Well now…that was an obscene amount of time since I last updated. Hot
diggety damn. Oh well.
Thanks to everyone who keeps reading. I'm glad you like my little story. And I'm glad I was able to entertain others with what's running around in my little head.
A little note here. I know veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery little about Rin. I know who she is, I know what she's like to a certain extent, but I am far from being a Rin expert. I really wanted—well, needed, actually—her in this story, though. (anything to give Sesshoumaru more screen-time ^-^x) I've taken some leeway though, since it's my story and it technically takes place about two years after they meet her and all. So some of her vocal nuances are different—she doesn't talk in the third person all the time and she's slightly more mature. This is also a slightly alternate reality fic, so…I'm allowed my little perks. I'm the author, I say so.
Again, though, I apologise for the out of character moments and my lack of ability to write other people's characters. I hope you like this chapter and keep with me for the rest. Thank you all so very much.
Where Lost Souls Meet Again
Chapter Nine: The Worth of One's Heart
It was an incredible morning. It was one of those mornings where you simply sit and look at the sky, set aflame by the rising sun, the clouds pink and gold, the wind crisp and think to yourself: Gosh, this is just such an incredible morning!
And it was this incredible morning that Kagome awoke to, blinking the brilliance from her eyes.
Confusion hit her all at once the moment sleep finally drifted from her blurry eyes. Where was she? What was she doing here? Nearby she could hear a thunderous roar and it reminded her of when she first awoke after her long, long sleep. Was she near the ocean again? She couldn't remember where she was or what was going on.
Turning her head slightly to the side in the direction of the noise, the girl could vaguely make out the edge of a very large waterfall, mist billowing at its bottom while it cascaded relentlessly down the craggy rock face. A pool swirled beneath, then veered off into a fair sized river that faded away into the distance. Toward the centre of the lake, where the water was calmer, a fish shot out from the depths, glimmering in the rays of the morning sun.
'Where am I? I don't understand…what's going on…?' Carefully, Kagome pushed herself to a sitting position; nausea overtook her momentarily and she had to fight the urge to sick up all over herself. Shutting her eyes tightly, the girl fought off the feeling, holding her stomach with one arm and covering her mouth with her other hand. She rocked back and forth gently. When the feeling finally subsided, she opened her eyes again and surveyed her surroundings in more detail.
There was the waterfall and the lake, as well as the river. In the distance were some trees—from what she could tell they formed a forest—and behind her was a small range of mountains. The water was coming from that direction. She shook her head. None of this was familiar.
'Whatever happened to looking for Inuyasha? The last thing I remember was that stupid Sesshoumaru talking about killing his brother, then I tried to run away and something grabbed me…' Suddenly, the sick feeling came back and it was all Kagome could do not to break down right then and there. Memories flooded her mind, images that took place after the encounter in the castle. She could see Inuyasha, his eyes filled with pain; she could see Shippou crying and saying that the arrow that had hit Inuyasha was hers; she could feel those invisible hands on her, pulling the bowstring taut. Her own voice echoed in the chasms of her mind: "Run away, Inuyasha. I can't control it. Run away." With a whimper the girl covered her face in the hopes of dispelling the memories. 'No...! I don't want to remember this…! I didn't attack Inuyasha, I didn't!' But no matter how she cried to herself, the images wouldn't cease. Inuyasha's tortured face was burned into her mind's eye.
There was a rustling noise off to her left and Kagome whipped her head around to see who was approaching. A little girl, no older than how Shippou had looked—Kagome nearly lost it again at the thought—approached cautiously. A bowl was in her hands, steam rising off it. The little girl carried it carefully, like the contents were the most important thing in the world; her little tongue poked out of the side of her mouth slightly in concentration. When she reached Kagome, the child very carefully set the bowl down on the ground in front her the older woman, then took a seat herself, smiling.
"Look, I didn't spill any of the soup! I did good!"
Taken aback by the child being at this place, Kagome only nodded, her mouth hanging open slightly. The girl looked at her, frowning slightly, then tilted her head to the side and blinked. Kagome blinked back. Together, they blinked a third time, then the little girl reached up and brushed at Kagome's cheek tenderly. Retracting her small hands, she looked intently at the liquid pooled on her fingertips. She bit her lower lip. "Big Sister, why are you crying?"
Blinking back more tears, Kagome reached out and gently touched the little girl's face. "Rin…what are you doing here…?"
Rin smiled and pointed off toward the waterfall. Kagome squinted and followed the child's pointing finger, able to make out the vague shadows of two—no three—people, standing by the pool's edge. "I came to see Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin's voice piped in, off to the side. Kagome nodded without looking back at the girl and for her part, Rin just kept going. "Lord Sesshoumaru's castle is really close to here and he brings me here sometimes to play. One of the servants told me he was coming back here for a little bit so I came out to see him, cause he was gone for so long." She paused and Kagome turned back to look at her; she could barely suppress the smile that touched her lips as she watched her companion stare in the direction Sesshoumaru was standing, her small eyes squinted, lips pursed and finger lightly tapping her puffed out cheeks. "For some reason, though, he was mad at me when I came here. He told me to go home, but…" She smiled and turned back to the older girl with her: "Of course I didn't listen, since Lord Sesshoumaru tells me to go home a lot!"
A fit of giggles overtook the child then and she couldn't talk for a few minutes. Kagome simply sat and watched, a smile playing on her lips. For the moment, thoughts of arrows and saddened dog-demons fled the priestess' mind as she immersed herself in childish charms. Rin just kept laughing at her own personal joke, until her laughter finally died away. Smiling, she pointed to the bowl still sitting on the ground. "I brought you breakfast, Big Sister. Jaken didn't want me to, but I just stepped on his toes, stuck my tongue out at him and did so anyway. Jaken can be so mean sometimes, don't you agree?"
Kagome nodded and laughed lightly. Reaching down, she picked up the bowl and drew it to her lips. The liquid inside was cooled, but flavourful as it ran down the girl's throat. Setting it back down, the priestess was amazed to find it empty and her stomach growling for more. She blushed. "I didn't even realise I was hungry…"
Rin nodded and hopped up, taking the bowl with her. "I'll go get you some more, so just wait here, okay?" She turned and headed back into the brush, humming quietly. Before she was completely gone, however, she turned back around and smiled at the older woman sitting on the morning grass. "Don't cry, Big Sister, I'll be back soon. And I'll have food, so don't cry." Then she was gone.
After she left, silence reigned over the small, sunlit area in which Kagome sat. Leaning back, she looked up at the sky, scanning the pinked clouds. She smiled as she began to play a favourite old game of hers: name that cloud. When she was little she had played this game often with her mother and grandfather. After Souta was born, she played it with him, too. Many a summer hour had been lost beneath the open sky and to the ever- changing clouds. The game was comforting and reminded her of home, so Kagome played it now, hoping to calm her nerves.
