Disclaimer: I don't think real writers forget about some of their characters like I do...
AN: Oh dear, It appears I've let some things slip past my head. Such as the name of the third sword, and where the hell Myoga is... I'm so scatterbrained. So... Friday's rolling around again, and I'm... estatic! Shippo's coming in this new Inuyasha episode, and I can't wait!! Show's you how far I've come in the series though... I ruined it for myself... oh well, new chapter!! R&R please!! Reviews can only brighten a writer's day. Ok, not all of them...
Icari
Chapter 3
"How do you stand this?" Icari whispered over to Sango, noting that Sesshomaru was wincing at the noise to. And, for the slightest moment, she could alomst swear she had seen his left eye twitch, but he closed the and crossed his arms.
Icari, on the other hand, had a terrible headache. It felt as if it was going to explode, (AN: my head with too many big words) and she controlled herself, straining not to cover her overly-sensitive ears. The humans didn't seem to mind at all, but the goblin, Jaken, seemed to be irritated. The little kitsune was lucky, he could stay far enough away, and not be noticed by too many people. Besides, her was a youkai, and could fend for himself, at least, that's what Inuyasha said when he chase the kit off.
Speaking of the red kimono wearing devil...
"What? I will not allow you to go home! You will stay here with us and help us collect the Jewel shards!" Thud. Thud. Thud. Icari's head felt raw as her brother and the little miko continually fought. But a little bit of irritance was felt on her cheek, and she absentmindly hit the thing, have gotten used to the ticks and mosquitos in the woods.
There was a small groan before Icari realized what she had done. Myoga had finally shown up. Swinging her arm, she caught the little flea between her thumb and index finger, carefully only to squish him slightly so he couldn't jump out and suck on her again.
"Lady Icari. I see that you have found your sword. How is Tensinshi working?" He said it as if he wasn't caught and so close to being squished, and was seeing her for the first time. The calm tone in his voice gave the inuyoukai the feeling he was used to this.
"It's perfect. Though, I can't help but wonder were my fang came from, seeing as how my father used two for my brothers." she patted the sword under her heavy cloak. The hood was up; an obvious effort to keep her ears protected from her little brother's fight with the raven-haired miko.
"Ah, but it wasn't a fang, Lady Icari. It was one of his claws that he gave you, the one he used to kill the demon after your mother when she had you in her womb. It was very meaningful to him, and he wanted you to feel it to be important too." She nodded slightly, finding some logic in the little flea's words.
"Now tell me, was it just coincidence of hiding places my father chose to keep our swords? Tenseiga, which is able to grant life, was hidden in a pond, with water being a main source to sustain life. Tetsusaiga, the most powerful in taking life, was hidden in my father's grave, a cursed place that practically symbolized death itself.. Finally, Tensinshi, which can control the power of growth, was hidden in an abundant forest. Is it possible that my father wanted us to first understand it's power, before figuring out it's location, or was it just a coincedence?" She let the flea youkai stand in her hand by himself, mostly being preoccupied with the forestry they walked through.
"Your father was a mysterious man, whom worked in mysterious ways. But I have a feeling, that there was more that you three are destined for, our unique swords being your strength. Kaede is wise, she will beable to tell you some answers." With that, Myoga hopped off her hand, and disappeared into the forest.
When she could no longer sense the creature, Icari looked at her little brother, whom was still fighting with the girl. Then she turned around, to see her brother grabbing little Rin's wrist to keep her from falling into the mud. 'More than we are destined for. I wonder if it was really a good thing that I found these two. I don't want to mess up their lives any more.'
She looked longingly into the peaceful forest, and wondered what lay beyond what she saw.
*~*~*~*~*
Kagome looked out the window of Kaede's home, and spying the three siblings resting against the tree. Inuyasha was on the left, arms crossed infront of him and his head bowed. He had one foot against the tree, to keep his balance, and one on ground, to keep him standing. Icari was between the two, facing right at the hut, with her arms resting behind her head, and her legs unseen under the cloak. Her hood was finally brought back down. Sesshomaru stood on the right, his arms crossed and watching the area where Jaken rested and Rin played with Shippo carefully. The big furry thing was closest to her, blocking out most of his face.
