A/N: Okay, Hitori has a purpose. A very cruel purpose but one none the less. He'll be like Shippo's play-mate and best friend.
Disclaimer:...........If you actually think I own him, you need to go to an insane asylem.
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Chapter VI
Air Ships
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"So, you're traveleling to the Southern kingdom to fufill you're promise to a friend." Miroku summerized as he stired the vegitabal soup. Inuyasha nodded, holding out his bowl and spooning some of the soup in. Hitori and Shippo sat beside him, happily devouring the warm, steamy broth. Miroku sighed and filled his own bowl. "I'm afraid you have quite a way to travel. You're still in the Northern lands, and not too far from another slave mine. I was allowed to pass because I am a wondering monk, and offered to bless the grounds." He said as he sipped his soup.
Inuyasha had been slightly surprised that the monk had known from the start that they were Youkai, but didn't run off. He told him where they were going, and he even offered to help. He was still suspicious, but would allow him to help for now.
"Damn it..." He muttered, glaring at the ground beneath him, his face contorted in frustration. "I didn't know this place was so huge. I was unconsious when I was brought here..."
Miroku looked at him thoughfully, rubbing his chin a bit. "I wonder..." He muttered before smiling at the growling Hanyou. "I can hitch us a ride on an airship, heading out tommorrow. If we hurry we can get there by the time it lifts off around noon." He offered thoughtfully. Inuyasha looked up at him surprised. "We'll leave tommorrow if you're interested."
The dog Hanyou grinned widely, slightly unnerving the monk.
"Well then, were off to the airfield." He said, for a rare moment, trully cheerful. He downed the rest of his soup quickly, absently pulling Shippo and Hitori apart, who had been fighting over the last bit of broth left in the pot. He put the bowl back beside the monk and jumped up into a nearby tree to keep watch for the night.
"Inuyasha? Wouldn't you like to rest for you're jorney?" Miroku called up to him from his place at the bottom of a tree on the opposite side of camp. Inuyasha scoffed.
"I don't need to sleep. It's you humans that need sleep." He said. Miroku just shrugged and got himself comfortable for the night.
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Kagome winced as she entered the dinning hall. The king had decided that another 'private' dinner with the princess alone was in order. She dreded those. The last time he called her here was to tell her why Sango could no longer enter the castle, and that she wasn't allowed in the gardens anymore.
She took a deep breath before turning the corner and entering the hall, walking with a steady stride, faking it all. She walked up the wide staircase to join the king at the long dinning table. She quickly took her seat next to him and he smiled at her warmly.
"Ah, Kagome I-"
"Cut the small talk and tell me why you asked me here." She sighed impatiantly. He looked a little taken aback but nodded, motioning for dinner to be served. Kagome folded her hands in her lap, resisting the erge to rip a hole through it her dress, no matter what this man saw.
"Oh right." He smiled as two plates full of steaming food were set before them. Each had a bowel of vegitabal soup, a potato, some bread, and nearly a full half of a chiken, along with a drink of water, or ail, in the kings case. "I have recieved a marrige proposel." He said cheerfully. Kagome nearly rolled her eyes.
This man was not only weak, but he was strangely cheerful all the time. If his country went to war, he'd be sitting up in his throne, laughing his head off at someone's lame joke. He didn't care for the villagers, nor did he care if his kingdom was invaded. He only cared about his power, and used it constantly against her. She sighed and rolled her eyes as he took a bite out of the chiken.
"And who may that be?" She asked sarcasticaly, having lost her appitite as soon as she was called to dinner.
"Lord Naraku of the Northern Lands himself! He sent the proposel with a messenger and we recieved it today." He said, not even glancing up from his chicken. Kagome's mouth dropped. 'The North....that's where Inuyasha went!'
"W-what..." She stuttered. The king glanced at her and grinned, chicken skin stuck between his teeth.
"Yes, amazing isn't it! That such a great king would send for a scrawny little thing like you." He piqued cheerfully, going back to his meal. Kagome's gaze snapped back to him from wherever in la la land she was, and glared daggers - no swords into his forehead. She opened her mouth to retort, when a messenger suddenly burst through the dinning room doors. He ran up to the king and whispered something in his ear. The king smiled and nodded, stading up and following the man out the door without even a word of goodbye.
Kagome huffed and crossed her arms, sitting at the table alone. Sighing, she put her elbows on the table and dropped her head in her upturned palms, staring out the window on the other side of the room. Suddenly something flitted across the stained glass, and she lifted her head in surprise. Her brows ferrowed and she stood from her chair, walking slowly over to the window. Once she stood in front of it, she rested her hands on the sill and squinted to see outside.
There was nothing. She sighed and moved to turn around, when suddenly the glass blew in, throwing her off her feet and crashing to the floor. Quickly, she flipped herself over to stare into the eyes of Sango. (Bet you thought it was Inu! LOL!!) She jumped off Kirara, who had been the one to destroy the glass, and ran over to help her up, an apologetic look on her face.
"Sorry, but were being attacked." She said calmly as she helped Kagome find her feet. Said girl shook her head to clear it and turned to the oak door that had been opened. The king ran in with a few guards and stopped near the table. For once his face wasn't curved in a perpetual grin.
