Sorry I haven't updated for a long time! ~ I made this nice and long for you to enjoy. Also I may not be updating until after the 13th of July due to exams. Let's get on with the story shall we?

Chapter 10: Battle on the North Mountains

Kohaku's P.O.V

Tanken cracked his head side to side, still grinning at me with that creepy grin. He attacks on close range, I should use that to my advantage since my weapon is a mid-range weapon. I just need to keep a good distance away from him. Tanken flexed his fingers, making several cracking sounds. Then he said to me in his high pitched cracked voice "Hey boy, you wanna play? I love games, let's play."

"I'll bring you down first." I said as I started spinning my chain around, making my large pickaxe swing. I concentrated on my target, just one good shot.

"Weee!" Tanken exclaimed as he turned around. The blades on his back popped out of his back like a porcupine and aimed towards me. I quickly stopped spinning my axe, grabbed the handle and used it to swing aside the oncoming blades. I was able to avoid most of them but a few past through, cutting through my clothes and skin. Red blood tricked down my cheek and legs. Damn. He can shoot blades too. More blades grew out of his back. Then Tanken cackled. " Let's play with the blades shall we?"

This is going to take some time.

Rin's P.O.V

I slowed my breathing, I can't let the smoke get to me again. I'll be defenceless and I could be killed. Kirara was also breathing slowly. Akumu stared at me. I can't hurt her with blades, I know that. I quickly took out a small bottle, drew my sword and poured the liquid over it. I hope it works.

Akumu continued staring at me. How long is she going to do that? Does she think the smoke will effect me. Then she took a step forward, then another. Kirara growled loudly. I slowly lowered my sword, letting the tip of my sword near the flames of Kirara's feet, I hope this works Kohaku.

Two swirling pillars of black mist shot out of Akumu's back and shot in my direction. I quickly let the blade in the flame, making it catch on fire. My sword blaze high and bright with the amber flames. I swung my sword at the two pillar, they broke apart instantly.

I smiled. A few days ago, Kohaku realised that if we were to face Akumu or Tsurukina, we would be defenceless. So he collected all the fish oil we had from our meals and kept them aside and wrapped the handles of our weapons with bunches of cloth for this purpose.

Akumu didn't look surprise. It was hard to tell. This girl wouldn't show her emotions. Instead she shot more pillars at me. I ran forward, yelling as I cut the pillars. Akumu narrowed her arms at me. Before I could hit her, she disappeared. I quickly looked around. Where is she.

I closed my eyes and tuned my ears. Sesshomaru-sama told me to use my ears. It's useful for combat, especially when your enemy is hiding. I also maintained her breathing. It was getting harder and harder to breath. Then I heard a sound, a whooshing like sound.

Rin quickly turned around and slashed the forming cloud with her fiery sword. Akumu quickly got back and shot more black mist drills at me. I jumped out of the way. Kirara pounced on Akumu but she disappeared and appeared on high ground. So long as we were in her domain, it's going to be hard to get her.

I hope Kanade got to Shiguri and the new servant in time.

Shippo's P.O.V

I kept slashing at the branches as fast I could out of the vines cage Tsurukina built around me. Even using my fox fire, Tsurukina was growing the vines faster than I could burn them. Ayame was currently shooting leaves at Tsurukina, who easily absorbed the leaves in her brach-like arm. Ayame was covered in cuts and bruises, she received lots of damage from her arm. If I hadn't been distracted! I should have left my guard when when Kanade and Koga escaped. This is bad, it seems only two of us will make it to Shiguri. I know this Shiguri guy is not as strong as Naraku but he acts like him. He needs to be stopped.

But what if Koga and Kanade got stuck again? I hope they don't. I saw Ayame hit the ground again. Drats, I got to get out of this cage quick. Wait… is it… shrinking?

I looked around the cage, it was a lot smaller than it was before, the roof of the circular plant cage was now lowering to my height, the radius getting smaller. I have to get out before the cage squashes me. I looked through my toys, trying to find a weapon that would help me.

I took out my top, my leaves, my firebombs… I need to dig my way out of here so how… ah ha! I took out my toy snake out of my pocket and threw it unto the ground. The snake turned into a large one before borrowing into the ground. I grabbed unto it as it dug. The snake went below the ground before making a sharp turn upwards. It wasn't a pleasant ride, bits of rock and dirt kept hitting my face. Yuck!

