Chapter 38: The Stranger and More Secrets
In the dead of the night Kagero tightly held kotaru as he splashed around in the midst of the hot springs, hidden by sharp uneven rocks. Rin, Kumiko and Shizuna splash each other as they stayed not too fr away from their guardian at the moment, which happened to be Kagero.
''Oh, yeah.'' Kagome began as she slid into the refreshing water. ''Now that's what I call a hot spring.'' Kagome smiled as she sat with her back pressed against a rock. ''Ahh.'' Kagome smiled in total bliss as she began to finally relax from all their demon and shard hunting.
The shard of the jewel hung around Kagome's neck like a necklace. Since the shards fused into a quarter of the original jewel while half of the pack battled the spider demon.
''Don't you guys even think about peeking at us.'' Kagome called through the mist of the hidden tall rocky springs.
''Oh, please!'' Bankotsu grunted in disgust.
''Don't flatter yourself.'' Inuyasha stated as he sat with his back to the springs with his arms crossed over his chest and eyes closed.
''I got no interested in looking.'' Inuyasha flatly stated as Kagome's eye hardened in what could be said to be jealousy.
''Oh, is that so?'' Kagome bitterly retorted as she began to swim in Kagero's direction. ''Well, fine then.'' Kagome frowned as stopped beside her sister and sank beneath the water so that her nose rested just above the water.
Ok, so maybe I'm not the beauty Kikyo was.
Kagome thought as she glared at nothing in particular.
Meanwhile Shippo and Yoshihiro started undressing themselves which caught the attention of both Inuyasha and Bankotsu.
''Hey, why are you guys getting undress?'' Bankotsu curiously inquired.
''Give you one guess.'' Yoshihiro smirked as he and Shippo shedded the last of their article of clothing and charged for the hot spring, only to be hindered by the younger Inu brothers.
Inuyasha quickly grabbed Shippo by his tail and Bankotsu grabbed Yoshihiro by his left arm.
''Oh, no you two don't.'' Inuyasha snapped as he glared down at Shippo who brightly smiled up at him.
''Oops, sorry.'' Shippo excitedly smirked. ''You guys want to come?'' Yoshihiro excitedly asked as both Inuyasha and Bankotsu gasped in surprise.
''Huh?'' Inuyasha blankly stared at the two children before him.
''Of course not!'' Bankotsu snapped as Yoshihiro stared at him in puzzlement.
''Why not?'' Yoshihiro questioned as Bankotsu released his arm.
''Just go, you're not old enough yet.'' Bankotsu sighed as he closed his eyes and shook his head as
Yoshihiro shrugged his shoulders and the race toward the springs.
Shippo on the other hand, had a more inquiring mind.
''Wait, come to think of it, how come you and Kagome spend so much time together and yet never seem to bathe at the same time?'' Shippo questioned as Inuyasha stared at him in astonishment, resulting in him releasing Shippo's tail in embarrassment.
''Aren't you going to answer him, Inuyasha?'' Ryura wickedly grinned as Inuyasha quickly shot him a dirty look.
''Yeah, go on and answer him Inuyasha!'' Jakotsu taunted as he made a kissy face at his younger brother.
''Bud out would you!'' Inuyasha commanded as he glared at his overly feminine older brother.
''Think of all the fun things you can do when there's two of you.'' Shippo innocently stated as Inuyasha eyes darted between Mizuko and Naraku.
''Hey, don't look at me you're on own with that one.'' Mizuko snickered as Naraku only smirked wickedly.
A lot of help you two are. Gees thanks for nothing.
Inuyasha snapped as he glared at the both of them before closing his eyes and turning away from Shippo.
''Listen kid-'' Inuyasha began as his right eyebrow started to twitch when Shippo interrupted him.
''Mom, dad, and I always took baths together, and we had a really great time.'' Shippo stated as he reminisced about his bathtime with his parents while Inuyasha angrily growled.
Great, how did I get stuck with this?
Inuyasha frowned as he stared down at the kitsune with his cheeks slightly flushed.
