So Close
Shippo shivered from fear. In moments he would be all alone in enemy territory. He wished Kagome were with him or Sango or Miroku but they had trusted him to do this so he had to be brave. Of course it would help if his partner was somebody he actually liked but no, all he had was Jaken. Jaken and a bunch of other imps.
It was weird to see so many of them and they all kept staring at him! He must look weird to them as they did to him. They were all green and short and Shippo wondered how their own mothers could tell them apart. He felt a giggle in his chest as he easily picked Jaken out of the crowd.
Jaken had to strip off all his clothes and now only wore a brief loincloth. Apparently that's all the imps were allowed to wear. Chitose preferred them this way. Jaken had balked when the other imps told him this but if he kept his clothes on – Chitose would know he didn't belong. Still Shippo could tell which one was Jaken for he stood as tall as his small frame would let him and moved and talked with purpose while the others hunched over and looked humble.
"Shippo!" Jaken carefully made his way to the fox's side. "Just how long can you hold a transformation?"
"Not very long but it varies with what I'm changing into. Why?" Shippo knew staying hidden was going to be a problem for him.
"The imps tell me that you should hide in one of the treasure rooms. There's one with nothing but vases and bowls. You can hide in one of them."
"Really? Okay." Some anxiety fled his little shoulders.
"We are here Master Jaken." One imp spoke up. Turning carefully Jaken and Shippo looked over the edge of the flying cart. All they could see was dark ground, nothing that looked like a prison for demons. Still they stared as the cart lowered itself to the ground. It came to rest beside a large boulder. "Master Jaken your companion should change."
"Don't call me that! I'm one of you now!" Jaken hissed and shivered. "You heard him – change!"
"You need to be careful too Jaken!" Shippo spoke harshly but quietly. "You can't talk like that and you can't stand so tall either or he'll know!" With jerky movements, Shippo produced a green leaf, rested it upon his head and with a puff of smoke transformed into an imp. There were some gasps as they all saw one of their own. The little fox was gone.
Jaken's eyes were full of hate because of the looks of admiration his fellow imps were giving Shippo. Seeing that he was indeed standing taller than the rest of them, Jaken bent over. He hoped this situation wouldn't last too long.
Suddenly more imps appeared from the boulder scaring Shippo and Jaken. The large rock marked the entrance to the canyon. The two nodded at each other – at some point one of them would come back and mark the spot for the others. Following the other imps' lead they began unloading the cart. Once emptied, it shrunk down to the size of a child's toy.
One by one they each picked up a bushel of food and trooped inside the canyon. They walked for quite a while, their burdens heavy before reaching a large store room. As Shippo practically dropped his bushel, his fluffy fox tail appeared.
"Oh no! Jaken help!" Shippo was straining to hold the transformation but he was weakening.
"Hurry, show him where he can hide!" Jaken grabbed the nearest imp and pushed him towards Shippo.
"This way." The imp hugged the wall and stayed in the shadows. It was unlikely Lord Chitose would even notice them but the little demon didn't want to take any chances.
Shippo was sweating bullets as he hurried behind the imp. He didn't think he was going to make it when they entered a large cavern. His mouth dropped open at all the expensive looking vases, jars and chests. Pop! Shippo was himself again. Suddenly he was being pushed over into a large beautifully painted jar.
"Get in! Someone will bring you food later. Do not come out. Stay out of sight!" The imp looked around furtively then hurried away.
"Thanks…" He was talking to himself. Shippo looked around in awe. It wasn't that Lord Chitose had these things but that there was so much of it. He'd like to check things out but decided to stay where he was and rest. Sighing he settled in the bottom of the jar and wondered how long it would be before he could talk to or get a message to Inuyasha. He was here somewhere in this place and Shippo hoped he was okay for Kagome's sake.
Jaken thought they were trying to kill him. After carrying in all the food, they had to prepare it for all the demons locked up in their cells. A bowl of fruit and meat for each prisoner and a bucket of water for them too. It had already been late when they arrived for the imps stole food only after dark and most humans were asleep in their homes. Now it was almost morning and they still had to sweep and clean the throne room for Lord Chitose to use the next morning. Jaken was staggering after the others. It was somewhat safe because not since they'd arrived had he even seen a hint of Lord Sesshomaru's nemesis.