"Inuyasha. Come and bring ye brother and ye sister." Kaede's old voice crackled out the front door, passing Kagome as it travelled to Inuyasha's ears. They made their twitching sound and Kagome knew that he had heard. Icari and Sesshomaru had too, though only Icari reacted. Her arms dropped to her sides, before raising again to tug at her brothers. Reluctantly, they followed too.
Kagome was called as well, and she let the three siblings go in first, leading them to the old woman. Icari bowed respectfully.
"Keade-sama." she murmured in acknowledgement. Her arms were held together at the waist as she bowed, but fell to her sides when she stood up again. Kagome admired the silvery locks that moved with her, seemingly sparkling in the fire.
(AN: I figured out how to make the old english sound right, you actually have to imagine Keade's voice when she speaks, that's the real effect.)
"It is good to know that there is someone respectful in Inuyasha's blood. I see that he has gained more aquantiences on this trip than I would ever have guessed. Though I have not called all ye here to talk. Myoga has informed me of ye swords, and the distinct order in power ye father had assigned them to thee." He one good eye scanned the four faces and waited for one to speak if they had questions, during which they were all silent.
"Those swords are not only for the purpose of fighting. They have been given to ye in the order of life itself. As in Sesshomaru. Ye was first to be born, and given the first stage; the Gift of Life, in the form of Tenseiga. Ye sword may heal and when mastered properly, bring life back to the dead. It was hidden in the lake because of the water. Water symbolizes life, and is very important in the concept of maintaining it." She paused to rest, as she was getting old. A few breathes helped her though.
"Then there is Inuyasha. Ye are given the Promise of Death, Tetsusaiga. Ye was last to be born, and to ye was given the last stage. The Tetsusaiga can kill one hundred demons in one strike, and could be the key to peace to this land, as death brings peace to many. It was hidden in your father's grave because of all the death around it. Ponder if ye wish, all the bones and souls, what better way to represent the sword's power?
"Then, lastly, but not least, Icari. Ye were given the Tensinshi, the most unique sword. Unlike ye brothers, ye sword cannot determine, but it is needed for ye brothers's abilities. Ye were given Growth, or life itself. It brings wisdom and character to those it is used upon. Made from a claw, not a fang, it has unique abilities that cannot be compared to it's brother swords. It was hidden in an evironment abundant with growth, a forest that very few may pass. Ye were given the most difficult of journeys, I presume, because of the sword's power, and the carefree ways of ye self."
"But, Lady Kaede," Kagome stepped forward, but stopped when the woman looked at her. "Why was I called upon? I have no sword like theirs, nor a power that may control life." To her surprise, the old woman smiled.
"No, but in possession of ye will be the Shikon No Tama, or the Jewel of Four Souls. These weapons and the jewel appear to be connected somehow. These three are the three stages of life, and the Jewel holds spirits of the dead, so I suspect that the jewel is the final symbol of the four talismans." She turned slowly and grabbed something behind her. Throwing them on the ground, Kagome leaned down and inspected the stones.
"I can't read these." She studied the characters on the talismans carefully, but no matter which way she turned it, the character was unfamiliar. Or maybe the stones were weathered down some parts in time, she could not tell for sure.
"Patience child. I have one last thing to tell you. The Jewel is just something I suspect, but, if it is not correct, there is one more sword out there. I am sure that this one would control the spirits, and that would make it difficult for the three of you to go up against it. It may have the power to make apparitions of lost souls, and make you confront your most loved ones."
A snarl was heard and all eyes turned to Inuyasha. His eyes were narrowed slits and his breathing was unregular.
"Naraku."
*~*~*~*~*
The trees flew by the four humans that rode a giant fire cat flying in the air. Raven hair partially obscured the fox kitsune (AN: I just met him the certain youkai right now!! He's sooo cute!!) riding the one wearing a uniform that was not to appear in the worlds for lifetimes. On the giant cat was a young exterminator, a monk, a child and a miko from the future, however below were three figures.