''Remind me to explain it to you when you're a bit bigger.'' Inuyasha declared still with his cheeks flustered and staring down at the inquisitive kit.
''I guess that means you haven't gotten very far with Kagome yet, right?'' Shippo questioned as he dangerously stared at Inuyasha and everyone else besides Sesshomaru and the child in black, all gasped at Shippo in shock.
There's no way this brat could know about that, could he?
Inuyasha embarrassedly stared down at the kit with his cheeks now a bright red color.
Umm, did his parents give him the talk at such a young age?
Mizuko stared at Shippo in disbelief.
Such knowledge for one so young.
Jakotsu smiled down at the kit.
Impossible, he shouldn't know about that!
Ryura stared at Shippo in amazement.
Pathetic kitsune!
Jaken snapped as he bitterly glared at Shippo.
Chances are this kitsune doesn't really know anything, but these buffoons probably believe that the kit knows more than what he's letting on.
Naraku heaved a deep and heavy sigh as he closed his eye, shaking his head from left to right in disappointment at the members of the pack.
Just as the child in black refuses to reveal anything about himself as well.
Naraku stated as he stared at the child hidden by a cloak.
Just what secrets could this being possibly be hiding?
Naraku thought as he continued to stare at the cloaked child in curiousity.
''I don't know what that means, but no one seems to be willing to answer.'' Shippo stated as everyone except Sesshomaru and the child in black fell over at being deceived by the kit.
Why you little...
Inuyasha closed his eyes and angrily growled as Shippo turned his back to him.
''I wonder why.'' Shippo stated as crossed his tiny arms over his small chest with his back still to Inuyasha.
Inuyasha still with his eyes closed, angrily reached for the tiny kitsune with his clawed right hand. He quickly and very roughly began to pinch Shippo by his cheeks with both hands.
''I'll tell you why-'' Inuyasha snapped as tears formed in Shippo's eyes as Inuyasha pinched his cheeks harder. ''In about 50 years when you're old enough to understand it!'' Inuyasha angrily shouted.
''Just an innocent question.'' Shippo painfully stated. ''What did I say?'' Shippo tearfully asked as everyone even the child in black sighed, with exclusion of Sesshomaru, who rarely shows any sort of emotions.
Back in the springs Kagome was swimming away from Kagero to another rock not far, but not close to her sister and the children. Kagome sigh as she sunk back into the water with her back to the rock.
So, he never like me, the way he liked or still likes Kikyo?
Kagome thought as she felt something tower over her and she let out a surprised scream.
''Aah!'' Kagome loudly screamed which drew Inuyasha's attention from torturing the kit anymore then he already was.
''What's wrong?'' Inuyasha questioned as he quickly rushed toward Kagome in hopes of defending her while Shippo hastily followed after him.
''He's such an idiot.'' Bankotsu sighed as Jakotsu nodded in agreement.
''Even I know not to go into a spring with naked women and children.'' Jakotsu stated as he cringed at the thought of ever seeing a woman naked.
''No worries'' Naraku began as everyone except Sesshomaru stared at him. ''Kagome with most likely sit him or something along that nature.'' Naraku sighed with his eyes closed as everyone else, but Sesshomaru and the small cloaked child nodded in agreement.
''Hey you,'' Jaken stared at the child in black. ''Why are you not with other children?'' Jaken questioned as the child scoffed in disgust.
''None of your business!'' he snapped as Jaken bitterly glared at him.
''Disrespectful brat.'' Jaken murmured under his breathe.
Now back to Inuyasha and Shippo, the two of them leaped into the hot spring only for Inuyasha to painfully be hit over the head with a small border by Kagome.
''I'm fine, okay?'' Kagome stated as she removed her hands from the border that still rested on Inuyasha's head. ''Just go away.'' Kagome commanded with everything from her torso up not being covered by the mist or water.
Inuyasha then sunk into the water with the border still upon his head as Kagome direct her attention to what scared her in the first place.
''Shoo!'' Kagome glared at the annoying little creatures.