Eventually, the snake reached the surface but I held unto the snake. I saw Tsurukina holding her wooden arm up high, with her branches forming blades. Underneath her was Ayame. Oh no!

"FoxFire!" I yelled as I jumped of the snake and aimed a pillar of blue fire at Tsurukina. The fire hit Tsurukina's arm, making it catch on fire. Tsurukina narrowed her eyes and quickly put out the fire, regrowing branches to replace the burnt ones. Tsurukina turned around and said " How did you escape?"

I took a leaf out of my pocket and put it on my forehead and duplicated myself, each clone formed a circle around Tsurukina. See which one is the real me Tsurukina.

Kanade's P.O.V

"Waterwhip!" I yelled as I shot my whip at Kasairyu, he jumped out of the way in time. Damn, he's not even fighting! He's dodging. Koga quickly went to Kasairyu and attempted to slash him. This isn't working. I took in deep breaths. The fire wall was getting hotter and higher, I was sweating excessively. How am I going to get past that wall now?

I saw Kasairyu smirk. That damn smirk. I aimed my whip at him when Koga yelled "Kanade! Stop!"

My whip slapped the ground as Kasairyu jumped away. "What?!"

"Stop using your energy! Don't you see what he's doing? You may be part wolf demon, but you are also still part nymph. You're weakness is fire, he's trying to make you lose water as much as you can before you see Shiguri or for him to capture you!" Koga told me. I took in more deep breaths. I looked at the fire that has gotten bigger. I feel my moisture leave me.

I should save it, I can't strike recklessly like I normally do. It's been nearly 5 days since I've been soaked, this fire isn't making anything better. At this rate I might collapse, or not have enough water to face Shiguri.

"Took you long enough." Kasairyu said. "But I have to end this quickly. Bye bye."

Kasairyu jumped and faced his palms towards us shouting "Fire dragon!" A huge pillar shot in our direction. It looked like a dragon flying towards us, trying to engulf us. I quickly ran out of the way. Kasairyu started shooting fireballs at us. Koga and I made an attempt to dodge them all. One of them hit Koga's foot once, Koga's still running. I have to find a way to bring him down.

A fireball shot in my direction and hit my body, making me fall unto the ground. My stomach is scorched. Damn it. I quickly got up, the pounding pain of the fireball still burns. I could feel the water dry off within me.

"You have too many weaknesses Kanade." Kasairyu said as he shot another fireball at me, which grazed my shoulder as I moved away. "You can't survive without water, you can't heal yourself, you can't protect the ones you love."

The last one hurt. It hurts more than the burns. I glared at Kasairyu. "Don't bring that up."

"Why not, guardian of the water nymph tribe. Oh wait, there isn't any now, because of you." Kasairyu said.

"Not me." I said, I could feel the tremble in my voice "You did… you and Shiguri. You did this to me!"

"True, but it was the only way. If your chief had given us what we wanted that would never have happened." Kasairyu said.

"We have nothing you need." I growled.

"Ooh? Did I push your buttons too hard? I just said it was your fault." Kasairyu said.

"Shut up." I growled "I did my best to protect them."

"But they died right in front of your eyes didn't they?" Kasairyu said "What kind of person is that, especially letting her mother and sister die!"

"Shut up! Shut up!" I yelled as I put my hands to my ears. The anger… the sorrow… it overwhelming me. Just like then. I felt the demon inside me pounding in my veins, waiting to come out.

"It is… and you will never learn from your mistake. Right now your comrades are being killed as you speak. Koga will die here, Ayame will die. Kirara, Kohaku, Rin and even the little racoon dog will die." Kasairyu scowled. No… I won't. I won't!

I felt my fingernails grow, it's taking over me. I can't stop it… I don't want it to stop. He killed my tribe. He and Shiguri. I want to kill him. I want to. My white hair slowly turned black. My eyes pounded, becoming bloodshot eyes. My water whip fell unto he ground. I gave a maniacal laugh.

Koga, who had been trying to recover, looked at me and said "Kanade?"

Kasairyu stepped back. My laughter continued. Then I looked at Kasairyu. Then I put down my hands and gave a long howl.

My wolf demon form had awoken.

Unknown P.O.V

"What's the deal?" He said "Why do you need my skills? You can easily get any other person."