One by one she picked clouds and thought up what they looked like. Why, just over there was a small bird, swooping across the sky. And over there was a flower just about to bloom. A cat, a Christmas tree, a fork…many other images passed by as the clouds danced lazily across the sky. And there, a dog-demon…
With a start, Kagome sat up. Angrily, she scrubbed the tears from her eyes and stared dully at the ground. She was doing it again, like when she was at the castle, staring up at the ceiling. Before, while looking at her "stars," she'd cried because she wanted to see Inuyasha again. Now she cried because she had and the memories flooded back. Try as she might, the human did her best to follow Rin's advice, but nothing would stop the tears from coming.
It didn't make sense! Why would she shoot an arrow—no, two arrows—at Inuyasha? All she wanted to do was see him again. She could see that day so plainly; she could feel his arms around her, hear his voice as he held her close and told her never to leave again. She could hear it all, feel it all. And then there was the rough embrace of wood, the taut bowstring and the awful, sickening sound of an arrow let loose, the whizzing noise as it shot through the air the most vile in all the world. His eyes, so full of pain. He'd asked why and Kagome couldn't answer. She could only tell him to run away, because she couldn't control herself. Hands gripped her arms and dragged her along like a puppet and she was powerless to stop it. But she couldn't tell him that, she could only tell him to run away.
Clutching her belly, the priestess watched her tears fall to the grass. Those hands, those same hands that had grabbed her when she tried to run away, were responsible for hurting Inuyasha so badly. But there was nothing she could do about it! How could she fight what was invisible? And worse, how could she face Inuyasha, knowing how powerless she was and that, in the end, it was her that shot him with an arrow. She was no better than Kikyou; both women manipulated by an outside force, both women the cause of one half-demon's suffering. How could she even live with herself, knowing the pain she'd caused him and seen in his eyes?
'I can't face him now. I can't possibly atone for bringing him so much pain. First I took his wish, then I shot him. I've hurt him so much, how can I make it up to him? I can't…surely…' Without realising it, the girl began to scan the ground for anything sharp. How can I live with myself…? How can I live…?'
Choking back sobs, Kagome covered her face and cried harder. This was so wrong! Why was Inuyasha always hurt? And why did she have to do it? And now she was having these terrible thoughts, as well. If anything were to hurt the half-demon most, it would be if Kagome gave up and followed through with her delusional plans. How could she even think of hurting him so much, especially after all the hell she'd put him through these past eight months? 'What is wrong with me…?!'
Just then, the bushes off to the left rustled again and Rin reappeared, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. Making her way over carefully, the child set her parcel down gently in front of Kagome, then scooted over to the side and wrapped her tiny arms around the older girl. "Aww, Big Sister, you're crying again…Please, don't cry…Rin is sad when you cry, because that makes everyone else sad. Even the sky becomes sad when you cry, see?" She pointed up to the heavens, where clouds were brushing against the rising sun, blotting out the pale light. "Please don't cry…I don't want you to cry…and the sky doesn't want to be sad, either…"
Sniffling, Kagome nodded and pushed herself away from Rin. The child frowned, but made no move to come closer. Instead, she scooted back over to the bowl of soup, picked it up and handed it to Kagome. "Here, this will make you feel better. I always cry when I'm hungry, too. And even if I'm not hungry, I'll cry sometimes, but soup makes me feel better. Rin sometimes wishes the sky could eat soup, too, so that it won't be sad anymore, either. Soup makes everyone feel better, so please eat it. Then you won't cry anymore."
Kagome nodded and took the bowl; the soup burned her tongue as she drank and she had to pull it away. Rin giggled—she was a child, after all and even someone burning their tongue could be funny—and Kagome couldn't help but giggle a little, too. Then she sighed and set the bowl down. Rin was right; she needed to stop crying. It was hard, but she needed to. Maybe…maybe Rin would be able to help her with that daunting task.
"Rin, thank you." The girl blinked, confused. Kagome smiled. "You made me stop crying, so thank you. I shouldn't be crying, because I'm a lot stronger than that. And I don't want to make you cry." Playfully, she ruffled the little girl's hair. "So, do you think you could help me stay strong and not cry? I'm sure that, together, we could keep the sky from being sad, too. So, will you help me?"
Smiling broadly, Rin nodded. "Yep! Rin will help Big Sister stop crying, so that Rin doesn't cry too!"
Kagome smiled. Then she stood up and faced toward where Sesshoumaru still stood along the water's edge. Rin scrambled to her feet and stood beside her, adopting the same pose and grim facial expression that Kagome wore. The older woman laughed at the sight and her companion giggled. Taking a deep breath, Kagome steeled herself. 'Time to face my demons… literally. And there is no way I'm losing this fight, either. Prepare yourself, Sesshoumaru. Higurashi Kagome is coming after you.'
Determined, Kagome strode down to the water, the sun rising slowly in the sky. From where he stood, Sesshoumaru's ears twitched and he turned to face the approaching women. Next to him, Jaken started and skittered to the front, staff held high. Behind the demon lord lurked another, but Kagome couldn't make him out. He didn't matter, anyhow; she was after Sesshoumaru.
Stomping to a stop, Kagome pointed a finger at her captor and opened her mouth to ask him just what the hell was going on and where they were, among other things, when the demon lord gave her such a glare that the words literally fell from her lips. Spluttering, Kagome did her best to regain her argument. In the meantime, Sesshoumaru turned his attention to his captive's stalwart companion, who was giggling at her friend's sudden gagging spell.
"Rin, I thought I told you to return to the castle. I see that you have disobeyed me once again. Not only that, but you are fraternising with my enemy. Explain yourself."
Jaken nodded emphatically, hopping forward to stare at the girl at almost eye level. Rin was a good three or four inches taller than the toad and blinked down at him as he began lecturing her. "You should listen to Lord Sesshoumaru, whelp. It is because of his good graces that you are even here today and to show such disrespect for his orders is a terrible crime! And you fed this prisoner as well, didn't you? After I distinctly told you not t—"
Rin idly removed her fist from the top of Jaken's head where she bopped him to shut him up. Puffing out her cheeks, she turned back to Sesshoumaru, who was still waiting for an answer. "Well, you always tell me to go home, even when nothing is wrong and I didn't want to leave again after just getting here. And Big Sister was all by herself and she looked so sad this morning when I brought her breakfast, so I decided that it would be best to stay to cheer her up. Besides, you always bring me here and I know that it's a safe place so I figured you told me to go home just because you're being a grump."
Sesshoumaru hmphed. "You are not one to take matters into her own hands, nor are you one to question my authority. You will return home before today ends. If necessary, I will have Jaken escort you." At this, Rin made a face and Kagome almost laughed out loud. The demon lord ignored it and continued. "For now, you may stay here, by the lake. My brother's woman will watch over you until your departure. I take it that is well with you, woman of my brother?"
Speechless, Kagome just nodded. Sesshoumaru stared at her a moment longer, then turned and walked away. Jaken scurried after him; Rin stuck her tongue out at him as he left. When the demons were gone, the humans sat down on the ground and stared at the water. Kagome sighed. 'So much for facing my demons.' She plopped her face down into her palms and mumbled: "Today is not a good day at all."