He polished the throne tiredly then moved to the table holding a large cauldron. At first Jaken didn't pay any attention to the smoke rising out of it and concentrated on getting the work done so he could get some sleep. I bet that lousy fox is snoring his furry little tail off! While I've got to work my fingers to the bone! And somehow we've got to find Lord Sesshomaru and get a message to him. Maybe I can go see him and be with him for a little while. I sorely miss you my lord… "Awk! My lord!" He was staring at Lord Sesshomaru!
Gen rode well past the palace in several directions. He was looking for Motoko. He was sure that he would sense her power long before his eyes saw her but nothing. The night turned to morning and still there was nothing to be found. Gen thought it possible to miss signs of the lady demon but humans couldn't help but leave traces of themselves behind. When the sun started to go down, Gen headed for the canyon palace. He was frustrated by his inability find the woman. It had been his plan to make her his and offer her a long luxurious life but how could that happen if he couldn't find her. As the demon steed carried him towards his desert home, Gen contemplated conjuring a spell to find her but more than likely that wouldn't work either. Feeling let down he finally came upon the boulder. He stared at the tiny entrance in disgust.
Gen closed his eyes, raised his hands before him palms together. He spoke a few words under his breath then he and the horse disappeared. He reappeared in his rooms. Gen dismounted and walked the horse to its enclosure then moved into his bedroom. It was large and furnished well. He wanted nothing more to collapse on the bed but he was dirty and dusty from traveling through the Barren Lands.
The torches on the walls had lit the moment he appeared and by their light he stripped off his clothing. He went to the entrance, "Imps! Bring me water for a bath and prepare me some food!"
Behind a silk curtain was a porcelain tub. Gen got out some soft towels and placed them on a stool beside the fancy tub. This he had missed while he'd stayed in the village. They only had wooden tubs and this was much more his style. In moments he heard the patter of little feet. Turning Gen saw six imps struggling with large buckets of steaming water. He stood to one side as the each filled the tub with water. After the last one left, he got in. The tub was only half full but they would return with more water soon.
After bathing and eating Gen supposed he would have to check in with Lord Chitose. Although it was full night, there could still be battles going on and seeing as they'd already been here a month, Chitose should be nearly back to full strength. They would stay another month more for him to gather some extra power and then they would travel Japan to see how it's changed since they were last here. Also, he would be on the look out for the lovely Lady Motoko.
"He disappeared!" Motoko exclaimed as she rose to her knees. We must be near the canyon!" They were still miles away but her demon eyesight could see very far.
"Damn barrier, they certainly do what they're supposed to do. It looks like a valley not a mountain containing prison cells and an arena." Miroku said as he looked at the landscape.
"Not to mention a palace." Sango added. "Kagome do you feel anything? Can you tell there's a barrier?" She looked over to her friend who was on hands and knees looking down.
"Just barely – not like Naraku's where I can't sense anything." Kagome was silent for moment longer, concentrating. "I believe it starts here and extends for miles." Her voice was hushed. "Do you think Shippo and Jaken were able to leave us a sign? I know we're supposed to look for a large boulder but there are boulders everywhere!"
"We'll just have to go down and take a look. Down please Hachi." Miroku told their ride. Minutes later they were on the ground walking. Just looking at it they saw nothing but when Kagome reached out a hand, she felt the barrier. She took hand away quickly least she alert Chitose.
"Lead the way Kagome." Motoko told her.
They walked single file and with out a word. But not quietly, Totosai's snores followed them as he slept on Momo. It was almost morning and still no sign of the entrance to the canyon.
"I think we should stop and try again tomorrow." Sango suggested. She was tired. They'd walked for miles and had basically been up for over twenty-four hours.
Everyone looked at her. Red dust covered her legs and her weapon was almost dragging the ground. Then looking at each other they nodded and dropped where they stood. Kagome gave everyone some food while Rin gave them water. They didn't risk a fire so in the cold they huddled close together. It wasn't long before they all joined Totosai in the land of sleep.
Gen walked into the throne room and found his master sipping sake. Boldly he walked forward then bowed before the demon. When he raised his head he saw that Chitose had indeed regained a great deal of strength. "You are almost yourself again my lord."