The one leading was a hanyou that wore a red kimono, the one that weilded the legendary Tetsusaiga. Behind him were two youkais, each that possessed the brothers of the first. Eyes watched as they stopped, and the three below looked around, confused. That giant cat fell to the ground to stand beside the two youkai and hanyou. Then simutainously, they all looked up.
The figure above smiled, and a single voice drifted through the air. In the wind, to any standing in it's path, it carried one word. "Kagura."
"The lady owes me something." The woman floated down, her hand outstretched and ready to strike. "To be precise, she owes me her shards." Her feet touched the ground with a light clattering sound.
"I don't think so." Kagome strung an arrow, but before she could take aim, Inuyasha and the others took stand in her defence. She growled in slight irritance; she was always the one being protected.
"Fools." With that, Kagura bolted towards the group and struck. Three layers of people were pushed away by the sudden movement, and Kagome prepared to shoot.
But the demon's claw was blocked by Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga, which was about to be backed by the Tensinshi and Tenseiga. All three siblings surrounded the demon, trying to fight her off, but she was fast and strong, and had taken the first opening to jump up and strike at Kagome.
'Finally, I can take care of myself.'
The bow was aimed and the arrow flew, but the gracious woman rolled to the side in mid-air, and was hit directly by Sango's boomerang. The two things cancelled eachother out and they both fell to the ground roughly. Kagome strung another arrow and aimed at the demon on the ground, but she disappeared and grabbed the miko by the neck.
"Now I'll just take what's rightfully mine..." Her hand felt the collar bone where that small sack shoul've laid, but felt nothing. "What the hell?" Kagome smirked, and farther off, Inuyasha showed her the bag. She grasped Kagome's neck tighter as she struggled. There was a cry of indignanty as Rin ran forward, much to Icari, Sesshomaru and Kagome's horror, with her gift from the inu youkai out and ready to strike. The impact wouldn't of been much, but Kagura threw the miko girl at the charging one, and ran towards Inuyasha.
Kagome was flung and she tried desperately to land on her feet before hitting the girl. With a bit of struggling, she managed to get her feet to touch the ground, but not before hitting the delicate girl and flinging them both towards a tree. Only Rin hit it; Kagome had manage to stop herself before causing the girl anymore damage. After checking the child to see she was alright, Kagome grabbed her bow and arrows and ran towards were Icari had stopped Kagura.
"Lost your cool, I see." Icari smiled and, with her head, gestured at the circle around them. On opposite sides stood Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, weilding their swords. Between them stood Miroku and Shippo, both ready to strike and/or protect the other. Opposite to them was Sango and Kagome, both with weapons drawn.
The demon woman snarled, her eyes flashing, before she crouched and jumped, evading the swords thrusted towards her, and disappeared into the sky. There was a curse from Inuyasha as something burst it's way into the clearing.
"My lord!" Jaken and Myoga both cried in unison. Jaken scuttled over to Sesshomaru with his staff, and Myoga jumped over to Inuyasha. Icari just laughed at her brothers for having to deal with them.
"I'm sorry for not getting here earlier my lord, if it wasn't for that wretched fleabag..." was heard fron Jaken.
"Lord Inuyasha. Is that battle over already? I tried to get here as fast as I could, my lord, but that goblin... thing..." Was heard from Myoga. With a twitch of his nose, Inuyasha flicked off the flea nonchalantly.
"Coward. That girl that follows my brother around put up a better fight than you." Golden eyes glared at the little flea, or at least that was all that most could perceive it to be. Then there was a gasp.
"Rin!" Kagome ran over to the slightly concious girl under the tree, crouching down to tend to the child's bruises. There was a groan from her, and some others rushed over too.
"Come on, let's go." Inuyasha was practically the only one not tending to the girl; even Sesshomaru was a bit closer to the group. "We should rest before we try and solve this new puzzle Kaede has given us." Irritance was evident in his voice, causing Sesshomaru to snarl at his behaviour, and Icari and Kagome to give him a look. "Fine, I'll wait."