"I could." Shiguri said. The snake demon's ugly aura lingered, he doesn't trust this demon. "But if it wasn't for a tool I wouldn't have chosen you, maybe even get rid of you."

"What 'tool'?" He asked.

"This tool is after me. She's not strong but she does have something I need. She's hiding it. I need to get her and get it." Shiguri said. "She's very persistent to kill me, I cannot fulfil my plans if she gets in my way."

"What is this tool and what does it mean to you?" He asked again. He definitely wasn't trustful.

"It is not a material thing, it is something you use to gain. Such as your powers, except it needs a vessel. This only exist in nymph tribes, the tribe she comes from has the strongest and powerful kind of power. It would be permanent if used correctly. I need it. I need it." Shiguri said.

"Why do you need it so badly." He asked.

"To be accepted." Shiguri said. He didn't question any further. Belonging is something many would desire. Even if he has been the outcast since birth, he too wishes to belong. It is scary being alone, only he got used to it. Could it be stolen from him?

"You don't need a tool to be accepted." He stated. "You need trust."

"This will help them trust me." Shiguri insisted. "Have you ever felt so alone?"

He didn't answer. He changed the subject "What are your plans?"

"I have told you." Shiguri said.

"Accepted to what?" He said.

"To those who scorned me… I want them to understand me." Shiguri said as he looked down the mountain. He knew how it felt. Somehow he felt pity. Or was this villainous aura manipulating him? It could be so, it was clear his intentions are bad. But yet, so was he.

"If you really seek my help, why didn't you ask me?" He said "What essence I am to your plan?"

"Would you have listened to me?" Shiguri said "I knew if I had this you will at least do that simple task. It's an equal win. I receive something, you do too. Then you will be on your way. As for the plan, you seem to have connections with her."

"Her?" He said

"Someone who is related to the target. Maybe even closer connections. Have you known anyone in the tribe?" Shiguri said. He kept quiet. "Perhaps the name Maya will recall your memories."

His heart stopped. How did he know about Maya? He looked up at Shiguri. This guy was something to be wary off. It was clear he had his eye on him. As far as going into personal matters.

"Convinced? With such a close relation, we can easily catch her without threat. And hopefully, if she listens she will willingly give it to me." Shiguri said "I wish to avoid fighting. Will you join me?"

He was silent again. He heard the howls. His wolf tribe have left this part of the mountain long ago. There seems to be a battle.

He was convinced, but not entirely.

He can't trust him just yet.

Kohaku's P.O.V

The several daggers shot at me. I used my pickaxe to cover my body. The blades past me, some bouncing off my pickaxe. But as several zoomed past, the blades cut my clothes and body, one landed on my shoe, the blade just in between the spaces between my toes. The onslaught stopped. I quickly pulled out the blade on my foot and my arm. Earlier one had stuck unto my shoulder. I tried to bear the pain, I was all bloody and scratched. I had several bruises on me.

The maniacal laughter filled the air. Tanken was enjoying himself, he was clapping his hands. He enjoys the sight. All around me the wolf demons fought hard against the snakes, falling. Ginta and Hakkaku were trying their best, but end up running away once in awhile. A few wolves ran away to prevent themselves from getting killed. This is not good. I need to stop Tanken before he kills me off.

Tanken runs around me in a past pace, so fast I can't keep up. I didn't dare show my pickaxe again, I always end up missing. I could hurt one of the wolves too. How do you stop a fast enemy… how…

You slow them down.

I looked at the items I have. What can slow him down? I accidentally dropped a bottle out of my weariness, spilling it's contents on the ground. The fish oil I stored the past few days came pouring out. I realised I didn't need to do anymore then.

"Tanken! Come at me! You aren't having much fun at the sides!" I yelled.

"Tanken is, Tanken is! It's ever so fun to see you suffer!" Tanken said in his scratchy voice.

"But it's no fun being so far. Unless you are scared." I said.

"Tanken is not scared no. Tanken could kill you instantly." Tanken said.

"Prove it." I said as I started spinning his pickaxe around. Tanken grinned even more.

Then Tanken got unto his hands and knees and charged at me. I didn't need to move. Tanken stepped unto the puddle of fish oil and slipped. As Tanken was falling, I went forward and aimed my blade at Tanken, intending to skice him. But Tanken turned over and used his body of blades to protect himself. Tanken jumped off, not sprinkled in fish oil.

