AN: Hey there, welcome to the 3rd chapter! Strap in.
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Why is that girl so unreasonable? She's hardly qualified to be anyone's mother, let alone a demon child's, yet she insisted on having him stay with them 'for the time being', feh! More like for as long as she can cling to him. Does she think he's some kind of toy? And the kid's a problem too. Instead of wanting to leave or agreeing to go to a different fox den, declared he'd stay so that he could learn to get stronger from 'the grumpy dog demon' as he'd put it. Tch!
It...probably wouldn't be so bad to teach him a few things. Might even be nice, kid's been at least somewhat respectful so far probably because the kit thinks I've always been a full demon but that's fine.
...What's a good thing to teach a kid?
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Pretty bizarre how lucky we've been so far, most of the demons we've come across not only have at least one shard but are also easy small fry for me. There's been a few that were a bit of a challenge and let me learn more about my powers but I...I don't think everything would've been this easy if I'd still been a mere half demon. Definitely would've struggled with those spider demons if I didn't outright die since that night had been a new moon...
Best wish ever.
If only that girl would stop being so damn chatty at me all the time. She claims she's trying to be friends but most of what she says is nonsense! And every human before her who's said the same were lying. Yet I'm supposed to take her seriously?
Humorous.
I think I'll allow the kid to snuggle up to me next time he tries when we go to sleep. He did good not running away and screaming as much like an easy target this time.
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Dumb wench decided to go home even though she knows the dangers of not taking her task seriously. I would be pissed if things were different.
Whatever, at least I get a break from her incessant nattering. I don't have to protect her in her own era right? Right. Might as well use the time to introduce Shippo to some other fox demons...just in case.
I shouldn't get attached anyway.
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Fucking dumb little airhead! What the actual-?! I show up with Shippo clinging to my shoulder because the kid wants to see the wench for some odd reason and what do I find? The girl endangered because she doesn't know crap about her own era!
It wasn't even a one time thing from them showing up conveniently, it happened other times too afterwards.
"'Oh no, there's no demons in my time Inuyasha. There's no need to worry. Demons don't exist anymore. I'll be perfectly safe'", he mocked her in a high pitched voice after first having to deal with a demon mask one day and then a fire done by an angry spirit another day followed by smelling raccoon demons later that same day and then coming across a Kappa a different day after that! Useless girl!
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'You've gotta be kidding me', Inuyasha thought with a twitching eyebrow when he learned from the old woman that some witch stole Kikyo's ashes. Great. Just what he needed. An unknown problem. And of course both these wenches expect him to be willing to do something about it. And the kid is curious about...things. So is the girl.
Maybe he should try harder to find Shippo a new home? He's not actually the kid's father, despite taking him in and...bonding a bit of all things. Although that was the girl's fault...something to think of later when this current problem is solved.
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Looking at the three of them on the other side of the clearing, the girl tied up in a tub of weird smelling liquid, the old hag who smelled of black magic, and a naked woman who looked...who looked like… "That bitch!" Inuyasha barked out causing everyone else, besides 'Kikyo', to jump in surprise.
Storming over to the naked woman with a fearsome scowl he began to growl, "Since you've already been resurrected I gotta few important things to say to you! One, you were a bitch! Dangled supposed happiness in my face then attacking me outta nowhere like that and the cruel things you said unprovoked! Two, I became a full demon despite your hindrance and three your reincarnation is bothersome and annoyingly trying to finish what you started! I just don't know what her end game is when she insists she isn't you", he finished in a huff. Waiting for a response that never came. Noticing the lifeless eyes he paused and softly, gently flicked her between the eyes and watched as she fell over lifelessly like a cloth doll.
"Is she broken?" Inuyasha asked with a furrowed brow, interrupting the sputtered threats from the witch that he'd been purposely ignoring.
"Broke-how dare you?! My work is flawless! She just needs her soul, it's already been reborn and I've determined that girl there to be the reincarnation. I just need to safely remove her soul so that it can go into my special Kikyo container so that she can do my bidding." The hag witch boasted.
