Frost-Bite
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho anime/manga.
Meanings:
`Thought'
"Speech"
Beast
So… (A word drawn out like soooooo) so… (Cuts down the need to write drawn out words much easier I think.)
Chapter 4.
'Just Not My Day'
They were close Toran could tell from the youkai scents upon the wind, it was already late morning the once blue sky began to cloud rather quickly with dark rain clouds that would bring snow to the higher elevations where the youkai village lay hidden. An hour's journey and they would be there.
Toran couldn't wait to get there she had personal matters to attend to while retrieving the cloak of ages from the eldest grandmother, it was time she put the cloak to good use. Then she would purchase Kagome warmer clothes and weapons. The panther thought as she sped up her pace hearing Kagome's breathing pick up.
"Mmm we there yet?" A waking Kagome asked as she opened her eyes all she could see was blue and black brushing her hair aside she got a better view of her surroundings. Peeking through Toran's hair that kept her face warm from the cold Kagome noticed the scenery.
"We will arrive at the village before the sun hits mid-sky." Toran replied breathlessly.
"Good because as you know the paste is wearing off." Replied a waking miko.
"I knowIt was made to keep heat for a few hours. I'm surprised it lasted this long." The comment reached the miko's ears.
"I've noticed so no worries. Okay!" Kagome stated as she watched the scenery change as time passed losing herself in the beauty of the forest.
'With the Inu Gang'
Sesshomaru smirked. He had come across the Inu-Tachi scent at dawn. Spying on the half-breed was very entertaining at times and he had hoped it was one of those days. Hiding his aura and scent he perched himself high above in a groove of trees that covered his form giving him a birds eye view below. He wanted to check up on the miko's little group now that she wasn't with them. Perhaps a part of him wanted to ensure that the group was still alive and well. He didn't know. Every now and then he like everyone else needed something to amuse him. What better than his half-brothers pack.
It was now nearing noon and Inuyasha stomped into the woods knowing the gang would follow or at least he thought they would. Turing around he saw them standing in the clearing knowing his day was becoming worse.
`This is just not my day! What else could go wrong!' He thought listening to Miroku and Sango speak about splitting up to search for Kagome since they traveled south and now northwest away from the previous camps.
"Oh hell no. We're not going to split up, it's not going to happen ya hear!" Inuyasha yelled without thinking. His day couldn't possibly get any worse than what happened this morning after breakfast.
Flashback
It wasn't long after breakfast that an awful stench surrounded the clearing. A huge snail like demon had to go and disturb the peace. Sango threw her Hiraikotsu at the slimy snail hacking off part of its shell while Inuyasha continued slashing at it with the Tetsuiga which was having an opposite affect on the giant snail.
"What in the seven hell's is this thing made off. My attacks are bouncing right off the damned thing." Sango yelled as Shippo ran to hide.
"I don't know but whatever it is we better think of something quick because it's getting closer to that village." Miroku stated throwing an ofuda at the creature only for it to absorb it into its flesh.
"What do you make of that Sango?" Miroku questioned as Kirara made another pass at the demon.
"I had enough of this shit. IT'S TIME TO DIE SLUG… WIND SCAR!" Inuyasha yelled the attack hit full force scattering debris everywhere hindering everyone's eyesight and senses for the moment. At that moment in time when the attack hit, someone decided to visit. When the dust cleared, Inuyasha was on the ground with a clawed foot on his chest and Tetsuiga lying on the ground next to Inu Yasha's feet.
"What the hell? Get off me you deranged ookami-kuso." Not liking the wolf prince Inu swung his claws at the love struck wolf.
"Hey inu-kuso nice call even for you….. So where's my woman, you know Ka-go-me the living miko. Why don't I sense her around?" Koga jumped off the hanyou landing near the slayer and houshi with a frown upon his face.
"SHE'S NOT YOUR WOMAN! HELL SHE'S NOT EVEN HERE, SO GET LOST WOLF!" Inuyasha yelled stomping towards him when Miroku intervened and Sango blocked Inuyasha while Shippo kept quiet for a change.
"What do we owe the pleasure of this visit Koga-Sama?" The wolf turned his head looking at the houshi and slayer as Inuyasha reached him ready to strike sensing this Koga jumped away in time before the claws struck him.
"I was in the area searching for Naraku of course, when I came upon the scent of your group, so I decided to stop by to see how my woman is doing. So where is she?" Inuyasha was getting more irritated by the second as Koga continued his questioning in hopes of finding his woman.
