A/N: Okay, so this is something new I want to try. I'm not sure how frequent the updates are going to be, but I figured I'd give it a shot and see how many readers are actually interested in this. I know a lot of people don't know what Earthbound is, so I'm not holding out much hope. But any reviews and feedback are greatly appreciated!
All of my followers know what Inuyasha is. But for those of you who don't know what Earthbound is, it's a Super Nintendo video game that came out in the '90's. Amazing game, and I do suggest acquiring it if it's available to you, although nowadays it sells for a pretty penny. You can find it online though. For you guys, these characters will basically be OC characters that have a whole different story to them. It will all be revealed in time, but I tried to include as much background as I could without confusing anyone. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Now, without further adieu, I present to you my very first crossover fic. Please give it a chance and let me know what you think!
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Porcelain Fists
Chapter 1: Not My Job
Brushing mussed black hair from his face, a teenage boy squinted from the brightness of the sun. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and the humid air stuck to the back of his throat, causing sweat to slowly drip passed his deep-set brown eyes and dark, bushy brows. He stared down his opponent, knowing that victory depended on him. If he succeeded, the battle would be over and he could go home as a hero. He adjusted his grip on his weapon and planted his feet firmly in the ground.
He was ready. Now all he had to do was wait for his enemy to make his move. Ness narrowed his eyes as his target shot forth and he swung with all his might. A resounding crack thundered through the field as his wooden bat made contact with the leather baseball.
He didn't need to watch. Without hesitation, he dropped his bat and took off toward first base, listening to the steady thump of his footsteps against dirt. By the time he was half-way to second, he slowed to a jog as he heard the announcer shout, "Home run! Ness Gamage wins the game for the Onett Eagles! Can you believe it folks? The Twoson Tornadoes led three to zero going into the bottom of the ninth and Ness Gamage hits a grand slam! That's incredible! Simply incredible!"
The batter crossed home plate into the waiting crowd of his fellow teammates and fans. He took in their cheers and congratulations, feeling laughter bubble in his chest that was almost foreign to him. When he turned his eyes to the stands to find his family, however, someone else caught his attention.
A girl with long, blonde hair, blue jeans, and a pink tee-shirt sat amongst the crowd. She waved shyly at him as a small, hesitant smile found its way to her lips. Her blue gaze searched his, but he didn't bother to call out to her or wave back. His expression became guarded and he turned away, missing the somber look in her eyes.
Instead, Ness enveloped himself within his throng of fans, listening to their cheerful yells that drowned out the sad thoughts in his head. It was his time to shine. There was no need to bring up painful memories.
. . .
Ness dismounted his old, red cruiser and walked up the sidewalk to his house. He could hear his neighbor, Picky, retelling the final moments of the game to his mother. His excited voice rose as he went into depth, explaining the great ending with the all-star player going home as MVP. Ness rolled his eyes with a smile. He thought it sweet that Picky looked up to him, considering the kid's brother was out of the picture, but it sometimes became a tad bit annoying.
Then again, Ness silently agreed that between him and Picky's older brother, Pokey, the former was the better choice as a role model. A long time ago, Ness had even been somewhat friends with the pig-looking boy, but due to circumstances out of his control, he found that all Pokey wanted in the world was power. And he did anything and everything to obtain it, no matter who stood in his way.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. Pokey was long gone, and wherever he may be, he wasn't Ness's problem anymore.
Finding new resolution, and deciding to enjoy his victory, Ness entered his house and slipped off his shoes. "Mom, I'm home," he called out.
"Mom's in the backyard," a petite teenage girl said as she bounded into the dining room from the kitchen while carrying a large salad, her blonde hair bouncing along her shoulders. "She's got some steaks on the grill for you."
"Great. Sounds amazing," he said as he set down his bat and backpack.
She placed the salad on the table and gave her big brother a hug. "Congrats on the big game, though to hear Picky tell it, it sounded as if it was pretty epic."
Ness scoffed. "You know, Tracy, one of these days his exaggerated stories are going to backfire on him."
"Yeah, well, until that happens, remember to charge your phone. Apple Kid's been calling every five minutes." Tracy exhaled deeply as she spun around to set the table. "You would think that after you kicked butt against Giygas that he would stop calling you about his insane inventions. Didn't he make Zombie Paper or something one time?"