"You've returned Gen." Chitose looked the human up and down. He appeared somewhat tired and he wondered if the human had slept with all the village women. Laughing, Chitose invited Gen to have a seat before him and motioned for an imp to bring the human some sake.
"Yes those dog demons have been providing me with lots of souls. I've been thinking about keeping them a while longer. They way they kill and protect each other is most amusing."
Gen looked surprised. "I thought these dogs were the sons of an old enemy. I had the feeling you were going to kill them right away."
"I had planned to but like I said the things they do surprise me and that just makes them that more entertaining. I've been searching for some cats for them to fight but no luck as yet."
"Will they be fighting this evening?" Gen asked. He had not paid them much attention when Chitose had obtained them but if Chitose was this fascinated by them then Gen was curious to see what they could do.
"No I shan't use them this evening. They've been fighting constantly especially the mutt. I'll let them be this night and maybe the morning session too. I don't have very many strong demons at the moment so why should I waste them on the weaker demons. No, I'll get some strong ones in here and with their energy replenished we should see some grand battles!" Chitose laughed, excited by the prospect.
His curiosity flared yet again. Lord Chitose was impressed by these dogs. "May I see them?" Gen stood and went to stand beside the cauldron. When Chitose nodded, Gen set the contents to smoking. Shortly within the smoke two white haired demons appeared. They looked ordinary enough. "One is just a half demon, correct? He has power too?"
"Mmm and a curious way of fighting as well. He may be a half demon but he obviously gets his power from their father." Chitose spoke with derision and touched the scars on his face. "But though he is strong – no match at all for me which is why I enjoy using them so much!"
Gen saw the younger one lying beside his brother on the cushion of the elder's pelt and the elder's head was resting on his chest, white hair hiding his face. Nothing remarkable but then demons had all sorts of hidden powers. Suddenly the white head lifted as if he knew he was being watched and Gen was a little shocked. He had marks on his face! Marks like those of Motoko. Could she…could she be a dog demon? More importantly, did she come into the Barren Lands looking for them?
Shippo was woken by someone tapping on the outside of the vase he was in. Cautiously he rose and saw Jaken and another imp. Without a word he got out and followed the two imps along a dark passage way. It seemed like they traveled for hours but it was only minutes when they arrived back at the entrance the imps used. The three of them stepped out side and Jaken heaved a sigh before collapsing on the ground.
Shippo glanced at him worriedly before turning to the boulder. His sign couldn't be obvious but Kagome needed to know where the entrance was. Around the base of the boulder, Shippo threw some real acorns. They were small enough to look like stones but Kagome and the others would be on the look out for them and just to be on the safe side, Shippo dared to put out one of his mushrooms. Yes it would cry but only when Kagome or Miroku got close to it. He hoped no one but the imps would be using this entrance for the next day or so.
"So what happened Jaken?" Shippo turned to the imp lying on his back.
"He screamed! If Lord Chitose had heard him…" The little imp grabbed his arms and shuddered. "Thankfully my lord was not in the throne room."
"What happened?" Shippo asked again as he stood looking down into Jaken's face.
A smile of pleasure showed on Jaken's face only to change into a grimace a second later. "I saw Lord Sesshomaru. I was cleaning a table then he was there! It surprised me and I got a little carried away but I quickly realized it was just an image of him."
Shippo sat down quickly. "And Inuyasha? Did you see Inuyasha too?
"Huh? No I only saw my lord." Jaken waved a hand in front of his face as he sat up. "He's in a stone cell! He's dirty! My lord was covered in dirt and there was blood on his clothes!"
"They are together. Master Jaken may not have noticed but both dog demons share the same cell." The imp backed up when Jaken and Shippo looked at him amazement.
"And they haven't killed each other?!" They asked together.
"N-no. We don't watch the battles but I believe they fight together." Again he watched as they sat stunned.
"Wow, wait 'til Kagome hears that!" Shippo shook his head in wonder. "Good they're together so it'll be easier to find them than if they were in different cells."
"No. No one can get into the cells. Only Lord Chitose can open the cells – the walls are stone. There is but one high window in each cell." The imp spoke again.
