Ch. 4

What now?

Kagome and Inuyasha stared at Ri, as she stood wide-eyed at them. Being 500 years in the past was not the best thing in the world. "Well Ri you see the well you just fell in connects Inuyasha's world with mine. I travel back and forth between worlds." Kagome spoke and walked to her cousin. Laying a hand on her arm, Kagome looked into Ri's shocked eyes and wondered how weird this must seem to her. "Ri why don't you come with me and Inuyasha and meet our other friends?"

This was so wrong. No one had told her what it was like to be here. The air smelled better, calmness surrounded her. She felt welcomed. "I guess that would be reasonable. Who are these friends of yours?" she asked as Kagome linked arms with her and led her through the forest. Animals didn't run from you here. Things were greener and fresher and … beautiful. What a magnificent place.

Such a simple questions, but it brought a smile to Kagome's face. Ri didn't ask why do you come here? What do you do? She just simple asked, who are these friends of yours? "Well there's a demon slayer, a monk, a cat demon, and a fox demon. But I can't really describe them so I'll let you see for yourself. Inuyasha are you coming?" Kagome asked over her shoulder as she saw the half demon standing there looking lost. He 'fehed' and ran forward to catch up. They walked in silence as they made their way to Keada's hut. The sun shone brightly and Kagome couldn't help but feel at peace. This was what it felt like to belong. They soon exited the forest and before them laid a small village full of laughing children and happy adults. Walking until they got to a hut slightly smaller than the others, Kagome pulled Ri back slightly. "Inuyasha you go ahead and go in. It wouldn't be good to come barging in with a stranger."

"They'll have to meet her sooner or later." Inuyasha said as he bent his head to enter. Ri heard a lot of hello's and one what took you. Kagome turned to face her and smiled. "Ri don't be over whelmed ok. They're really nice." Kagome linked arms with her and they both entered. Everyone was laughing when they entered but all went silent when they saw another person.

"KAGOME!" yelled a small voice and then a red fur ball attached itself to Kagome. She laughed and hugged him back. "Shippo. How have you been?" Kagome leaned back to look into the face of her adoptive son. He smiled and said he was fine before burying his head in her stomach again.

"Um… Kagome who is your lovely friend?" said a male of about 20 with a small ponytail and a wide grin. He wore robes of different shades of purple. Two earrings glittered in his left ear and a cloth covered his hand all the way up to his elbow on his right arm.

He seemed harmless with an open smile and friendly glint in his eye. But appearances can be deceiving. "I'm Ri and you must be the monk." Ri said as he came closer and wrapped her hand in both of his. This was all too familiar even though he'd never worked his charms on her.

"Right you are. I am Miroku and I have a very important question to ask you Ri." The man now known to her as Miroku whispered huskily and stepped so close to her she could feel his breath on her face. She wanted to laugh. Did he really think girls liked this? "Will you do me the honor of bearing my child?" His face was so serious she couldn't help but mess with him.

Kagome opened her mouth to say something when Ri said what Kagome thought she would never hear. "Why yes Miroku I would." Ri smiled at his wide-eyed expression that quickly turned to a giant smile.

She'd said yes. No one had said yes to him before. What was he suppose to do now? "Really?" he said as she gazed up at him with a twinkle in her brown eyes. The other girl to inhabit the room stood with a gaping mouth and a fist aimed at the perverted monk.

What a joy this was! "Um… No! What kind of woman do you take me for!?" Ri barked and pulled her hand away to bonk the poor monk on the head. His face was priceless. He stood there with a mouth moving back and forth like a fish while the tall girl with brown hair laughed so hard she was bending over. Ri assumed this was the demon slayer she was told about.

Once the girl regained her breath she walked over and held out her hand. "I'm Sango and it's nice to meet you Ri. Are you from the future as well?" Sango asked as she took in the other girls' clothes. So weird. The green pants and white shirt were covered with a black jacket of some sort. Her clothes resembled that of a man in her time.

Sango was a tall woman of about 5'8" with long dark brown hair. Her hair was loose except for the very ends that were bond together with ribbon. The skirt of her outfit was green with a white shirt that had magenta stripes. A two-tailed cat sat atop her shoulder. "It's a pleasure to meet you Sango. Is the cat demon yours? She's so cute!"