"Oh?" Inuyasha raised a single brow.
Nodding decisively the hag witch continued, "I see you have a grudge against her. I don't know why you came here with that old priestess but if you join me I'll allow you to take out your grievances with her so long as you don't destroy my work. What do you say boy? Is it a deal?" A gleam appeared in her eye with a smug tone.
Glancing at the hag witch Inuyasha went back to looking down at the thing that could be Kikyo's second chance at life...well... a partial life, a chance to talk to the woman he used to lo- was coming to care for, and lifted his hand up…
Ignoring the corpse he just dropped to shake the blood off his claws he stepped over to the girl and the tub she was in before tipping it over with his foot, watching disinterestedly as she hit the ground hard and rolled a bit. Tearing the rope that was binding her apart he was a bit confused when she suddenly hugged him when all he was doing was checking for wounds and poisons. Sighing inaudibly, he gently patted her back in a comforting manner and watched as the old woman went about burning that thing with Kikyo's face, as well as the dead hag witch, to ashes with Shippo's help.
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Well this place was a waste of time. Only interesting part was when some of the village women tried to manhandle the girl into more appropriate clothing. Don't know why she insisted on hearing my thoughts over how she looked in them. At least she wasn't so dumb as to refuse their generosity and free clothes...but she was dumb enough to later ignore the practical gifts in favor of her era's weird clothes. I still don't understand how her odd too short kimono is considered a type of respectable uniform for scholars. I bet she's lying.
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Did she...did she just yell at him for not being interested in looking at her naked body? Again? What a strange girl.
Not as strange as the looks she's still giving him when she wants to bring up Kikyo. No-wait, this is stranger. Gotta be.
Well that other guy took it as a hint to leave instead of peep so it's probably fine.
Probably.
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She lost the jewel shards. Of course she lost the shards. He'd only left her alone so she could browse the food stalls with the kit. Why wouldn't she lose the shards? Makes perfect sense!
"Hey, Inuyasha to be fair...I'm pretty sure it was actually stolen by one of the humans who bumped into her. Like this one monk who ran into her. He was kinda-um handsy like?" Shippo tried coming to the girl's defense having sensed the displeasure seeping into the air from the dog demon.
Oh sure. They were stolen. Same difference.
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Ok so apparently Monks can be extra sore losers. He tracks the thief of a Monk down to the outskirts of the village (clearly making a run for it), overwhelms the mortal with his speed to just take back what the guy stole, was even kind enough to give him a fair warning of advice with nothing more than a bruising punch and what happens? He causes a ruckus to get the few other humans running and tries to suck him up into some kind of death portal in his hand.
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Well trying to blow or cut off his arm from a distance with pebbles or his iron weaver soul stealer wasn't working, nor was making him trip up from a few of those attacks helpful as everything would just end up getting sucked into that damn hole. And he could change where he aimed it with no problem too. Friggin annoying. Maybe he should just kill him- wait! What the hell was that girl...?
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The girl actually risked her fool life- like a sentimental idiot- by throwing herself at the monk like that just on the chance that he'd stop his, what'd he call it? Wind Tunnel? And it actually worked. Almost too well, I think their fat heads nearly knocked each other out.
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Ah.
Well then...
Least I can do is restore her honor in this situation…
Stroking the top of the girl's head briefly while she still clung to him in disgust at being violated by that Monk, Inuyasha removed her from his chest gently and quickly pounced on the so-called Monk who looked ready to run off. Grabbing the arm of the hand that had groped her he twisted it painfully behind the human man's back to haul him over and force him to his knees before the girl- Kagome.
"Apologize or lose your arm." Inuyasha demanded bluntly, tightening the hold til the man yelled in pain, worsening it when he tried to jerk away.
"Ah! Umm-uh, that's o-ok Inuyasha! You don't have to go that far-" Kagome tried to interject only to be interrupted by the monk shouting out an apology followed by a more sincere sounding one once Inuyasha let him go.