"Not bad, Tanken says, not bad." Tanken said. "But that doesn't do much, no do much at all!" Then Tanken attacked again. I put my blade down. When he was around to attack me, I got on my knees and used my handle to trip Tanken again. Tanken feel unto the puddle of fish oil again, now drenches. I shot my pickaxe at Tanken, cutting the side of his body as he narrowly escapes. Tanken tried to regain in balance, the oil made it hard for him to stand. I quickly pull back my pickaxe. Then Tanken attempted to knock me down again.

I quickly took out a match from my pocket, ignited it and threw it at Tanken. Tanken stopped and looked at the match with fear. Fire. Tanken screamed. The match landed on one of Tanken's blades, which made his whole body set on fire. Tanken screamed again out of agony. He stumbled to the side and quickly ran away as fast as he can.

I pushed the blade of my pickaxe unto the ground and used my pickaxe as support. I coughed heavily. That wasn't easy. Tanken's a strong fighter that's for sure. Not much on brains but a good fighter. No wonder he was recited, he was easy to manipulate.

I tried to regain my strength as I looked back, the tables have turned and the wolves are gaining their strength. The snakes are being beaten down one by one. I should help them. But there is one thing that I noticed.

All three servants: Tsurukina, Akumu and Tanken- have the weakness of fire.

And the last servant is a fire demon.

I'm not sure about the last servant though. Shiguri's style is similar to Naraku's style, but also different. Is Shiguri using Kasairyu to control all the other servants? I don't know why it matters but it is a scary thought. Kasairyu is considered the strongest among all of them.

I quickly picked up my pickaxe and slashed the snake that was going to attacks me. The snake hissed before disappearing in mid air. Shiguri is so much like Naraku… too much like him. But not exactly. What is he after? It can't be the sacred jewel since that was already destroyed.

Then, I heard a piercing howl.

Rin's P.O.V

A long howl rang within my ears. It was loud and long. It sounded so… sad. Sad and angry. I wonder who that is. Either way, no time to stop. My flames are running out and I don't have that much fish oil left. I need to defeat Akumu before the flames go out!

I was on Kirara's back, flying in the air while trying to dodge Akumu's attacks. I can't seem to get near her. I couldn't escape either without Akumu shooting those pillars of smoke at me. What do I do? What do I do?

"Kirara, fly low." I whispered to her. Kirara did as I said smoothly just before being hit. Kirara flew low and Akumu tried to search for us. I pointed to where I wanted to go. Kirara flew slowly at first but then suddenly jerked upwards. I pointed my sword in the direction we were headed, underneath Akumu. Akumu looked down just before I was about to hit her. She dissolved into the black mist before I could stop her. Kirara stopped flying and looked around.

I looked down as saw Akumu looking at herself. There was a small cut on her face and left arm, black blood was pouring out of her wounds. Yes! I hurt her! Suddenly I was slammed unto the ground, falling off Kirara. I lost grip of my sword. As I slowly got up, I focused my view on Kirara on her side. She's hurt badly. I tried to get up but the pain stopped me. I tried to find my sword.

I saw it. The flames had burnt out.

Shippo's P.O.V

The howl. That's what got us out of here. As we were taking our stance opposite Tsurukina, the howl came. Ayame listened to the voice carefully and said "Who's that. That doesn't sound like one of our wolves."

"It's not?" I asked her. Ayame shook her head. Tsurukina gave a look of scorn.

"Damn, he can't have failed can he?" Tsurukina mumbled. Failed? Who failed? "Should I stay?"

"Wait…" I said as I pondered. A howl that made Tsurukina thinking of retreating. Why would she do that. Unless… "Is the new servant a wolf demon? Is that why you came here, because he or she is going to where the wolves live?"

"Took you long enough." Tsurukina said. "Might as well finish one of you off before going." Then she aimed vines that grew behind her at Ayame, Ayame quickly jumped out of the way. Then she aimed more vines at me which I dodged and burnt then with my fox fire, This went one for a long time until we heard a yell.