"What is she doing here?!" He demanded angrilly. Sango turned to him, letting Kagome's hands drop to her sides and bowed.
"I'm sorry sir, but the village is being attacked. I just came to make sure the princess was safe." She lied. Kagome finally came out of her stupor and turned to Kirara, who had reverted into a harmless kitty again. She trotted over and jumped up to Kagome's sholder, nuzzling her neck and mewing softly. Absently Kagome lifted a hand to pet the small demon cat.
The king eyed the Taijiya wearilly before an inhuman cry wavered through the village. Kagome quickly turned around and stared out the window in horror. She covered her mouth and backed up a few paces.
"I-t's a Balrog!" She gasped. (The demon from LOTR in the mine with all the dead dwarves, I think that's what it's called ^^;; Correct me if I'm wrong) Sango turned and narrowed her eyes at the hulking creature. It was hard to distinguish from the night, some smouldering patches of fire, it's eyes, and the long fireiy whip that it clutched in one of it's oversized hands were the only things to be distinguished. It leaned forward and let out another earsplitting roar, it's huge, dark wings blowing out behind it. It was nearly New Moon, so it was very dark that night.
Sango scowled and ran toward the shattered window, calling to Kirara over her sholder. The little cat leaped off Kagome and towards the window, transforming as she went. Sango jumped out the window just as the cat reached the edge. Kirara flew beneath the airborn girl and caught her as she decended, and flew back towards the window.
"Kagome, stay away from any window, or anything flamibal. Get you're arrows if you want to make this easier!" She instructed as she turned Kirara towards the giant demon. Kagome nodded to her fading back and turned towards the doors, ignoring the kings biwildered expression. Passing through the doors, she made her way to the armory to grab her arrows. She quickly raced down the stairs and turned into the room, grabbing a bow and quiver of arrows from the rack and turning around as fast as her legs could carry her.
She ran back up the stairs and turned right, heading towards the balcony where the king or queen would give speeches. She ran to the edge and leaned over, the quiver and bow hanging from her sholder. Sango was flying on Kirara, and circling the huge beast. She'd managed to get her boomerang Hiraikotsu and was throwing it with as much force as she could. It nicked and scratched the creature, but otherwise did nothing.
'The Balrog can only be defeated by magic...' She remembered reading that in a book from the library. 'Magic...' Kagome growled and pulled her bow from her sholder, nitching an arrow, and aiming for the hulking beasts head. Just as she was sbout to shoot, the creature reared back and spewed a pillar of flame towards one of the biggest buildings in town...Sango's business.
The other Taijiya's hadn't even been able to get their gear on before the blast was fired. Kagome stared in horror as the building went up in flame. No one could have survived the attack... She glanced back at Sango to see her frozen with Kirara, staring at what was once her home. Kagome turned her gaze back to the creature as it finished it's breath. Her eyes glowed dangerously, and she raised her bow once more. But as she set her mark, a light blue glow shone on the end of the arrow. She didn't notice it as she let the arrow fly.
If flew true to it's mark, and the light wraped around the whole arrow, the energy building as it slammed into the creatures head. It exploded nearly instantly, and small flakes of ash fell gently where it had once stood. She noticed that the ash wasn't burning, and decided to try her luck on the burning building. She turned her gaze towards that and notched another arrow. Setting her sites she noticed the light on the arrowhead, but paid no heed. She let it fly, and the energy built around it again. It smashed through the fire and blew the rest out, completely revealing the burned building.
Without looking to see Sango's reaction, she ran back towards the staires and through the castle doors, and the gates. She ran as fast as she could, ignoring the shouts of the guards as she passed, racing towards Sango's home. She quickly reached it, and slowed her pace to a trot, then to a walk. Sango sat with Kirara, untransformed, and stared at the wreck in awe. Kagome slowly walked up to stand next to her friend as she took in the damage as well. The blaze hadn't been there for long, but there was no sign of life. She put her hand on her best friends sholder and looked at her, trying to erase the image before her.
"I'm so sorry Sango..." She muttered to her friend, her eyes tearing as she watched her friends expression change from one of awe to one of deep pain.
"E-everyone...everyone was there...no one survived....my whole family..." She muttered as her eyes filled with tears. Kagome kneeled next to her and wrapped her arms around her friend as she sobbed into her sholder.
"I'm sure there's someone there..." Kagome muttered to her as the sobs wracked her friends frame. Kirara sat at their side, closing her eyes and letting out a heart wrenching mew for her only family.
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That morning, in the Northern Lands...
"Come on monk! If you don't hurry it up were going to miss the ship!" Inuyasha called over his sholder, dragging the two kids behind him, literaly. Hitori had thought it would be fun to play a game of 'drag' with Shippo. So, he let Inuyasha grab his tail and drag him by it, while he held Shippo's hands dragging him along behind him. Inuyasha was all too happy to drag them through even the rockiest turrain, making sure they hit every rock, bump or anything else these roads had to offer as punishment. Still the little demons weren't muttering a word of discomfort. Miroku sighed and walked up beside him, glancing down at the miniture demons.
"Um...don't you think that would hurt them?" He asked, glancing between the silver haired boy and the demons. Inuyasha dragged them over a pearticularly sharp rock.
