fall with her so he pulled on Sango's arm. Sango grabbed Inuyasha's arm and Inuyasha grasped Shippo who was holding tight to Kirara. Thus they all flew forward into Kagome's time. They arrived at the base of the well in the shrine.
"Well that was interesting." Miroku laughed as they all heaved a much needed sigh of relief.