''Shoo, monkeys.'' Shippo stared at the monkeys on the rock beside Kagome.
*O*O*O*
The next morning the pack were all walking on a narrow path of a cliff. Kagome, Shippo and Mizuko were walking out in front, leading the pack and Inuyasha was walking a little ways behind them. Naraku, Jakotsu and Bankotsu were behind Inuyasha with Ryura and the child in black lagging behind them. Kagero and the others weren't even visible yet, which pretty much raised suspicion with everyone since Sesshomaru was, if not always leading his pack and would never care to stay behind everyone, but no one dared to voice their opinion on the matter.
For everyone was too afraid of Sesshomaru to ever question certain actions he chose to make.
Most guessed that it was because of Kagero, who was stuck with children who all rode upon either of the two-headed dragons and she was also behind everyone which was also very strange itself since Sesshomaru liked to keep her in the middle of the pack so she could be fully protected by nearly all the males in the said pack.
''Come on, can't you see the humor in it?'' Kagome questioned as Inuyasha stared to his left.
''So, I bonked you on the head. You saw me naked, so can't we say we're even?'' Kagome asked as she stared Inuyasha over her right shoulder.
''He saw you what?'' Mizuko snapped as he glared back at Inuyasha and Mizuko threateningly raised his left fist at the Inu hanyo.
''Oh, brother.'' Bankotsu rolled his eyes at Mizuko's attempt to try and scare his younger brother Inuyasha.
''I think it's cute how he wants to protect his little sister.'' Jakotsu smiled as he made googly eyes at Mizuko. ''I mean he's already adorable.'' Jakotsu snapped as Naraku rolled his eyes.
''Keep your thoughts to yourself Jakotsu.'' Naraku flatly stated as Ryura nodded in a agreement.
''Please.'' Ryura frowned as Jakotsu began to pout.
''It isn't fair.'' Jakotsu began to whine as the three of them mentally groaned.
''I saw nothing!'' Inuyasha snapped as he roughly shook his head about before it finally whipped back to the left with his cheeks deeply flustered a bright pink.
''He did, right?'' Kagome asked as she stared down at Shippo who walked beside her.
''I don't know. I was looking somewhere else.'' Shippo stated as Inuyasha grumbled in the background.
''If he knows what's good for him, he better not have saw anything.'' Mizuko bitterly snapped as his eyes shot daggers at Inuyasha who nervously gulp.
''I ain't afraid of you, you half-wit mortal!'' Inuyasha glared back at Mizuko.
Suddenly the rocks on the left began to all tumble down the left side of the cliff causing those who were visible to stare at the top of the cliff to see what all the commotion was. A creature which resembled an enormous giant yellow gourd hastily slid down the top of the cliff.
''I have come for ye!'' the enormous giant yellow gourd proclaimed as it charged at Inuyasha.
The enormous giant yellow gourd collided with Inuyasha, pushing him and Shippo over the edge, away from Kagome and the others.
''Inuyasha!'' Naraku, Bankotsu, Jakotsu and Mizuko, all shouted as they started to climb down to where he, Shippo and the enormous giant yellow gourd had come to a stop on another ledge, thanks to Inuyasha holding the creature in place.
''Inuyasha, Shippo!'' Kagome worried called as she stared over the edge of the cliff.
Unexpectedly Kagome's collar was pulled from behind and she was thrown over a man's broad shoulders.
''Huh?'' Kagome gasped in puzzlement.
''What do you think you're doing?'' Kagome snapped as she stared behind her at the strange man, who had quickly started to race away from her other companions.
''Fear not, young lady.'' the man began as he quicken his pace. ''You have no reason to doubt my intentions. I am nothing more than a simple monk-'' he paused as he stared up at the bright blue sky.
''A monk who desired a jewel shard and got himself a young woman in the process.'' he exclaimed.
''What am I, a consolation prize?'' Kagome bitterly snapped as he glared down at him.
Meanwhile Inuyasha held the enormous giant yellow gourd in place with both of his hands upon the beast. Inuyasha stared up at the path to see that Kagome was being whisked away by strange person.