"Yeah. Her names Kirara." Sango reached up to rub the said cat between the ears. "I've had her ever since I was a child. Kagome Keada will be back shortly she had to attend to a sick woman." Sango walked over to Kagome and gave her a hug.

The small child Kagome was holding, whom she assumed was Shippo hopped over to her and just stared. "I didn't know other people from Kagome's world could come here. Who are you?" His eyes held curiosity while looking her up and down. She smelt funny too.

His eyes were so adorable! They sparkled with youthful innocence. "I'm Ri. Kagome's cousin. You must be Shippo. You're so cute!" Ri squealed and wrapped her arms around the poor kit. Shippo was speechless for a moment before he started laughing and hugging her back.

"I like her Kagome. She's like you!" Shippo laughed and jumped up onto Kagome's shoulder. Kagome smiled and patted him on the head. They all sat back down and looked at one another. "So how long have you all known each other?" Ri asked to break the silence. She liked these people, they were kind and friendly. Just like in her time.

Sango spoke first. "Well when I first came to the group everyone was already together. That's been two years ago." Sango looked down realizing that that was the day her brother died.

It grew quiet once more. Ri knew she'd hit a sore subject so thought to change it. "So Kagome what do you do in this time?" Even though she already knew, but needed to seem curious. Which wasn't to hard because she really was.

Kagome smiled knowing the sad atmosphere would leave. "Well Ri we all fight against an evil half demon Naraku. He's ruined all our lives and collects more and more jewel shards." Kagome's face scrunched up with disgust. It was obvious no one liked this Naraku person.

"Well I guess there's only one thing to do."Ri said while looking at them all. They stared right back wondering what she was talking about. "I must stay here and help you fight."She smiled with her great plan.

"Absolutely not." Kagome screamed and stood. There was no way she would let her do that. "You don't know what your asking. We face more danger then you know.' Kagome stood and pleaded with her eyes for Ri to understand.

"She's right. You wouldn't be suited to the life we live." Miroku added as he also stood.

How sweet, but she could handle herself. "I appreciate your concern, but…" a boy burst into the small hut gasping for breath "Death birds are attacking the neighboring village." He shouted and rushed out. It took them all of two seconds before grabbing their weapons and rushing out. Inuyasha grabbed Kagome putting her on his back, Miroku grabbed his staff before following with Sango who swung her weapon over her back and rushed out.

She followed them all ready to see how this heroic group worked. Once outside Kirara had transformed and Sango and Miroku rode together. She quickly ran to catch up to Inuyasha and Kagome. "It's quite interesting to watch you all go to work. Especially since ya'll split into groups." Ri smiled as Kagome looked at her with a wide eyed expression.

What was she doing here? And why was she keeping up with Inuyasha? "Ri head back to the village we can handle this." Kagome watched as Ri easily avoided obstacles in her path without missing a beat. How could she do that?

"Like I was saying before I appreciate the concern but I'll be ok." Ri smiled and for a moment Kagome was stunned speechless. That smile was almost identical to Inuyasha's smirk. Instead she turned forward and they all traveled in silence. It had been so long since she'd been able to run like this. It was exhilarating. When they finally arrived at the village chaos was everywhere.

People littered the ground in a bloody mess. Huts were on fire sending black smoke into the air. It broke her heart to see such innocent people killed for enjoyment. "Up there! Inuyasha." Kagome screamed while pointing up to the sky. Birds of paradise flew over them in waves.

"What are they doing here? We killed them years ago." Shippo said from behind Kagome.

"Does it matter? I'll just kill them all again!" Inuyasha screamed. He sat Kagome down, drew his sword, and charged at the birds. Sango and Miroku rode on Kirara and fought together to kill as many birds as possible. Kagome pulled back her bow and a blue arrow was released into the air. Well wasn't this what she wanted? Ri took out her short swords and quickly jumped into the air.

"Sango!' Ri yelled having the fire cat turn around. Sango reached down and grabbed the girls hand. "What are you doing?" Sango yelled. "Just throw me at the bird." To her credit Sango only hesitated a moment before flinging Ri forward. Ri waited before she was practically on top of the demon before slashing her swords in an x fashion. When she landed on the ground with her coat billowing out behind her, the bird fell to the ground in two pieces.

Kagome stood in shock. She took that thing down like it was nothing. Running over to her Kagome quickly patted her down. "What were you thinking? You could have been killed."