*~*~*~*~*
A fire roared in the camp that the group had decided to make, not having enough room in Kaede's hut. Kagome stared at the fire, watching it crackle as she thought about the earlier conversation.
'A sword that can control the spirits, could it be possible?' She drew her knees up to her chin as a chilled breeze came through the camp. Her eyes drifted and saw through the fire. 'Could it be that it can decide on reincarnations? Could I have once been used by that sword? Am I still?' the questions rolled through her head, and she wished she knew the answers. Being another tool was not to her liking.
And Inuyasha was looking at her for some reason. Of course, after a while she had gotten used to it, but now that what could be of a new adventure coming up, and more people allied with them, she couldn't help but notice. He attention focused back on the fire, where a memory began to rise, but it faded as Kagome tried to grasp it.
Frowning, she tried to recall it, but only one thing managed to get through, gnarled trees, and her being the person passing through them. Then, a dark figurine... but that was all. The rest slipped raway like grains of sand, and that was all she could grasp.
Looking over to Inuyasha in the tree, she curled up at the base of the trunk and slowly fell aslleep, uncomfortable as this was. She really needed to go home, to get another sleeping bag and clothes for Icari. As darkness took over, she counted and recounted the list of things she would do this time back.
Inuyasha watched her pondering by the fire, before lookin straight at him and curling up at the tree trunk of the one she was leaning against. She seemed uncomfortable, sleeping like that since her sleeping bag had gone to that child. Come to think of it, he really didn't need his haori that much, it being rather warm up in a bunch of trees.
Sighing, he jumped soundlessly off the tree and took off his outer layer. As silently as possible, he draped it over the girl, wondering how to explain this one to everyone when they woke up. The fire dimmed, and her threw some sticks into it, hoping it was enough to keep his friends warm. His friends. He smiled at the title he had given them.
Though he would never admit it. Especially not to that thick-headed Miroku.
AN: Oh dear, It appears I've let some things slip past my head. Such as the name of the third sword, and where the hell Myoga is... I'm so scatterbrained. So... Friday's rolling around again, and I'm... estatic! Shippo's coming in this new Inuyasha episode, and I can't wait!! Show's you how far I've come in the series though... I ruined it for myself... oh well, new chapter!! R&R please!! Reviews can only brighten a writer's day. Ok, not all of them...
Icari
Chapter 3
"How do you stand this?" Icari whispered over to Sango, noting that Sesshomaru was wincing at the noise to. And, for the slightest moment, she could alomst swear she had seen his left eye twitch, but he closed the and crossed his arms.
Icari, on the other hand, had a terrible headache. It felt as if it was going to explode, (AN: my head with too many big words) and she controlled herself, straining not to cover her overly-sensitive ears. The humans didn't seem to mind at all, but the goblin, Jaken, seemed to be irritated. The little kitsune was lucky, he could stay far enough away, and not be noticed by too many people. Besides, her was a youkai, and could fend for himself, at least, that's what Inuyasha said when he chase the kit off.
Speaking of the red kimono wearing devil...
"What? I will not allow you to go home! You will stay here with us and help us collect the Jewel shards!" Thud. Thud. Thud. Icari's head felt raw as her brother and the little miko continually fought. But a little bit of irritance was felt on her cheek, and she absentmindly hit the thing, have gotten used to the ticks and mosquitos in the woods.
There was a small groan before Icari realized what she had done. Myoga had finally shown up. Swinging her arm, she caught the little flea between her thumb and index finger, carefully only to squish him slightly so he couldn't jump out and suck on her again.
"Lady Icari. I see that you have found your sword. How is Tensinshi working?" He said it as if he wasn't caught and so close to being squished, and was seeing her for the first time. The calm tone in his voice gave the inuyoukai the feeling he was used to this.