''Kagome!'' Inuyasha angrily called after her. ''Who's the guy?'' he questioned as he continued to stare at the two who were quickly making their way off the narrow path. ''Where's he taking her to?'' Inuyasha questioned in jealousy.
''Don't take this personally,'' Inuyasha snapped as he roughly punched the enormous giant yellow gourd with his right hand and the drew his Tessaiga from its sheathe. ''But I got better things to do.'' Inuyasha declared as the enormous giant yellow gourd shrieked in fear.
''Aah!'' It screamed as it transformed into a demon that resemble a badger or raccoon. ''Don't kill me. I'm but an innocent badger.'' the demon stated as he cowered in fear.
The man carrying Kagome halted for a split second and then he turned in the direction Inuyasha was in.
''Your friend is a violent one.'' the man stated as he unwrapped the sacred beads that covered his right hand and then placed the said hand in Inuyasha's direction.
''Explain yourself!'' Inuyasha snapped as he threateningly held Tessaiga above the demon, who shook with fear upon the ground. ''Why did you attack me?'' Inuyasha barked at the still cowering demon.
Suddenly a very powerful wind pulled Inuyasha and his sword to the rocky side of the cliff.
Tessaiga flew out of Inuyasha's hands and stuck to the the rocky cliff while Inuyasha crashed head first into it.
''Inuyasha!'' Kagome worriedly screamed and then bitterly glared back down at the man. ''Let me go.'' Kagome snapped.
''Gladly.'' he smiled as he allowed Kagome to drop from his shoulder and she took off running toward Inuyasha. ''Seeing as I have what I desire.'' the man smirked as he held the chained jewel shard in between his thumb and index fingers of his right hand then he race away.
Kagome slid down the cliff to where, Naraku, Mizuko, Shippo, Bankotsu and Jakotsu all crowd around Inuyasha.
''Hey, are you all right?'' Kagome asked Inuyasha as his head was still jammed inside the cliff.
''That creep.'' Inuyasha hissed as he was finally able to get his head out and he now sat upon the narrowed path.
Sesshomaru and the remainder of the pack that was with him had finally caught up to the rest of the not so happy herd.
''It's about time you guys finally decided to grace us with your delightful presence.'' Bankotsu snapped as Sesshomaru glared at him in warning.
''Who the heck was that guy, anyway?'' Inuyasha bitterly snapped as Kagome chimed in.
''He did mention something about being a monk, but what was the deal with his right hand?'' Kagome inquired.
Yeah, I've never seen such a strong storm come from out of nowhere. It was like the wind from his hand was pulling in everything its path.
Inuyasha thought since he still a bit shaking up and quite angry about the whole ordeal.
''Did we miss something?'' Kagero innocently questioned.
''Did you miss anything?'' Bankotsu snapped as Mizuko glared at Kagero.
''Kagome was kidnapped and you weren't here to stop it!'' Mizuko snapped as he accused her,
''Me?!'' Kagero glared at Mizuko. ''Well, what did you do to stop her captor, huh?'' Kagero bitterly questioned at him.
''Well I, I uh.'' Mizuko stammered as Kagero scoffed.
''Yeah, I thought so!'' Kagero barked at Mizuko who glared at her. ''You're always standing around carefree and you didn't care that I was kidnapped twice!''Kagero ranted in both sadness and anger.
''Did you care that I was kidnapped at all, Mizuko?!'' Kagero barked as Mizuko turned his head away from her. ''Of course not! It's always Kagome, Kagome, poor sweet and innocent Kagome!'' Kagero angrily snapped as tears refused to form in her eyes.
''So, It's your fault not mine, big brother!'' Kagero angrily retorted as Mizuko eyes darken and he glared at her.
''Oh, no!'' Kagome stated as everyone, but Sesshomaru jumped back in fear when Kagome unexpectedly gasps.
She quickly stood up and stared down the path where ther captor had once been. ''That monk took off with my backpack. You creep!'' Kagome yelled as Inuyasha stared up at her in disbelief.