Ness chuckled at the memories, recalling the pizza man who had delivered the strange invention to him. Coincidentally at the time, the town he was in had been plagued by zombies and had been shrouded in permanent darkness under Master Belch's rule. Thank God for Zombie Paper. Apple Kid did always have impeccable timing when it came to his inventions.
"Oh, and Alicia called, too." She gazed at him intently, crossing her arms over her chest and shaking her head. "I don't understand how you put up with her."
He shrugged and turned toward the kitchen, knowing exactly where this conversation was going. He had listened to Tracy lecture him about his girlfriend since the two of them became an item.
"She's not good news, Ness," she continued, following after him to gather the glasses. "I mean, seriously, what do you have in common? What do you guys do together?"
"We do a lot of stuff, Tracy," he grumbled, readjusting his red baseball cap and running a hand through his hair. "We have a lot of fun together."
"And that's enough?" she asked, hazel eyes dancing across his unshaven face. "I mean, I see all the stuff you do for her, but what does she do for you?" She grabbed three glasses and started back toward the dining room. "Besides give you someone to make-out with, that is."
"It's not about that. We just, I dunno, we just click."
Tracy spun around. "That's hard to believe, considering she's got nothing going on upstairs. The lights are on, but nobody's home. Please, enlighten me. What's going on in that thick skull of yours?"
"It's—" Ness sighed. "You'll understand when you're older."
"I'm fifteen, Big Bro, and you're only eighteen. I don't think age is really the problem."
He didn't bother to point out the maturity gap that came with the three year difference. Instead, he shook his head and pushed passed her. "I'm going to see mom."
Tracy watched as her older brother went out into the backyard and pecked their mother on the cheek with a smile. It was hard to see Ness like this. Tracy could clearly remember the boy she had grown up with – the boy he had been before the war with Giygas. Since his return, he had become a different person. Although the changes were very slight at first, over the years, he no longer resembled the thirteen-year-old boy who set out to save the world.
She nibbled her bottom lip with resignation. The truth was, she missed him, and wished there was some way she could save him from his inner demons, whatever they may be.
. . .
Ness sat on an old beat-up couch in a small, abandoned house. It was located in the woods and had once been his favorite hangout as a kid – before his entire world changed anyways. Now it was where he and his friends celebrated a win or partied until the sun came up.
In one hand he had a beer, while his other arm wrapped around a busty brunette. Loud music pounded through the house in celebration of the day's victory over the Twoson Tornadoes. Everyone else there was enjoying the party, including the girl currently placing kisses along his jaw line. Ness, on the other hand, wasn't having any fun. He couldn't get his mind off of what Tracy had said earlier. Her words had never bothered him before, so why should he care now?
Finally, the girl pulled away and gave him a frustrated look. "What's the matter with you? You were the hero of today's game, but all you seem to want to do is sulk."
"Alicia, why are we together?" he asked quietly.
She glanced around at their friends, who all seemed distracted with their own partying, before turning her attention back to the all-star baseball player. "What are you talking about?"
Ness sighed and took a swig of beer. "Well, I mean, we never really talk. Usually we just hang out with the gang, but that's all we do."
"We have fun together, don't we?" she questioned, sticking out her lips into a pout and cocking her head to the side.
"Yeah, but what else do we have?"
"What else do we need?"
Ness thought on that for a moment, contemplating exactly what her question was asking him. It was true he enjoyed the company of his friends, but besides the less-than-passionate kisses the brunette gave him from time to time, his love life was pretty empty. He felt a dull ache in his chest and suddenly found himself longing for a more loving companionship.
He set his beer down on the wooden coffee table and stood up. Grabbing the two motorcycle helmets by the door of the cabin, he walked out, ignoring the curious stares from his friends. Alicia took this as a sign that it was time to go and chased after him, but stopped just outside the door when she saw him strap the second helmet to the back of his cruiser and drive off into the forest, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake.
. . .
After riding around town for a bit, Ness started heading home at the foot of Mt. Onett, pushing away the memories attempting to resurface. A purple hue had taken over the night sky as the sun dipped below the horizon.
He hated the darkness. He despised the laughter and words that echoed in his thoughts from years long past. He detested the very happiness he once held. He had been such a naïve fool. There were times when he wanted to pack up and leave, to forget about his past as if it had never existed – to start fresh.
But something held him back. Not only would his mother and sister be left alone, as his dad was on another one of his so-called business trips, but even if he traveled to the ends of the earth, it would never be enough.