That same morning found Shippou wandering around in the woods, Shoukaki following after like a curious spectator. The ghost stayed a set six or so paces behind her fox-demon friend as the kitsune tore his way through underbrush, growling and cursing as he went. He needed to vent and who was she to get in the way of frustration? She figured he could only keep it up so long and so she'd follow after him at a safe, but close distance, to be there for him when he finally calmed down.
They'd been walking since earlier that morning, when Shippou crept from the camp in the dark of night. Well, it'd be more accurate to say that Shippou had walked, since Shoukaki spent most of that time floating in the air behind him, listening to him talk about how unfair the others were and that he'd show them.
"I can't believe them!" he'd cried, tearing at an un-offending bush. "'You can't go, Shippou, you're injured and you'll just slow us down.' Bah! They just don't care that I love Kagome too! It's always: 'Well, we're the adults and you're the child, so you stay here where it's safe and we'll fight instead. You're too weak to be of any help, after all.' I'm just as strong as any of them! I grew up just to prove that to them! I took on responsibility that they will never fully understand and they just call me a child! I hate them!"
Shoukaki floated beside him, her head cocked to one side. "And do you tell them all of this? About your responsibility and how you've grown?"
Shippou glared at her so fiercely that the ghost raised her hands in defence. "Sorry, sorry! That was a silly question. But really, why do you think they say those things?"
For a moment it looked like the kitsune was going to repeat what he'd just said about them, then he shook his head and shrugged. "I don't know. I do everything I can to show them that I'm strong and can take care of myself and all I'm ever told is that I can't help. It's terrible! If all I'm ever treated as is a child, how can I become as strong as my papa was and be a real fox-demon? They're just holding me back, that's all." He sighed and stared at the ground, disgruntled. "It's not fair. I want to save Kagome, too."
"And that's why we're out here, in the middle of the night, smashing our way through the brush." In the dark, Shoukaki could see Shippou give her a flat look and she laughed. "Okay, okay, you're smashing your way through the brush and I'm just following along. My bad." She laughed and her friend blushed slightly. "But, anyhow, I don't think you quite understand where they're coming from, either. I mean, you are only a child."
At her words, Shippou turned around and glared at her, ready to respond heavily. Shoukaki silenced him with a look that equalled his own previous glares. When she was sure he'd be quiet, the phantom continued. "A child can only do so much. We can't fight like adults, we don't have the reflexes or the strength that they do. It's only natural to keep a child from the midst of battle, because otherwise, how will the child even grow up to be that great demon, like their father? As you grow older, you come into your power more and can fight alongside those who previously told you no. You need to think of that, too."
Shippou nodded glumly, but fired back: "And what am I to do when they don't let me do anything? How can I grow into my power if I'm not allowed to use even a little of it? I've fought with them before; why can't I do so now?"
The ghost girl slowed her pace and came to a stop near a stump. Shippou sat down and stared at her, waiting for her answer. Shoukaki faced him easily, her face calm as she told him: "You're injured. They know you can fight and I'm sure they realise that you have strength in that little body of yours. But you're injured now and that takes away what fighting prowess you had. In your condition, you can't fight. And it's their responsibility to make sure you're safe. Otherwise, they'll have lost both a good friend and a strong fighter, as well as taken away that future as a great demon that you've always longed for."
"But I'm not a burden! I wouldn't slow them down!"
Leaning forward, Shoukaki placed a finger against her companion's lips. Unintentionally, Shippou shuddered at the contact; it was like the most deadly chill had just shot through his entire body when she brushed her ghost fingers against him. "When you react like that, you are a burden, little kitsune. Your emotions get the better of you and you lose what focus you have. What good are you then?" Shippou couldn't respond. Shoukaki continued. "When I was alive, I had a friend who believed I could do anything, as long as I wasn't afraid. I believe the same thing about you, little kitsune. If you don't lose your temper and you think things through, I think you can do anything. Including saving Kagome and showing Inuyasha and the others that they were wrong. Do you understand?"
For a moment, Shippou thought about it, then answered slowly: "I'm a burden because I sometimes let things get to me and I lose control. So if I focus more and don't let my emotions get to me, I can be stronger and I'll never be a burden again."
Shoukaki nodded. "I had to get over my fears so that I could be useful. I became stronger because I didn't give into my fears. You can become stronger if you don't let your emotions get in the way. Keep a cool head and you can do a lot more than now."
"That still doesn't explain why they wouldn't let me go."
Shoukaki laughed. "You threw a fit when they told you you couldn't go because you were injured. It was always: 'I'm not a burden! I'm not a burden!' But if all you did was get emotional, that's all they could see you as. I'm sure had you handled yourself more like the adult I know you to be, they would have thought differently. Am I too far off, little kitsune?"
Shippou shook his head and sighed. "No, not really. They've always thought of me as a child, because I've always thrown tantrums, or hidden behind Kagome. I was a bit of a coward. But with Kagome gone I had to grow up. I was just so tired of always being called a child, when everything I did was so grownup. I just wanted to be taken seriously and seen as a strong member of the team, not a child that would slow everyone down…" He sniffed. "Look at me, I'm being childish again."
Cold, ghostly hands swept around him and Shippou shivered. Shoukaki rested her head on his shoulder and whispered: "There is nothing childish about crying. So cry until you're finished. You'll feel better afterward and all the stronger for getting it out. So never think you're a child because you cried."
The kitsune sniffed again and finished crying silently.
So now they walked in the morning light, Shippou grumbling about the bushes and the distance and an assortment of other things—crying, Shoukaki and being a child among them. She kept her distance, knowing that she'd done all she could during the night and he simply needed to vent the rest of his frustrations, instead of crying them out. She'd give him that space.
By now, Inuyasha and the others had surely noticed their disappearance. They'd be angry, when they met up with them again, Shoukaki was certain. She'd have to apologise for letting the little kitsune run off. She hadn't very well tried to stop him, after all. But this was something he needed to do. He had to prove to them—and to himself, she amended—that he wasn't a burden and that he could save Kagome, wounded or not. Shoukaki just hoped he could get his emotions under control before that time came, or he may very well prove to be a burden in the end.
Ahead, the kitsune was slowing to a stop. Noting the tired expression on his face, Shoukaki jogged up to him in case he should fall. The last thing he needed was to jar his wounds with a fall. "Why don't we rest a bit?"
Shippou readily agreed and they found a patch of sun-dried grass to rest their feet for a while. From a pouch at his waist, Shippou pulled out a small piece of meat and some bread he'd had the foresight to bring along. Hungrily, he downed the small portion, then took a swig from his water bottle. Shoukaki giggled girlishly as water dripped from her friend's chin.
They sat together silently for a while, then Shippou sighed extravagantly. Shoukaki blinked and looked at him inquisitively; the fox- demon puffed out his cheeks and crossed his eyes so that his companion laughed. Then he sighed again and looked up at the brightening morning sky. He hadn't even realised how long they'd been walking…it had to be close to mid-morning already. So caught up on his own frustration over what had happened the past day, he'd completely lost track of time. Even now he found himself slipping back into the argument. 'I'm not useless…'
"What's wrong, little kitsune?"
Said boy shrugged and scrunched up his shoulders as he idly picked at the grass in front of him. After a moment, he asked: "So, you really believe I'm not a burden? Like what you said last night?"
Shoukaki laughed and patted Shippou on the head fondly. "Is that what that big sigh was for, little kitsune? Of course I believe what I said; I wouldn't have said it, otherwise. Why this all of a sudden? Has it really been bothering you so much?" She knew the answer, of course, but she felt that talking might help Shippou feel better and she herself wanted to know what the fox-demon was thinking. He'd been so withdrawn since the fight with the soot-wolf a week ago.
Shippou nodded demurely. "Well…yeah, I guess. I mean, it's always been me, Inuyasha, Kagome and the others and I knew where I belonged. I never used to worry about being a burden because we all had our place in the group. But now that Kagome is gone, I don't know where I belong anymore. And after I got hurt in the fight, it really became clear to me that, without Kagome here, I really don't have a place in the group…Even though I fought really hard and did my best and saved Inuyasha's life, it's like it's meaningless." He snorted. "Stupid Inuyasha. If it weren't for me, he'd be dead right now." For a moment, the fox laughed quietly to himself, then let his giggles trail away, followed by yet another sigh. "I just don't know. But you said I wasn't a burden and I really wanna believe that, it's just…I don't know where I belong."
The ghost nodded and looked off into the surrounding trees. She knew just how her friend felt. She'd felt this way for a very long time. "I know what you mean, little kitsune. But you have to believe that you really aren't a burden. And as long as you can keep yourself under control, I'm positive you can prove Inuyasha wrong and find your place again." Smiling broadly, the girl ruffled Shippou's red hair, then stood up. "Come on, I think we've rested enough. We should be on our way."
Her companion nodded, but not before giving her a chilly look that asked: "Who's rested long enough?" Brushing off his kimono, Shippou tucked away his pouch, then began trudging up the path and into the woods. Shoukaki walked beside him, skipping occasionally, but mainly just looking off into the trees with a melancholy expression. Concerned, the demon asked: "What'cha thinking about, Shoukaki?"
At first the phantom didn't answer, then she shook out her head and smiled. "Oh, nothing much. Just stuff."
Eyeing her sideways, Shippou jabbed at the girl with his elbow while clicking his tongue in a disapproving fashion. "Come on now, Shoukaki, I told you what I was thinking, now you have to tell me. It's only fair. And besides, we shouldn't keep things from each other, because we're companions. Kagome, Inuyasha and I never kept secrets from each other." 'Well, that's not really true,' he thought to himself mischievously. 'But a little white lie won't hurt her.' He giggled at his own cleverness.
Shoukaki jabbed back at her friend playfully, then let her arms fall to her sides. She went silent. After a few minutes of nothing, the ghost girl shook her head clear. Shippou waited expectantly for her reply and was rewarded when she said simply: "I was wondering why I'm here still, little kitsune."
The fox blinked, then understanding dawned and he let his breath out slowly. "Kinda like me, huh…?"
"Yes, kind of. You don't feel at place anymore in the group since Kagome has gone away and I don't feel at place anywhere. I wonder why I was left behind…and what I'm supposed to do…" Taking a deep breath, the girl released it explosively. Then she shook her whole body out, rotating her arms and jogging in place. She smiled. "This is too much of a downer, little kitsune. We should be thinking of happy things, because we're going to save Kagome. So focus all your thoughts on her and we'll surely find her soon. Don't worry, little kitsune. Don't worry and everything will surely be all right."
Dumbfounded, Shippou could only mutter as he hurried after a suddenly running Shoukaki. Only a couple of days until they reached Kagome, Shippou thought as he raced after his friend. A couple more days and he'd have his place back. Maybe Shoukaki can find her place, too. Maybe…maybe…
"That idiot!"
In the aftermath of the roar, birds speared from their nests high in the trees' tops, feathers floating down every which way at the sudden scare they'd received. Small animals skittered about on the forest floor and through the torn a part campsite, doing their best to stay clear of the bristling half-breed standing in the centre of the chaos. Even Miroku and Sango had to fight to keep their balance as the echoes of Inuyasha's outraged cry rang through the trees and disturbed all living creatures within a mile and a half radius.
Huffing and visibly upset, Inuyasha began tossing camping supplies recklessly across the site again, his anger bubbling over into physical malice. Miroku had attempted to comfort the half-breed once already, but after receiving a well-placed fist to the jaw, the priest had wisely opted to step out of it and allow his companion to vent his rage safely—as in, not on him. Learning from the monk's mistake, Sango hadn't even gone near Inuyasha.
Ever since they'd awoken to find both Shippou and Shoukaki gone, Inuyasha had done nothing but fume. "Just what the hell are those two thinking, running off in the middle of the night?" the half-demon raged, throwing several of the fire logs around the camping area. "And with Shippou's injuries! The kit is dumb enough to go in his condition but I at least thought Shoukaki had more sense than that! Stupid, stupid damned idiots! Keh!" Inuyasha hopped painfully after his foot connected with the steel of Sango's cooking pot.
Miroku gave Sango a knowing look and moved forward once more to try to calm his friend. "Now listen, Inuyasha, your being mad isn't helping the situation any. Surely if the little one went along with Shippou, she did so to watch over him. I think that perhaps we should trust her ability to handle the little kitsune. And besides, we don't even know where they went."
In response, Inuyasha slugged the priest in the gut, doubling him over, gasping for breath. "You fool, I'm a damned demon! I can smell where they went." Rubbing his hands together expectantly, the half-breed prepared to take off in the direction he could smell the runt from, his mind going over several possible punishments for leaving so recklessly. "Just wait until I get a hold of him, that runt is going to pay for leaving us behind like this. Especially after we told him he can't go."
Preparing himself to take off as he was, Inuyasha didn't notice Sango coming up behind him, rubbing the bridge of her nose as though to ward off an oncoming headache. Before her companion could take off, the demon hunter had her boomerang planted firmly in his skull, knocking the hanyou to the ground and effectively halting his escape. "Inuyasha," she said softly, her patience waning, "we don't have a lot of time. If you want to save Kagome, we need to get back and see Kaede. At most we have five days and four of those are for the trip to Kaede's and then there. Let Shippou go…I'm sure he can handle himself."
Pushing himself up from the ground, Inuyasha growled. Sango stared him down, ready to smack him again if he didn't get a clue and start doing what had to be done. Miroku watched in silent amusement, wise enough not to get between the two but loving every minute of it.
Finally, with a hiss and a growl, the dog-demon shoved his way to his feet and began walking—toward Kaede's village. "Fine. But if that runt dies and Kagome cries because of it, I hold you responsible."
"Fair enough," the hunter whispered. Gathering her things together quickly, she hurried after the half-demon, Miroku close behind and left the tattered remnants of their camp for the morning sun and wind to pick at.
Thanks to everyone who keeps reading. I'm glad you like my little story. And I'm glad I was able to entertain others with what's running around in my little head.
A little note here. I know veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery little about Rin. I know who she is, I know what she's like to a certain extent, but I am far from being a Rin expert. I really wanted—well, needed, actually—her in this story, though. (anything to give Sesshoumaru more screen-time ^-^x) I've taken some leeway though, since it's my story and it technically takes place about two years after they meet her and all. So some of her vocal nuances are different—she doesn't talk in the third person all the time and she's slightly more mature. This is also a slightly alternate reality fic, so…I'm allowed my little perks. I'm the author, I say so.
Again, though, I apologise for the out of character moments and my lack of ability to write other people's characters. I hope you like this chapter and keep with me for the rest. Thank you all so very much.
Where Lost Souls Meet Again
Chapter Nine: The Worth of One's Heart
It was an incredible morning. It was one of those mornings where you simply sit and look at the sky, set aflame by the rising sun, the clouds pink and gold, the wind crisp and think to yourself: Gosh, this is just such an incredible morning!
And it was this incredible morning that Kagome awoke to, blinking the brilliance from her eyes.
Confusion hit her all at once the moment sleep finally drifted from her blurry eyes. Where was she? What was she doing here? Nearby she could hear a thunderous roar and it reminded her of when she first awoke after her long, long sleep. Was she near the ocean again? She couldn't remember where she was or what was going on.
Turning her head slightly to the side in the direction of the noise, the girl could vaguely make out the edge of a very large waterfall, mist billowing at its bottom while it cascaded relentlessly down the craggy rock face. A pool swirled beneath, then veered off into a fair sized river that faded away into the distance. Toward the centre of the lake, where the water was calmer, a fish shot out from the depths, glimmering in the rays of the morning sun.
'Where am I? I don't understand…what's going on…?' Carefully, Kagome pushed herself to a sitting position; nausea overtook her momentarily and she had to fight the urge to sick up all over herself. Shutting her eyes tightly, the girl fought off the feeling, holding her stomach with one arm and covering her mouth with her other hand. She rocked back and forth gently. When the feeling finally subsided, she opened her eyes again and surveyed her surroundings in more detail.
There was the waterfall and the lake, as well as the river. In the distance were some trees—from what she could tell they formed a forest—and behind her was a small range of mountains. The water was coming from that direction. She shook her head. None of this was familiar.
'Whatever happened to looking for Inuyasha? The last thing I remember was that stupid Sesshoumaru talking about killing his brother, then I tried to run away and something grabbed me…' Suddenly, the sick feeling came back and it was all Kagome could do not to break down right then and there. Memories flooded her mind, images that took place after the encounter in the castle. She could see Inuyasha, his eyes filled with pain; she could see Shippou crying and saying that the arrow that had hit Inuyasha was hers; she could feel those invisible hands on her, pulling the bowstring taut. Her own voice echoed in the chasms of her mind: "Run away, Inuyasha. I can't control it. Run away." With a whimper the girl covered her face in the hopes of dispelling the memories. 'No...! I don't want to remember this…! I didn't attack Inuyasha, I didn't!' But no matter how she cried to herself, the images wouldn't cease. Inuyasha's tortured face was burned into her mind's eye.
There was a rustling noise off to her left and Kagome whipped her head around to see who was approaching. A little girl, no older than how Shippou had looked—Kagome nearly lost it again at the thought—approached cautiously. A bowl was in her hands, steam rising off it. The little girl carried it carefully, like the contents were the most important thing in the world; her little tongue poked out of the side of her mouth slightly in concentration. When she reached Kagome, the child very carefully set the bowl down on the ground in front her the older woman, then took a seat herself, smiling.
"Look, I didn't spill any of the soup! I did good!"
Taken aback by the child being at this place, Kagome only nodded, her mouth hanging open slightly. The girl looked at her, frowning slightly, then tilted her head to the side and blinked. Kagome blinked back. Together, they blinked a third time, then the little girl reached up and brushed at Kagome's cheek tenderly. Retracting her small hands, she looked intently at the liquid pooled on her fingertips. She bit her lower lip. "Big Sister, why are you crying?"
Blinking back more tears, Kagome reached out and gently touched the little girl's face. "Rin…what are you doing here…?"
Rin smiled and pointed off toward the waterfall. Kagome squinted and followed the child's pointing finger, able to make out the vague shadows of two—no three—people, standing by the pool's edge. "I came to see Lord Sesshoumaru!" Rin's voice piped in, off to the side. Kagome nodded without looking back at the girl and for her part, Rin just kept going. "Lord Sesshoumaru's castle is really close to here and he brings me here sometimes to play. One of the servants told me he was coming back here for a little bit so I came out to see him, cause he was gone for so long." She paused and Kagome turned back to look at her; she could barely suppress the smile that touched her lips as she watched her companion stare in the direction Sesshoumaru was standing, her small eyes squinted, lips pursed and finger lightly tapping her puffed out cheeks. "For some reason, though, he was mad at me when I came here. He told me to go home, but…" She smiled and turned back to the older girl with her: "Of course I didn't listen, since Lord Sesshoumaru tells me to go home a lot!"
A fit of giggles overtook the child then and she couldn't talk for a few minutes. Kagome simply sat and watched, a smile playing on her lips. For the moment, thoughts of arrows and saddened dog-demons fled the priestess' mind as she immersed herself in childish charms. Rin just kept laughing at her own personal joke, until her laughter finally died away. Smiling, she pointed to the bowl still sitting on the ground. "I brought you breakfast, Big Sister. Jaken didn't want me to, but I just stepped on his toes, stuck my tongue out at him and did so anyway. Jaken can be so mean sometimes, don't you agree?"
Kagome nodded and laughed lightly. Reaching down, she picked up the bowl and drew it to her lips. The liquid inside was cooled, but flavourful as it ran down the girl's throat. Setting it back down, the priestess was amazed to find it empty and her stomach growling for more. She blushed. "I didn't even realise I was hungry…"
Rin nodded and hopped up, taking the bowl with her. "I'll go get you some more, so just wait here, okay?" She turned and headed back into the brush, humming quietly. Before she was completely gone, however, she turned back around and smiled at the older woman sitting on the morning grass. "Don't cry, Big Sister, I'll be back soon. And I'll have food, so don't cry." Then she was gone.
After she left, silence reigned over the small, sunlit area in which Kagome sat. Leaning back, she looked up at the sky, scanning the pinked clouds. She smiled as she began to play a favourite old game of hers: name that cloud. When she was little she had played this game often with her mother and grandfather. After Souta was born, she played it with him, too. Many a summer hour had been lost beneath the open sky and to the ever- changing clouds. The game was comforting and reminded her of home, so Kagome played it now, hoping to calm her nerves.
One by one she picked clouds and thought up what they looked like. Why, just over there was a small bird, swooping across the sky. And over there was a flower just about to bloom. A cat, a Christmas tree, a fork…many other images passed by as the clouds danced lazily across the sky. And there, a dog-demon…
With a start, Kagome sat up. Angrily, she scrubbed the tears from her eyes and stared dully at the ground. She was doing it again, like when she was at the castle, staring up at the ceiling. Before, while looking at her "stars," she'd cried because she wanted to see Inuyasha again. Now she cried because she had and the memories flooded back. Try as she might, the human did her best to follow Rin's advice, but nothing would stop the tears from coming.
It didn't make sense! Why would she shoot an arrow—no, two arrows—at Inuyasha? All she wanted to do was see him again. She could see that day so plainly; she could feel his arms around her, hear his voice as he held her close and told her never to leave again. She could hear it all, feel it all. And then there was the rough embrace of wood, the taut bowstring and the awful, sickening sound of an arrow let loose, the whizzing noise as it shot through the air the most vile in all the world. His eyes, so full of pain. He'd asked why and Kagome couldn't answer. She could only tell him to run away, because she couldn't control herself. Hands gripped her arms and dragged her along like a puppet and she was powerless to stop it. But she couldn't tell him that, she could only tell him to run away.
Clutching her belly, the priestess watched her tears fall to the grass. Those hands, those same hands that had grabbed her when she tried to run away, were responsible for hurting Inuyasha so badly. But there was nothing she could do about it! How could she fight what was invisible? And worse, how could she face Inuyasha, knowing how powerless she was and that, in the end, it was her that shot him with an arrow. She was no better than Kikyou; both women manipulated by an outside force, both women the cause of one half-demon's suffering. How could she even live with herself, knowing the pain she'd caused him and seen in his eyes?
'I can't face him now. I can't possibly atone for bringing him so much pain. First I took his wish, then I shot him. I've hurt him so much, how can I make it up to him? I can't…surely…' Without realising it, the girl began to scan the ground for anything sharp. How can I live with myself…? How can I live…?'
Choking back sobs, Kagome covered her face and cried harder. This was so wrong! Why was Inuyasha always hurt? And why did she have to do it? And now she was having these terrible thoughts, as well. If anything were to hurt the half-demon most, it would be if Kagome gave up and followed through with her delusional plans. How could she even think of hurting him so much, especially after all the hell she'd put him through these past eight months? 'What is wrong with me…?!'
Just then, the bushes off to the left rustled again and Rin reappeared, carrying a steaming bowl of soup. Making her way over carefully, the child set her parcel down gently in front of Kagome, then scooted over to the side and wrapped her tiny arms around the older girl. "Aww, Big Sister, you're crying again…Please, don't cry…Rin is sad when you cry, because that makes everyone else sad. Even the sky becomes sad when you cry, see?" She pointed up to the heavens, where clouds were brushing against the rising sun, blotting out the pale light. "Please don't cry…I don't want you to cry…and the sky doesn't want to be sad, either…"
Sniffling, Kagome nodded and pushed herself away from Rin. The child frowned, but made no move to come closer. Instead, she scooted back over to the bowl of soup, picked it up and handed it to Kagome. "Here, this will make you feel better. I always cry when I'm hungry, too. And even if I'm not hungry, I'll cry sometimes, but soup makes me feel better. Rin sometimes wishes the sky could eat soup, too, so that it won't be sad anymore, either. Soup makes everyone feel better, so please eat it. Then you won't cry anymore."
Kagome nodded and took the bowl; the soup burned her tongue as she drank and she had to pull it away. Rin giggled—she was a child, after all and even someone burning their tongue could be funny—and Kagome couldn't help but giggle a little, too. Then she sighed and set the bowl down. Rin was right; she needed to stop crying. It was hard, but she needed to. Maybe…maybe Rin would be able to help her with that daunting task.
"Rin, thank you." The girl blinked, confused. Kagome smiled. "You made me stop crying, so thank you. I shouldn't be crying, because I'm a lot stronger than that. And I don't want to make you cry." Playfully, she ruffled the little girl's hair. "So, do you think you could help me stay strong and not cry? I'm sure that, together, we could keep the sky from being sad, too. So, will you help me?"
Smiling broadly, Rin nodded. "Yep! Rin will help Big Sister stop crying, so that Rin doesn't cry too!"
Kagome smiled. Then she stood up and faced toward where Sesshoumaru still stood along the water's edge. Rin scrambled to her feet and stood beside her, adopting the same pose and grim facial expression that Kagome wore. The older woman laughed at the sight and her companion giggled. Taking a deep breath, Kagome steeled herself. 'Time to face my demons… literally. And there is no way I'm losing this fight, either. Prepare yourself, Sesshoumaru. Higurashi Kagome is coming after you.'
Determined, Kagome strode down to the water, the sun rising slowly in the sky. From where he stood, Sesshoumaru's ears twitched and he turned to face the approaching women. Next to him, Jaken started and skittered to the front, staff held high. Behind the demon lord lurked another, but Kagome couldn't make him out. He didn't matter, anyhow; she was after Sesshoumaru.
Stomping to a stop, Kagome pointed a finger at her captor and opened her mouth to ask him just what the hell was going on and where they were, among other things, when the demon lord gave her such a glare that the words literally fell from her lips. Spluttering, Kagome did her best to regain her argument. In the meantime, Sesshoumaru turned his attention to his captive's stalwart companion, who was giggling at her friend's sudden gagging spell.
"Rin, I thought I told you to return to the castle. I see that you have disobeyed me once again. Not only that, but you are fraternising with my enemy. Explain yourself."
Jaken nodded emphatically, hopping forward to stare at the girl at almost eye level. Rin was a good three or four inches taller than the toad and blinked down at him as he began lecturing her. "You should listen to Lord Sesshoumaru, whelp. It is because of his good graces that you are even here today and to show such disrespect for his orders is a terrible crime! And you fed this prisoner as well, didn't you? After I distinctly told you not t—"
Rin idly removed her fist from the top of Jaken's head where she bopped him to shut him up. Puffing out her cheeks, she turned back to Sesshoumaru, who was still waiting for an answer. "Well, you always tell me to go home, even when nothing is wrong and I didn't want to leave again after just getting here. And Big Sister was all by herself and she looked so sad this morning when I brought her breakfast, so I decided that it would be best to stay to cheer her up. Besides, you always bring me here and I know that it's a safe place so I figured you told me to go home just because you're being a grump."
Sesshoumaru hmphed. "You are not one to take matters into her own hands, nor are you one to question my authority. You will return home before today ends. If necessary, I will have Jaken escort you." At this, Rin made a face and Kagome almost laughed out loud. The demon lord ignored it and continued. "For now, you may stay here, by the lake. My brother's woman will watch over you until your departure. I take it that is well with you, woman of my brother?"
Speechless, Kagome just nodded. Sesshoumaru stared at her a moment longer, then turned and walked away. Jaken scurried after him; Rin stuck her tongue out at him as he left. When the demons were gone, the humans sat down on the ground and stared at the water. Kagome sighed. 'So much for facing my demons.' She plopped her face down into her palms and mumbled: "Today is not a good day at all."
That same morning found Shippou wandering around in the woods, Shoukaki following after like a curious spectator. The ghost stayed a set six or so paces behind her fox-demon friend as the kitsune tore his way through underbrush, growling and cursing as he went. He needed to vent and who was she to get in the way of frustration? She figured he could only keep it up so long and so she'd follow after him at a safe, but close distance, to be there for him when he finally calmed down.
They'd been walking since earlier that morning, when Shippou crept from the camp in the dark of night. Well, it'd be more accurate to say that Shippou had walked, since Shoukaki spent most of that time floating in the air behind him, listening to him talk about how unfair the others were and that he'd show them.
"I can't believe them!" he'd cried, tearing at an un-offending bush. "'You can't go, Shippou, you're injured and you'll just slow us down.' Bah! They just don't care that I love Kagome too! It's always: 'Well, we're the adults and you're the child, so you stay here where it's safe and we'll fight instead. You're too weak to be of any help, after all.' I'm just as strong as any of them! I grew up just to prove that to them! I took on responsibility that they will never fully understand and they just call me a child! I hate them!"
Shoukaki floated beside him, her head cocked to one side. "And do you tell them all of this? About your responsibility and how you've grown?"
Shippou glared at her so fiercely that the ghost raised her hands in defence. "Sorry, sorry! That was a silly question. But really, why do you think they say those things?"
For a moment it looked like the kitsune was going to repeat what he'd just said about them, then he shook his head and shrugged. "I don't know. I do everything I can to show them that I'm strong and can take care of myself and all I'm ever told is that I can't help. It's terrible! If all I'm ever treated as is a child, how can I become as strong as my papa was and be a real fox-demon? They're just holding me back, that's all." He sighed and stared at the ground, disgruntled. "It's not fair. I want to save Kagome, too."
"And that's why we're out here, in the middle of the night, smashing our way through the brush." In the dark, Shoukaki could see Shippou give her a flat look and she laughed. "Okay, okay, you're smashing your way through the brush and I'm just following along. My bad." She laughed and her friend blushed slightly. "But, anyhow, I don't think you quite understand where they're coming from, either. I mean, you are only a child."
At her words, Shippou turned around and glared at her, ready to respond heavily. Shoukaki silenced him with a look that equalled his own previous glares. When she was sure he'd be quiet, the phantom continued. "A child can only do so much. We can't fight like adults, we don't have the reflexes or the strength that they do. It's only natural to keep a child from the midst of battle, because otherwise, how will the child even grow up to be that great demon, like their father? As you grow older, you come into your power more and can fight alongside those who previously told you no. You need to think of that, too."
Shippou nodded glumly, but fired back: "And what am I to do when they don't let me do anything? How can I grow into my power if I'm not allowed to use even a little of it? I've fought with them before; why can't I do so now?"
The ghost girl slowed her pace and came to a stop near a stump. Shippou sat down and stared at her, waiting for her answer. Shoukaki faced him easily, her face calm as she told him: "You're injured. They know you can fight and I'm sure they realise that you have strength in that little body of yours. But you're injured now and that takes away what fighting prowess you had. In your condition, you can't fight. And it's their responsibility to make sure you're safe. Otherwise, they'll have lost both a good friend and a strong fighter, as well as taken away that future as a great demon that you've always longed for."
"But I'm not a burden! I wouldn't slow them down!"
Leaning forward, Shoukaki placed a finger against her companion's lips. Unintentionally, Shippou shuddered at the contact; it was like the most deadly chill had just shot through his entire body when she brushed her ghost fingers against him. "When you react like that, you are a burden, little kitsune. Your emotions get the better of you and you lose what focus you have. What good are you then?" Shippou couldn't respond. Shoukaki continued. "When I was alive, I had a friend who believed I could do anything, as long as I wasn't afraid. I believe the same thing about you, little kitsune. If you don't lose your temper and you think things through, I think you can do anything. Including saving Kagome and showing Inuyasha and the others that they were wrong. Do you understand?"
For a moment, Shippou thought about it, then answered slowly: "I'm a burden because I sometimes let things get to me and I lose control. So if I focus more and don't let my emotions get to me, I can be stronger and I'll never be a burden again."
Shoukaki nodded. "I had to get over my fears so that I could be useful. I became stronger because I didn't give into my fears. You can become stronger if you don't let your emotions get in the way. Keep a cool head and you can do a lot more than now."
"That still doesn't explain why they wouldn't let me go."
Shoukaki laughed. "You threw a fit when they told you you couldn't go because you were injured. It was always: 'I'm not a burden! I'm not a burden!' But if all you did was get emotional, that's all they could see you as. I'm sure had you handled yourself more like the adult I know you to be, they would have thought differently. Am I too far off, little kitsune?"
Shippou shook his head and sighed. "No, not really. They've always thought of me as a child, because I've always thrown tantrums, or hidden behind Kagome. I was a bit of a coward. But with Kagome gone I had to grow up. I was just so tired of always being called a child, when everything I did was so grownup. I just wanted to be taken seriously and seen as a strong member of the team, not a child that would slow everyone down…" He sniffed. "Look at me, I'm being childish again."
Cold, ghostly hands swept around him and Shippou shivered. Shoukaki rested her head on his shoulder and whispered: "There is nothing childish about crying. So cry until you're finished. You'll feel better afterward and all the stronger for getting it out. So never think you're a child because you cried."
The kitsune sniffed again and finished crying silently.
So now they walked in the morning light, Shippou grumbling about the bushes and the distance and an assortment of other things—crying, Shoukaki and being a child among them. She kept her distance, knowing that she'd done all she could during the night and he simply needed to vent the rest of his frustrations, instead of crying them out. She'd give him that space.
By now, Inuyasha and the others had surely noticed their disappearance. They'd be angry, when they met up with them again, Shoukaki was certain. She'd have to apologise for letting the little kitsune run off. She hadn't very well tried to stop him, after all. But this was something he needed to do. He had to prove to them—and to himself, she amended—that he wasn't a burden and that he could save Kagome, wounded or not. Shoukaki just hoped he could get his emotions under control before that time came, or he may very well prove to be a burden in the end.
Ahead, the kitsune was slowing to a stop. Noting the tired expression on his face, Shoukaki jogged up to him in case he should fall. The last thing he needed was to jar his wounds with a fall. "Why don't we rest a bit?"
Shippou readily agreed and they found a patch of sun-dried grass to rest their feet for a while. From a pouch at his waist, Shippou pulled out a small piece of meat and some bread he'd had the foresight to bring along. Hungrily, he downed the small portion, then took a swig from his water bottle. Shoukaki giggled girlishly as water dripped from her friend's chin.
They sat together silently for a while, then Shippou sighed extravagantly. Shoukaki blinked and looked at him inquisitively; the fox- demon puffed out his cheeks and crossed his eyes so that his companion laughed. Then he sighed again and looked up at the brightening morning sky. He hadn't even realised how long they'd been walking…it had to be close to mid-morning already. So caught up on his own frustration over what had happened the past day, he'd completely lost track of time. Even now he found himself slipping back into the argument. 'I'm not useless…'
"What's wrong, little kitsune?"
Said boy shrugged and scrunched up his shoulders as he idly picked at the grass in front of him. After a moment, he asked: "So, you really believe I'm not a burden? Like what you said last night?"
Shoukaki laughed and patted Shippou on the head fondly. "Is that what that big sigh was for, little kitsune? Of course I believe what I said; I wouldn't have said it, otherwise. Why this all of a sudden? Has it really been bothering you so much?" She knew the answer, of course, but she felt that talking might help Shippou feel better and she herself wanted to know what the fox-demon was thinking. He'd been so withdrawn since the fight with the soot-wolf a week ago.
Shippou nodded demurely. "Well…yeah, I guess. I mean, it's always been me, Inuyasha, Kagome and the others and I knew where I belonged. I never used to worry about being a burden because we all had our place in the group. But now that Kagome is gone, I don't know where I belong anymore. And after I got hurt in the fight, it really became clear to me that, without Kagome here, I really don't have a place in the group…Even though I fought really hard and did my best and saved Inuyasha's life, it's like it's meaningless." He snorted. "Stupid Inuyasha. If it weren't for me, he'd be dead right now." For a moment, the fox laughed quietly to himself, then let his giggles trail away, followed by yet another sigh. "I just don't know. But you said I wasn't a burden and I really wanna believe that, it's just…I don't know where I belong."
The ghost nodded and looked off into the surrounding trees. She knew just how her friend felt. She'd felt this way for a very long time. "I know what you mean, little kitsune. But you have to believe that you really aren't a burden. And as long as you can keep yourself under control, I'm positive you can prove Inuyasha wrong and find your place again." Smiling broadly, the girl ruffled Shippou's red hair, then stood up. "Come on, I think we've rested enough. We should be on our way."
Her companion nodded, but not before giving her a chilly look that asked: "Who's rested long enough?" Brushing off his kimono, Shippou tucked away his pouch, then began trudging up the path and into the woods. Shoukaki walked beside him, skipping occasionally, but mainly just looking off into the trees with a melancholy expression. Concerned, the demon asked: "What'cha thinking about, Shoukaki?"
At first the phantom didn't answer, then she shook out her head and smiled. "Oh, nothing much. Just stuff."
Eyeing her sideways, Shippou jabbed at the girl with his elbow while clicking his tongue in a disapproving fashion. "Come on now, Shoukaki, I told you what I was thinking, now you have to tell me. It's only fair. And besides, we shouldn't keep things from each other, because we're companions. Kagome, Inuyasha and I never kept secrets from each other." 'Well, that's not really true,' he thought to himself mischievously. 'But a little white lie won't hurt her.' He giggled at his own cleverness.
Shoukaki jabbed back at her friend playfully, then let her arms fall to her sides. She went silent. After a few minutes of nothing, the ghost girl shook her head clear. Shippou waited expectantly for her reply and was rewarded when she said simply: "I was wondering why I'm here still, little kitsune."
The fox blinked, then understanding dawned and he let his breath out slowly. "Kinda like me, huh…?"
"Yes, kind of. You don't feel at place anymore in the group since Kagome has gone away and I don't feel at place anywhere. I wonder why I was left behind…and what I'm supposed to do…" Taking a deep breath, the girl released it explosively. Then she shook her whole body out, rotating her arms and jogging in place. She smiled. "This is too much of a downer, little kitsune. We should be thinking of happy things, because we're going to save Kagome. So focus all your thoughts on her and we'll surely find her soon. Don't worry, little kitsune. Don't worry and everything will surely be all right."
Dumbfounded, Shippou could only mutter as he hurried after a suddenly running Shoukaki. Only a couple of days until they reached Kagome, Shippou thought as he raced after his friend. A couple more days and he'd have his place back. Maybe Shoukaki can find her place, too. Maybe…maybe…
"That idiot!"
In the aftermath of the roar, birds speared from their nests high in the trees' tops, feathers floating down every which way at the sudden scare they'd received. Small animals skittered about on the forest floor and through the torn a part campsite, doing their best to stay clear of the bristling half-breed standing in the centre of the chaos. Even Miroku and Sango had to fight to keep their balance as the echoes of Inuyasha's outraged cry rang through the trees and disturbed all living creatures within a mile and a half radius.
Huffing and visibly upset, Inuyasha began tossing camping supplies recklessly across the site again, his anger bubbling over into physical malice. Miroku had attempted to comfort the half-breed once already, but after receiving a well-placed fist to the jaw, the priest had wisely opted to step out of it and allow his companion to vent his rage safely—as in, not on him. Learning from the monk's mistake, Sango hadn't even gone near Inuyasha.
Ever since they'd awoken to find both Shippou and Shoukaki gone, Inuyasha had done nothing but fume. "Just what the hell are those two thinking, running off in the middle of the night?" the half-demon raged, throwing several of the fire logs around the camping area. "And with Shippou's injuries! The kit is dumb enough to go in his condition but I at least thought Shoukaki had more sense than that! Stupid, stupid damned idiots! Keh!" Inuyasha hopped painfully after his foot connected with the steel of Sango's cooking pot.
Miroku gave Sango a knowing look and moved forward once more to try to calm his friend. "Now listen, Inuyasha, your being mad isn't helping the situation any. Surely if the little one went along with Shippou, she did so to watch over him. I think that perhaps we should trust her ability to handle the little kitsune. And besides, we don't even know where they went."
In response, Inuyasha slugged the priest in the gut, doubling him over, gasping for breath. "You fool, I'm a damned demon! I can smell where they went." Rubbing his hands together expectantly, the half-breed prepared to take off in the direction he could smell the runt from, his mind going over several possible punishments for leaving so recklessly. "Just wait until I get a hold of him, that runt is going to pay for leaving us behind like this. Especially after we told him he can't go."
Preparing himself to take off as he was, Inuyasha didn't notice Sango coming up behind him, rubbing the bridge of her nose as though to ward off an oncoming headache. Before her companion could take off, the demon hunter had her boomerang planted firmly in his skull, knocking the hanyou to the ground and effectively halting his escape. "Inuyasha," she said softly, her patience waning, "we don't have a lot of time. If you want to save Kagome, we need to get back and see Kaede. At most we have five days and four of those are for the trip to Kaede's and then there. Let Shippou go…I'm sure he can handle himself."
Pushing himself up from the ground, Inuyasha growled. Sango stared him down, ready to smack him again if he didn't get a clue and start doing what had to be done. Miroku watched in silent amusement, wise enough not to get between the two but loving every minute of it.
Finally, with a hiss and a growl, the dog-demon shoved his way to his feet and began walking—toward Kaede's village. "Fine. But if that runt dies and Kagome cries because of it, I hold you responsible."
"Fair enough," the hunter whispered. Gathering her things together quickly, she hurried after the half-demon, Miroku close behind and left the tattered remnants of their camp for the morning sun and wind to pick at.