*** I know I promised I wouldn't start another story until I was done with Spiraling into the Realm of Hatred and The Horrid Cry of the Nothing Woman but I had to do this!  I hope you guys like it!  Please read and review!!!  PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!  PLEASE!!!  Reviews are good!  I neeeeeed to know how you guys like it – if you like it!  Please! ***

My Strength is in You

     "So . . . what kind of demon rules Oniyumbo's land?" Kagome questioned, her voice tight with worry as a little purple bird-like demon hopped about in front of her, frantically flapping its stubby wings.  With eyes as large as tea cups but the rest of him the size of a saucer, the bird's screeching was like an arrow piercing everyone's brain as he spoke . . .

     "Earth-demon!  Earth-demon!  Big-big-big-big-big demon like mountain!  Like sky!" he bounced, his furry feathers fluttering about loosened from his body.  "Terrible teeth like earth!  Big-big-big-big . . ."

     "We get the point." Inu-Yasha growled, leaning against the Tetsusiaga, completely unimpressed by the birds descriptions.  "Is there a jewel shard involved."

     The bird quieted to think for a moment before it spoke.  "Jewel shard?  Woz'a jewel shard?"

     Throwing his hands up in the air, Inu-Yasha gave up and stormed away.

     "Forgive him," Kagome apologized, glancing to Miroku for support.  "He's having a bad day."

     "Tiki understands!" the bird squawked.  "Tiki know!  Tiki live with big-big-big-big-big . . ."

     "We get the point." Miroku sighed calmly.  "So, you say this demon, Oniyumbo, is a tyrant?"

     "Tyrant-yes!  Tyrant-evil-dark-scary . . . he kill Tiki's family!  He kill Tiki's village!" Tiki continued to cry out, bouncing up and down like a little ball to make his point, feathers fluttered from his round body.  "Tiki flew away and lived . . . no one leave forest and live!  But Tiki did!  Tiki live!  Tiki leave big-big-big-big-big-big . . ."

     "We get the point." Miroku interrupted again, his eyes closed as he tried to keep his patience.

     "Oh, that's terrible!" Kagome gasped, covering her mouth in shock.  "You're family was killed?"

     Inu-Yasha bristled, bursting into the conversation for he knew what was next to come from Kagome's mouth.  "Is there or isn't there a jewel shard involved?"

     But Tiki ignored him.  "Yes-yes-yes-yes-yes-yes!  Tiki's family was killed!  All fifteen thousand four hundred and three of us!  I was youngest!"

     "That many?" Kagome gaped in shock.  "Wow . . ."

     "Is there or isn't there a jewel shard involved?" the hanyou interrupted again, hoping to get answers . . . hoping to interrupt Kagome before . . .

     "We have got to do something!" she announced, rising to her feet in determination, turning to Inu-Yasha . . .

     Too late . . .

     "Lady Kagome, I really do not think that it is in our place to interfere in how a lord rules his lands." The words were soft from Miroku, but his dark eyes watched the little Tiki carefully. 

     "But he's a tyrant!" Kagome continued with passion.  "We can't just stand by and let this happen . . ."

     "But in those terrible forests of the north, no human has ever dared to enter . . . and if so, have never come back alive.  How do you think we shall fare?"

     "Miroku's right!" Inu-Yasha snarled, stepping in between them as he noticed the Monk creeping closer to Kagome.  "We can't just butt into other peoples lives . . . I mean, it's not like it's any of our business . . ."

     "Of course . . ." Miroku began thoughtfully.  "The way this lord is sounding, he might be in contact with a shard of the Shikon Jewel . . ."

     Inu-Yasha twitched angrily.  "What?"
     "Tiki know Oniyumbo has pretty pink-pink-pink pretty!  Sparkling pink-pink-pink!" the bird chirped happily.  "Make him stronger and big-big-big-big-big-big-big . . ."

     "See." Kagome smiled wide, eyeing Inu-Yasha with the biggest, sweetest expression she could conjure up to soften his heart . . . even though any mere mention of the jewel would have already started the journey.  "Please?"

     The hanyou was trapped!  He looked to Miroku for help, but he Monk only turned his eyes away to the north . . . in the direction of the forest.  Kagome stared up to him . . . he could never say no to her . . .

     Not with those eyes . . .

     But no human has ever left the forest alive . . .

     There had to be a reason . . .

     But there was a jewel shard at stake . . .

     A jewel shard . . .

     "Alright, fine!" Inu-Yasha grumbled, turning his back, crossing his arms stubbornly across his chest.  "But . . ."

     "I'm not staying behind." Kagome responded before the command was issued.  "You need me to find you that jewel – or those jewels – or whatever – and you know it!"

     "No!" he whirled to face her, his amber eyes burning with unchangeable determination.  "You are not gonna come with us!  It's too dangerous!  And I mean it!  You are not coming with us and that's final!"

*******

     Kagome led the group, clutching the strap of her bow and quiver of arrows as Miroku followed close behind her with Sango at his side . . . and Inu-Yasha growling nearly ten feet to the rear with Shippou annoyingly at his heels, pestering him . . .

     "Why are you so mad, Inu-Yasha!  You seem madder than ususal!" the pup questioned sleepily.

     Inu-Yasha frowned, crossing his arms across his chest in irritation.  "I'm fine."

     "You don't sound it.  I'm glad that loud bird didn't follow us . . . he was really talkative and obnoxious."

     "Really?" the hanyou cracked his knuckles.  "I wouldn't know what it's like to be followed by a talkative annoyance."

     "Waaah!  I was only trying to make conversation!" Shippou cried as Inu-Yasha made a half hearted swipe at him. 

     Kagome held out her arms to catch the fox pup before turning.  "What is your problem, Inu-Yasha?"
     "Nothing!" he hissed.

     But it was a lie.

     There was something not right about the entire thing . . . as they neared to northern forests after two entire days of walking . . .

     He could smell something . . .

     Feel it . . .

     The sun was setting on their second night away from the village, the furthest north they had ever been . . .

     He could feel something watching them . . .

     Danger . . .

     The danger scent filled his nose . . . alarmed him to no end . . .

     Suddenly, it was as if the jewel shards didn't matter much anymore . . .

     His eyes locked onto Kagome as he walked behind her . . .

     This strange demon lord was watching them . . .

     He knew Kagome could feel it . . . but she refused to say . . .

     But he could see it in her hidden expression that she was scared . . .

     Terrified . . .

     He could feel the eyes watching them . . .

     Hunting them . . .

     Sizing them up . . .

     But it waited . . .

     For once . . . the jewel was the last thing on Inu-Yasha's mind . . .

*** deep Sigh OKAY, what did you think? Did you like it?  Please let me know!  PLEASE!!!!!!  I will continue if you like it!  Please!!  It's gonna get good – I promise!  Please – REVIEW!!  LET ME KNOW!!  Thank you!!! : ) ***