Unasareru 2- The Quest for the Fang
Chapter 4
Disclaimer-
*sits in her corner of semi-darkness with the happy spoon of evil* (inside joke) I don't own Inuyasha, but if I did......... (insert sinister laugh) *randomly pokes things with the happy spoon of evil* I had massive writer's block while writing this chapter, but I attempted to work through it. I'll come back to edit some ideas later......... Lots of unsubtle fluff in this!
Mine: Ijin, Aiko, Rindou, Tougen, Togoeru
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The train that was the group made its way slowly up the iced mountainside, someone slipping every five minutes. The most common form of speech the entire way was obscenities by people who slipped on the frozen water. Most of the time they could help each other, so no one was seriously injured- they just looked quite stupid.
About half way up, the sphinx reappeared, perfectly balanced on a rail of ice. "Come foolish ones, you're wasting time, and I'm running out of words to rhyme!" She chuckled, tossing her head, but her step never faltered on the cylindrical bar of ice. They only caught a bit, because at the moment, Miroku took a particularly nasty spill. He managed to stop his speedy descent- right under a huge icicle. Naturally, it broke as he hit the wall that held it. It's sharp point flew towards the monk and several varied yells were called.
"Miroku!"
"Shit........."
"Hiraikotsu!"
The huge boomerang threw the icicle off course and it smashed into the ground, leaving a gaping crater in the ice. Both Sango and Miroku's shoulders heaved with pants of fear, and all looked shaken. He gave her a lopsided smile and made a mental note to grope her an extra time that night in "gratitude".
"Baka."
They continued on their way and after what seemed like forever, they reached the opening to the maze. Togoeru was waiting at the entrance. "I hope you've had a pleasant tour, but prepare to face my riddles four. Find me blocking your way to the door, and answer my riddle, you've heard this before. And if you pass this third test, you'll continue on, like few of the rest. Before you enter, there's something to do, I'll split you into groups of two."
So they were split. Kagome and Shippou, Sango and Kirara, Miroku and Tsuru and Ijin and Inuyasha. Most seemed slightly disappointed with their groups, but no one suggested anything, for fear that it would end up harming further the one they cared about. Togoeru smirked at them, but it vanished quickly as she sent them on their way.
One might have wondered why they followed such dangerous guides, though no other choice would guarantee their survival to the top. It was obvious that Doragon willed them to reach the top, for the dragon's encouragement.
"Well, we'll see every one at the end." Kagome said in a slightly nervous tone. A few good lucks were called, everyone fearing that at least two of their friends would not return.
-
-
~*~Kagome and Shippou~*~
The two walked in total boredom, the only thing to see was the huge walls of ice surrounding them. Shippou marched along to entertain himself. Kagome simply waited until the youkai would pop up in front of her and was very jumpy. Their lives depended on answering the riddle correctly.
Her suspicions were confirmed when they turned a corner and walked nearly headlong into Togoeru. "Hello, you two, are you prepared to answer what I ask? This rhyme will determine your fate, your one and only task. Your question is easy, of this I am sure, but you decide with your answer either left or right door." Kagome nodded, her throat suddenly very dry. Shippou was silent, sensing the tension easily. He mirrored Kagome's movements as the cat recited her question.........
"What is as hard as glass,
but flows like a river?
What lives in white,
but can be any color?
Never moves,
but always changes..."
Shippou's jaw hung dangerously low, but Kagome looked thoughtful. Perhaps......... Her face lit after she'd thought for a while. She looked around her, the glittering walls reflecting rainbows, if melting slightly. "It's......... Ice." She spoke softly. The sphinx looked at her without an expression, her face cold, refusing to divulge whether Kagome had guessed correctly or not. "You have chosen the door on the right. Oh, hurry now, you've not all night!" With that, the sphinx was gone, leaving Kagome to decide just how sure of her answer she was.........
-
-
~*~Sango and Kirara~*~
The youkai exterminator and her fire cat roamed the ice passages. They quickly found that Kirara's flame did nothing to melt the thick walls, but usually bounced back at them, and Sango was already singed. Hiraikotsu had not fallen since they were separated. Not for a moment did Sango let down her guard, and the entire path was suffocating, so thick was the tension.