"I can get in that way! I just have to find the right way." Shippo's excitement died down as the imp again shook his head.
"Lord Chitose often watches the dogs – you would be seen."
Jaken looked dejected. "Then there's no way to get a message to them. We can't get in the cell and they can't get out except to fight and we'd be seen if we suddenly appeared during the battle. Somehow we've got to get a message to Lord Sesshomaru!" Jaken flopped backward onto the ground again.
"The food isn't monitored." The imp told them and Jaken jumped to his feet.
"What? How can the food help?" Shippo looked from the dancing Jaken to the other imp.
"We'll hide the message with the food and even if they're watched, my lord will surely not let on that something is different!"
"But how will we know which batch of food to put it with?" Shippo didn't think it possible to find the right one.
"The dogs are the only two sharing a cell. They each get a bucket of water and a bowl of food and it's sent at the same time." The imp explained and leaned backwards from the light shining from Shippo's face.
"Okay, now we just need to write a message and wait for Kagome!" Shippo and Jaken danced while the other imp looked at them with a bemused expression.
Morning yet again and for once they got through the night without fighting. Inuyasha woke with a start, claws ready to cleave something. He blinked rapidly then relaxed backwards his head once again cushioned by Sesshomaru's pelt.
"It's early still. You should sleep." Sesshomaru spoke quietly. He wanted nothing more than to breathe fresh air and to see birds flying among high white clouds. Just being in this place was slowly killing them.
"Yeah but my body's expecting to fight." Inuyasha paused and inspected himself. His head still hurt but he hadn't any other injuries. He touched his neck and the bite marks couldn't be felt. "If I could just get some rest, I could get my energy back." He remembered how Daiki and Sesshomaru had defended him yesterday and was slightly ashamed.
When Miroku and Sango helped him, it didn't bother him anymore. They were friends and he'd gotten past being embarrassed when they helped him. Many times they'd saved his life but to have his brother and another dog demon see him so weak, injured his pride. He wanted to be strong before them.
"I'll do better today." Inuyasha promised.
Sesshomaru opened his eyes and looked down at Inuyasha. His brother stared at the opposite wall. He knew Inuyasha spoke of when he'd almost fallen during the battle yesterday. It was on the tip of his tongue to say something scathing but he paused because suddenly he wasn't sure he wanted to but then the opportunity to say anything was lost as the food and water appeared.
Both brothers froze. There were two scents emanating from the food. Two very familiar and very sharp scents. No doubt those two had just been with this food. Inuyasha slowly rolled over to look at his brother.
"They're here." He spoke calmly but excitement shone in his golden eyes.
"So it would seem. The food Inuyasha – bring it here." Sesshomaru sat up straighter and flung his hair over his shoulder.
Inuyasha did not balk at the order but pushed himself up and with a calm hand reached for one bowl and passed it to his brother. He picked up the other one, eyes constantly scanning the food. He wasn't expecting anything but as soon he picked up an apple he saw it. It was one of Shippo's toys. "Sesshomaru."
Sesshomaru had also been checking the food but Inuyasha's voice drew his gaze. He watched Inuyasha take a huge bite of the apple then with his other hand grasp the child's toy.
They assumed they could be seen but knew that Chitsoe couldn't hear them or surely Daiki would be dead since he was their emissary to the other demons. Plus the fact that he seemed to know what they were doing, the brothers acted as if it were a normal day inside the stone cell.
Inuyasha ate everything. Fruit and raw meat all went in his mouth and in his stomach. Suddenly he had a huge appetite and his body definitely needed the energy. He drank the water slowly and when he was done, he was full.
Sesshomaru ate as well. For the first time, he ate all that was in his bowl as well. He normally ate only half but now he would eat everything in anticipation of the grand battle to come. "Daiki."
"Yes my lord?" Daiki hadn't spoken to this morning. He was feeling the battles all through his body and his normal goodwill had waned. "We have reason to believe that we'll be leaving here shortly. Eat and reserve your strength. And Daiki…control yourself – these walls have eyes."
Daiki's body had been about to jump to his feet but he changed it into a stretch with Lord Sesshomaru's final words. "Can you tell me what you know?" He asked as he lifted a hunk of meat to his mouth.