"It's perfect. Though, I can't help but wonder were my fang came from, seeing as how my father used two for my brothers." she patted the sword under her heavy cloak. The hood was up; an obvious effort to keep her ears protected from her little brother's fight with the raven-haired miko.
"Ah, but it wasn't a fang, Lady Icari. It was one of his claws that he gave you, the one he used to kill the demon after your mother when she had you in her womb. It was very meaningful to him, and he wanted you to feel it to be important too." She nodded slightly, finding some logic in the little flea's words.
"Now tell me, was it just coincidence of hiding places my father chose to keep our swords? Tenseiga, which is able to grant life, was hidden in a pond, with water being a main source to sustain life. Tetsusaiga, the most powerful in taking life, was hidden in my father's grave, a cursed place that practically symbolized death itself.. Finally, Tensinshi, which can control the power of growth, was hidden in an abundant forest. Is it possible that my father wanted us to first understand it's power, before figuring out it's location, or was it just a coincedence?" She let the flea youkai stand in her hand by himself, mostly being preoccupied with the forestry they walked through.
"Your father was a mysterious man, whom worked in mysterious ways. But I have a feeling, that there was more that you three are destined for, our unique swords being your strength. Kaede is wise, she will beable to tell you some answers." With that, Myoga hopped off her hand, and disappeared into the forest.
When she could no longer sense the creature, Icari looked at her little brother, whom was still fighting with the girl. Then she turned around, to see her brother grabbing little Rin's wrist to keep her from falling into the mud. 'More than we are destined for. I wonder if it was really a good thing that I found these two. I don't want to mess up their lives any more.'
She looked longingly into the peaceful forest, and wondered what lay beyond what she saw.
*~*~*~*~*
Kagome looked out the window of Kaede's home, and spying the three siblings resting against the tree. Inuyasha was on the left, arms crossed infront of him and his head bowed. He had one foot against the tree, to keep his balance, and one on ground, to keep him standing. Icari was between the two, facing right at the hut, with her arms resting behind her head, and her legs unseen under the cloak. Her hood was finally brought back down. Sesshomaru stood on the right, his arms crossed and watching the area where Jaken rested and Rin played with Shippo carefully. The big furry thing was closest to her, blocking out most of his face.
"Inuyasha. Come and bring ye brother and ye sister." Kaede's old voice crackled out the front door, passing Kagome as it travelled to Inuyasha's ears. They made their twitching sound and Kagome knew that he had heard. Icari and Sesshomaru had too, though only Icari reacted. Her arms dropped to her sides, before raising again to tug at her brothers. Reluctantly, they followed too.
Kagome was called as well, and she let the three siblings go in first, leading them to the old woman. Icari bowed respectfully.
"Keade-sama." she murmured in acknowledgement. Her arms were held together at the waist as she bowed, but fell to her sides when she stood up again. Kagome admired the silvery locks that moved with her, seemingly sparkling in the fire.
(AN: I figured out how to make the old english sound right, you actually have to imagine Keade's voice when she speaks, that's the real effect.)
"It is good to know that there is someone respectful in Inuyasha's blood. I see that he has gained more aquantiences on this trip than I would ever have guessed. Though I have not called all ye here to talk. Myoga has informed me of ye swords, and the distinct order in power ye father had assigned them to thee." He one good eye scanned the four faces and waited for one to speak if they had questions, during which they were all silent.
"Those swords are not only for the purpose of fighting. They have been given to ye in the order of life itself. As in Sesshomaru. Ye was first to be born, and given the first stage; the Gift of Life, in the form of Tenseiga. Ye sword may heal and when mastered properly, bring life back to the dead. It was hidden in the lake because of the water. Water symbolizes life, and is very important in the concept of maintaining it." She paused to rest, as she was getting old. A few breathes helped her though.
"Then there is Inuyasha. Ye are given the Promise of Death, Tetsusaiga. Ye was last to be born, and to ye was given the last stage. The Tetsusaiga can kill one hundred demons in one strike, and could be the key to peace to this land, as death brings peace to many. It was hidden in your father's grave because of all the death around it. Ponder if ye wish, all the bones and souls, what better way to represent the sword's power?