He would never be able to escape his past or his mistakes.
Throughout his journey to defeat Giygas, an evil alien from the future, Ness had traveled the world from the desert to the mountains, to the city and the swamps. So many faces haunted his dreams, so many people he had met over that long and winding journey. No matter where he went, a memory would resurface, reminding him of happier times.
He mentally shook his head to rid himself of such thoughts, revving his cruiser to quicken his pace. At least at home in Onett, where his adventure had begun, he wasn't reminded of most of his journey. He didn't linger on the Prince who had fought with his bare hands to secure his loyalty, or the shy boy who used his mind as his strength. Most times, he didn't even think about the blonde-haired girl who stunned him with her kindness and rare abilities.
But his dreams were his downfall.
That's why he hated the night. She was able to reach him in his dreams through a psychic connection – her bright smile and blue eyes, lighting up the darkness that shrouded his heart. Never once did she speak a word to him. She simply stood there, smiling, oblivious to the pain that shook his very core because of her presence.
Many times, Ness would wake up in a cold sweat, gasping for breath as he forced her memory to the back of his mind where he couldn't reach it.
It was better this way, he told himself time and time again. It was better to forget. He truly believed that.
. . .
The wind howled around him as he looked up at the blackening sky, swirling with the color of blood. Trees swayed in the gale as leaves brushed across the barren ground. A few decrepit buildings were all that stood of the once peaceful town of Onett. Meer frames held the structures together, and even then they appeared as if they would collapse at any moment.
Ness was left speechless, listening to the silent town that used to hold so much activity. "What happened?" he whispered into the air, looking down from where he stood at the peak of Mt. Onett, the place in which Giant Step resided.
"Destruction," a soft voice called from behind him.
He didn't need to turn around to know who had spoken. The blonde-haired girl from the stadium was undoubtedly watching him with intense azure eyes. He scowled and tightened his hands into fists, waiting for an explanation.
The young woman stood beside him, gazing down at what remained of his town. "It's a vision," she said, her eyes wandering over the bare trees and derelict streets. "It's haunted me for weeks."
"Is that why you came to the game?" he asked.
She smiled wryly in spite of the dark scenery. "Partially," she mused. "Can't a girl watch a baseball game?"
Ness ignored her question, instead forcing down the smile that threatened to show. That part of his life was over. "What happened?" he repeated, needing her to answer. The sooner he figured out what was going on, the faster the dream would be over.
The smile slipped from her lips as she sighed. "A war is waging in the past as we speak," she explained. He raised a brow in confusion but didn't meet her eyes. "I'm afraid that this new evil has powers much greater than Giygas."
He scoffed. "That isn't my problem. I've already been The Chosen One. My fight is over."
"No, Ness, it isn't. Look around you," she argued defiantly, sweeping her hand over the remains of his home town. "You of all people know that my visions don't lie. I didn't want to believe it either, so I tried to chalk it up to stressful days and sleepless nights, but I can't keep hiding from the truth."
Ness sighed and stuffed his hands into the pockets of his jeans. "Look, Paula," he said quietly, finally turned to look into her conflicted gaze he knew so well. "You do what you have to. But I-I can't go out and save the world again." He turned away from her and stared off into the horizon.
"Ness…" she started, reaching for him. "We have to save the world."
"Says who?!" he bit back, glaring at her over his shoulder. Paula pulled her hand back sharply as if she had been burned and clutched it to her chest from his harsh words. "Some prophecy? The Apple of Enlightenment? Is someone holding a gun to your head, demanding your help?!"
"No," she whispered, tears coming to her eyes from the anger in his expression. "But we can't just stand by and allow this to happen."
"Why not?" he asked darkly. "Let someone else be the damn heroes for once."
She shook her head, eyes wide with shock as she struggled to find her voice. "Wh-Who are you?" she demanded quietly. "You're not the boy I met all those years ago."
"You're right, I'm not," he admitted. "People change, Paula. Events take place that make a person wonder why the world deserves to be saved in the first place."
"You don't mean that. You can't possibly believe that. What happened to you, Ness? What happened to the boy I bid my farewell to when we parted in Twoson?"
He sighed and peered down at the ghost town. "He saw reality for what it was," he said, his voice filled with emotions she couldn't begin to fathom. "He found that people aren't who they say they are and the entire world doesn't give a damn. He accepted the truth about life."