Tsurukina stopped and looked behind. Then she cursed under her breath before making a hole in the vines. Now's our chance! As Tsurukina attempted to escape, I pushed my way through by knocking Tsurukina down. Ayame followed out of the wild vegetation. Tsurukina struggled as she tried to get out. Suddenly vines around us surrounded us and grabbed out limbs. I struggled to get rid of them but they pulled me back and off Tsurukina. Tsurukina quickly got up and ran off.

I quickly burned the vines and fall unto the ground. Wherever Tsurukina is going, it must have been because of that howl. We need to follow her. I quickly burned Ayame's vines and she dropped unto the ground.

"We have to follow her." Ayame said.

"But what about Kanade and Koga?" I asked.

"I have a feeling we will meet them soon." Ayame said before running off. I ran after her, after Tsurukina.

Tsurukina was using her brach arm to swipe things out of the way and for her to travel faster. Ayame was already fast with her light feet. I was doing my best to catch up. Suddenly Tsurukina fell and landed on the ground. Ayame stopped in her tracks. I took the chance to catch up with her. When I did I took in three big breaths.

"How do you… move so fast!" I said.

"Shippo…"Ayame said, pointing at the open area. I looked and gasped.

Kasairyu was on the ground, his body was full of scratch marks that bleed. I've never seen Kasairyu so damaged before other than the time Rin stabbed him. But even then he kept his head up high. Now he was trembling in fear, his orange eyes staring at the wolf demon standing over him. It was not Koga.

This wolf demon has long black hair let loose and reaches down to her waist. She had two hair loops attached. Her red blood shot eyes glared at Kasairyu. She had tanned skin and her long fingernails had blood on them. She was wearing a blue dress with tights and flats.

Kanade?

Tsurukina was frozen on the stop. She looked at Kanade's wolf form before looking at Kasairyu. She just stared at him. He looked at Tsurukina. Those eyes were begging for help. She wouldn't move. She just stared.

Koga limped towards us. Ayame quickly went to his aid "Koga!"

"I'm fine Ayame. Just a small scratch." Koga said. I looked at his leg. There were deep burnts and wolf scratches on his legs. Koga tried to stand up, he could but just barely. Those scratches made him shake slightly.

"Did Kanade do that?" I asked.

"I tried to come in and help now that the tables are turned but then she attacked me. She has no control." Koga said "I can't sniff out her nymph side, it's like she became fully demon."

"Like Inuyasha." I said, then I looked at Kasairyu. Kasairyu was crawling backwards, afraid. He was shooting fireballs everywhere, but in the wrong direction. Kanade just kept walking towards him.

"Tsurukina! Help me! Tsurukina!" Kasairyu yelled. Tsurukina stayed in her spot. She only stared. Her face had a mix of anger and fear.

"Should we stop her?" Ayame asked.

"Yeah." I said "When Inuyasha is in his demon form, he killed everything in his sight. Kanade would do the same. We need to stop her."

"Back to her normal state?" Ayame asked. I nodded. Then Koga said "We need to be careful, she's losing lots of water, if she goes back to that state she will collapse. With the two servants around, it would be the perfect opportunity to steal her away."

"How do you wake her up?" Ayame asked.

"The last time Inuyasha turned into his demon state, Kagome calmed him down. It works all the time" I told them. "But once or twice he turned back because he was knocked unconscious."

"Talk to her." Koga said. "Wake her up."

"Why me?!" I exclaimed.

"Well you're the closest to her compare to the two of us! We can't knock her out, she will be taken away!" Koga said.

I looked at Kanade. She was approaching the desperate Kasairyu who yelled "TSURUKINA! HELP! GET YOUR BUTT OVER HERE B*****!"

Tsurukina glared at Kasairyu and stepped back. She looked away. Kasairyu's face turned into anger. Kanade raised her clawed hand up high. I quickly stepped forward and exclaimed as Kasairyu quickly made two flame blades "Kanade! Stop!"

Kanade stopped and turned around. She bared her sharp teeth at me. Um… what now? How did Kagome did it? She makes it look so easy! Really? How did she calm him down. Then I realised she was now walking towards me, her bloodshot eyes on me. Oh no. Kasairyu quickly got up and ran towards Kanade.

"Kanade! Watch out!" I exclaimed. Too late, Kasairyu cut Kanade's back with his fire blades. He landed in front of me, smirking. Kasairyu looked back to see his result, only to frown to see Kanade still standing. Kanade, who looking at the ground, bending her back, slowly stood up tall and started walking again. Kasairyu swore.