Togoeru made her appearance, Sango quickly responding with Hiraikotsu. The boomerang flew, but was easily deflected by Togoeru's ice. "You are anxious, aren't you, dear? Well, perhaps you are right to fear. It is your turn, brave or scared, to answer your riddle. I do hope you're prepared..."
"Tis light as a feather, And nothing is in it, Even the strongest can't hold it For much more than a minute. If you lose it, it could mean losing your life, But if you have it, there is no need for strife......... Now riddle me this, my sweet, what is it of which I speak?"
Sango's breath stopped in her throat, sudden worry at the fact that the cryptic riddle had left her without a clue as to what it was. She opened her mouth, and the withheld air rushed out as she gasped in again. She did this several more times, as if making sure her lungs still worked. "Breath." She responded solemnly. Of course, it all fit, but was her answer right?
"If that is what you choose to say, then to the left you'll make your way." Togoeru responded flatly. The crunch of soft snow beneath her clawed paws was heard as the youkai walked away, then dissipated into the mist. Sango and Kirara glanced at each other and headed left. Neither way would lead to safety, both human and youkai were aware.........
-
-
~*~Miroku and Tsuru~*~
The two walked in silence, Tsuru insisting to walk behind the monk, much to Miroku's displeasure. She'd taken the only opportunity he'd have to make a move. Her almost white hair drifted into silvery-blue eyes as she looked into the midnight blue sky, the clouds being stained beautiful colors by sun's setting.
"Wait a minute........." She gave a single flap up after returning to her youkai form, only to find a most painful barrier. The clear ceiling crackled with a dark energy as Tsuru rammed into it. She let out a pained cry, falling back to the ground with ragged breath, transformed again to a girl. Miroku was by her side in a moment, making sure that she was all right.
"Tsk, tsk, silly girl. You've not followed my way. I fear for this you'll have to pay." Togoeru smiled sinisterly, watching Tsuru struggle to her feet with a disdainful look, holding an arm with a rather nasty looking burn.
"Bitch." Tsuru managed between breaths. Miroku's hand was drifting to his Kazaana, severely tempted.
"My, my, I haven't seen much insubordination, true." Togoeru sighed tauntingly. Miroku quickly had another icicle flying at him, which he barely ducked. "Are you ready to answer yet, I have other riddles to get through." Tsuru nodded, obviously in pain.
"A rhythm short of length for you short of brain: This is in a realm true and in a realm false, but you experience me as you turn and toss."
Tsuru smiled bitterly, grabbing a glance from Miroku, who was thinking hard beside her. He looked up suddenly. "Dreams." They answered simultaneously. Again, Togoeru made no move. "Go left." She spat and after a hesitation, they did.
-
-
~*~Ijin and Inuyasha~*~
Ijin had been on edge for a good five minutes, since they had heard Tsuru's cry. Inuyasha was more worried that he hadn't heard Kagome or anyone else......... There was nothing they could really do, only move forward.
"Something's burning." Inuyasha growled as the scent caught him. /Kagome, where are you?/
"Damn it."
"Indeed that's so. Well, hello, boys! I hope your friends haven't made too much noise." Togoeru greeted in her sickeningly cheerful voice.
"Where is- everyone?" Ijin demanded, black wings now stretching to intimidating length.
"Not to worry. They've all been taken care of now, they've each chosen their path somehow." She smiled sweetly. "If you wish to find them, you've no choice. Answer my riddle-"
"Yeah, yeah. Shut up and give us the question." Inuyasha demanded, patience run short and nerves on edge.
"Very well. What's never empty, but sometimes full? Never sad, but sometimes blue? Never old, but sometimes new? Always pushes, never pulls?"
Night had begun to take its place, the moon shining merrily down on the glittering ice, like diamonds in its light. Inuyasha and Ijin looked up, watching it as Togoeru curled up. "It's the moon." Inuyasha said, remembering with distaste his own experiences with that moon.