Paula stayed silent, absorbing the deep-seated meaning behind his words. She couldn't possibly understand what had happened within the span of five years that changed him so drastically. She missed his endearing smile and kind words which kept their hope alive even in the darkest of times.
"I'm not sure what tragedies you faced," she finally said, her words a whisper in the wind. "But know that I will always be here when you need me. I trust you'll find the strength to overcome whatever battles you face."
He felt her presence shift as she turned to fall back into the darkness from which she emerged. "Have you contacted the others?" he asked quietly, causing her to turn around and face him.
"Not yet," she replied, shaking her head. "I thought you should be the first to know. After all, you're the savior of the world, aren't you?"
He scoffed and looked at her. "Hardly."
A soft smile graced her lips as she closed the distance between them. Her eyes came to rest at his chin as she gazed up at him, holding down the laughter at his mussed black hair. Some things would never change.
Paula grazed her hand over his cheek, rubbing her thumb against his cheekbone as his breath hitched in his throat. "I'll be meeting with Dr. Andonuts tomorrow. I'll let you know what I find."
"Don't bother," he replied, shrugging her hand off and turning his gaze back toward the town.
She frowned and stepped back. With a slight shake of her head, she retreated into the darkness, leaving Ness alone to stare over the destruction that had befallen his home.
As usual, Ness awoke in a cold sweat, tangled up in his sheets. His heart beat rapidly in his chest as his breaths came in quick succession. Getting his bearings in the dark confines of his room, he sighed deeply and ran his hands over his face, turning his eyes to the approaching dawn.
"A new evil, huh?" he mused into the darkness. Paula's words echoed in his ears and he contemplated the dream – or rather, the vision – she had granted him. The annihilation of Onett was engraved in his mind and his gut twisted at the thought of what the future held. But he simply shook his head. "Isn't my problem." Besides, there was always a chance that Paula's vision was wrong.
Although, he couldn't help but question: Would he take that chance?
. . .
Japan, 500 years ago
The sun shined brightly against the clear blue sky and a peaceful breeze drifted quietly through the forest. In a clearing, an old well stood alone, the wood splintering from years of age. A yellow backpack was suddenly hoisted over the side of it, landing on the ground with a thud. Only a moment later, a young woman with obsidian hair followed. She heaved herself over the side and sat down on the rim with a huff, wiping a sheen of sweat off her brow.
Her agate eyes peered around the clearing, wondering where her companions could be. Usually she was either dragged back to the feudal era by force, courteous of her half-dog demon friend, or he was waiting for her with a scowl. When neither happened, it meant something was up.
Shrugging her pack on her shoulders, Kagome Higurashi began her trek back to the village not far from the well. The chirping of forest birds kept her company as she hurried along the familiar path to the crest of the hill where she could see wooden houses below. The chatter of village townsfolk met her ears as she passed through, smiling as children ran through the streets and vendors called out with various goods to sell.
It was so much different in this time period compared to her own. Living in modern day Tokyo had its perks, of course, but she couldn't help but feel more comfortable in the simple living style five-hundred years in the past. Even after traveling through time over the past year, it was still a hard concept to wrap her mind around. After all, she had only been a normal fifteen year old girl when she had started her adventure. It was still strange to think she spent her days running around feudal Japan, battling demons, and recovering shards of the fabled Shikon Jewel that she had unintentionally shattered during a mishap with a bow and arrow.
Kagome shook her head and smiled. Yes, it was strange indeed how she had stumbled upon this fairytale world, but she couldn't say she didn't enjoy it. Not to mention the amazing friends she had made during her journey.
She quickly made her way to the outskirts of the village to an older hut that looked over the little town. It stood next to an impending staircase framed by a red Torrii arch that led to the shrine. She reminded herself that within the shrine had been the final resting place of her past life. Unfortunately, the woman's ashes had been stolen a long time ago, and had never been returned.
"Kagome!" a voice called out, startling her out of her reverie. A young boy with pointy ears, paws for hind legs, and a bushy tail sat beside a quiet river flowing nearby. He grinned as she approached him.
"Hello there, Shippo," she greeted the little fox demon with a smile.
"You're back!" he exclaimed, his emerald eyes sparkling. He sprung up into her arms and clutched onto her shirt with his tiny fists.
"Aye, child," a second voice called from behind them. Kagome turned around to see an old woman exiting the hut, the bamboo door swaying shut behind her. Her gray hair was pulled back into its usual tight bun and her back stooped with age. A black eye patch covered her right eye, related to an accident fifty years ago with her now-deceased sister. "You've returned."