Sesshomaru did not answer but looked to his brother. "Inuyasha."
Inuyasha had laid back down but turned over on his stomach. His hands hidden in the fur pelt broke open Shippo's toy. Inside was a note. Inuyasha's hands trembled as he read it then sighed heavily.
"Jaken and Shippo are here. Kagome, Rin and Lady Motoko are on their way. There's a dark human priest they may have to deal with before getting here but they do have a way in. No plan yet but they have our swords. Shippo will let us know when they arrive." Inuyasha looked up at his brother. Any other time he would not be able to read Sesshomaru's expression but right now he could see excitement, relief and the urge to kill. His brother couldn't wait to see his family and he was relieved they were safe but there was also the need to take the life of the bastard who'd started all this.
Inuyasha nodded because he felt the same way. "We'll be free soon Daiki. Just a matter of days, maybe hours." He ripped the note into tiny pieces with his claws but there were still the pieces of wood left from the toy. Sesshomaru took care of that with a little acid.
"I will be ready my lords. We shall end Chitose and destroy this terrible place." Daiki too felt the same emotions. That bastard had treated them as his play things, had used them to further his own power and had taken many noble demons from their families. Daiki would see him dead and his new friends free.
"Meow!" Kirara had been scouting ahead of them when she saw a familiar object. She batted at it with one paw and she was sure. Turning, she waited for the others to catch up to her.
Miroku held his staff but he missed it's jingle. He'd wrapped it in cloth to keep it silent. He reached the demon cat first and bent down to see what she'd found. Taking a deep breath he held the acorn up for the others as they gathered around him. "We're here. Finally."
Kagome squeezed Rin's hand and looked to Motoko who nodded at her. Seeing more acorns they moved a few steps more and came to yet another boulder but this one had a mushroom beside it. It was the only sign of vegetation they'd seen in the Barren Lands. As she neared it screamed once and they all jumped. It was loud but ended quickly. Kagome reached down and snatched the mushroom up.
"Miroku." She moved to one side and waited for him to join her. Side by side they stood and Kagome touched the barrier and sighed with relief. "It is weaker here." She turned to look at Ah-Un and Hachi. "Remember – stay in the air and wait for the barrier to come down. We'll need you guys to attack from up there should we need it or to make a quick getaway."
"That won't be necessary." Motoko spoke. "They've been here weeks, I'm sure they won't leave until Chitose is dead." She knew that with every bone in her body. Sesshomaru would not flee. When he left, it would be with victory.
"She's right of course." Sango smiled. "Where's Myoga? Come on out flea, it's time to do your part. Go in and let Shippo know we're here."
"Please hurry Myoga. I don't want to waste anymore time. If we can do this today then this whole mess will soon be over." Miroku said.
Myoga reluctantly left Totosai's scraggly hair. "I should have left a while ago." He muttered as he hopped to the entrance.
"Yeah right, you want Inuyasha back as much as I do." Kagome said. "All you have to do is find Shippo or Jaken and bring them back here."
"And stay out of sight. I haven't seen any insects since we entered these lands." Sango said as she looked around. "If there are none out here, I bet there are none in the canyon either."
Miroku looked to Kagome. "Ready?" When she nodded they both placed their hands against the barrier and concentrated. A small opening appeared. "Go!" Miroku yelled and the flea hopped through it.
"Kagome it's so hot." Rin complained. She was holding a hand over her eyes and sweating in the direct sunlight.
"Yes it is. Let's use our blankets as a cover and rest while we wait." Kagome suggested and they quickly put the plan into motion. The three humans were sighing with relief once under their makeshift tent. The demons liked the shade too but they weren't as nearly bothered by the heat.
"I'm so sick of waiting." Rin commented and felt Motoko's hand in her hair.
"I know my little one, I am too but we are here. The wait is almost over." Motoko breathed deeply. She tried to detect Sesshomaru's scent but being outside the barrier she had no luck.
Myoga hopped down dark corridors. It took him a while to find any signs of life. Finally he approached a room full of sleeping imps. "Jaken!" He searched through the imps. "Shippo! Jaken! Shippo!"
Several green heads looked curiously at the flea. Imps blinked at the insect but none of them said a word. Myoga hopped about the room but couldn't find the imp he needed. He left that room and kept searching. In the room next door were more sleeping imps and the flea started the process over again.