"I Told You A Thousand TIMES WOLF THAT KA..GO..ME.. IS NOT YOUR WOMAN! I WOULDN'T TELL YOU WHERE SHE IS EVEN IF I KNEW, YOU FUCKEN WOLF." Now Koga didn't miss this piece of news.
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE SHE IS? ARE YOU THAT MUCH OF A BAKA THAT YOU LET MY WOMAN WONDER THESE LANDS UNPROTECTED! SHIT PUPPY, WHAT IF SHE GETS HURT OR WORSE… NARAKU! KAMI YOUR SUCH A BAKA." Koga yelled back he was pissed how could that dog leave his Kagome alone wondering by herself.
"STOP ARGUING! It won't help us find Kagome with you two fighting!" Sango yelled now gaining the attention of both parties Sango looked to Miroku nodding her head. She would tell the wolf what she knew so far. Perhaps Koga would find Kagome faster than they could. This was a definite solution when Inuyasha decided to open his mouth once again.
"Your not going to tell that mangy wolf anything Sango it's none of his business besides the wench left us we didn't leave her….. Stupid idiot!" Inu glared at the taijiya while snarling at the wolf.
"I am and as I said before Inuyasha don't curse in front of Shippo! Better yet don't speak at all. The only thing that comes from your mouth is degrading remarks concerning Kagome, now be quiet and maybe Koga can help look for Kagome at least he would make sure she got to the village." Sango was becoming agitated the hanyou never learns.
"Yeah Inu Yasha watch your mouth…. The only bitch here is you! So shut up or so help me I'll make you." Koga growled just waiting to hit the puppy for talking shit about Kagome, but he needed to hear what the slayer had to say.
"Who you calling a bitch wolf? For the only female I see here is Sango and I know you weren't talking about her. Must be the missing Kagome then…" Oh how Koga wanted to put him in his place however, it seems the monk was doing it for him.
"That is quite enough, Inuyasha, Koga." Miroku gained Koga's attention but Inuyasha continued to rant.
`WHACK!' Went Miroku's staff on top of Inu Yasha's head silencing him for a few seconds as the same ol' words of.
"What the fuck was that for Bouzo?" Tapping his foot on the ground with his arms crossed in his haori waiting for an answer.
"Be quite Inuyasha and perhaps Koga here will help find Kagome?" This information didn't sit well with Inuyasha yet he decided to keep quite or the bouzo would hit him again…. `Embarrassing!' He thought.
"Thanks Miroku! As I was going to say, Kagome had left camp over a week ago to help a friend in need. To where and with whom she went with we don't know, the only thing we found were a pair of female footprints besides Kagome's." Sango paused watching Koga's reaction he seemed a bit calm so she decided to tell the rest.
"In Kagome's note she also sat Inu Yasha amongst other things although she didn't say when she would return only that she would once her task is finished." Koga looked thoughtful before his blue eyes narrowed contemplating something.
The sparks in Koga's blue eyes told Sango he would go in search for their dearest friend, how she knew, it was only oblivious Koga truly cared for the missing girl. Sango kept her fingers crossed while Inuyasha gave her a look of `Oh Hell No!' growling at each word the wolf spoke.
"So your saying that my woman left camp willingly over a week ago with an unknown female so she could help whomever and inu shit over here didn't sense she had left the camp? What are you not telling me?" Sango looked to all three males hoping one of the two would say something. But no it was up to her to tell Koga what was not said.
"Inu Yasha had left camp right after the evening meal and only returned at dawn when he noticed Kagome missing from camp and was not in the immediate area." If a person or demon could actually blow steam from their ears you would be able to see it from Koga's head.
"So puppy shit over there was not here to protect her. Where were you dog breath? Oh let me guess! You were with the walking dead one who has part of Kagome's soul. You should have stayed with her. You both make a great couple." Sango couldn't believe what she was hearing. Koga knew about Kikyo and most likely what the two had done. No wonder he was angrier than any other time he popped up.
"It is your fault that Kagome is not here. Had you not been rutting the living dead one perhaps you would have noticed her leaving. But then again, you are still a pup and could only fulfill the living dead miko needs. You have nothing Kagome would want except the friendship she bestows, I don't see what she see's in you." Koga seethed out in a controlled anger hoping his words got across that thick head of Inu Yasha. Before Inu Yasha could say a word about it Koga spoke up making them realize something they haven't thought of yet.
