Disclaimer: Inuyasha own I not.
Chapter 15: The Road to Leiria
Shippo kept skipping ahead of the group then falling behind. He was nervous about seeing the damage the Thunder Brothers had done o his family's territory. He would shake himself and remember it was not his family territory until after the Thunder Brothers were destroyed. He knew after their destruction he could reclaim his family heritage.
"Shippo," said Kagome. "You will need to keep up with us if you are going to be our guide."
"Sorry, Kagome," said Shippo. "I've just been thinking about what Raoul said. It took me three weeks to get to the coast and another two days to get to England. I just wonder what else I don't know about."
"You knew about the centipede," said Kagome. "You just didn't know it took a mate."
"Yes," said Shippo, "But I do not know anything about the spider demon."
"We will have to look into finding out information about the spider demon," said Kagome. "What do you know about the road we are traveling?"
"There were three small villages scattered along the road to Leiria," said Shippo. "each of them is a hub of a large farming and ranching community. Two of the three accept demons with no problem. The third has some kind of fear about demons and will not let them stay in the village."
"Which will we arrive at first?" asked Inuyasha.
"If things haven't changed, the village with the fear of demons," said Shippo. "When we traveled to Aveiro, my father always made sure we camped at the hot spring on the north side of the village. We always passed through than camped or camped than passed through."
"A hot spring?" asked Kagome.
"Yes, a hot spring," said Shippo. "I don't know if it is natural or man made, bu tit's there. The village was always a days travel from Aveiro, but we always had a cart with us."
"So who knows how many days on foot it might be," said Inuyasha. "We could be two days away. Great."
"Actually I think it is less," said Shippo. "We always traveled with a cart and trade goods. The cart had one sped which we traveled at. My father on the other hand would make this same trip from Bragnaca to Aveiro in seven days."
"We will see," said Inuyasha.
The group was walking and watching the horizon when they saw smoke coming from ahead of them. They wondered about the billowing black clouds. They looked at Shippo to confirm their thoughts.
"Is the village on fire?" asked Shippo. "We should see it anytime now."
Inuyasha started running towards the village. Miroku was right behind him. Kagome picked up Shippo and started to follow the guys. Sango and Kirara took to the air.
Kagome topped a rise and a band of demons attacking the village. She wondered how the band could be in their path and who had ordered it when she saw a white baboon. She quickly put Shippo down and fired an arrow at the baboon. She watched as it disintegrated.
Shippo looked around at the destruction and started using his fox magic to keep the demons away from Kagome. He would try his best to protect her.
"Shippo, we need to move," said Kagome.
"How can we when the demons are starting to surround us?" asked Shippo. "We will be in big trouble soon."
Kagome fired several arrows to try and clear a path. She heard Inuyasha yell 'Wind Scar' and hoped he was able to hurry up. She did not have enough arrows to take them all out. Kagome started to attack with her claws. Each strike glowed with her purifying miko powers. She was tiring and knew the demons would swam around her again.
Shippo was able to break free of the demons. He ran towards Inuyasha. He needed to tell him Kagome was in trouble.
"Inuyasha," shouted Shippo. "Inuyasha."
"What?" snapped Inuyasha.
"Kagome is in trouble," said Shippo. "The demons seem to be swarming her. She is almost out of arrows and has been fighting with her claws. She is starting to fatigue and I can not help her as much."
"Go," said Miroku. "Kagome needs you. I'll take care of these demons."
Inuyasha ran towards Kagome. He could see her fighting and how slow her movements seemed. He jumped and shouted, "Iron reverse soul stealer." All the demons in his path were destroyed.
Kagome collapsed on the ground too tired to fight anymore. She watched as Inuyasha took a stance over her. She knew he would not let her get hurt.
Shippo came to Kagome's side. He knew she would need him to protect her while Inuyasha fought.
"Shippo, guard Kagome," said Inuyasha before he started attacking demons with his claws and Tetsusaiga.
Shippo used his fox magic to harm or distract the demons coming after Kagome. He watched as a very powerful demon broke through his spell. He was ready to die to defend Kagome when he heard "Hiraikotsu." He watched as Sango's weapon sliced through the demon and passed by him and Kagome.