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Why were they still talking to this bozo?
"That's all I know about Naraku. And again, I feel I must apologize for being so inappropriate with your lady", the monk proclaimed charmingly while smiling nervously.
"She's not my woman." Inuyasha replied after a beat of silence since all Kagome did was blush.
"Oh! My mistake. Your mate-"
"She's not my mate either!" Inuyasha spluttered causing the monk to look confused.
"Then why-?"
"Ah-hahaha, w-we were-are, I meant are just friends is all! That's why he uh- got so protective, you see?"
"Oh. Well alright then?" The Monk accepted dubiously.
There was a long stretch of silence.
"Is there anyone else in particular you feel we should keep an eye out for, besides this Naraku person?" Inuyasha asked to get back on topic. Humans could be so weird.
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"Hey so...Inuyasha?" Shippo whispered loudly from the dog demon's shoulder.
"Yeah, what?"
"Why are we traveling with a monk now? I don't get it..." Shippo pondered.
"Hmph. Ask Kagome." Was the uncaring response. Honestly the girl could be such a headache. The guy dishonors her then she wants him to join them on their jewel shard hunt for asinine reasons. He only agreed incase she fell for the pervert and alleved him of his burden to protect her. If she got a husband it would no longer be his job, afterall. Only problem is if he'd take Shippo with him when he left or not. Kid insisted they were pack now...he didn't hate the idea of finally having one again...
Shippo's eyes got wide in shock while Kagome gasped dramatically, having obviously eavesdropped, causing the monk in question to get curious.
Noticing the girl, Kagome's, wide teary gaze on himself he grumped in confusion, "What? What is it now?"
"Just now...you...you said my name!"
"...What?" Was the deadpanned response.
"You finally said my name!" she cheered happily. Then actually started doing some weird dance...he thinks it's dancing anyway... while chanting nonsense.
"No reason to get all happy" Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Sure there is! This is a moment to mark on the calendar. Feels like we've gotten closer, this is so great! Wow. You actually used my name….wait until Kaede hears!" she enthused before giggling.
"Weirdo" Inuyasha sighed, already feeling tired.
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The Monk was a ridiculous person. Perverted. A criminal too. But oddly knowledgeable and helpfully informative. One of those experienced and well-read types. The kit had taken a liking to him, mimicking his charm to improve his own fledgling skills.
He's also trying to ingratiate himself to me, for some reason. Not something I'm used to honestly. Kagome says friendship is why he's acting this way...I say respect. Only cuz the bozo doesn't really reek of fear and unease anymore as the days pass when it comes to me. Not really.
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He should.
The slight nervousness he hides will do though.
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The demon slayer standing in front of him looked and even smelled half dead yet still managed to appear formidable. Impressive for a human woman. Very impressive. Hopefully she wasn't about to pick a fight with him. He might just kill her on accident.
If he remembered right... demon slayers who wore that style of uniform were more fair in what demons they'd target having befriended certain demons at random throughout their history. Although a lot could change in 50 years…
"Are you the half demon Inuyasha?" The demon slayer demanded.
"What d'you mean?! He's no dumb halfbreed-!" Shippo shouted in surprised indignation.
"Depends who's asking and why" Inuyasha shot back interrupting Shippo.
"My name is Sango. I was told the person responsible for the slaughter and destruction of my people and village was Inuyasha" she readied herself into a stance, eyes burning into him with a solemn determination, "I'll ask again. Are you him?"
"...I am Inuyasha. But would you believe me if I said I wasn't responsible for that?"
"Of course not. Prepare to die!" She declared.
Dammit.
She's unexpectedly fast in her state but not so much that she was problem for him. She wasn't listening to him and only deigned to answer a few of his questions. Fortunately he wouldn't have to kill this woman, a person who wants to kill him for an actual good reason...even though he was framed, due to that Naraku foolishly appearing and revealing his manipulations when he called the scumbag out. Idiot.