"Huh? What? I'm trying to sleep here!" Jaken complained as someone shook his shoulder. Lord Chitose, the bastard worked them hard and these few hours during the afternoon were their only chance to sleep.
"Jaken! It's me Myoga!" Ordinarily Myoga would suck some blood to get his attention but he didn't think he'd like the imp's blood so instead he jumped up and down on Jaken's head.
"Ugh? What is it?!" Jaken slapped himself in the face several times before opening his eyes to see the flea. "Myoga!" Suddenly Jaken hopped to his feet, caught Myoga in mid-air and ran out of the room.
"Hey!" Myoga complained only to be shushed by Jaken.
Jaken hurried to the treasure room where Shippo was hiding. When he got there he tapped on the side of the jar.
Shippo looked out cautiously to see Jaken smiling and holding out his hand. Shippo grinned hugely to see the disgruntled flea on the green palm. "Let's go!" Shippo got out and transformed into an imp. He took Myoga and followed Jaken. They traveled in silence heading for the imp's entrance.
Kirara lifted her head and darted out into the sunshine. "Meow!"
In seconds, Jaken followed by Shippo burst through the barrier. "Kagome!" The fox leaped up into her arms before she could stand. Rin laughing at Jaken's attire caught him in a tight hug.
"Shippo?" Kagome laughed too because he still looked like an imp then poof he was himself again. She looked him up and down checking him out then hugged him close. "Come on; let's get under the shade." Since she'd never gotten the chance to stand up, Kagome on her knees crawled back under the tent joining their friends.
Sango, Miroku and Hachi all welcomed the little fox and Motoko bestowed a lovely smile upon Jaken. "Please, tell us what you know." The lady demon spoke.
They spent an hour telling the gang of their time in Chitose's canyon. Shippo was even able to draw them a map of the layout of the canyon. Jaken could tell them of Chitose's schedule.
"You saw them?" Rin asked eyes wide. "Lord Sesshomaru's okay?" Tears dripped from her chin.
"They're okay but the look wore out. From what the other imps tell us, they've been battling constantly." Shippo told them.
"Inuyasha's…okay? …He's himself?" Kagome had been so worried that he'd turn into a full demon and without his sword; there was no way to change him back.
"I saw him Kagome. He's still Inuyasha." Shippo said. "I had to go see him once I learned that Chitose liked to watch them. Oh! They're in the same cell!"
"WHAT?! AND THEY HAVEN'T KILLED EACH OTHER?!" Miroku and Sango asked while Kagome just stared, mouth hanging open.
Totosai actually sat up only to topple over backwards in shock. "SAY WHAT?! You mean the pup's still alive?! Sesshomaru hasn't chewed him up and spit him out?!" The old man struggled to sit up but amazement wouldn't let him.
Myoga appeared from Totosai's hair. "Maybe they've been brainwashed! That has to be it because those two Do Not get along! Sesshomaru hates Lord Inuyasha." He spoke incredulous. "Lord Sesshomaru isn't capable of being least bit friendly towards his brother!"
Shippo and Jaken had to laugh as they saw their reactions. Rin's tears were forgotten as she too looked at them with wonder at the news.
"But it's true! They share the same cell. No fighting and I've even seen them talking to each other!" Shippo went on.
"It's unbelievable to me too but they appear to be getting along." Jaken crossed his arms and shrugged. "It's only because that half breed is right there – that's the only reason my lord talks to him!"
"So you've been able to talk to them too? No? Why not?" Kagome wanted to know. She slumped when she heard the answer. They couldn't get to the cells.
"The only time they are free is when they are in the arena." Motoko said thinking hard. "Then we have to get into the arena." She said logically.
"No my lady. There is no way into the arena. It's surrounded by thick stone. The only way in is if Chitose puts you there."
More silence. They were outside the canyon. Lord Sesshomaru and Inuyasha were inside. Tokijin and Tetsusaiga were laying idle waiting for the grip of their owners. How on earth were they to reach the dog demons?
"Master Jaken?" An imp spoke softly scaring them.
"Oh, what? Has something happened?" Jaken looked worried at Lady Motoko before inching forward to see what the other imp wanted.