Kirara landed to let Sango and Miroku off her back. She then started attacking demons.
Sango took up position and started to protect Kagome for Shippo. "Why are they so interested in Kagome?" asked Sango.
"I think it has something to do with the white baboon Kagome shot," said Shippo. "She saw it and shot it first, then the demons started to swarm us."
"Naraku," said Sango.
Miroku and Inuyasha fought on. They knew this was going to be tough.
'We need to finish this off soon," said Miroku.
"How?" asked Inuyasha. "They keep circling us. Every time I use my Wind Scar the circle seems to tighten.'
"I can't use my wind tunnel to get them because of how they circle," said Miroku. "If I try I might end up sucking in one of you."
"We need to move Kagome," said Sango. "If we can move her, the circling will stop as they regroup for the attack."
"Sounds like a plan," said Inuyasha. "Sango have Kirara take you, Shippo, and Miroku to one of the houses. I will grab Kagome and move her."
"What are you thinking?" asked Sango. "They will swarm you the minute we leave."
"No, they won't." said Inuyasha. "We will all leave at the same time. I just hope you move faster than the demons."
"Why?" asked Sango.
"I want Miroku to use his wind tunnel," said Inuyasha. "Hopefully the demons will try to follow me and Kagome. I will lead them to you."
"We better hurry," said Miroku. "Every demon we kill makes the circle smaller and more dangerous for us."
"Let's go," said Inuyasha.
Kirara stopped fighting long enough to allow Sango, Shippo, and Miroku to climb aboard. She took off after Inuyasha lifted Kagome into his arms and jumped out of the circle.
The demons did not expect the sudden change of their prey. They circled a few more times before they stopped and went after Inuyasha and Kagome.
Kirara landed near one of the houses. Miroku slid off her back and stood bracing himself for the wind tunnel. "Stay behind me," he said.
Sango and Shippo stayed behind Miroku and watched for the demons. They hoped Inuyasha would arrived soon with Kagome. Inuyasha landed behind Miroku and said, "Their coming."
Miroku removed the beads from his right hand and aimed at the incoming demons. "Wind Tunnel," he said. He braces against the strong in rush of demons and air. When he saw all the demons were gone, he covered the wind tunnel again. Miroku leaned forward and panted a bit.
"You okay, Miroku?" asked Inuyasha.
"Just a little bit tired from using the wind tunnel," said Miroku. "You know how much energy it takes."
"Just rest a bit while I check over Kagome," said Inuyasha.
Miroku smiled and sat down. He knew Inuyasha would take his time with Kagome. He could tell Inuyasha had fallen hard.
Inuyasha slowly laid Kagome on the ground. He used his bag to rest her head on. He slowly checked for broken bones and cuts.
Sango brought Inuyasha some water to clean Kagome up. She was worried abut why the demons kept going after Kagome.
"Sango, do we have any smelling salts or something to wake her up?" asked Inuyasha.
"I will have to look," said Sango. "Here is the cleaning solution for her cuts."
"Thanks." said Inuyasha absently as he looked at Kagome.
Inuyasha cleaned the cuts then sat brushing her hair away from her face. He was worried about all the demons attacking her like that.
"Come on, Kagome," said Inuyasha. "You have to wake up. I need you to wake up."
Kagome eyes fluttered as if she was trying to wake up. Inuyasha watched her eyes and leaned forward. He gently kissed her eyelids then brushed a light kiss across her lips.
"Kagome," he whispered. "I need you to wake up. I can not live without you."
Kagome opened her eyes and moaned. She stared into Inuyasha's eyes. She closed her eyes and slowly said, "My head is killing me."
Sango handed Inuyasha a headache draft. She figured Kagome would need it. She was glad to see Kagome awake.
"Here, drink this slowly," said Inuyasha as he helped Kagome to sit up.
"Thank you," said Kagome. "I really hate feeling this tired."
"Did you really see a white baboon?" asked Miroku.
"It was a demon puppet of Naraku," said Kagome. "I destroyed it but was swarmed by all the other demons."
"My only question is what does Naraku want with you?" asked Miroku.
"I think he wants to use me to find the pieces of the Seal of Ages," said Kagome. "Midoriko said I would know what to do."