"Are you sure?" Ijin asked from next to him, brows knit nervously. Inuyasha nodded solemnly, not looking at him, but at the dangerous looking cat before them. She looked the perfect picture of rage. The hair at the nape of her neck was standing upright. Her fangs were bared and usually icy blue eyes had gone an odd aquamarine color.
"Must you all spoil my fun? I thought I'd be killing you one by one... No, matter, with you I shall have my way. Be assured, you'll not see the light of day..." She flew at the two, claws reaching out to attack. Both stood ready for her, but half way through her assault, she fell to her ice in front of them, writhing in pain for reasons neither understood. The ice shook around them, boulders of frozen water, deadly spikes falling from ledges around them.
"Damn you, Togoeru!" The dragon bellowed inside the mountain. White tail slashed at the ground mercilessly. "Did I not instruct you not to harm them? Fool! Do not cross me!"
Rindou, Tougen and several others hid in the shadows, fearful of Doragon's wrath.
"Now, now, Doragon." Another stepped forward. Her hair blazed, though she seemed not to mind. "I will take them up further."
"Why should you be allowed? I wish to go next!" Another emerged from the pack. He was tall, thin, and graceful, his skin white and his eyes a dark green. Fur lined his black cloak. "Ice is not so strong as snow."
"And snow is easily melted by fire!" The female protested again.
Doragon growled, obviously unamused by the bickering, and thus the ice maze shook even harder, collapsing into itself. "Kasai, you will try after Gousetsu........." The male, Gousetsu, smirked at the fire girl, who pouted.
"That is......... if our two little youkai men can escape." Dorgan's tail slapped the ground as the seeing pool revealed Inuyasha and Ijin.........
"Run!" Ijin yelled as the ice began to fall.
Both took off at high speed, dodging the falling ice and projectiles.
From outside, the other six watched as the ice maze began to fall, Ijin and Inuyasha still not out yet.
Finally, the path began to open up for the two, revealing the bright daylight on the other side- and a well welcome sight. There stood the rest of them. Kagome rushed to them first, looking perfectly terrified as she watched the ice fall. Tsuru got up painful and was greeted by a very concerned Ijin, who instantly went to work on healing her arm. Miroku was looking to take advantage of an exhausted-looking Sango upon seeing them safe, though Kirara looked ready to take him down if he tried anything at all. Shippou was dead asleep, and it looked as if he had been casually dumped when Kagome saw the two emerge.
After all were cleared for travel, they carried on, guideless. They were soon greeted by another figure, lanky but elegant, he stepped forward, black cape sweeping around him. "Greetings." He said with an unnerving smile. "I am Gousetsu. You will follow me now please."
A wild snow began, catching in their hair and chilling them with freezing water that seeped through their clothes. Inuyasha side glanced at Kagome, who was openly shaking, holding an equally cold Shippou, though she lent him her own heat. After about three seconds of deliberation, the hanyou lifted her without warning into his arms. She didn't protest, only comforted herself in the dark crimson folds of his haori. Ijin's cloak was around Tsuru already, his wings keeping himself warm, but Tsuru insisted on walking beside him, just in case. The others were huddled together on Kirara.
"We're stopping." Inuyasha commanded. Gousetsu stopped, shoulders slumped as he submitted.
"Very well." He sighed.
Four caves stood ahead, fading into their sight. He split them again into more preferable groups to sleep. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippou took the first, Sango, Miroku, and Kirara the second, Tsuru and Ijin the third and Gousetsu the fourth. For good measure, Inuyasha casually rolled another boulder over the entrance to the fourth, leaving Gousetsu to ram it, trying to escape all night.
"Inu.........yasha........."
He turned to the sound of his voice with a harsh "What," but found the girl was already asleep, her chest rising and falling in rhythm. "Bah. Stupid girl." He said fondly, curling up beside her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's it!
All- Awwwwwwwwwww!
Alright, next in the works, chapter 5! So sorry this has taken so long. I'm a bit out of it. :P Well, I'll see you all soon.