"Don't worry Kagome I'm fine and watch out!" Ri pushed Kagome down as a bird swooped down to grabbed them. "Iron Reaver Soul Stealer." Was heard and the bird was quickly dealt with. Kagome was up in a heartbeat with an arrow drown to kill. They fought well together. The villagers stopped in awe as they watched the team fight.

However misfortune was to come. There was very few left of the birds when Kagome ran out of arrows and without warning a bird swooped down to take advantage of the slight mishap. "Inuyasha!" Kagome screamed but he was too far away. She closed her eyes waiting for the expected attack.

"Kagome!"Two people yelled when blood splattered the ground. She hit the ground hard causing her to gasp and open her eyes. The scene in front of her was frozen. Ri was being swept up into the air by a bird of paradise with its claws through her shoulder. Her face was contorted in pain. And bright blood stained her shirt. The whole group watched helplessly as she was carted off. If only there were no other birds.

The pain was almost unbearable. One of the claws had gone straight through her shoulder forming a large hole. She was losing blood and fast. But patience was a virtue, or so she was told. She waited until Kagome and the gang was out of sight before she reached behind her back for her sword.

When released from its sheath the sword pulsed causing her to grin. With a flick of her wrist the birds claw was severed from its body, with a pain filed cry the demon flew off. She plummeted to the ground with the claw still in her shoulder but was saved because the ground was mossy helping her fall. Her breath was coming in short spurts and that claw needed to come out. The trench coats shoulder had to be cut so she could remove it without much mishap. So grabbing her dagger she did quick work, tossing the coat aside. Now that her view was not obscured she took an inspection of the wound.

It wasn't pretty. Removing this thing would hurt like hell but it had to be done. With an oath Ri grasped the talon through her shoulder and counted to three. On two she yanked with all her might, a cry of pain emitted through her throat and echoed around her. Blood began to flow with renewed force reminding her she had to stop the bleeding before she passed out. However rustling in the bushes stopped her actions. If she had to defend herself now she could be a goner.

She had no choice however so she grasped her daggers wishing briefly for her guns which she had had no time to grab. Hopefully her opponent would not be a powerful demon, when a wolf demon came running out she attacked out of instinct. He dodged quickly to the right and stood with legs apart to study her.

Her attire through him off. He'd never seen clothing such as these. Light green pants that hugged her hips and a shirt of white that clung to her body in ways that should be inappropriate. The shoes she had on covered her feet and part of her legs which he didn't understand why that was needed. "You wanna' fight human?" he crouched baring his fangs. She didn't look in the best of shape with her shoulder bleeding like it was.

He looked familiar. She knew she had seen him somewhere but where she couldn't place. However she did recognized the feeling in her gut. It was pure instinctive attraction to him. Her mind screamed at her that he was what she wanted. Then it hit her. He'd been in a photo with Kagome that Soata had shown her. She relaxed her position. "Your Kagome's friend. The wolf demon."

"You know Kagome? Where is she?" he ran up to her to grab her upper arms, almost shaking her. How did this girl know Kagome? Then again they both wore weird clothes. Her scent was weird too, she looked human enough but she didn't smell like any human he'd encountered. Who the hell was this girl?

"Stop shaking me! Kagome's fine she's that way somewhere" Ri waved her arm in the direction she had come from she wanted him gone so she could heal herself. Maybe he'd go after Kagome if she pointed her out. He seemed infatuated enough to leave. "Go find her if you wish just leave me alone" she pulled back and staggered past him.

He wanted to go. He hadn't seen Kagome in awhile now but how could he leave her like this? For only a human she was doing miraculously well with her would. Most he figured would have passed out already. "I'll see you to my den. My people will care for you there." He walked in front of her to stop her progress, while wrapping his arm under her shoulders.

Damn him, "No go after Kagome I can take care of myself." She fought, weakly she could admit but it was worth a shot. Instead he picked her up off her feet and ran like she'd never seen a demon run.

"Kagome would never forgive me if I let a human die" He half smiled, it was more of a cocky grin. She just hoped she wouldn't die because of this. So she let herself be carried.

How could this happen? Not even a day in this time and she'd already let her cousin be wounded, taken, and now lost without a clue how to find her. Inuyasha was doing his best to pick up on Ri's scent but so far they have found nothing. "Inuyasha anything?" Kagome asked with a hint of frustrations.