"What is up with this nymph!" Kasairyu exclaimed. "Tsurukina! Strap her down!"

Tsurukina snapped out of her senses and quickly grew vines out of the geound. Almost instantly, Kanade cut them quickly before they could grow. Tsurukina stopped. Her vines were growing slower than they normally do. Kanade kept coming. Kasairyu gritted his teeth.

"Retreat." He said.

"What?" Tsurukina said.

"I said retreat, block the rest of the way. Let Kanade kill her own teammates." Kasairyu said. Then he glared at Tsurukina, another aura seemed to mask around Kasairyu, I stepped away from him. Tsurukina didm say a word. She grew vines around her legs that grabbed her legs. Then she jumped, the vines assisted her on getting over the wall of fire that blocked the path, until the extent the vines were burnt by the fire and Tsurukina disappeared out of sight. Kasairyu used his feet to make fire pillars and fly off.

I looked at Kanade. Her eyes followed Kasairyu till he was gone. Then she looked at me. She took a step forward, I took a step back. Oh no.

"Kanade, it's me. Shippo." I said. Kanade took another step forward. Another step back.

"Your friend. Come on Kanade, wake up. It's me!" I said. Another step forward, another step back.

"Kanade. Wake up! It's me! Shippo! Wake up!" I said, my voice with a hint of fear. One step forward, one step back. I hit a tree. I can't step back anymore.

"Come on. Remember? The one you always hate? Then one you like to argue with? Come on Kanade. Wake up! I'm Shippo, your friend." I said. Another step forward. Her bloodshot eyes were focused on me. This isn't working.

"Wake up! Kanade, I now you're stronger than this. Wake up. I don't know how you became a wolf demon but wake up. You defeated Akumu's dream, you defeated nearly all the servants. You very nearly got Kasairyu earlier. You're strong, fight it Kanade. Wake up!" I said, she walked even closer.

"Come on Kanade, be strong. Wake up and give me a head dunk!" I exclaimed "Come on! I dare you too! Show me your strength! Wake up!"

Kanade was right in front of me now. She slowly raised her claws. No.

"KANADE!" I yelled. Just before she was going to cut me, she stopped. Her eyes went wide. Then she muttered something. Yes!

"Kanade, fight it." I said. Kanade cracked her fingers, her hand twitched. Then she clutched her own hand tightly with her fist. She put her hand down.

"Shippo?" Kanade said in a gruff voice.

"Yes Kanade. It's me." I said. Kanade's claws retracted and her red eyes started to turn blue, which were slowly closing. Her skin became lighter and her dark hair started to turn white again. Kanade collapsed in front of me. I quickly supported her with my arms. Phew.

Kanade, nearly in her half demon half nymph form, started to stir. I'm glad she woke up. I'm glad.

Unknown P.O.V

Come.

Akumu heard that simple command. Only she can hear it. He was done. He got him. Akumu stopped the boac misty pillars that were about to hit the human girl. Akumu disappeared into the mist and flew off to greet her master, taking her misty dimension with her.

Rin looked around to find she was back on the path again. She quickly got up and looked at the sky, at the dark cloud heading to the top of the mountain. Why did Akumu leave so suddenly. Then Rin quickly went to Kirara, who was lying on her side, back in her small cat form. Rin picked Kirara up.

"Kirara, are you okay?" Rin asked. Kirara slowly opened her cat-like eyes and looked at Rin. Rin sighed with relief, she's okay. Then she saw several figures in the distance. She picked up and sword and looked at the figures carefully. She recognised one of them, he was limping towards her. He has many wounds.

"Kohaku!" Rin exclaimed as she ran towards him "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. What happened?" Kohaku asked.

"I don't know, I got caught up with Akumu." Rin said. "She just left suddenly. Did Tanken did this to you?"

"Yeah, he's stronger than I thought." Kohaku said "I hope they made it in time."

"Me too." Rin said.

"We should continue, they would need our help." Kohaku said.

"But you're in no condition to fight!" Rin said, "You should attend to your wounds!"

"There's no time. We have to go." Kohaku said.

"Don't worry Rin." Ginta said. "I can carry him if you like. It should help us speed up and at least give Kohaku some rest."