Thanks to:
Chapter 4
Disclaimer-
*sits in her corner of semi-darkness with the happy spoon of evil* (inside joke) I don't own Inuyasha, but if I did......... (insert sinister laugh) *randomly pokes things with the happy spoon of evil* I had massive writer's block while writing this chapter, but I attempted to work through it. I'll come back to edit some ideas later......... Lots of unsubtle fluff in this!
Mine: Ijin, Aiko, Rindou, Tougen, Togoeru
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The train that was the group made its way slowly up the iced mountainside, someone slipping every five minutes. The most common form of speech the entire way was obscenities by people who slipped on the frozen water. Most of the time they could help each other, so no one was seriously injured- they just looked quite stupid.
About half way up, the sphinx reappeared, perfectly balanced on a rail of ice. "Come foolish ones, you're wasting time, and I'm running out of words to rhyme!" She chuckled, tossing her head, but her step never faltered on the cylindrical bar of ice. They only caught a bit, because at the moment, Miroku took a particularly nasty spill. He managed to stop his speedy descent- right under a huge icicle. Naturally, it broke as he hit the wall that held it. It's sharp point flew towards the monk and several varied yells were called.
"Miroku!"
"Shit........."
"Hiraikotsu!"
The huge boomerang threw the icicle off course and it smashed into the ground, leaving a gaping crater in the ice. Both Sango and Miroku's shoulders heaved with pants of fear, and all looked shaken. He gave her a lopsided smile and made a mental note to grope her an extra time that night in "gratitude".
"Baka."
They continued on their way and after what seemed like forever, they reached the opening to the maze. Togoeru was waiting at the entrance. "I hope you've had a pleasant tour, but prepare to face my riddles four. Find me blocking your way to the door, and answer my riddle, you've heard this before. And if you pass this third test, you'll continue on, like few of the rest. Before you enter, there's something to do, I'll split you into groups of two."
So they were split. Kagome and Shippou, Sango and Kirara, Miroku and Tsuru and Ijin and Inuyasha. Most seemed slightly disappointed with their groups, but no one suggested anything, for fear that it would end up harming further the one they cared about. Togoeru smirked at them, but it vanished quickly as she sent them on their way.
One might have wondered why they followed such dangerous guides, though no other choice would guarantee their survival to the top. It was obvious that Doragon willed them to reach the top, for the dragon's encouragement.
"Well, we'll see every one at the end." Kagome said in a slightly nervous tone. A few good lucks were called, everyone fearing that at least two of their friends would not return.
-
-
~*~Kagome and Shippou~*~
The two walked in total boredom, the only thing to see was the huge walls of ice surrounding them. Shippou marched along to entertain himself. Kagome simply waited until the youkai would pop up in front of her and was very jumpy. Their lives depended on answering the riddle correctly.
Her suspicions were confirmed when they turned a corner and walked nearly headlong into Togoeru. "Hello, you two, are you prepared to answer what I ask? This rhyme will determine your fate, your one and only task. Your question is easy, of this I am sure, but you decide with your answer either left or right door." Kagome nodded, her throat suddenly very dry. Shippou was silent, sensing the tension easily. He mirrored Kagome's movements as the cat recited her question.........
"What is as hard as glass,
but flows like a river?
What lives in white,
but can be any color?
Never moves,
but always changes..."
Shippou's jaw hung dangerously low, but Kagome looked thoughtful. Perhaps......... Her face lit after she'd thought for a while. She looked around her, the glittering walls reflecting rainbows, if melting slightly. "It's......... Ice." She spoke softly. The sphinx looked at her without an expression, her face cold, refusing to divulge whether Kagome had guessed correctly or not. "You have chosen the door on the right. Oh, hurry now, you've not all night!" With that, the sphinx was gone, leaving Kagome to decide just how sure of her answer she was.........
-
-
~*~Sango and Kirara~*~
The youkai exterminator and her fire cat roamed the ice passages. They quickly found that Kirara's flame did nothing to melt the thick walls, but usually bounced back at them, and Sango was already singed. Hiraikotsu had not fallen since they were separated. Not for a moment did Sango let down her guard, and the entire path was suffocating, so thick was the tension.