"It's time to prepare the food." The imp blinked huge yellow eyes at the humans.
"Prepare the food?! I'm talking here, I –." Jaken broke off then smiled hugely. He looked around frantically. "Myoga! You can talk to them! Come on, hurry!"
"Huh, how?!" Miroku rose quickly to his knees.
"Tell them we're here!" Kagome.
"Tell Lord Sesshomaru I miss him!" Rin.
"Tell him I have his sword. Oh and Daiki?! Is he okay? I've got his as well!" Motoko.
"Ask them if they have any ideas how to get the swords to them!" Miroku gave up trying to understand how Myoga was going to get to see them and added his commands to the flea.
"Just get as much information as you can!" Sango.
"Tell them to hurry up, I ain't got all day." Totosai.
"Let's go or it'll be too late!" Jaken said and took off the moment the flea hopped on his shoulder.
Motoko watched them leave then looked to Shippo. "So how is the flea able to see them when you said there was no way into the cells." She scooted forward and frowned when the fox hopped unto Miroku's shoulder, afraid of her intense expression.
He explained how the humans delivered the food and that's how he had let Inuyasha know they were there. "Myoga's so small, he won't be seen. He can hide with the food and talk to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru then come back with the empty buckets."
"Even though they've been locked up in the cell, they still may have some ideas on how to escape. Lord knows they've had plenty of time to think." Sango said.
"Shippo? How come you and Jaken are able to enter and leave the canyon so easily?" Asked Rin. "Kagome, you and Miroku are going to open a hole for us like you did for Myoga right?" The little girl was genuinely puzzled.
"This entrance was made especially for the imps. When I'm an imp, I just pass right through it." The fox shrugged.
"So I guess we're back to waiting again?" Totosai lay on one side, head propped up by one hand. "This rescue has been more about searching, hiding and waiting. Where's the action? I had more fun back in the village drinking sake."
"Old man – just shut up!" Motoko said suddenly shocking everyone then she had to smile as they all starting laughing. The tension broke and they rested a bit easier.
"How long do you think Shippo?" Kagome asked anxious for Inuyasha's words even if they were second hand.
"Don't know. Not until they finish everything do the bowls and buckets come back."
"So it may be awhile." Miroku said. "They will surely have lots to talk about. We should try to rest so we can be prepared for the battle to come."
Myoga felt a cold sensation against his skin. He blinked and though he saw more stone walls, he knew he was in a different place.
Inuyasha and Sesshomaru were sitting side by side. It was something they did without conscious thought these days. They had both been up moving around the cage trying to stretch out their muscles and wondering why they hadn't fought in almost two days. Since they'd been there so long, they knew about the time when the food would be arriving and each had quietly sat down to wait for it.
Sesshomaru sensed a new presence. "Inuyasha."
Inuyasha looked quickly at his brother. "What is it?" He saw Sesshomaru's gaze was concentrated on the newly arrived bowls and buckets. He looked to the food and just then a miniature bald head appeared. He inhaled so deeply that he got choked. Inuyasha pounded on his chest. "Sorry about that. Hey Daiki?"
"Yes my lord?" Daiki was already eating his food.
"I suggest you listen up and don't get overly excited okay?"
"My lord?" Daiki found he was often confused by the two brothers these days but they were brothers and there were many things he'd yet to learn about them.
"No need when you've already done so." Sesshomaru stated. "Hand me a bowl Inuyasha."
"Just listen Daiki." Inuyasha then glanced at his brother with a half smile. "Hey I was surprised. Here." He put one bowl between them so Sesshomaru could reach it easily. "Old man – I'm really glad to see you. How's Kagome?" He glanced at his brother. "And Rin and Lady Motoko?"
Myoga blinked several times as he and the bowl were brought to Inuyasha's lap. He felt no animosity or hatred between them. They were, dare he think it – friendly? Brotherly?!
"Flea. Inuyasha asked you a question." Sesshomaru spoke harshly for he wanted dearly to hear the answer.
Shaken by Sesshomaru's tone, Myoga straightened up and was about to speak when Inuyasha's hand scooped him up. In a moment he was deposited on Inuyasha's shoulder and hidden by silver-white hair. Myoga was actually glad of this position because now Sesshomaru couldn't see him.