"Can you even carry him?" Hakkaku teased "You can't even carry me!"

"You're heavier." Ginta argued as Kohaku nodded to accept Ginta's offer and climbed on him. Hakkaku was offended. Then the group continued on, hopefully to make it on time.

Kanade's P.O.V

"Water…" I murmured the moment I gain conscious. What happened. All I remembered is that I gave that wolf-like howl before… I don't know. All I see the darkness. I don't exactly remember what happened then. Then I heard Shippo's voice and the next thing I knew, I was in Shippo's arms, begging for water.

I took some time to recollect my memories as I heard other voice talking loudly and the patter of feet. What happened? Oh right… I was fighting Kasairyu. Then he insulted me so badly that I… I did it. I did it again didn't I? After I promised. I gritted my teeth. No time to worry about that now. I'm running out of water. The wall of fire had started to die down. I have to follow them. I need to get to Shiguri.

I tried to stand but ended up falling again. Not enough water… water… I felt my limbs numb and my throat was dry. Shippo's voice came again "Don't move Kanade, Ayame and Koga will come back with the water soon."

"But-"

"Rest Kanade. I promise you can move once you can go after him." Shippo said. I closed my eyes. Then I murmured "Thanks Shippo."

"What?"

"Nothing."

"I got the water!" Ayame said. "What do I do?"

"Pour the water over her, leave some for her to drink." Shippo ordered. But I was already handling it. I took the bucket of water Ayame carried and dumped in on myself. I felt my skin absorbing the water as much as it can. My heavy breathing slowly returned to normal. That should be enough to keep me walking at least.

"Are you okay Kanade?" Koga asked as he walked to me. He wasn't in good shape either. His legs were burnt and there were deep scratches… wolf scratches. Caused by me. I looked down at the ground. "You were running crazy out there."

"Sorry Koga." I said, gritting my teeth as I got up.

"You should be! But you couldn't control yourself so I guess that was okay." Koga said "Tsurukina and Kasairyu escaped."

"Follow them." I said.

"But you can't fight! You need water." Ayame said.

"Koga, stop Shiguri from getting the new servant." I said "At least do that much. You too Ayame, Shippo and I won't be too far behind."

"Got it. Come on Ayame." Koga said then he ran off, with Ayame not far behind. I was about to run when Shippo grabbed unto my shoulder and said "Don't push yourself too much okay?"

"I should have soaked myself." I said.

"Well it's too late to stop what's going to happen." Shippo said as we started jogging towards the direction Koga and Ayame went. We shouldn't be too far.

"I hope we get there in time." I said, jogging a bit faster.

"Kanade! Slow down! I told you not to run!" Shippo exclaimed.

"I'm not fast, you're slow!" I exclaimed.

"Hey! I'm faster than you on any day!" Shippo exclaimed.

"Want to race?" I asked.

"No." Shippo said. "Look after yourself, you collapsed." I nodded and kept jogging quickly. I need to get there quick. Then I heard loud voices ahead. I quickly started to run, Shippo too. We ran to the top of a rocky hill where we saw Ayame and Koga looking at the sky.

"HEY! COME BACK HERE AND FIGHT ME YOU WHIMP!" Koga yelled to the sky, his fist up high. I quickly went to him and asked "What are you doing?"

"Look." Ayame said. Shippo and I looked at the sky. I saw a cloud with Akumu on top of it. I thought she was behind us! Then I saw two more figures with her. One of them was sitting down in a cross legged position with his back towards us, I could only see his fur clothing and black hair. Nothing much. Is that the new servant?

The other one was looking down at us with a satisfied smirk. His green hair blew in the wind and his striking yellow eyes looking down at us. He wore a white kimono shirt with black pants. There were two blades at his side and most of his body was covered with scales. I don't even need to ask for his name.

Shiguri.

"Don't worry, we will meet again." Shiguri said in his hissing like voice. Although he was answering Koga, his eyes were looking directly at me. As if it was for me. Anger boiled within me. He succeeded, again! And I didn't even get near him when I was so close! I gritted my teeth.

Then I yelled at the top of my voice "SHIGURI! YOU WILL PAY FOR WHAT YOU'VE DONE TO ME! I WILL KILL YOU, YOU HEAR ME! I WILL KILL YOU! DAMN IT!"