Togoeru made her appearance, Sango quickly responding with Hiraikotsu. The boomerang flew, but was easily deflected by Togoeru's ice. "You are anxious, aren't you, dear? Well, perhaps you are right to fear. It is your turn, brave or scared, to answer your riddle. I do hope you're prepared..."
"Tis light as a feather, And nothing is in it, Even the strongest can't hold it For much more than a minute. If you lose it, it could mean losing your life, But if you have it, there is no need for strife......... Now riddle me this, my sweet, what is it of which I speak?"
Sango's breath stopped in her throat, sudden worry at the fact that the cryptic riddle had left her without a clue as to what it was. She opened her mouth, and the withheld air rushed out as she gasped in again. She did this several more times, as if making sure her lungs still worked. "Breath." She responded solemnly. Of course, it all fit, but was her answer right?
"If that is what you choose to say, then to the left you'll make your way." Togoeru responded flatly. The crunch of soft snow beneath her clawed paws was heard as the youkai walked away, then dissipated into the mist. Sango and Kirara glanced at each other and headed left. Neither way would lead to safety, both human and youkai were aware.........
-
-
~*~Miroku and Tsuru~*~
The two walked in silence, Tsuru insisting to walk behind the monk, much to Miroku's displeasure. She'd taken the only opportunity he'd have to make a move. Her almost white hair drifted into silvery-blue eyes as she looked into the midnight blue sky, the clouds being stained beautiful colors by sun's setting.
"Wait a minute........." She gave a single flap up after returning to her youkai form, only to find a most painful barrier. The clear ceiling crackled with a dark energy as Tsuru rammed into it. She let out a pained cry, falling back to the ground with ragged breath, transformed again to a girl. Miroku was by her side in a moment, making sure that she was all right.
"Tsk, tsk, silly girl. You've not followed my way. I fear for this you'll have to pay." Togoeru smiled sinisterly, watching Tsuru struggle to her feet with a disdainful look, holding an arm with a rather nasty looking burn.
"Bitch." Tsuru managed between breaths. Miroku's hand was drifting to his Kazaana, severely tempted.
"My, my, I haven't seen much insubordination, true." Togoeru sighed tauntingly. Miroku quickly had another icicle flying at him, which he barely ducked. "Are you ready to answer yet, I have other riddles to get through." Tsuru nodded, obviously in pain.
"A rhythm short of length for you short of brain: This is in a realm true and in a realm false, but you experience me as you turn and toss."
Tsuru smiled bitterly, grabbing a glance from Miroku, who was thinking hard beside her. He looked up suddenly. "Dreams." They answered simultaneously. Again, Togoeru made no move. "Go left." She spat and after a hesitation, they did.
-
-
~*~Ijin and Inuyasha~*~
Ijin had been on edge for a good five minutes, since they had heard Tsuru's cry. Inuyasha was more worried that he hadn't heard Kagome or anyone else......... There was nothing they could really do, only move forward.
"Something's burning." Inuyasha growled as the scent caught him. /Kagome, where are you?/
"Damn it."
"Indeed that's so. Well, hello, boys! I hope your friends haven't made too much noise." Togoeru greeted in her sickeningly cheerful voice.
"Where is- everyone?" Ijin demanded, black wings now stretching to intimidating length.
"Not to worry. They've all been taken care of now, they've each chosen their path somehow." She smiled sweetly. "If you wish to find them, you've no choice. Answer my riddle-"
"Yeah, yeah. Shut up and give us the question." Inuyasha demanded, patience run short and nerves on edge.
"Very well. What's never empty, but sometimes full? Never sad, but sometimes blue? Never old, but sometimes new? Always pushes, never pulls?"
Night had begun to take its place, the moon shining merrily down on the glittering ice, like diamonds in its light. Inuyasha and Ijin looked up, watching it as Togoeru curled up. "It's the moon." Inuyasha said, remembering with distaste his own experiences with that moon.