And then it wasn't even the real Naraku but a damn puppet!
He killed it swiftly and brutally for the annoyance.
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Well...this was nice. It's not ever that he recieves a sincere apology from anyone, let alone a warrior like this slayer. She even tried to offer him and by extension the others what hospitality she could in her wrecked hovel of a massacred village.
And then the other humans started talking to her. Which lead to the two to quietly begging him to stay so they could help clean up the village, bury the slaughtered, and nurse the Slayer back to good health. Of course they wanted him to help...
He saw no reason not to. He'd always respected these particular slayers anyways. Besides, they got two more shards for the collection out of this.
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Somehow...there's another member in our party. I'm not sure how it happened. Or why. But! Naraku is definitely to blame! I feel like I'm collecting strays. Three. That's three humans now relying on me for safety along with a demon kit and cat. I did not agree to this.
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It's pretty nice that we've collected as much jewel shards as we have because the foolishness I am forced to know about during this little adventure is annoying. Truly.
Looking to take more Shikon jewel shards by trying to hunt down that Naraku character really does lead to some weird situations. Like...
What kind of a god gets imprisoned by a false one? Who-how does that even happen?! Can't be much of a god then!
Guess it was nice of her 'god-ness' to give us all a blessing for saving her...not sure what help it'll give coming from such a puny god though.
Augh.
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Siiiiiiiigh. I don't trust this. But at least the perverted monk and the slayer can pull their weight when it comes to fighting and hunting.
Sango in particular is properly respectful...and strategic. I think she was taught about the ways of my kind. Pretty sure she's trying to establish herself as allied friend and adhere herself as my second. Probably.
Regardless of ol'Myoga's lessons it's not like I have any experience in using the social stuff.
She might be my favorite human of the bunch being the strongest and the least annoying and Shippo seems to like her fine although he's bonded more with her pal, the ol'cat Kilala.
It's still kinda exasperating to have to keep watching her put the monk in his place however. Maybe I should make him stop?
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Nah. Pretty sure she likes hitting him herself.
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"I have caught you. Inuyasha", a deep monotone voice calmly declared.
Looking up from his fish bone unsurprised, Inuyasha stood up gesturing for the others to stay back, having already warned them of his half brother's approach and to keep out of the way.
"Caught me? I wasn't aware I was being chased" Inuyasha blandly replied. Unsurprised when Sesshomaru remained stoic. "So what is it that you want?"
"Your scent… and appearance has changed. Explain."
"Why should I?" Inuyasha asked with a mocking laugh in his voice, filling his words.
"...This one would think you would have had enough of humans after what happened with the priestess who attempted to tame you." Lord Sesshomaru deflected.
Inuyasha growled in warning. A warning that the Lord Sesshomaru ignored.
"I will get an explanation later. My priority is not you-"
"Keh! I never was. So why are you here then?"
"I require the location of father's grave."
"What makes you think I have any idea of where it is? And anyways why come to me if you just want to pay your respects to him?"
Lord Sesshomaru ignored that question as well.
"Seeing, but never seen. Protected, yet never known to its protector. Our father's tomb, hidden inside a black pearl", suddenly the dog demon Lord was rushing up to his face so he immediately jumped further away to get some distance.
"Come here."
"No. Even if I knew what that was, I wouldn't bother telling you!" Inuyasha hollered as the two of them began a demented game of tag. While easier this time thanks to his lack of human blood it still took a lot of effort to keep away from the older demon.
Not like that was surprising. Sesshomaru was more skilled since he underwent a lot of training from master teachers, including their shared father, unlike himself.
"Stop running."
"Then stop chasing!"
"Give me the sword."
"Have you gone blind?! Do I look like I'm holding any kind of weapon here?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Inuyasha dodged a grab for his throat and swiped his claws at the other's stomach. However Sesshomaru dodged as well and there was barely a surface scratch in the armour as a result.