Shiguri didn't answer. He just smiled as the cloud disappeared in the distance. I walked forward. I was so close, but yet so far. My eye sight then started to get dizzy. I put my hand to my forehead. So soon?

Shippo quickly went beside me and supported me. My head was pounding from a terrible migraine.

Damn it.

Unknown P.O.V

Tsurukina was pushed unto the ground. She hated this. She hated it a lot. She hates it when Kasairyu becomes violent. He has the choice to kill her under Shiguri's command. Just because he's the elemental fire! Also detestable enough to kill him herself.

If he wasn't bipolar.

She knew that. He knew that, the others did. Everyone except their enemies knew about this. Shiguri uses his disability. When Kasairyu gets mad or people don't follow him, he will become angry and his sadistic side will show. That side that destroyed his cocky playful side. She was the oldest! But he was the very first servant. He's the 'leader', the 'favourite' no matter how many times he denies it.

"I COULD HAVE DIED! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAVE ME! YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR MY DEATH HAVEN'T YOU?" Kasairyu yelled. Tsurukina didn't reply. It was best not to in these kind of situations. Tsurukina stood up again, only to be pushed down again. He wasn't finished.

"You tried to abandon me. Aren't we in the same league?" Kasairyu taunted in a soft voice as he put his foot on her back, squashing her. "You think you're so powerful now that you lost your arm? I have a full body, with hardly any sign of failure, unlike you."

Kasairyu kicked her. She ignored. It was only when Kasairyu started igniting the flame in his hand that Tsurukina gave him the words he's been asking for "I'm sorry. I will never do it again and remain loyal."

Kasairyu threw the fireball next to Tsurukina's head. Tsurukina didn't react. Kasairyu stepped back and Tsurukina still didn't dare to get back up. It would take some time before the other Kasairyu comes back soon.

Then she heard the rustling of bushes. Kasairyu looked at the bushes and then stumbled out the partially burnt Tanken, he crawled towards Kasairyu looking at the ground. Kasairyu looked down at him. "Well?"

"Tanken was good!" Tanken said, but with a hint off too much excitement. Kasairyu knew, he's lying. "Tanken did well! Tanken-"

"Then why are you all burnt and look like you've lost." Kasairyu said. Tanken trembled Kasairyu kicked Tanken and Tanken fell, he screamed "Tanken lied! Tanken lied! Demon hunter burnt Tanken! Demon hunter burnt me!"

"You worthless piece of scum!" Kasairyu said as he kicked Tanken and stomped on him. Tanken didn't bother to block the attacks with his blades, he covered himself with his arms and legs "You idiot! I told you not to be stupid! You stupid mongrel! Now look! I not only have to deal with Tsurukina but you too! You damn son of a b******."

Kasairyu then formed another fireball, Tanken screamed. Tsurukina closed her eyes, it was always Tanken who got the worst of it. The weakest and most stupid. "You should be sorry!"

Another scream was heard. Before Kasairyu could burn Tanken, a hissing voice ordered "Enough."

Kasairyu stopped. Akumu landed the cloud on the ground, letting her master step down from the cloud. The cloud disappeared, the unknown figure stood on his feet. Kasairyu slowly calmed down. Time to get up. Tsurukina got unto her feet, Kasairyu's other side was turning back to normal. Eventually. "What?"

Only Kasairyu could greet their master so rudely, only because of his condition. Shiguri wasn't fazed. Tanken and Tsurukina however, bowed in respect. When Kasairyu saw this, he snapped himself out of it and bowed too,muttering an apology.

"Don't be upset." He addressed to everyone. "Even if the failure is detestable, which I might or might not know, it was worth it. We succeeded. Not one of them came to us until the very end when they couldn't do anything."

Then Shiguri looked behind him at his new 'servant'. He does not one to be claimed as one, he was only there for his own precious possession. Maybe get justice if Shiguri is really honest. Then Shiguri said to him "Come on, introduce yourself."

He stood up, turned around. The servants knew the moment they set their eyes on him, things were going to change. Kasairyu gave a cocky smirk, Tsurukina didn't seem to care, Tanken mumbled while Akumu just stared.

The demon walked forward and said "Don't call me by my old name. Call me Rai."

I wonder who the new servant actually is. So much that Shiguri will go through the trouble of using his servants to catch him. I promise we will see more of 'Rai' some time in the future.