"This is just great; once Kagome's task is finished she may or may not be escorted back to the camp she left, if that happens how would my woman to find you? Kagome has no youkai senses she would be left Alone and Unprotected. Did anyone even think about that? No of course not only that she would return no matter where you guys were at." This sudden knowledge had the dog, slayer and monk in thought, they could have missed her. Sango's fist came to her mouth hoping it would stave the cry that wanted to come out.
'What if the demon left her near the outskirts of our old camp in fear of us? Kagome would be alone and she doesn't even have her weapons or food for that matter. Kami what have we done? But what if the demon didn't bring her back like promised or if they decided to search for us.' Sango almost panicked until Shippo landed on her shoulder.
"How long would the demon search us out or would she bring Kagome back to Edo?" Sango knew some demons could not be away from their home for long so would that mean they'd leave Kagome at the nearest village without protection or food. Being away to long from home they would just leave Kagome to fend for herself. This is getting worse by the second.' They all thought different scenario's while Koga continued to give his speech ridiculing Inuyasha for his dumb luck.
"I thought I could trust you Inuyasha, it seems I was wrong in believing that you could take care of Kagome but look where it got me…. Damn it puppy when are you going to grow up?" Koga stated as he turned to his puppy rival with out a sound Inuyasha slammed his fist into Koga's jaw sending him flying into a tree with a loud crunch.
"Your finished wolf shit, get the fuck outta here or else I'm gonna shred you piece by piece and send it to your pack. This is not your business no matter what Sango told you so leave before I kill you!" Inuyasha had enough he knew he messed up but he didn't need to hear it from his number one rival and it ticked him off to no end. Koga picked himself up from the hit and flash to where dog turd was.
"That's where you're wrong, it is my business whenever Kagome is concerned, she's my woman, my friend and part of my pack. So back off mutt or so…" Miroku cut in by bopping Koga on the head to gain his attention sighing as Koga faced him growling low in his throat Miroku spoke while Sango stood facing a pissed off hanyou.
"Koga-Sama forgive me for my actions it was rude of me to do so however, fighting with Inuyasha will not bring Kagome back any sooner." The monk rubbed his face seeing how he gained their attention. Koga surprised Miroku by grabbing the front of his robes lifting him to eye level growling out each syllable.
"Watch yourself monk your lucky that I like you…. Somewhat!" Koga paused this was the perfect time to get back at Inuyasha for his earlier comments. Inwardly smiling Koga finished what he wanted to say.
"Know that I will find my Kagome and when I do, I will take her to my den and make sure she is bathed, dressed and fed my mate will look after her. As I had said Kagome is a member of my pack and that makes her my woman." Koga paused an evil grin taking place of the frown this had Miroku worried shuddering under the pressure Koga said the last bit just to piss Inu kuro off even more.
"Never know Kagome just may find someone who would return her love while with my pack." With that said Koga dropped Miroku to the ground using the shards of the jewel to kick up dust leaving the group in his signature tornado howling for his wolves to follow.
"THERE'S NO FUCK'N WAY I'M GONNA LET THAT WOLF OR ANY WOLF TOUCH THE BITCH! He's gotta another thing coming damn wolf shit. Well what are you all looking at let's go." Inuyasha growled stomping way into the dense foliage followed by the rag tag group of ningen and youkai.
"Inuyasha you know Kagome-Sama doesn't return the same feelings Koga may have had for her. I wonder if its Ayame that he mated. Anyways it is pointless to even think it. Right Sango?" Miroku eyes gleamed hearing Sango's answer.
"He's right Inuyasha…. Koga knows Kagome wanted his friendship and she does get along with his pack quite well. All Koga did is use this to tick you off, that's why you are so easy to bait. He is having fun at your expense." Sango clarified walking at a much slower pace allowing what she said to sink into puppy's warped brain cells.
End Flashback
"So what are we going to do? What if Koga was right? That Kagome could have returned to the camp we had but were not there? Do you think she would head to Kaede's or try to find us?" This bit of information brought Inuyasha out of his thoughts hearing the possibilities.
"I don't know what to think? I think she would head for Kaede's if we were not at camp. Let's get going. One way or another we'll find her." Inuyasha declared as he began to head in an easterly direction.
"If we did split up we can search for Kagome while someone checks out Kaede's it's worth a shot. What do you think Inuyasha?" Miroku questioned knowing it was a good idea this way they could cover more ground in hopes of finding her.