"Are you sure?" Ijin asked from next to him, brows knit nervously. Inuyasha nodded solemnly, not looking at him, but at the dangerous looking cat before them. She looked the perfect picture of rage. The hair at the nape of her neck was standing upright. Her fangs were bared and usually icy blue eyes had gone an odd aquamarine color.
"Must you all spoil my fun? I thought I'd be killing you one by one... No, matter, with you I shall have my way. Be assured, you'll not see the light of day..." She flew at the two, claws reaching out to attack. Both stood ready for her, but half way through her assault, she fell to her ice in front of them, writhing in pain for reasons neither understood. The ice shook around them, boulders of frozen water, deadly spikes falling from ledges around them.
"Damn you, Togoeru!" The dragon bellowed inside the mountain. White tail slashed at the ground mercilessly. "Did I not instruct you not to harm them? Fool! Do not cross me!"
Rindou, Tougen and several others hid in the shadows, fearful of Doragon's wrath.
"Now, now, Doragon." Another stepped forward. Her hair blazed, though she seemed not to mind. "I will take them up further."
"Why should you be allowed? I wish to go next!" Another emerged from the pack. He was tall, thin, and graceful, his skin white and his eyes a dark green. Fur lined his black cloak. "Ice is not so strong as snow."
"And snow is easily melted by fire!" The female protested again.
Doragon growled, obviously unamused by the bickering, and thus the ice maze shook even harder, collapsing into itself. "Kasai, you will try after Gousetsu........." The male, Gousetsu, smirked at the fire girl, who pouted.
"That is......... if our two little youkai men can escape." Dorgan's tail slapped the ground as the seeing pool revealed Inuyasha and Ijin.........
"Run!" Ijin yelled as the ice began to fall.
Both took off at high speed, dodging the falling ice and projectiles.
From outside, the other six watched as the ice maze began to fall, Ijin and Inuyasha still not out yet.
Finally, the path began to open up for the two, revealing the bright daylight on the other side- and a well welcome sight. There stood the rest of them. Kagome rushed to them first, looking perfectly terrified as she watched the ice fall. Tsuru got up painful and was greeted by a very concerned Ijin, who instantly went to work on healing her arm. Miroku was looking to take advantage of an exhausted-looking Sango upon seeing them safe, though Kirara looked ready to take him down if he tried anything at all. Shippou was dead asleep, and it looked as if he had been casually dumped when Kagome saw the two emerge.
After all were cleared for travel, they carried on, guideless. They were soon greeted by another figure, lanky but elegant, he stepped forward, black cape sweeping around him. "Greetings." He said with an unnerving smile. "I am Gousetsu. You will follow me now please."
A wild snow began, catching in their hair and chilling them with freezing water that seeped through their clothes. Inuyasha side glanced at Kagome, who was openly shaking, holding an equally cold Shippou, though she lent him her own heat. After about three seconds of deliberation, the hanyou lifted her without warning into his arms. She didn't protest, only comforted herself in the dark crimson folds of his haori. Ijin's cloak was around Tsuru already, his wings keeping himself warm, but Tsuru insisted on walking beside him, just in case. The others were huddled together on Kirara.
"We're stopping." Inuyasha commanded. Gousetsu stopped, shoulders slumped as he submitted.
"Very well." He sighed.
Four caves stood ahead, fading into their sight. He split them again into more preferable groups to sleep. Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippou took the first, Sango, Miroku, and Kirara the second, Tsuru and Ijin the third and Gousetsu the fourth. For good measure, Inuyasha casually rolled another boulder over the entrance to the fourth, leaving Gousetsu to ram it, trying to escape all night.
"Inu.........yasha........."
He turned to the sound of his voice with a harsh "What," but found the girl was already asleep, her chest rising and falling in rhythm. "Bah. Stupid girl." He said fondly, curling up beside her.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
That's it!
All- Awwwwwwwwwww!
Alright, next in the works, chapter 5! So sorry this has taken so long. I'm a bit out of it. :P Well, I'll see you all soon.
Thanks to: