Chapter 4
"I'm getting a little tired Sango. Can we stop and rest for a minute?" Kagome asked.
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind a break either," Inuyasha added.
"Well, okay. But just for a little bit. We have to get to Totosai before the sun goes down," Sango said.
"Oh yes!" Kagome exclaimed.
She sat down at a nearby stump.
"Oh, my feet are killing me!" She said as she took off her left shoe and started massaging her foot.
"I think I'll take a nap," Inuyasha said.
He laid his head on a tree. As he closed his eyes, Kagome noticed his ears were twitching.
"What's wrong Inuyasha? Do you hear something?" Kagome asked, a little concerned of what he could be hearing.
Before he could say anything, a huge pink balloon-like creature appeared.
"Give me the Sacred Jewel! Or else!" it said.
They all just stared at it in amazement. Was it serious? Could that thing really cause destruction?
Inuyasha broke the silence. "Hey, why don't you just leave now, and we won't hurt you?"
"I said cough up the jewel or else I'll hurt you!" it protested.
Miroku had an idea. He poked the thing in the side with his staff.
"Hey! Don't do-" it begged.
Suddenly, a green cloud surrounded it. The green cloud then disappeared and a little kid appeared. He had pointed ears and an almost golden, fluffy tail.
Kagome noticed his features and figured he was some sort of demon. Or was he a half-demon? Could he be like Inuyasha?
"Just as I thought. A fox demon," Miroku said. "Fox demons' powers involve illusion and they can shape-shift. But what I can't seem to unravel is why you want the Sacred Jewel. You're just a kit."
"A kit without a father!" he said with a tiny tear rolling down his face.
Kagome felt great sympathy for the little fox demon.
"I need the jewel to be stronger and avenge my father," said the kit.
"Avenge? You mean he was killed?" Kagome asked.
He nodded.
"By the Thunder Brothers," he added. "I'm just a kid, but with the jewel, I can avenge my father and be strong!"
"Yeah, right! You don't have a strong bone in your body! But wouldn't you be too scared?" Inuyasha teased.
"Who are you to be talking? Half-breed!" he talked back.
"Hey, don't say that about Inuyasha!" Kagome scolded the young demon.
Everyone stared at Kagome. Did she just stick up for Inuyasha? Kagome noticed the attention she was getting and decided to say something to get their minds off what they were thinking.
"Well, anyway, we've been talking to you this whole time and we don't even know your name," she said.
"Shippo. My name is Shippo," he said.
"Nice to meet you Shippo," Kagome said.
Kagome kneeled down and whispered to him, "Do you like being on your own?"
Shippo seemed confused. He looked to his left and to his right. Then, finally, he shook his head no.
"You can come along with us," Kagome offered. "We're on our way to see the Great Totosai. You could ask him to help you avenge your father and be a little braver."
"Really? Okay!" agreed Shippo.
Kagome smiled.
"Everyone, this is Shippo. He's going to come with us," Kagome said.
"Kagome! We're on a great journey, not a road trip!" Inuyasha yelled.
"Inuyasha…" Kagome started.
Inuyasha gulped.
"Now Kagome, think before you say something you'll regret!" Inuyasha said.
"Okay…… There! I thought. Now, sit!"
BOOM! Inuyasha hit the ground.
He lifted his head and said, "Welcome, Shippo."
Miroku helped him up and they were off on their way to see Totosai with their new companion.