"Why even bother, we still have to look for the shards and it'll take two weeks just to get to the damned village. If the bitch is going to make us wait then we'll search for the jewel shards. I will seek out Kikyo and ask her to join until the wench gets back." Everyone looked in disbelief while Shippo want to bite the doggy's little head.
"Why don't you shut up Inu Yasha, we are not replacing Kagome. She will come back when she is done." Sango called out in a whispered voice.
"I believe Inu Yasha is right. We should split up it will be easier to find Kagome if we search the area, if Koga doesn't find her first."
"You got a point their monk. So, I will look for Kikyo then head out to find shards and keep an eyes out for Kagome.? I for one don't want to go back to Edo!" Inu Yasha made his point
"Inuyasha forgive my impudence but you are much faster than us ningens not even Kirara could make it under twelve days to the village when it would only take you a week at most." Miroku stated truthfully hearing the hanyou growl he knew he was getting his point across.
"Besides you're the only one who can travel through the well. If we could then I'd be happy to go but face it we can't so that leaves only you." Sango got cut off hearing the hanyou speak. Inuyasha ears twitched back and forth taking in the sounds around the forest watching the smile on Sango's face shaking his head.
"Feh…. I'll do it! But you guys are gonna keep searching in the other direction never know if you may come across a jewel shard." That was one way to get back at them and he knew they would do it if they wanted him to go to the village.
"WHAT?" Both Sango and Miroku yelled in unison.
"You heard me. You'll keep searching while I go get Kikyo and go see if the wench is at the village. If Kagome did return I'll bring her and we can meet up at the camp she left from in two weeks time. Got that, two weeks by then you should have at least found rumor of a shard." Inuyasha grinned finally his day was starting to change.
"What makes you…" Miroku covered Sango's mouth in order to hush her this was the best they were going to get from the hanyou.
"We understand Inuyasha, I think it best if you would take Shippo to Kaede's!" Miroku added only for Shippo to jump on his shoulder shouting his protest.
"No way! I'm not leaving with him. Kagome's letter said for Sango to take care of me not Inu baka over there." Shippo puffed his chest out and crossed his arms ignoring the growls from the hanyou. Before he could even move Inuyasha had Shippo hanging upside down in the air bopping him upside the head as he yelled at Shippo.
"Kuso, I don't even want you to come you'll just slow me down and I don't need a whinny brat screaming in my ears." Inuyasha continued to Bop Shippo on the head as he spoke. Shippo cried out each time he was hit, his poor head now had several large bumps at the same time Sango took her Hiraikotsu from her side and bashed Inuyasha on the head making him drop the kit on the ground crying even more as he scurried away from the hanyou.
"IYE! WHAT YOU'D DO THAT FOR?" Inuyasha yelled.
"You know why!" Sango replied picking up the kit holding him to her bosom.
"Feh… He deserved it." He grumbled knowing it would happen yet he was having to much fun hitting the poor kit and ignoring the yells for him to stop.
"Fine Shippo stays with us in two weeks we'll meet you at the last camp where Kagome-Sama disappeared. Be careful Inuyasha. Don't do anything stupid." Miroku spoke getting comfortable on Kirara with Sango and Shippo as she rose to the sky.
"No need to tell me that bouzo I know! Just take it easy and if you find Kagome keep her safe till I get my hands on her!" Inuyasha called out to the retreating forms of his friends turning around he looked into the woods sniffing the correct direction back to the village once he had his bearings he raced off hoping he'd find Kagome there.
Sesshomaru was annoyed with the half-breed then again he would have to deal with the wolf soon. He'd make sure to set the wolf straight. His claim on the miko being pack will be forfeited he'd make sure such a thing never happened.
Inuyasha was a lost cause; his loyalties to the dead priestess signed over his rights to the living miko to none other than himself. The half-breed would soon know whom the miko chose, even if Kagome does not know it herself. Yes, he would wait for her to learn her power and strengthen her skills. She has a long road ahead of her. With that he sprinted to the north to check up on his charge.
End Chapter
Okay another chapter done. So, do you think Inuyasha actually cares for Kagome or just using her? What's up with Sesshomaru why does he keep spying on the little group. Wonder what he meant about the miko would chose? What did he have planned? We'll see in the up coming chapters.
Don't forget to review! Until next time.
Peace.