"Naraku wants you or he wants to kill you because of what you will be able to do," said Inuyasha.
Kagome wrapped her arms around Inuyasha. She needed to feel his arms around her.
Inuyasha pulled Kagome into his lap. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close to him. He closed his eyes and inhaled her scent. "What do you sense?" he asked.
"Something close by that feels off," said Kagome. "I do not sense any people and that worries me."
"We will go looking for it after you rest," said Inuyasha. "You will need to recover from this attack."
"You can carry me," said Kagome. "We need to get out of here."
"Are you sure?" asked Inuyasha.
"Yes. Can you not sense them?" asked Kagome.
"There are demons coming," said Sango. "We need to take cover away from here."
Sango grabbed Inuyasha's and Kagome's bags. She tossed them onto Kirara's back. She grabbed Shippo and had Kirara head for the trees.
Miroku ran after Sango and quickly disappeared in the forest. He did not like the feel of the demons. He wanted them to miss the group. He hoped and prayed they would miss the group.
Inuyasha picked up Kagome and ran into the forest. He did not want Kagome to be vulnerable to the demons.
"Inuyasha, go right," said Kagome. "There is a cave over there I can sense."
"Sango, Miroku," said Inuyasha. "Kagome senses a cave we can hide in."
Sango and Miroku quickly followed Inuyasha into the cave. They wondered how Kagome had found it. They hoped there were no demons.
When they entered the cave, they saw a protection spell. They wondered what someone would be protecting so far from a town. They stepped further into the cave and wondered how it still stood with all the demon activity.
Kagome stiffened and turned towards the back of the cave. She stared at the wall and hoped she was dreaming. She did not like what was there.
"Is that what I think it is?" asked Sango.
"Yes, it is," said Kagome. "It is a piece of the Seal of Ages."
"You are able to detect them," said Inuyasha. "That would explain why he wants you."
"I need to try something," said Kagome. "I just don't know if it will work."
Inuyasha tightened his hold on Kagome. He did not want to let her anywhere near the piece. He was scared for her.
"Inuyasha, I will not be hurt," said Kagome. "I just need to try something."
Inuyasha let Kagome stand. He kissed her before he let her go. He resisted the urge to hold onto her rather than let her touch the Seal.
Kagome squeezed Inuyasha's hand before heading toward the Seal of Ages. She hoped her instincts were telling her true. She touched the protection spell and felt her hand slide through it. She carefully touched the Seal and sent purifying energy though it.
The group heard and scream and turned towards Kagome. They heard a second scream and realized it was coming from the Seal of Ages. They watched in fascination as the Seal of Ages turned to dust and disappeared. They also sensed the demons turn on each other and slaughter themselves for failing Naraku.
Inuyasha went to Kagome and waited for her to finish. He caught her as she collapsed. He gently lifted her into his arms.
"We will rest here," said Inuyasha. "I will not allow Kagome to move without some sleep."
"I agree," said Sango. "I am tired and want to rest."
"This is fine by me," said Miroku. "i really need rest after using my wind Tunnel."
Sango removed the bags from Kirara and let her transform into her smaller self. She spread out a blanket and let Kirara and Shippo curl into each other. Sango smiled and handed a blanket to Miroku.
Inuyasha sat down with Kagome in his arms. He did not want to let her go. He leaned back and adjusted Kagome to lay across his lap. He accepted a blanket from Sango and draped it carefully over Kagome and himself.
The group slept safe in the cave. The demons had killed themselves and Naraku could not sense them or the Seal of Ages. They were safe for now.
The next morning, the group woke and headed for the second village. They hoped they would find someone who had information and where they could get supplies. They didn't want to face a fight, especially since Inuyasha carried a still sleeping Kagome.
They approached the village cautiously. They didn't want to scare the villagers or any healers away.
One of the children saw the group and ran to the village headman. They watched as the village changed from everyday activities to a fighting one, The village headman approached them slowly.
"What do you want here?" asked the headman.
"We have to go to Leiria," said Inuyasha. "We came from Aveiro and passed the last village."
"You lie," said the headman. "Aveiro is over run by centipede demons and the last village has been wiped out by demons searching for something."