He was trying damn it. "No her scents hard to pick up. It's there but I can't decipher her scent from everyone else's." He bent down to sniff the dirt one more time.

"What do you mean Inuyasha?"spoke Miroku. He walked up to the crouching hanyou. "It should be pretty simple to tell her scent, she's only human after all." However he didn't believe that. When he'd first met the girl she had a strange aura around her.

"Well it's not simple ok? Her scent isn't quite human yet it isn't demon or hanyou. I don't know how to track it."But he could track another scent. "I can smell bird blood. This way!" Inuyasha took off with everyone following. Soon they came across the claw of the demon who had taken Ri.

"It seems she was able to deal with the demon quite well." Sango said as she landed with kirara. Getting off she grabbed her weapon and strode to Inuyasha. Yeah she'd been lucky enough however it looked like she was wounded severely.

Yeah she'd left some time ago but there was another scent. "I smell wolf." Inuyasha said as he looked to Kagome. Said girl looked to him with a hopeful look in her eyes. He knew what she was going to ask but he wasn't going to like it.

"Kouga was here?" Kagome asked as she reached Inuyasha. "That's great he'll take care of her let's go Inuyasha." Kagome jumped onto his back and the group quickly took off.

Ri looked around her at all the wolf's that stared back at her. She had the urge to snap at them to go away but that wouldn't do. Two wolf demons were walking toward her. Kouga had introduced them as Ginta and hakaku his top men he said. She found them hilarious.

"Ri we brought stuff to dress your wound." Hakaku said as he sat some bandages in front of her while at the same time crouching to inspect it. Ginta stood looking down at them with an awkward smile on his face. "Kouga says your Kagome's friend." He wasn't quite sure of the human yet. She seemed friendly enough, but she had tried to kill his pack leader.

Ri smiled at the poor wolf youkai. He looked like he was trying to keep his distance yet not wanting to disobey his leader. "Kinda, I'm her cousin. I just recently found her." Ri winced when Hakaku touched her shoulder tenderly. Looking over her shoulder Ri saw his brow lowered into lines of concern.

"You're Kagomes family?" Ginta half shrieked. They didn't look that much alike, maybe in the eyes. "Well then we welcome you sister." He bent down to face her. She wasn't a drop dead beauty like Kagome but a subtle beauty. Like when spring slowly starts to sprout after winter. Somehow it seemed her hair didn't go with her face, like it did not belong.

"I'll need to see the wound to dress it." Hikaku said with a blush.

"Oh um I'll hold the front and you um can cut the back." Ri said as she tried to lift her bad arm but it was futile. Ginta got up to go fetch a shirt. She had no idea how they were going to dress it without her dropping her arm. She heard her shirt rip and waited for the verdict.

It was practically clean through. Her shoulder was a mass of blood, bruises, and shredded flesh. It was a surprise this human was still alive. There was practically nothing he could do. Quickly and efficiently he dressed the wound and stepped aside. "I did my best you should sleep. The pack is going to bed anyway." Hakaku said as Ginta came in with a one shoulder shirt.

She smiled and thanked him. They left to give her privacy, when Ginta asked. "Well." Hikaku shook his head. "She won't make it come morning.' He continued walking leaving Ginta staring in shock.

She waited an hour after they had gone. Kouga hadn't come back so she assumed he would let her have the bed silently she stood only to sway. She knew she'd lost to much blood, and by the look on Hikaku's face she wouldn't make it much longer. When the world stopped spinning she tipped toed her way to the cave entrance. Blood soaked the new bandages reminding her she needed to get outside quickly. When she breathed in the night air it was a relief. Reaching for her bracelet she almost yanked it off when she heard someone whisper her name. With her hand still on her bracelet she turned to face Kouga.

He'd seen her walk out staggering slightly and wondered why she'd risk injury or death to go outside. To be blunt she looked awful. "What are you doing?"

"I just wanted air." And that air was rapidly becoming harder to take. "Please just leave me alone I'll come back in soon."

He could tell breathing was hard for her and reached to take her elbow "No can do. You might die out here if you stay. Kagome would be very upset." In actuality it was scaring him watching her deteriorate right in front of him. It wasn't something he was use too. What could he do to save her?