"Good morning, Kaede," Kagome said to the elder priestess. "Where is everyone?"
"It wasn't long after ye returned home on the other side of the well that word of Naraku came. Inuyasha, being the stubborn dog he is, was still upset over yer latest quarrel and refused to retrieve you." The old woman chuckled.
Kagome tilted her head. "They went without me?"
She folded her arms behind her back. "Miroku advised me that they shouldn't be long. 'Twas only a rumor. If it proved fruitful, they would return to fetch for ye."
"I see." The young priestess remained upset over the fact they had left her, but there was little that could be done about it now. "You said they left a little while after I went home?"
"Aye," Kaede replied with a nod of her head. "Don't worry, dear, they shall return soon enough. In the meantime, why don't ye help an old woman with a few chores, hm?"
Kagome smiled at her sincerity and decided that doing a few chores for Kaede wouldn't be such a bad idea. It would help pass the time until her friends returned, and it would also give a bit of thanks to the old woman for doing so much for them. After all, without her wisdom or hospitality, they would be far worse off.
However, she couldn't shake the feeling in her gut that something bad was going to happen. It had been a while since they had heard news of Naraku. It was only recently they had returned from wandering the countryside, and their arch nemesis was nowhere to be found. Attacks from demons had even been few and far between, causing curiosity to perk her interest.
The last time Naraku had gone into hiding, he had been forging a plan and having his incarnations, which were born from his own demon flesh, do his bidding. But even they had been absent as far as Kagome and her friends could tell. It had been hard enough to track the half-demon down when he was attacking them. Now that he was on the defensive, it was almost impossible, so this new lead was rather strange.
Whatever it was, Kagome only hoped her friends would return for her before doing anything rash. Knowing Inuyasha, he would want to go charging into battle, which almost always ended up being a trap. She rolled her eyes at the thought and followed after the elder priestess, hoping her curiosity would soon be quieted.
. . .
The village headman stared down at the group of strange travelers. In all of his days, never had he seen a monk and a demon slayer traveling together, let alone with a half-demon. It was very peculiar indeed. He was almost hesitant to tell them what he knew, but his vassals assured him that these young folk were part of the group of demon hunters going around the countryside and slaying the damned beasts.
"Good afternoon, sir," the monk greeted him with a bow. His dark hair was pulled back into a small tail at the nape of his neck and he was dressed in the purple robes of spiritual morality. In his left hand he held a gold staff with rings at the top that clinked lightly together. "I'm sorry to impose on you like this, but we received word that you may have information regarding a demon named Naraku."
The village headman nodded as he folded his hands behind his back. "I am not sure if it is linked to the demon you seek, however, it was a very curious thing."
"Spit it out already, would ya?" the half-demon growled impatiently. He stuffed his hands into the red sleeves of his haroi and tapped his foot anxiously. The dog ears that sat upon his head in a mess of silver hair twitched at the sound of village folk nearby.
"Inuyasha," the demon slayer hissed. "Behave, would you?"
Her brown hair was pulled up into a ponytail, and although she was a woman, her muscular physique gave clue she was not to be trifled with. She wore a black and pink form-fitting slayer outfit and had a large weapon, which appeared to be a boomerang, strapped to her back. A small, two-tailed feline perched on her shoulder, meowing her agreement to her master's words.
"Keh. You take too long. If they have information on Naraku, they need to get on with it already." He pulled his hands out of his sleeves and balled them into fists threateningly.
The guards posted near the village headman took arms against the travelers at the half-demon's threatening actions, pointing spears at the newcomers. The monk held up his hand in a manner of peace. "Please, excuse my friend's rash behavior. We are only eager to gather information regarding this demon so we may track him down. If you would be kind enough to help us, we will be on our way without trouble." He smiled at them, hoping to ward off their hostility.
"Hn," the headman grunted, taking in the monk's words and contemplating his next move. "I suppose telling you will do us no harm, as long as you leave our village with haste."
"You have my word, good sir," the monk replied, bowing his head respectfully.
He eyed them warily. "Very well then. Please, come inside and we shall speak of this manner." He proceeded to turn away from them and lead them inside his home.
"Can we trust him?" the demon slayer whispered to the monk as the group followed after him.