"The secret of the black pearl...must be deep within your eye."
"My eye?! Are you nuts?"
Thanks to his stupefied confusion at that remark, Sesshomaru managed to grab hold of him but before the Demon Lord could do anything a giant boomerang appeared to divert his attention and Inuyasha used the the distraction to head-butt his half brother and even get a good swipe at his arm as he twirled away from the dangerous grip.
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It took some doing...but Inuyasha had managed to put up enough of a fight in a shorter time span than usual to make his half brother reconsider chasing after him- or well, them now.
He was gonna need to be even more careful now since Sesshomaru got it into his head to try blinding him instead of simply killing him.
And all for a sword he knew nothing about!
That dumb old flea's never around when he could be needed.
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Got close to that Naraku bastard only for him to hide behind a barrier and run. The coward. How are we- I, I meant how am I supposed to kill him if he keeps finding a way to escape?
The monk is now rendered useless in battle against him, Naraku having made a way to poison the pervert after a close call with the curse he stupidly created in our last fights.
Don't know why he insists on using that thing anyway. His spiritual powers work just fine.
Sango seems to be getting twitchy over that brother of hers, the bastard keeps dangling him in her face mockingly.
Pretty messed up. They seemed close from the way she reacts.
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Should've known the village we were heading towards wouldn't be a pretty sight after seeing that mutilated corpse of a child covered with the scent of wolves on the way there. Though really the stench of death, rot, and wolf demons was the biggest clue. Place almost looks as bad as Sango's destroyed village.
Nothing to do here but move on to the next village. Of course the humans wanted to stay and bury the dead.
I only conceded because we'd done the same for Sango's village. I don't actually care.
I don't!
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Finally found Naraku's location. Somehow he's got a small army of dead demons under his control. An ability of the jewel perhaps?
Some smelly wolf demon claiming to be the Alpha of this dead pack accuses me of killing his brethren. This is the second damn time Naraku has tried to make me take the blame for his shit. This had better not become a pattern. Wait...didn't the monk say something about rumors of Naraku being behind Kikyo attacking me?
Dammit it's already a pattern!
Took a while, and the gloating from this supposed incarnation of Naraku's called Kagura, for the dumb wolf to finally understand he'd been set up. Dumbass was even being poisoned by a fake jewel shard he put in his arm, making him think he had four in total.
Doesn't really matter, I'd taken all the real jewel shards Kagome sensed from his limbs and he's on his last leg now. Determined to avenge his pack.
Miroku and Kagome seem to find it admirable. Decided to try to help the wolf against the wind sorceress even.
Whatever. Sango and me made getting to Naraku our priority, intent on murdering him dead.
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Dammit! Asshole lost a leg and hand but that means nothing when he can apparently regenerate easily and managed to escape before we could get a killing blow!
Upside that wolf demon managed to kill the wind bitch before dying himself. So that's one less thing to worry about and one extra shard that she had been carrying for us to take.
Everyone was less inclined to bury the dead this time. They claimed it was because it wouldn't be right to bury them away from home in the place they were murdered by an enemy...but I'm pretty sure they don't wanna just cuz they're all demons.
Typical.
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AN: Alright, alright, the changes happening should be getting more and more clear to you all. I mean there was changes from the start but you can now see a way of how I see those changes affecting other events and people to create further changes even as certain events still happen...just differently from canon. Don't know how many of you have realized that due to this, and my not specifiying otherwise, Inuyasha and folks are or have been getting into situations and meeting people that didn't happen in canon. Like how most of this didn't happen in canon lol. I'm sure some of you lot don't like the idea of Rin or Koga being dead so soon or at all but that's just tough cookies. Same with Kikyo. There's a handful of ways I always felt her "resurrection" could've failed or been a very short one. It's a possibility out of many that could've happened and for this story this is the one I chose and wrote out. I'll post a bonus chapter for the outtake idea(s) I had written/will get just to share that alternate possibilty with you guys.
Laters!