This is where she got angry, couldn't people mind their own damn business. "Leave me the hell alone!" she said vehemently while yanking her arm back. In the process Kouga's claws grazed down her arm, hooking on the bracelet and pulled it off. In a single heart beat everything changed. Her hair changed from black to a dark shade of blue with violet streaks through it, her fingernails grew to claws, her eyes changed to violet cat eyes, but most of all was that a tail, appeared. Both of them stood there stunned.

"What the hell?" Kouga yelled while she jumped forward to put a hand over his mouth. He backed away into a fighting stance.

"shhh. Kouga I can explain." Ri whispered as she waved her arm in front of her. She had to hurry and quiet him down before people heard.

He couldn't believe his eye. Before him stood a beautiful woman were a cute human girl had been. "You're a… you're a half breed." Kouga stated with a gasp. No wonder she'd smelt so funny.

It hurt to be called that. She hadn't heard it often, but enough to hate it. "Yes Kouga I'm a hanyou. Where I come from I have to disguise myself to help people." She watched as he tried to process all of this but knew he wouldn't understand.

He didn't believe her. At least not all of it. "Does Kagome know this?" Kouga did not relax his posture but his eyes warmed slightly.

Oh boy this was gonna be difficult. "Well no but… Don't hit me!" She whispered shouted as he lunged forward. Dodging to the right her shoulder screamed with pain. "You self centered maniac listen to me." Ri hissed "I'm here to protect Kagome. I come from her time to make sure no one hurts her." Ri said frantically.

Kouga stopped mid-swing and eyed her curiously. Slowly he lowered his fist. "Her time?" He asked as he completely relaxed. This women didn't smell like she was lying. However it was rather curious anf who could tell with that weird scent.

"This was going to be harder than expected. 'You know how Kagome dresses different…" She spent about an hour explaining to him all the aspects of Kagome's time and why she was here . He didn't ask many questions but he did look confused when she explained the well.

"So if Kagome can go through cause she has a jewel shard, and Inuyasha cause of the connection with Kagome. Then why are you able too?" Kouga asked.

Good question. She hadn't been told she'd go through the well but it had felt right. "I don't know. I wasn't suppose to come here. She has Inuyasha here so I was to protect her in her time, but things have changed." The end of her sentence was punctuated by a yawn and her head kept bobbing back and forth keeping herself awake.

Kouga watched with slight amusement while he tried to process this information. This hanyou was from another world to protect Kagome just because it was the right thing to do yet it seemed like Ri had nothing to gain. She'd said Kagome's life was the only thing that mattered, but it seemed that he didn't share the same view. This woman was something he'd never seen before. Here appearance alone was a kick to the system. And the ears on top of her head made her face almost look like a child. They were so big! Nothing like Inuyasha's , they covered half her head. It seemed that her life was beginning to matter as well.

Her head fell on his shoulder breaking his train of thought. He picked her up bridal style to his bed, laying her down, he sat beside her wondering what he should do.

They had made camp not to long ago, but to her it was a waste of time. Ri probably needed medical attention that Kouga couldn't give her. Inuyasha and Miroku had gone to get fire wood and Sango was laying out camp with Shippo. Beef ramen scented the air so she knew Inuyasha would be here soon. It really didn't matter since her mind was elsewhere. She should have been the one to protect Ri instead of Ri protecting her. Kagome knew what this world was, she knew what she was facing and Ri had been the stronger one. It made her so mad. She couldn't do anything, protect anyone.

"KAGOME!" Someone yelled in her face bringing her back to the task at hand. Inuyasha was standing at eth edge of camp, looking scared. Miroku was beside her shaking her shoulder. "What's wrong Miroku?" she asked as she glanced at all her companions. Shippo was on top of Inuyasha's shoulder shaking while Sango stood tot the left of them with her weapon protectively in front of her. She looked like she'd skidded to a halt.

Miroku looked at her with slight disbelief. "Kagome you were pushing your power out around you. You nearly purified Shippo and Inuyasha." Her eyes went wide and a hand came up to cover her mouth but as she did so she noticed her hand glowed a slight violet. "You didn't notice?" he more stated rather than asked in shock.

She quickly looked to Inuyasha with sad eyes as tears gathered. "I… I had no idea I'm so sorry," she stammered as she stood to race away from camp.

"Kagome…" Inuyasha spoke but was stopped by Sango "I'll go. She can't purify me." Sango quickly followed after her.