"Then, lastly, but not least, Icari. Ye were given the Tensinshi, the most unique sword. Unlike ye brothers, ye sword cannot determine, but it is needed for ye brothers's abilities. Ye were given Growth, or life itself. It brings wisdom and character to those it is used upon. Made from a claw, not a fang, it has unique abilities that cannot be compared to it's brother swords. It was hidden in an evironment abundant with growth, a forest that very few may pass. Ye were given the most difficult of journeys, I presume, because of the sword's power, and the carefree ways of ye self."
"But, Lady Kaede," Kagome stepped forward, but stopped when the woman looked at her. "Why was I called upon? I have no sword like theirs, nor a power that may control life." To her surprise, the old woman smiled.
"No, but in possession of ye will be the Shikon No Tama, or the Jewel of Four Souls. These weapons and the jewel appear to be connected somehow. These three are the three stages of life, and the Jewel holds spirits of the dead, so I suspect that the jewel is the final symbol of the four talismans." She turned slowly and grabbed something behind her. Throwing them on the ground, Kagome leaned down and inspected the stones.
"I can't read these." She studied the characters on the talismans carefully, but no matter which way she turned it, the character was unfamiliar. Or maybe the stones were weathered down some parts in time, she could not tell for sure.
"Patience child. I have one last thing to tell you. The Jewel is just something I suspect, but, if it is not correct, there is one more sword out there. I am sure that this one would control the spirits, and that would make it difficult for the three of you to go up against it. It may have the power to make apparitions of lost souls, and make you confront your most loved ones."
A snarl was heard and all eyes turned to Inuyasha. His eyes were narrowed slits and his breathing was unregular.
"Naraku."
*~*~*~*~*
The trees flew by the four humans that rode a giant fire cat flying in the air. Raven hair partially obscured the fox kitsune (AN: I just met him the certain youkai right now!! He's sooo cute!!) riding the one wearing a uniform that was not to appear in the worlds for lifetimes. On the giant cat was a young exterminator, a monk, a child and a miko from the future, however below were three figures.
The one leading was a hanyou that wore a red kimono, the one that weilded the legendary Tetsusaiga. Behind him were two youkais, each that possessed the brothers of the first. Eyes watched as they stopped, and the three below looked around, confused. That giant cat fell to the ground to stand beside the two youkai and hanyou. Then simutainously, they all looked up.
The figure above smiled, and a single voice drifted through the air. In the wind, to any standing in it's path, it carried one word. "Kagura."
"The lady owes me something." The woman floated down, her hand outstretched and ready to strike. "To be precise, she owes me her shards." Her feet touched the ground with a light clattering sound.
"I don't think so." Kagome strung an arrow, but before she could take aim, Inuyasha and the others took stand in her defence. She growled in slight irritance; she was always the one being protected.
"Fools." With that, Kagura bolted towards the group and struck. Three layers of people were pushed away by the sudden movement, and Kagome prepared to shoot.
But the demon's claw was blocked by Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga, which was about to be backed by the Tensinshi and Tenseiga. All three siblings surrounded the demon, trying to fight her off, but she was fast and strong, and had taken the first opening to jump up and strike at Kagome.
'Finally, I can take care of myself.'
The bow was aimed and the arrow flew, but the gracious woman rolled to the side in mid-air, and was hit directly by Sango's boomerang. The two things cancelled eachother out and they both fell to the ground roughly. Kagome strung another arrow and aimed at the demon on the ground, but she disappeared and grabbed the miko by the neck.
"Now I'll just take what's rightfully mine..." Her hand felt the collar bone where that small sack shoul've laid, but felt nothing. "What the hell?" Kagome smirked, and farther off, Inuyasha showed her the bag. She grasped Kagome's neck tighter as she struggled. There was a cry of indignanty as Rin ran forward, much to Icari, Sesshomaru and Kagome's horror, with her gift from the inu youkai out and ready to strike. The impact wouldn't of been much, but Kagura threw the miko girl at the charging one, and ran towards Inuyasha.