"We killed the centipedes outside Aveiro as well as the weasel demon controlling them," said Inuyasha. "As for the demons at the lase village they are dead. We killed them and destroyed what they were looking for."
"What do you want?" asked the headman.
"I feel as if we are listening to Raoul again," said Miroku. "Always the same question and the same skepticism."
"You spoke to Raoul?" asked the headman. "Why him?"
"He was the one the rest of the men sent to speak to us," said Inuyasha.
"So you are the group of hunters Raoul told me about," said the headman. "I'm Tor. Raoul is my cousin."
"I'm Inuyasha," said Inuyasha. This is my wife, Kagome, her cousin, Sango, our Guide, Shippo, and our friend Miroku. All we seek is supplies for our journey and any information you have about the road to Leiria."
"We can give you the information," said Tor. "The supplies you will have to buy."
"We came prepared to buy supplies," said Inuyasha. "What about the information."
"The road between here and Leiria has two dangers," said Tor. "Several of our villagers as well as the next village have seen a white baboon and his demon escorts searching through the woods. We do not know what he seeks, but we know it is best to avoid him. The second danger is the spider demon near Leiria. It moves between the north side and the south side of the village. We do not know why it keeps moving. We think it might have to do with the Thunder Brothers changing or expanding their territory."
"I thought they held the land around Bragnaca," said Inuyasha.
"They land around Bragnaca as well as the province of Cantabera in Spain," said Tor. "They have a large strip of land which covers parts of Portugal and Spain going almost all the way to the Pyrenees."
"That is a lot of territory to cover," said Miroku. "How are we going to find them?"
"Why would you want to find them?" asked Tor.
"We were ordered to kill them," said Inuyasha. "With that much territory it will be hard to track them down."
"According to rumor, their head quarters is in a town called Camarga," said Tor. "I can not confirm it as true, but it is the town most people say when asked."
"We need to buy medicine and food for our journey," said Inuyasha. "We were not able to get any medicine from Aveiro because the weasel demon poisoned most of it."
"Why would he do that?" asked Tor.
"To keep most of the town under his control," said Miroku. "By poisoning the people so they were weak enough not to fight back. This insured his ability to dominate the men as the strongest of the group."
"Did no one realize the change in themselves and the mayor?" asked Tor.
"Many did," said Inuyasha. "They were cautious about taking anything the mayor gave them and watched his actions. The wondered how he changed and why he was acting the way he was."
"So they finally figured him out," said Tor.
"Only after we killed the centipede," said Inuyasha. "He panicked and tried to kill us by poison."
"I was able to detect it," said Miroku. "Kagome was able to confirm what they suspected."
"Such torment and tragedy for a good people," said Tor. "At least they are free now to rebuild."
"Mostly rebuild trust," said Miroku. "The town is safe for now."
"You will need supplies for four days," said Tor. "The next village is two days from here and Leiria is two days beyond that. If the spider demon has moved to the south of the town, you will run into it in three days or so."
"We might want to get more than four days supply," said Inuyasha. "Who knows how much food Leiria will have to sell."
"Do not forget you can hunt for meat," said Tor. "We only ask you eat what you take."
"We never take more than we need," said Miroku. "We do need the medicine more."
"Walking wounded?" asked Tor.
"Yes," said Inuyasha. "Kagome was attacked by demons after having a tree pin her to the ground. Her injuries are slow to heal because of the repeat assaults. We would like some willow bark tea for the pain."
"If you'll come with me," said Tor. "I will take you to a room to rest. My mate will arrange to take you to the apothecary and help with food shopping."
"We would appreciate any place to rest," said Inuyasha. "We have had a tough couple of days."
"I am not surprised," said Tor. "The centipedes were very strong. We did try to kill them to keep our trade route open. The problem was too many of us were hurt."
"You will be able to trade again," said Inuyasha. "Just be careful about your travel."
Tor laughed and showed them the room. He went to inform his mate about the guests. He was not surprised about the centipedes being dead.
Tor returned with his mate and said, "This is Farra, my mate. She will help you with everything. I need to inform the men to stand down."
Farra shot Tor a look that said 'men you can't live with them and you can't live without them.' She smiled and said, "I am glad you were able to kill the centipede, but you shouldn't have taken women into combat."
"They are the demon exterminators," said Miroku. "They dragged us into combat."
"Female demon exterminators," said Farra. "How unique. I did not realize they were the exterminators."
"I am proud of my wife and her cousin," said Inuyasha. "They have been the best fighters and troopers through everything."
"Yet one is hurt," said Farra.
"Kagome was exhausted after protecting the ship we were on coming here," said Inuyasha. "She helped us with the centipede demon only to be knocked into a tree which pinned her through the arm. We were able to treat the wound, but she was slow to heal without medicine."
"I see," said Farra. "Now she is injured again."
"We were attacked by a horde of demons who kept going after Kagome," said Inuyasha. "We were able to destroy them, but she was injured again."
"Well her injuries are healing," said Farra. "We will get her something for the pain."
"Thank you," said Inuyasha.
Farra nodded and left taking Miroku with her. She wanted him to check the medicine to make sure everything was clean. She knew he would check it anyways.
"Thank you for letting us stay," said Miroku. "We will try to be as little of a burden as possible."
"You have a long road ahead," said Farra. "Your path will cross the spider demon who can not decide where he wants to live. The Thunder Brothers who want the most territory and a dragon who likes the Pyrenees. You have a very tough road."
"We know," said Miroku. "We are suppose to have and informant before we hit the Pyrenees, but too much has happened for us to even think about finding him."
"He will probably find you," said Farra. "Here is the apothecary."
They entered a small dark shop. Miroku looked around and was impressed by the variety of plants. He knew the medicines would be good.
"Pan," said Farra. "Our guest need willow bark tea, wound cleaner, poultice powder, and anti-infection powder. They fought the centipedes as well as the demons that have been looking for the thing in the next village."
"I'm surprised they are not dead," said Pan.
"We have two experienced demon exterminators," said Miroku.
"You one of them?" asked Pan.
"No," said Miroku. "The ladies of our group are the exterminators."
"Female exterminators," choked Pan. "Well I'll be. I never thought I would see the day."
"I know it is a shock to everyone," said Miroku.
"So what about you boys?" asked Pan.
"Inuyasha is a full demon who has experience hunting down demons," said Miroku. "I just have the powers of a monk."
"Well, Myoga will be pleased when he catches up to you," said Pan. "Here you go. Just follow directions and don't mis them up."
Miroku accepted the basket full of medicine and turned to Farra. He wanted to know what was going on.
Farra smiled and said, "Myoga and Pan know each other. He just confirmed what we all believed."
"What's that?" asked Miroku.
"Your group is the one meant to take care of demons for the troops," said Farra. "All Myoga has been able to talk about is dealing with Lord InuTaisho's youngest."
"That would be Inuyasha," said Miroku.
"I will warn you now," said Farra. "The spider demon can control people. Several groups of exterminators have died when one was turned against the others. We do not know what human form the demon takes, but it is the from he mostly stays in."
"Thank you," said Miroku. "I will tell the others, but first food."
"Hungry, I take it," said Farra.
"Starving," said Miroku. "We spent the night in a cave and did not have a fire because of fear of being attacked. Most of the food we have needs to be cooked. Part of me hopes we can get some dried meat, fruits, and vegetables so next time we have something to eat."
"We will talk to Pedro and Esteban," said Farra. "They always have a collection of dried foods available. I know Tor will have arranged for fresh."
"We will need both," said Miroku. "Between Inuyasha and Shippo almost all our food is disappearing. They both are bottomless bits."
"What do you expect of growing demons?" asked Farra. "They will need a lot more food than you realize. Inuyasha needs to fill out himself and Shippo is about to reach a growth spurt."
"Great," said Miroku. "I know Kagome needs more food to recover her strength and heal. Now it looks like we will need twice as much food."
"Only for a few days," said Farra. "Inuyasha will return to his normal eating in a few days."
Farra waved to two demons. She signaled them to join her and Miroku. She wanted them to hear Miroku's request.
"Miroku, this is Esteban and Pedro," said Farra. "Esteban, Pedro meet Miroku. He has a question to ask you."
"Farra told me you keep dried meats, fruits, and vegetables," said Miroku. "I was wondering if we could buy some from you for my group."
"You realize fresh is better," said Pedro.
"Yes," said Miroku. "I know fresh is better, but when we can't have a fire, dried is better."
"I see," said Esteban. "Did you have trouble?"
"We were trapped in a cave," said Miroku. "We were afraid to have a fire encase the demons we killed had friends to follow them. We did not have much in dried foods and we were unable to have a very filling breakfast."
"We'll bring a large selection for you to pack," said Pedro. "We'll arrange payment at that time."
"Thank you," said Miroku.
Farra led Miroku back to his friends. When he walked in, Inuyasha was pacing and wondering what was taking so long. Miroku sat down and asked, "Do you have a cup for hot water to brew the tea, Sango?"
"Yes, I do," said Sango. "What took you so long?"
"I had to make arrangements for a food delivery," said Miroku. "How is Kagome?"
"She is in pain," said Sango. "I think resting is helping her though."
"Has she awaken?" asked Miroku.
"Briefly," said Sango. "She took some soup and water then fell back asleep. She keeps wincing in pain which hasn't helped Inuyasha's temper."
"Well the tea will help," said Miroku. "I just don't guarantee the flavor."
"It should wake her up," said Sango. "If for no other reason than to get rid of the flavor."
Sango and Miroku smiled and waited for the tea to finish steeping. They hoped Kagome would be free of pain so she could stop Inuyasha's pacing. They felt he was going to wear a path in the floor from his pacing.
"Inuyasha, relax," said Miroku. "Sleep is a very good healer and Kagome will be well."
"She should have never been hurt," said Inuyasha.
"Will you stop that," said Miroku. "We've already been over this once. It is no one's fault. Kagome was only hurt rather than killed. You have no reason to feel this guilty."
Sango noticed the open eyes of Kagome. She leaned over and grabbed the tea. She helped Kagome sit up and whispered, "Not the best taste, but it will help with the pain."
Kagome smiled and drank the tea. She them made a awful face as the bitterness took over. She almost gagged. She looked at Sango and said, "Water please."
Inuyasha turned to see Kagome awake. He walked over to her and brushed his hand against her cheek. He felt her lean in and nuzzle his hand. Inuyasha carefully gathered Kagome unto his arms. H helped give her water. "How are you feeling?" he asked.
"Like I just was run over by a coach and four," said Kagome.
The group laughed and felt relief at Kagome's joke. They were glad she was finally awake.
Kagome was in a little pain, but she was finally ready to continue. She knew there were things she would have to explain and all but the dill ache of her shoulder was gone.
"We need to check your wounds," said Inuyasha. "We were only able to clean them in th cave after you passed out."
"Fine," said Kagome. "Just don't let Miroku too near."
"Miroku will be keeping an eye on the door if he knows what is best for him," said Inuyasha. "If he doesn't, he will learn rather quickly and painfully."
Inuyasha and Sango carefully move Kagome to check all her wounds. They were surprised to see all but the shoulder wound looking like scratches or scrapes rather than cuts. They were happy to see Kagome doing so well.
"Except for your shoulder everything is healing quickly," said Sango. "We will clean and bandaged it so you can rest some more."
Sango quickly cleaned and bandaged Kagome's shoulder while Inuyasha checked on Miroku and some lunch.
"Inuyasha," said Kagome. "How long are we going to be here?"
"We are here waiting for you to feel up to traveling as well as getting supplies for restock," said Inuyasha. "Miroku has arranged for dried foods. So if we end up in a situation like last night, we will have food to eat."
"Can we leave once we have everything?" asked Kagome.
"If you wish," said Inuyasha. "Though I thought you would wish to rest more."
"I probably do," said Kagome, "but I have this feeling like we need to keep moving."
"You feel it to," said Sango.
"Yes, I feel as if someone is watching us yet I can not see them," said Kagome.
"We will leave as soon as everything is taken of," said Inuyasha.
"Thank you," said Kagome. "I really want to continue on our way."
They left after everything was taken care of. They traveled to Leiria with no more interference. They felt someone watching them every so often, but nothing came of it.