"Only if they say it out loud." He shrugged. Suddelny he stopped and stared ahead, his mouth nearly hitting the floor. Miroku walked ahead a few paces before turning and blinking back at the hanyou.
"What is it?" He asked as if nothing were there.
"You said we were riding on a ship Miroku. You didn't mention we were going to fly on the most luxurious ship in all the lands!" He gapped at the towering ship as it's propelers blew lazily in the wind. Miroku rubbed the back of his neck.
"Ok so I left out a minor detail. But it's better than nothing right?" He shrugged. Inuyasha smirked.
"Oh hell yeah..." He snorted as he dragged the gapping kids after him.
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And so, Miroku came up with a brilliant plan to smuggle the demons aboard. Hitori and Shippo gave up thir game after Inuyasha threw them in a berrel of caviar, so they smelled like fish, but managed to get clean. Miroku hid the boys tails under small capes, and gave Shippo boots to hide his feet. But poor Inuyasha had to get the most humiliating disguise if them all...
"Hello kind sir." Miroku greeted the guard at the entrance with a bow. "I would offer to bless this ship if you gave me, my children, and my grandfather a ride to the Southern Lands." He smiled. Inuyasha stood next to him, haunched over to look like an old man with a large cape draped over him, so no one could see his face, and they were lucky they couldn't. His teeth were bared and he surpressed the snarl just on the edge of his tongue. Shippo and Hitori stood on the other side of miroku, bowing politely to the guard. The man eyed them a moment before shrugging and motioning inside. Miroku bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much sir." He said as he walked past. Hitori and Shippo bowed as well.
"Thank you kind sir." They said in unision, and followed Miroku inside.
"KEH!" Inuyasha spat and pushed by the guard, who nearly fell over.
They walked through the entrance hall, ignoring the stares they recived from anyone within a five foot radius, and made their way to the guest rooms. They passed the guards standing near the entrance to their destination, and all the while getting the eyes from anyone they passed.
Inuyasha couldn't see from his position under the cape. He could only see the floor, and Miroku's sandald feet, which he followed. Soon they reached the rooms, and entered an unoccupied one. As soon as the door was shut, Inuyasha threw off the cape and glared at it as it fell to the floor.
"I'm never doing that again." He growled, his eyes never leaving the cloth. Miroku smiled at the dog-boys angry mood.
"Why not Inuyasha? I thought you make a good grandpa. Mind you a very grumpy old grandpa." He said in all seriousness. Inuyasha's withering glare was moved to him, and picked up a couple hundred degrees.
"If I ever hear the word 'you' and 'old grandpa' in the same sentence coming from you, I won't hesitate to drop a wall on you're perverted head." He growled angrilly. Miroku just smiled.
"I've never been on an airship before!" Shippo piped up as he jumped onto the top of one of the very luxurious bunkbeds. "Espeacially one as pretty as this!" He cried happily, bouncing on the bed.
"Neither have I!" Hitori shouted from his place in one of the dressers."This shoud be fun!" He laughed.
"You know what's funny?" Miroku whispered to Inuyasha after he'd calmed down a little. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "Puppies usually get motion sickness when they ride anything that moves, but they get over it soon enough." He told him. Inuyasha slanted hm a confused look.
"And why should I know that?" He asked. Miroku motioned to Hitori, who was rumaging in the jewelry cabinet.
"Isn't he a puppy?" He quiped, rubbing his chin thoughfully. Inuyasha froze. If it was true for human dogs, then maybe it was true for demons too...he got airsick on his first ride, so it probably was true.
"Great. Just perfect!"
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Many fights over bunks, growling, and a sick puppy later...
Inuyasha pushed open the door to their room. Miroku had taken guard over the pups, one immobile, and one happily bouncing fox so Inuyasha could finally get some peace. Quietly he walked out of the room and down the hall. He wanted to check out what this ship had to offer, and maybe get lunch. He opened the door seperating these rooms from the rest of the ship, and walked into a small living area for the guards. There were a couple chairs, some rugs, and a lttle fireplace. He shrugged and walked through the next door.
He came into a large room, with many people walking about, all of them snobby rich royals. From the back of his mind one name flew forward, and he was half hoping that she was amoung these people. He tried sniffing, but there were too many scents to shift through, so he just shook his head and turned to the nearest door, exiting the loud room.
At once he was bombarded with a strong wind, and turned to find himself on deck. Closing the door behind him, he walked over to the railing on the ships bow, and clutched it as he leaned over to see the land below. They were flying very high, and it was nearly sunset. He hadn't noticed how fast time went by as they were riding the ship. He jumped onto the railing and griped a rope next to him, making sure he couldn't fall.
Breathing deeply, he let his eyes close for a breif second, taking in the scents of the world in the clouds. Opening his eyes, he turned to the right on impulse, and watched a flock of geese fly by, honking and flapping. And then it hit him. He was free; for now at least. He wouldn't have to work for Naraku anymore, and he'd gotten out fast enough that it would take a few days for the guards to catch up with him.
He decided to take his mind off those thoughts and focus on something different. Kagome was all that came to mind. How had she changed? Did she still look the same? Was she still perky and smiley? He sighed and watched as the sun slowly set, leaving the world in darkness. But the problem was, he just remembered what day it was...
"Oh shit!"
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"Everyone off! The ship is docked and preparing to leave for the Western kingdom!" A loud voice cried over the speakers on the ship. Miroku walked off the ship, carrieing a very green Hitori, as Shippo sat on his sholder.
"I don't like ships..." The hanyou said, rolling over in Miroku's arms and burying his face in his robes. Miroku smiled.
"I only happens the first time." He told the pup. Hitori just groaned.Miroku looked up at the surroundings. "So... Here we are. In the Southern Lands. And where is that dog-boy?" He muttered seaching for the boy.
"Miroku! Over here!" A voice hissed from behind some crates. Miroku looked over and cocked his head. Why was he so secretive now? He turned and followed the voice, nearly jusping out of his robes when there was a black haired boy sulking behind them.
"Um, sir? I'm not sure if we've met." He said, squinting in the darkness to try and see the boys features. He scoffed.
"With all you're knowlage I'd thought you'd know monk." He growled, but with a human body he didn't have the canine sound to it. Miroku raised an eyebrow. Yup. Definatly Inuyasha.
"You're human..." He muttered. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Thank you for stating the obvious. Didn't you know that all hanyou's who have human blood, change into a human at least once a month? My times the New Moon." He growled. Miroku nodded in understanding.
"Ah, sorry. Must have slipped my mind." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. Inuyasha pushed passed him.
"Come on, were almost there." He said, walking towards the town. Miroku grinned.
"Must know the way by heart..." He wispered, following the hanyou turned human, pups and all.
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Sango sniffed as she filled a small berrel with water from the stream she lived by. They had searched the ruins of her home, and found that the only survivor was Kohaku, her little brother. But he was burned badly, and needed constant care. Kagome had managed to get her a room with an old couple who needed someone to do chores around the house. They agreed to let her and her brother stay, and in return she took care of the chores.
Quietly she stood and walked back towards the house. She shouldn't be out this late, but Kohaku needed water. Kirara folowed her on her heels, mewing soflty.
"Sango!"
She turned towards the airfield, squinting to see in the darkness. There was nothing she could distinguish from the light provided. 'I must be going insane...' She thought shaking her head. Turning back towards the house she began walking when something fell on her sholder. She narrowed her eyes and dropped the berrel, grabbing the hand and throwing whoever was attatched to it over her soulder.
Whatever it was let out a yelp and fell before her. She pulled a dagger from the folds of her kimono and kneeled quickly, putting it to the persons throat.
"Tell me who you are and I maybe I won't slit you're throat." She hissed. The person glared up at her.
"Can't you see who I am Sango?" He asked. She pushed the dagger closer to his throat.
"Don't say my name so familiarly." She growled.
"Ah, Inuyasha. Is this the maiden you were talking about?" Another voice came up behind her. She sat up quickly, glaring at the man who seemed to have two chidren, one in his arms, the other on his sholder. Her eyes widend. 'Inuyasha...?'
"I-Inuyasha..." She muttered, looking down at the man beneth her. He smirked.
"Who else?" He said. Her face broke into a full blown grin.
"Inuyasha!!" She shouted, throwing the dagger away and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Where have you been?! Kagome's been so worried!" She laughed. He sat up, bringing the girl up with him. He put his hands on her sholders and pushed her off him.
"Slaving away in a demon mine. Literaly." He told her grinning.
"Don't I get a hug too?" Miroku asked dejectedly, putting the wiggling wolf-dog on the ground, Shippo jumping down to stand next to him. Sango and Inuyasha stood, and she she turned to him, eyeing his outstreached hands.
"I don't even know you." She stated turning back to Inuyasha. Miroku sighed and dropped his arms.
"He gets all the pretty girls..." He muttered. Shippo and Hitori exchainged looks, and toddled over to stand beside the hanyou.
"You don't know how long Kagome's been waiting for you!" Sango told Inuyasha. "You don't know how boring it is without you!" She grinned. He smirked.
"So, how is Kagome?" He asked. Sango's eyes saddened.
"She's not even allowed to walk around the castle anymore. She's confined to her room, and I'm forbidden to visit her." She told him sadly. Inuyasha turned and glared at the castle.
"Why that fuc-"
"Language!" Miroku called from behind Sango, in just the perfect spot.
"PERVERT!!" *Smack*
Miroku was now on the ground carresing his cheek with a dreamy look. Sango stood above him, glaring down at his crumpled form. She turned her glare to a biwildered Inuyasha.
"You didn't tell me he was a pervert!" She growled. He shrugged and made towards the castle, but a tug on his pant leg stopped him.
"Inuyasha...can we stay with you?" Shippo asked, looking up at him with eyes only he could muster. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to stay with me?" He asked. Shippo turned to Hitori, who walked forward.
"'Cause we like you. We'd rather stay with you than some pervert." He looked up at him, his eyes pleading. Inuyasha sighed.
"Fine. I guess you can. But one smart remark and you're with him." He said jutting a thumb in Miroku's direction, who was cerently being pumuled by Sango. The two demon boys broke into grins.
"We promise we'll be good!" They chorused. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and turned to the castle.
'Now to get Kagome out of there...'
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Disclaimer:...........If you actually think I own him, you need to go to an insane asylem.
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Chapter VI
Air Ships
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"So, you're traveleling to the Southern kingdom to fufill you're promise to a friend." Miroku summerized as he stired the vegitabal soup. Inuyasha nodded, holding out his bowl and spooning some of the soup in. Hitori and Shippo sat beside him, happily devouring the warm, steamy broth. Miroku sighed and filled his own bowl. "I'm afraid you have quite a way to travel. You're still in the Northern lands, and not too far from another slave mine. I was allowed to pass because I am a wondering monk, and offered to bless the grounds." He said as he sipped his soup.
Inuyasha had been slightly surprised that the monk had known from the start that they were Youkai, but didn't run off. He told him where they were going, and he even offered to help. He was still suspicious, but would allow him to help for now.
"Damn it..." He muttered, glaring at the ground beneath him, his face contorted in frustration. "I didn't know this place was so huge. I was unconsious when I was brought here..."
Miroku looked at him thoughfully, rubbing his chin a bit. "I wonder..." He muttered before smiling at the growling Hanyou. "I can hitch us a ride on an airship, heading out tommorrow. If we hurry we can get there by the time it lifts off around noon." He offered thoughtfully. Inuyasha looked up at him surprised. "We'll leave tommorrow if you're interested."
The dog Hanyou grinned widely, slightly unnerving the monk.
"Well then, were off to the airfield." He said, for a rare moment, trully cheerful. He downed the rest of his soup quickly, absently pulling Shippo and Hitori apart, who had been fighting over the last bit of broth left in the pot. He put the bowl back beside the monk and jumped up into a nearby tree to keep watch for the night.
"Inuyasha? Wouldn't you like to rest for you're jorney?" Miroku called up to him from his place at the bottom of a tree on the opposite side of camp. Inuyasha scoffed.
"I don't need to sleep. It's you humans that need sleep." He said. Miroku just shrugged and got himself comfortable for the night.
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Kagome winced as she entered the dinning hall. The king had decided that another 'private' dinner with the princess alone was in order. She dreded those. The last time he called her here was to tell her why Sango could no longer enter the castle, and that she wasn't allowed in the gardens anymore.
She took a deep breath before turning the corner and entering the hall, walking with a steady stride, faking it all. She walked up the wide staircase to join the king at the long dinning table. She quickly took her seat next to him and he smiled at her warmly.
"Ah, Kagome I-"
"Cut the small talk and tell me why you asked me here." She sighed impatiantly. He looked a little taken aback but nodded, motioning for dinner to be served. Kagome folded her hands in her lap, resisting the erge to rip a hole through it her dress, no matter what this man saw.
"Oh right." He smiled as two plates full of steaming food were set before them. Each had a bowel of vegitabal soup, a potato, some bread, and nearly a full half of a chiken, along with a drink of water, or ail, in the kings case. "I have recieved a marrige proposel." He said cheerfully. Kagome nearly rolled her eyes.
This man was not only weak, but he was strangely cheerful all the time. If his country went to war, he'd be sitting up in his throne, laughing his head off at someone's lame joke. He didn't care for the villagers, nor did he care if his kingdom was invaded. He only cared about his power, and used it constantly against her. She sighed and rolled her eyes as he took a bite out of the chiken.
"And who may that be?" She asked sarcasticaly, having lost her appitite as soon as she was called to dinner.
"Lord Naraku of the Northern Lands himself! He sent the proposel with a messenger and we recieved it today." He said, not even glancing up from his chicken. Kagome's mouth dropped. 'The North....that's where Inuyasha went!'
"W-what..." She stuttered. The king glanced at her and grinned, chicken skin stuck between his teeth.
"Yes, amazing isn't it! That such a great king would send for a scrawny little thing like you." He piqued cheerfully, going back to his meal. Kagome's gaze snapped back to him from wherever in la la land she was, and glared daggers - no swords into his forehead. She opened her mouth to retort, when a messenger suddenly burst through the dinning room doors. He ran up to the king and whispered something in his ear. The king smiled and nodded, stading up and following the man out the door without even a word of goodbye.
Kagome huffed and crossed her arms, sitting at the table alone. Sighing, she put her elbows on the table and dropped her head in her upturned palms, staring out the window on the other side of the room. Suddenly something flitted across the stained glass, and she lifted her head in surprise. Her brows ferrowed and she stood from her chair, walking slowly over to the window. Once she stood in front of it, she rested her hands on the sill and squinted to see outside.
There was nothing. She sighed and moved to turn around, when suddenly the glass blew in, throwing her off her feet and crashing to the floor. Quickly, she flipped herself over to stare into the eyes of Sango. (Bet you thought it was Inu! LOL!!) She jumped off Kirara, who had been the one to destroy the glass, and ran over to help her up, an apologetic look on her face.
"Sorry, but were being attacked." She said calmly as she helped Kagome find her feet. Said girl shook her head to clear it and turned to the oak door that had been opened. The king ran in with a few guards and stopped near the table. For once his face wasn't curved in a perpetual grin.
"What is she doing here?!" He demanded angrilly. Sango turned to him, letting Kagome's hands drop to her sides and bowed.
"I'm sorry sir, but the village is being attacked. I just came to make sure the princess was safe." She lied. Kagome finally came out of her stupor and turned to Kirara, who had reverted into a harmless kitty again. She trotted over and jumped up to Kagome's sholder, nuzzling her neck and mewing softly. Absently Kagome lifted a hand to pet the small demon cat.
The king eyed the Taijiya wearilly before an inhuman cry wavered through the village. Kagome quickly turned around and stared out the window in horror. She covered her mouth and backed up a few paces.
"I-t's a Balrog!" She gasped. (The demon from LOTR in the mine with all the dead dwarves, I think that's what it's called ^^;; Correct me if I'm wrong) Sango turned and narrowed her eyes at the hulking creature. It was hard to distinguish from the night, some smouldering patches of fire, it's eyes, and the long fireiy whip that it clutched in one of it's oversized hands were the only things to be distinguished. It leaned forward and let out another earsplitting roar, it's huge, dark wings blowing out behind it. It was nearly New Moon, so it was very dark that night.
Sango scowled and ran toward the shattered window, calling to Kirara over her sholder. The little cat leaped off Kagome and towards the window, transforming as she went. Sango jumped out the window just as the cat reached the edge. Kirara flew beneath the airborn girl and caught her as she decended, and flew back towards the window.
"Kagome, stay away from any window, or anything flamibal. Get you're arrows if you want to make this easier!" She instructed as she turned Kirara towards the giant demon. Kagome nodded to her fading back and turned towards the doors, ignoring the kings biwildered expression. Passing through the doors, she made her way to the armory to grab her arrows. She quickly raced down the stairs and turned into the room, grabbing a bow and quiver of arrows from the rack and turning around as fast as her legs could carry her.
She ran back up the stairs and turned right, heading towards the balcony where the king or queen would give speeches. She ran to the edge and leaned over, the quiver and bow hanging from her sholder. Sango was flying on Kirara, and circling the huge beast. She'd managed to get her boomerang Hiraikotsu and was throwing it with as much force as she could. It nicked and scratched the creature, but otherwise did nothing.
'The Balrog can only be defeated by magic...' She remembered reading that in a book from the library. 'Magic...' Kagome growled and pulled her bow from her sholder, nitching an arrow, and aiming for the hulking beasts head. Just as she was sbout to shoot, the creature reared back and spewed a pillar of flame towards one of the biggest buildings in town...Sango's business.
The other Taijiya's hadn't even been able to get their gear on before the blast was fired. Kagome stared in horror as the building went up in flame. No one could have survived the attack... She glanced back at Sango to see her frozen with Kirara, staring at what was once her home. Kagome turned her gaze back to the creature as it finished it's breath. Her eyes glowed dangerously, and she raised her bow once more. But as she set her mark, a light blue glow shone on the end of the arrow. She didn't notice it as she let the arrow fly.
If flew true to it's mark, and the light wraped around the whole arrow, the energy building as it slammed into the creatures head. It exploded nearly instantly, and small flakes of ash fell gently where it had once stood. She noticed that the ash wasn't burning, and decided to try her luck on the burning building. She turned her gaze towards that and notched another arrow. Setting her sites she noticed the light on the arrowhead, but paid no heed. She let it fly, and the energy built around it again. It smashed through the fire and blew the rest out, completely revealing the burned building.
Without looking to see Sango's reaction, she ran back towards the staires and through the castle doors, and the gates. She ran as fast as she could, ignoring the shouts of the guards as she passed, racing towards Sango's home. She quickly reached it, and slowed her pace to a trot, then to a walk. Sango sat with Kirara, untransformed, and stared at the wreck in awe. Kagome slowly walked up to stand next to her friend as she took in the damage as well. The blaze hadn't been there for long, but there was no sign of life. She put her hand on her best friends sholder and looked at her, trying to erase the image before her.
"I'm so sorry Sango..." She muttered to her friend, her eyes tearing as she watched her friends expression change from one of awe to one of deep pain.
"E-everyone...everyone was there...no one survived....my whole family..." She muttered as her eyes filled with tears. Kagome kneeled next to her and wrapped her arms around her friend as she sobbed into her sholder.
"I'm sure there's someone there..." Kagome muttered to her as the sobs wracked her friends frame. Kirara sat at their side, closing her eyes and letting out a heart wrenching mew for her only family.
*
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*
That morning, in the Northern Lands...
"Come on monk! If you don't hurry it up were going to miss the ship!" Inuyasha called over his sholder, dragging the two kids behind him, literaly. Hitori had thought it would be fun to play a game of 'drag' with Shippo. So, he let Inuyasha grab his tail and drag him by it, while he held Shippo's hands dragging him along behind him. Inuyasha was all too happy to drag them through even the rockiest turrain, making sure they hit every rock, bump or anything else these roads had to offer as punishment. Still the little demons weren't muttering a word of discomfort. Miroku sighed and walked up beside him, glancing down at the miniture demons.
"Um...don't you think that would hurt them?" He asked, glancing between the silver haired boy and the demons. Inuyasha dragged them over a pearticularly sharp rock.
"Only if they say it out loud." He shrugged. Suddelny he stopped and stared ahead, his mouth nearly hitting the floor. Miroku walked ahead a few paces before turning and blinking back at the hanyou.
"What is it?" He asked as if nothing were there.
"You said we were riding on a ship Miroku. You didn't mention we were going to fly on the most luxurious ship in all the lands!" He gapped at the towering ship as it's propelers blew lazily in the wind. Miroku rubbed the back of his neck.
"Ok so I left out a minor detail. But it's better than nothing right?" He shrugged. Inuyasha smirked.
"Oh hell yeah..." He snorted as he dragged the gapping kids after him.
*
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*
And so, Miroku came up with a brilliant plan to smuggle the demons aboard. Hitori and Shippo gave up thir game after Inuyasha threw them in a berrel of caviar, so they smelled like fish, but managed to get clean. Miroku hid the boys tails under small capes, and gave Shippo boots to hide his feet. But poor Inuyasha had to get the most humiliating disguise if them all...
"Hello kind sir." Miroku greeted the guard at the entrance with a bow. "I would offer to bless this ship if you gave me, my children, and my grandfather a ride to the Southern Lands." He smiled. Inuyasha stood next to him, haunched over to look like an old man with a large cape draped over him, so no one could see his face, and they were lucky they couldn't. His teeth were bared and he surpressed the snarl just on the edge of his tongue. Shippo and Hitori stood on the other side of miroku, bowing politely to the guard. The man eyed them a moment before shrugging and motioning inside. Miroku bowed deeply.
"Thank you very much sir." He said as he walked past. Hitori and Shippo bowed as well.
"Thank you kind sir." They said in unision, and followed Miroku inside.
"KEH!" Inuyasha spat and pushed by the guard, who nearly fell over.
They walked through the entrance hall, ignoring the stares they recived from anyone within a five foot radius, and made their way to the guest rooms. They passed the guards standing near the entrance to their destination, and all the while getting the eyes from anyone they passed.
Inuyasha couldn't see from his position under the cape. He could only see the floor, and Miroku's sandald feet, which he followed. Soon they reached the rooms, and entered an unoccupied one. As soon as the door was shut, Inuyasha threw off the cape and glared at it as it fell to the floor.
"I'm never doing that again." He growled, his eyes never leaving the cloth. Miroku smiled at the dog-boys angry mood.
"Why not Inuyasha? I thought you make a good grandpa. Mind you a very grumpy old grandpa." He said in all seriousness. Inuyasha's withering glare was moved to him, and picked up a couple hundred degrees.
"If I ever hear the word 'you' and 'old grandpa' in the same sentence coming from you, I won't hesitate to drop a wall on you're perverted head." He growled angrilly. Miroku just smiled.
"I've never been on an airship before!" Shippo piped up as he jumped onto the top of one of the very luxurious bunkbeds. "Espeacially one as pretty as this!" He cried happily, bouncing on the bed.
"Neither have I!" Hitori shouted from his place in one of the dressers."This shoud be fun!" He laughed.
"You know what's funny?" Miroku whispered to Inuyasha after he'd calmed down a little. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "Puppies usually get motion sickness when they ride anything that moves, but they get over it soon enough." He told him. Inuyasha slanted hm a confused look.
"And why should I know that?" He asked. Miroku motioned to Hitori, who was rumaging in the jewelry cabinet.
"Isn't he a puppy?" He quiped, rubbing his chin thoughfully. Inuyasha froze. If it was true for human dogs, then maybe it was true for demons too...he got airsick on his first ride, so it probably was true.
"Great. Just perfect!"
*
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*
Many fights over bunks, growling, and a sick puppy later...
Inuyasha pushed open the door to their room. Miroku had taken guard over the pups, one immobile, and one happily bouncing fox so Inuyasha could finally get some peace. Quietly he walked out of the room and down the hall. He wanted to check out what this ship had to offer, and maybe get lunch. He opened the door seperating these rooms from the rest of the ship, and walked into a small living area for the guards. There were a couple chairs, some rugs, and a lttle fireplace. He shrugged and walked through the next door.
He came into a large room, with many people walking about, all of them snobby rich royals. From the back of his mind one name flew forward, and he was half hoping that she was amoung these people. He tried sniffing, but there were too many scents to shift through, so he just shook his head and turned to the nearest door, exiting the loud room.
At once he was bombarded with a strong wind, and turned to find himself on deck. Closing the door behind him, he walked over to the railing on the ships bow, and clutched it as he leaned over to see the land below. They were flying very high, and it was nearly sunset. He hadn't noticed how fast time went by as they were riding the ship. He jumped onto the railing and griped a rope next to him, making sure he couldn't fall.
Breathing deeply, he let his eyes close for a breif second, taking in the scents of the world in the clouds. Opening his eyes, he turned to the right on impulse, and watched a flock of geese fly by, honking and flapping. And then it hit him. He was free; for now at least. He wouldn't have to work for Naraku anymore, and he'd gotten out fast enough that it would take a few days for the guards to catch up with him.
He decided to take his mind off those thoughts and focus on something different. Kagome was all that came to mind. How had she changed? Did she still look the same? Was she still perky and smiley? He sighed and watched as the sun slowly set, leaving the world in darkness. But the problem was, he just remembered what day it was...
"Oh shit!"
