Disclaimer: I claim no ownership of Sengoku Otogizoushi - InuYasha or Yu Yu Hakusho. InuYasha belongs to Takahashi Rumiko, Shogakukan, Viz Media, ShoPro Entertainment, and Shounen; while Yu Yu Hakusho belongs to Togashi Yoshihiro, Shueisha, Viz Media, and Shounen. No profit or money of any kind is made from this fan-created crossover.

Existential Plight
Chapter Three, Part III: The Search For a Sword

"I said what I said
And I meant it,
But now I regret it."

Kagome could not help but feel as if she was the reason why Hiei made the sudden statement about finding a new sword the next morning. She realized she might have overstepped the bounds of their acquaintance with her honest observations and worries, but it was only because she was worried about him. She had meant no harm or anything with her words.

And so, she was determined to do almost anything to fix it. Including helping him find a new sword. She did not want this to be how they parted ways, not when it was uncertain if they would meet again. Time had taught her to never leave anyone with harsh words and bad blood between them.

So when he had made his casual announcement, she had offered her knowledge of a great swordsmith: Totousai. Even though no one really knew where he lived anymore as the forced relocation had allowed for many youkai to be forgotten or lost. Not to mention, she was so tired of sitting about the same place; she wanted to explore. She did not have a clue where to start looking for the eccentric swordsmith, though.

I was Jinenji who gave them a clue: "Didn't you say he lived near a volcano in the Ningenkai? Perhaps you might find him in one in this realm."

She punched her fisted hand into her other palm, exclaiming, "Of course! Why didn't I remember that?"

Hiei snorted but kept his mouth shut. He had failed to unvolunteer her on his trip, and he did not want to deal with her complaints while on it. Being forced to move at a much slower pace was already enough of a hindrance to him.

"Are there any volcanoes or mountains in a secluded area around here?"

Jinenji could only smile. He did not know the Makai well enough to offer any advice as to where to start looking.

"There's a mountain fitting that criteria a few days to the west." Hiei sneered before looking at Kagome. "Actually, better make it a week."

She huffed and glared at him before looking toward Jinenji and softening her expression. "I don't think we'll be gone that long, but just in case..."

The large half-youkai took Kagome's hand in his much larger ones. "I'll let Inuyasha and Shippou know where you are. Just, stay safe, Kagome-chan."

"When haven't I?" she asked with a bright smile. Then she thought on her words and past. "On second thought... Don't answer that."

Hiei was surprised, though he hid it well, when Kagome had managed to stay quiet for the first two days of their journey. It was almost as surprising as how well she could keep up: they were moving at a much faster pace than he expected. He did not know if it was her normal pace or if she was doing it just to prove him wrong. Either way, both were a very welcome change.

On the third day, they came close to one of the many youkai towns and were skirting near where Sesshoumaru's mansion had once been, if it still stood. Kagome stopped them a few kilometers from the town, much to his displeasure as it was pouring rain.

"You know, we should stop to ask around here about Totousai. He was already very old back when I knew him, I don't know if he's still alive," she said, a thoughtful look on her drenched figure. His eyes did not miss the way her soaked clothes hung on her, but was too pissed to pursue that line of thinking.

As shown by the way his gaze smoldered with more than appreciation. She had failed to mention her swordsmith's age and he had failed to ask. "You're telling me that you've dragged me off on a search for a youkai who might be dead when I could have found a living blacksmith already?"

He did not word it exactly as a question, but Kagome bit her lip in order to keep from answering. She did not expect to find Totousai dead, as he was too crazy to die, but when he put it in such terms, it sounded rather bad. "Well, not exactly... But yeah."

His glare deepened and the corners of his mouth turned down into an easy scowl. She was a bit jealous; she could not scowl to save her life. Yet he turned toward the town.

"We'll ask around, and if he's dead, you're finding me another blacksmith."

She sighed and slumped her shoulders. She had a feeling she would be made to pay for it, too.