Kagome was flung and she tried desperately to land on her feet before hitting the girl. With a bit of struggling, she managed to get her feet to touch the ground, but not before hitting the delicate girl and flinging them both towards a tree. Only Rin hit it; Kagome had manage to stop herself before causing the girl anymore damage. After checking the child to see she was alright, Kagome grabbed her bow and arrows and ran towards were Icari had stopped Kagura.
"Lost your cool, I see." Icari smiled and, with her head, gestured at the circle around them. On opposite sides stood Sesshomaru and Inuyasha, weilding their swords. Between them stood Miroku and Shippo, both ready to strike and/or protect the other. Opposite to them was Sango and Kagome, both with weapons drawn.
The demon woman snarled, her eyes flashing, before she crouched and jumped, evading the swords thrusted towards her, and disappeared into the sky. There was a curse from Inuyasha as something burst it's way into the clearing.
"My lord!" Jaken and Myoga both cried in unison. Jaken scuttled over to Sesshomaru with his staff, and Myoga jumped over to Inuyasha. Icari just laughed at her brothers for having to deal with them.
"I'm sorry for not getting here earlier my lord, if it wasn't for that wretched fleabag..." was heard fron Jaken.
"Lord Inuyasha. Is that battle over already? I tried to get here as fast as I could, my lord, but that goblin... thing..." Was heard from Myoga. With a twitch of his nose, Inuyasha flicked off the flea nonchalantly.
"Coward. That girl that follows my brother around put up a better fight than you." Golden eyes glared at the little flea, or at least that was all that most could perceive it to be. Then there was a gasp.
"Rin!" Kagome ran over to the slightly concious girl under the tree, crouching down to tend to the child's bruises. There was a groan from her, and some others rushed over too.
"Come on, let's go." Inuyasha was practically the only one not tending to the girl; even Sesshomaru was a bit closer to the group. "We should rest before we try and solve this new puzzle Kaede has given us." Irritance was evident in his voice, causing Sesshomaru to snarl at his behaviour, and Icari and Kagome to give him a look. "Fine, I'll wait."
*~*~*~*~*
A fire roared in the camp that the group had decided to make, not having enough room in Kaede's hut. Kagome stared at the fire, watching it crackle as she thought about the earlier conversation.
'A sword that can control the spirits, could it be possible?' She drew her knees up to her chin as a chilled breeze came through the camp. Her eyes drifted and saw through the fire. 'Could it be that it can decide on reincarnations? Could I have once been used by that sword? Am I still?' the questions rolled through her head, and she wished she knew the answers. Being another tool was not to her liking.
And Inuyasha was looking at her for some reason. Of course, after a while she had gotten used to it, but now that what could be of a new adventure coming up, and more people allied with them, she couldn't help but notice. He attention focused back on the fire, where a memory began to rise, but it faded as Kagome tried to grasp it.
Frowning, she tried to recall it, but only one thing managed to get through, gnarled trees, and her being the person passing through them. Then, a dark figurine... but that was all. The rest slipped raway like grains of sand, and that was all she could grasp.
Looking over to Inuyasha in the tree, she curled up at the base of the trunk and slowly fell aslleep, uncomfortable as this was. She really needed to go home, to get another sleeping bag and clothes for Icari. As darkness took over, she counted and recounted the list of things she would do this time back.
Inuyasha watched her pondering by the fire, before lookin straight at him and curling up at the tree trunk of the one she was leaning against. She seemed uncomfortable, sleeping like that since her sleeping bag had gone to that child. Come to think of it, he really didn't need his haori that much, it being rather warm up in a bunch of trees.
Sighing, he jumped soundlessly off the tree and took off his outer layer. As silently as possible, he draped it over the girl, wondering how to explain this one to everyone when they woke up. The fire dimmed, and her threw some sticks into it, hoping it was enough to keep his friends warm. His friends. He smiled at the title he had given them.
Though he would never admit it. Especially not to that thick-headed Miroku.