''Like that matters.'' Inuyasha scoffed as Kagome focus her attention back on him. ''You were being kidnapped. Don't you think that's more important?'' Inuyasha frowned as he turned away from her and angrily folded his arms over his chest.
''I can't turn my back on you people for a second.'' Inuyasha barked as Jakotsu stared down at him in utter lack of faith.
''This would have never happened if Sesshomaru had been leading the pack as usual.'' Jakotsu whispered to Bankotsu.
''Hai.'' Bankotsu nodded in agreement. ''Trust Inuyasha to always mess things up and to also display his weaknesses as usual.'' Bankotsu whispered back.
''I heard that!'' Inuyasha snapped as Kagome stared down at Inuyasha.
''You were worried about me.'' Kagome said as she quickly sat beside him. ''Sorry.'' She whispered as Inuyasha blushed and quickly turned away from her.
''Sorry for what?'' Inuyasha asked continuing to blush.
''Aww, how cute, Inuyasha!'' Ryura teased much to Mizuko's disapproval.
''I never said I was worried about you.'' Inuyasha hissed still with his back to her. ''I was only thinking about the jewel shard.'' Inuyasha proclaimed as Kagome became nervous and clasped her hands together as if pleading for something.
''Speaking of which, he took off with more than just my backpack. He got the jewel, too.'' Kagome sweetly stated as Inuyasha glared at her.
''What?'' Inuyasha snapped.
''How could that have happened, you wear it around your neck, Kagome?'' Jakotsu closed his eyes as he rubbed his forehead with his left hand and shook his head in disappointment.
''Why does she have the jewel shard to begin with anyway?'' Bankotsu flatly questioned. ''She's completely useless.'' Bankotsu frowned as Jaken nodded in agreement.
''I couldn't agree with you more, half breed.'' Jaken stated as Bankotsu glared at him.
''Shut it, imp!'' Bankotsu snapped as he raised his left fist toward Jaken who daringly glared back at him.
''This is getting to be a bit ridiculous.'' Ryura began. ''Now we have to search for the stolen jewel shard on top of the jewel shards that we need to collect.'' Ryura heaved a heavy sigh.
''I'm so sorry.'' Kagome hung her head in shame.
''So, why not let one of these demons keep the jewel.'' Mizuko sarcastically began. ''I'm sure they can protect it far better than we mortals ever could, right Sesshomaru and Inuyasha?'' Mizuko knowingly smirked as both Inu brothers growled at him in warning.
''That's an excellent idea, Mizuko!'' Jakotsu stated as he quickly smothered Mizuko's frame.
''Release me, Jakotsu!'' Mizuko commanded as he cringed and Jakotsu pouted still clinging to him.
''No way!'' Jakotsu snapped as he tighten his hold on Mizuko and Mizuko turned to the other's for help.
''No can do.'' Bankotsu flatly declared.
''Rather you then me.'' Inuyasha stated as Ryura and Naraku cringed as Jakotsu rubbed his cheek against Mizuko's.
''Poor mortal.'' Jaken whispered as he stared on in disgust.
Even Sesshomaru kind of felt a little bad for Mizuko, but he would never show it. Kagero and Kagome just silently stared between each other and then wickedly grinned while the children were all to preoccupied to even care except the child in black, it just stared at everyone besides Kagero and Sesshomaru in disgust.
What a waste of time. He grows closer to becoming more powerful and very soon they will not be able to stop him.
The child in black sighed because it's task was becoming more and more difficult with each day Sesshomaru and his pack wasted on trivial matters.
This mission is starting to become hopeless. How will I ever be able to accomplish it?
The child thought as he stared at the pack that is supposed to be destined for greatest, but he was starting to think that they were gravely mistake when they chose these people for such a deadly and powerful assignment.
Maybe it very much was indeed a grave mistake in their choice, but there was nothing his child could do, for he would not be the one to fail if things didn't go to plan. After all he's just a product of someone else's creation and he never actually wanted to be reincarnated into a child or reincarnated at all, never the less, he made a commitment and now he had to see it through or else.