"We shall keep our guard up," he said with a grin. "But my dear, Sango, why wouldn't we be able to trust him? He is a village headman after all."
She gave him a sideways glance. "Or maybe you're just looking for a hot meal and a nice place to stay."
"That's Miroku for you," the half-demon chimed in, twisting a pinky finger in one of his dog ears with disinterest. "Always looking for hand-outs."
"Now, now, you two," Miroku said, holding a hand to his chest. "Why on earth are you questioning my morals like this? I am a prestigious monk."
Sango crossed her arms over her chest and angrily stormed on ahead. "Please. We've got a job to do."
Her companions trailed after her, although the monk appeared to be sulking after their short conversation. The village headman took a seat on one of the mats present in the room and gestured for his guests to do the same. Sango and Miroku obliged, while Inuyasha decided to take up post near the door instead.
"Now, sir," Miroku began, his easy façade replaced by a grim expression. "Please, tell us what you know."
"It was three nights ago," the headman began, taking a sip of sake that one of his vassals had placed in front of him. "A beast that appeared as a spider materialized seemingly out of nowhere."
"A spider?" Sango echoed, furrowing her brows at the new information.
Their arch nemesis, Naraku, had the scar of a spider on his back from a previous life. Each of his new incarnations bore the same mark, which was how they kept track of his lackeys. It was his own personal symbol.
The headman nodded. "Yes, a spider. But it was like no demon I had ever seen. We didn't dare approach it, but watched it from our homes with fear. It's body shined in the moonlight, and for some peculiar reason, it didn't attack us."
"That is strange," Miroku said, fitting his hand around his chin in thought. "Why would a demon bearing Naraku's symbol come to this village? What was its purpose?"
Their host shrugged. "I cannot answer those questions. However, the beast left as quickly as it had arrived and headed North. What was even stranger was the terrible sound accompanying it."
"Terrible sound?" Miroku questioned. "I'm not sure what you mean."
"It was as if two plates of armor were being rubbed together, causing a shrill cry in the night." The headman shuddered at the memory.
"I've never heard of such a thing," the demon slayer interjected. "Is there anything else you can remember?"
He shook his head. "No, I'm afraid that is all the information I have for you. The demon left on foot, though, so I assume that nearby villages may have more to tell, or even worse, have already been attacked."
Sango clenched her hand into a fist and abruptly stood. "Let's go, Miroku. The faster we return to Kaede's, the quicker we can track this thing down before it takes more innocent lives."
"Agreed," the monk replied, following suit. "Thank you for your time, sir. We shall be taking our leave."
With a few nods of farewell, the three travelers left the village headman's quickly and started back from whence they came. They were silent until they were out of earshot of the village. Inuyasha lead the way, arms folded over his chest with his brows furrowed. Miroku clasped his hand around his chin in thought, pondering the headman's story.
"What do you think, Miroku?" Sango asked, curling her small feline into her arms. "Do you think it's related to Naraku?"
He shook his head. "I'm not sure. However, I still believe we should check it out. It may not be connected, but it's a demon nonetheless. I'm sure death will soon follow in its path."
"Keh," Inuyasha grunted from in front of them, his ears twitching with their conversation. "If it's not related to Naraku, it's not our problem."
Sango narrowed her eyes. "You are so simple-minded," she chastised. "Whatever this thing is could cause trouble for us. Not only that, but Naraku can use whatever demon this is to toy with us like he's done in the past. I say we get rid of it before he even has a chance."
The half-demon scoffed and quickened his pace. "Whatever. Let's just get back to Kaede's."
"What's the hurry, Inuyasha?" Miroku questioned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "It's not like you're in a rush to kill this demon."
"Yeah," Sango chimed in with a sly smile. "Are you in a rush to see someone?"
His frown deepened. "Shut up, would ya? I just want to get back to make sure the old hag is okay."
"Right." She exchanged glances with Miroku and giggled quietly. "I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that Kagome is probably back."
Inuyasha growled low in his throat as a warning and shot them a glare over his shoulder. "This has nothing to do with Kagome." He didn't give them a chance to reply, instead deciding to take to the trees and disappear from sight.
Miroku shook his head. "He'll never change," he mused, chuckling at their friend's antics.
"And neither will you," Sango bit back, slapping his hand away from her rear. "Keep your hands off, would you?"
He grinned sheepishly and held up his hand apologetically. "I'm sorry, my dear. But my hands, they're cursed."
"Save it."