*
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*
"Everyone off! The ship is docked and preparing to leave for the Western kingdom!" A loud voice cried over the speakers on the ship. Miroku walked off the ship, carrieing a very green Hitori, as Shippo sat on his sholder.
"I don't like ships..." The hanyou said, rolling over in Miroku's arms and burying his face in his robes. Miroku smiled.
"I only happens the first time." He told the pup. Hitori just groaned.Miroku looked up at the surroundings. "So... Here we are. In the Southern Lands. And where is that dog-boy?" He muttered seaching for the boy.
"Miroku! Over here!" A voice hissed from behind some crates. Miroku looked over and cocked his head. Why was he so secretive now? He turned and followed the voice, nearly jusping out of his robes when there was a black haired boy sulking behind them.
"Um, sir? I'm not sure if we've met." He said, squinting in the darkness to try and see the boys features. He scoffed.
"With all you're knowlage I'd thought you'd know monk." He growled, but with a human body he didn't have the canine sound to it. Miroku raised an eyebrow. Yup. Definatly Inuyasha.
"You're human..." He muttered. Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Thank you for stating the obvious. Didn't you know that all hanyou's who have human blood, change into a human at least once a month? My times the New Moon." He growled. Miroku nodded in understanding.
"Ah, sorry. Must have slipped my mind." He said, rubbing the back of his neck. Inuyasha pushed passed him.
"Come on, were almost there." He said, walking towards the town. Miroku grinned.
"Must know the way by heart..." He wispered, following the hanyou turned human, pups and all.
*
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*
Sango sniffed as she filled a small berrel with water from the stream she lived by. They had searched the ruins of her home, and found that the only survivor was Kohaku, her little brother. But he was burned badly, and needed constant care. Kagome had managed to get her a room with an old couple who needed someone to do chores around the house. They agreed to let her and her brother stay, and in return she took care of the chores.
Quietly she stood and walked back towards the house. She shouldn't be out this late, but Kohaku needed water. Kirara folowed her on her heels, mewing soflty.
"Sango!"
She turned towards the airfield, squinting to see in the darkness. There was nothing she could distinguish from the light provided. 'I must be going insane...' She thought shaking her head. Turning back towards the house she began walking when something fell on her sholder. She narrowed her eyes and dropped the berrel, grabbing the hand and throwing whoever was attatched to it over her soulder.
Whatever it was let out a yelp and fell before her. She pulled a dagger from the folds of her kimono and kneeled quickly, putting it to the persons throat.
"Tell me who you are and I maybe I won't slit you're throat." She hissed. The person glared up at her.
"Can't you see who I am Sango?" He asked. She pushed the dagger closer to his throat.
"Don't say my name so familiarly." She growled.
"Ah, Inuyasha. Is this the maiden you were talking about?" Another voice came up behind her. She sat up quickly, glaring at the man who seemed to have two chidren, one in his arms, the other on his sholder. Her eyes widend. 'Inuyasha...?'
"I-Inuyasha..." She muttered, looking down at the man beneth her. He smirked.
"Who else?" He said. Her face broke into a full blown grin.
"Inuyasha!!" She shouted, throwing the dagger away and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Where have you been?! Kagome's been so worried!" She laughed. He sat up, bringing the girl up with him. He put his hands on her sholders and pushed her off him.
"Slaving away in a demon mine. Literaly." He told her grinning.
"Don't I get a hug too?" Miroku asked dejectedly, putting the wiggling wolf-dog on the ground, Shippo jumping down to stand next to him. Sango and Inuyasha stood, and she she turned to him, eyeing his outstreached hands.
"I don't even know you." She stated turning back to Inuyasha. Miroku sighed and dropped his arms.
"He gets all the pretty girls..." He muttered. Shippo and Hitori exchainged looks, and toddled over to stand beside the hanyou.
"You don't know how long Kagome's been waiting for you!" Sango told Inuyasha. "You don't know how boring it is without you!" She grinned. He smirked.
"So, how is Kagome?" He asked. Sango's eyes saddened.
"She's not even allowed to walk around the castle anymore. She's confined to her room, and I'm forbidden to visit her." She told him sadly. Inuyasha turned and glared at the castle.
"Why that fuc-"
"Language!" Miroku called from behind Sango, in just the perfect spot.
"PERVERT!!" *Smack*
Miroku was now on the ground carresing his cheek with a dreamy look. Sango stood above him, glaring down at his crumpled form. She turned her glare to a biwildered Inuyasha.
"You didn't tell me he was a pervert!" She growled. He shrugged and made towards the castle, but a tug on his pant leg stopped him.
"Inuyasha...can we stay with you?" Shippo asked, looking up at him with eyes only he could muster. Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you want to stay with me?" He asked. Shippo turned to Hitori, who walked forward.
"'Cause we like you. We'd rather stay with you than some pervert." He looked up at him, his eyes pleading. Inuyasha sighed.
"Fine. I guess you can. But one smart remark and you're with him." He said jutting a thumb in Miroku's direction, who was cerently being pumuled by Sango. The two demon boys broke into grins.
"We promise we'll be good!" They chorused. Inuyasha rolled his eyes and turned to the castle.
'Now to get Kagome out of there...'
*
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