"Talk Myoga." Inuyasha said as he ate some fruit.
"Umm, yes. First let me say how glad I am to find you both alive and well. Is Lady Motoko's friend okay? Daiki, is it?"
"I am well and may I ask who is there? How can he hide from Chitose?" Daiki's curiosity was burning a hole in his gut.
"Later Daiki. Speak Myoga!" Inuyasha demanded.
"She's fine! Kagome, Rin and Motoko – they're just worried about the two of you." He peeked through Inuyasha's hair at Sesshomaru. "But I must say you both look rough."
"We've been battling! How the hell else are we supposed to look!" Inuyasha said with an edge to his voice.
"Inuyasha." Sesshomaru said quietly and picked up a piece of meat. He stared at it and spoke. "Flea, your time here is short. Do not antagonize us – we won't always be under the gaze of Chitose." Golden eyes looked briefly at the flea. "Tell us what is going on."
Myoga gulped. "Of course my lord." The three dogs listened to Myoga's tale of what happened since they last saw their loved ones. All the while he watched the brothers sit together and share food. What Sesshomaru didn't like, he gave to Inuyasha and Inuyasha gave Sesshomaru the fruit he preferred.
"So they can get in but the problem is how to get to us? And of course how to stay hidden from Chitose's power and his lackey. Dammit another dark priest. Kagome and I had to deal with a dark priestess a while back – she'd cursed Kagome. Bitch deserved her death; no doubt this Gen does too."
"Yes, they are a bothersome bunch." Sesshomaru commented. "Disillusioned humans who think a little power makes them invincible." He chewed some food. "Your monk has some power, does he not? Enough to face this human?"
"Yeah, Miroku has some power but I don't know…Myoga? Is Gen really powerful?"
"Huh? Oh yes I'd say so. I believe he is a lot older than he looks. He could be a hundred or more." Myoga was stunned by them. Simply stunned. They were actually getting along!
"Maybe a distraction is needed." Daiki suggested. "Our next battle – we could cause some kind of commotion so they could slip inside unnoticed. Surely Chitose will be watching our every move and since this Gen has been absent for so long, he should be at his master's side."
Brothers shared a look. "It could work then all they would have to do is get inside the arena. We get our swords and this place is history." Inuyasha was liking this plan. He reached for a bucket and drank deeply then passed it to Sesshomaru.
"Of course we don't know when we will battle next. For some reason we haven't battled for a day and a half."
"Probably because we've killed most of the demons, Lord Inuyasha." Daiki said. "He should have more soon and we could battle this very day but it's been advantageous to have this time to rest."
"It has." Sesshomaru gave the bucket back to Inuyasha. "Flea, convey this news to my lady."
"Yeah, tell them but it will be up to Shippo and Jaken to find out when our next battle is and let them know." Inuyasha said taking Sesshomaru's empty bowl.
"That's right, as imps they have run of the palace. It should be no problem for them to let us know when you next go to fight. But don't do anything right away my lords – give us time to get in and find the arena, there are tunnels everywhere." Myoga pleaded.
"Agreed." Sesshomaru leaned back and closed his eyes.
"Umm, flea? Please tell Lady Motoko that I'm glad she's doing well and that I look forward to seeing her and Rin again." Daiki added as he too finished his food and water.
"Yeah Myoga, tell my new sister I can't wait to meet her." Inuyasha cut his eyes to Sesshomaru who lifted one lid and whose lips twitched ever so slightly. "And let know Kagome I miss her."
"Of course Lord Inuyasha. No words for your lady Sesshomaru?" Myoga dared to ask.
"I can't kill you now but time will not always be on your side. Inuyasha send him on his way."
Inuyasha chuckled, amused by his brother. He drank the last of the water then sat the bucket to one side. "Come on Myoga. Sesshomaru is restraining himself because killing you would mean that much more time in this damn place." He pretended to scratch his neck, captured the flea in his hand and stacked the bowls. "Seriously Myoga – thanks for coming. Let them know that too. We can't wait to see them…" Inuyasha stared hard at the flea as he placed the bowls with the buckets. He crossed his arms inside his kimono and watched the flea disappear.