Hey everyone! I had a half day of school today due to PSAT testing. That
gave me plenty of time to write up a new chapter for your reading pleasure.
I have a few more ideas for this thing and all I'm going to say is that one
of them involves Kouga ; ). He won't make an appearance in this Chapter but
read on!
Chapter 4: Onward!
As the sun reached the highest point in the sky it seemed like the perfect day. Supplies were replenished, everyone was rested, and Inuyasha and Kagome had gotten the basics of their new bodies in order. It was time to leave.
As the group left the village Kaede bid them farewell with a faint smile upon her face and words of encouragement on her lips. As she watched them move across the path she sighed. Now it was her responsibility with her wisdom to find a means of putting the misguided souls back in their correct bodies. She turned and walked back to her dwelling already lost in concentration.
"So where exactly are we going?" Shippo questioned as he watched Kagome jump from tree to tree.
"Well we were just planning on wandering around aimlessly until Inuyasha senses a jewel fragment." Miroku answered. "You are getting the hang of your new ability right Inuyasha?" he said turning towards the girl pushing a bike a few feet away.
"Feh." Inuyasha said dismissively, "You think that I'm incapable of using Kagome's miko powers? Well I'm telling you right now monk that there's nothing I can't handle even in this." He said gesturing towards his new body.
"I seem to recall you saying "I can handle it" before everything went to hell and we got into this predicament." Sango replied sarcastically.
Inuyasha pricked up and growled, "If you idiots hadn't distracted me with your foolish sentiment then everything would have been fine!"
While the battle raged on below Kagome was enjoying the view from her treetop perch. "This is a lot of fun!" She thought as she leaped to yet another tree branch. "These heightened senses and strength really are incredible." Sniffing the wind she caught a disturbing scent. "Guys!" She called, "I smell smoke. A lot of it!"
At this announcement squabbling stopped and everyone looked for the source of Kagome's distress.
"There! Look to the south." Sango cried pointing.
Everyone turned in the indicated direction and indeed a large black plume of smoke polluted the sky.
"Let's check it out." Miroku said. Turning to the girl nearby he advised "Maybe you should ride on Kirara Inuyasha."
"Feh. I'll be fine on this contraption." He motioned kicking the bike.
"Have it your way." Miroku said.
Inuyasha mounted the bike and started pedaling towards the smoke in an erratic fashion. The group watched him go waiting for the inevitable. CRASH!
Miroku sighed and scooped up the bike from where it lay. Then Sango took Inuyasha by the neck of his uniform and hoisted him onto Kirara. Inuyasha didn't complain but put on his best stubborn face and began muttering under his breath about a crooked road.
Kagome led the way while the rest of the gang tried their best to keep up. It was exhilarating for her to move at such a high speed dodging from side to side to prevent becoming a stain on a tree.
"Hey be careful with that!" Inuyasha yelled annoyed. If Kagome heard she didn't show any sign of having done so.
Finally, they cleared the crest of a hill and looked down upon the burning village before them. It was in ruins. The screams of the dying were audible even over the crackling of the flames and the sounds of collapsing buildings.
"Oh gods." Sango said in disbelief. "This is awful."
Without another word the company descended the hill to investigate the scene.
Entering the ravaged village everyone fanned out to search for survivors. Little more than a dozen were found. They were taken to a nearby river for treatment and to rid themselves of the visage of the horror of their beloved home had become.
When all were made comfortable and wounds had been attended to the interrogation began.
"Who did this?" Sango asked in a grave tone.
An elder looked at the youkia exterminator and replied, "A phoenix by the name of Tirus destroyed our home." He continued, "For many years Tirus had lived in harmony with our people. He often took the children for rides and protected them from harm. He even made healing droughts for our ill with his tears. We regarded him as a great friend"
"It doesn't look like he was too friendly after all." Inuyasha replied smugly.
"No. You don't understand." The elder said facing Inuyasha. "Everything changed when one of our young found a mysterious pink crystal imbedded in a tree."
At this everyone stopped their activities and paid very close attention to the elder's words.
"The boy was taking the crystal back to the village for closer examination when he was viciously attacked by a demon. Tirus came to his rescue and gratified, the boy relinquished the object to his benefactor." The elder let out a sigh. "Thereafter Tirus became more and more belligerent with each passing day. Finally, he just lost himself and began destroying everything in sight."
"You poor people." Kagome sympathized, "We have to do something to help them."
"We'll go hunting for phoenix." Inuyasha said with a grin. "If he has a jewel shard then we're going to get it from him."
"Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed exasperated, "We have to get these people safely situated. Then we can go hunting for the shard."
"Feh." Inuyasha replied as he settled onto the grass.
When that was settled the gang packed up and carried the wounded back to their starting point where they entrusted their burden to Kaede.
"Thank you for your kindness." The elder said as Kagome handed him some water and prepared to leave. "I think that I have some information that could be of use to you."
Kagome turned and waited for the man to continue.
"Tirus lives in a nest on the side of a cliff about 5 miles that way" he indicated with a finger. "However, he is a creature of habit and is also very vain. Everyday, even after his corruption, he flies to the nearby lake when the sun has begun to set to gaze at his reflection in the water. Perhaps you can use this information to your advantage."
Kagome thanked the man for his intelligence and returned to her comrades to report her findings.
"We should set up an ambush for the phoenix at the lake." Miroku observed, "I bet that Tirus has already made his trip today so we should spend the remaining light scouting the area for vantage points for an ambush."
Everyone agreed that this was a suitable plan and the party traveled to the indicated spot.
As night fell Inuyasha smiled. This day hadn't been a waste after all. A battle plan had been drawn up and the attack had been coordinated. However, something was left undone.
Again the troop visited the decimated village. This time their objective was not saving lives, but burying the dead. When the arduous task was completed the last bit of light disappeared from the sky. Camp was struck and ramen was devoured.
Shippo, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara all settled down for the night readying themselves for tomorrow's activities. However, two pairs of eyes, one golden and one brown, probed the night restlessly.
Sitting in a tree Kagome could not sleep. She was still being troubled by her thoughts of Inuyasha. "I wish I could remember what he said to me." She mumbled frustrated, "When I was dying what did he say in response to my confession?"
Inuyasha was equally disturbed. "I told her what I really thought of her and she hasn't reacted in any way. Is she rejecting me even after we pronounced our love for one another?"
Both rested glumly in their selected spots until Inuyasha couldn't stand it anymore. "Kagome?" he whispered.
Kagome heard the murmur and quietly descended the tree to sit by Inuyasha. "Yes?" she asked, her heart beating rapidly.
"I need to know what's going to happen to you and me." He said not looking at her. "What if there is no way to reverse this?"
Kagome could sense Inuyasha's body heat rising and in turn she blushed. "I Love You Inuyasha." She said sternly. "Nothing can change that. I'll just have to. learn to love myself a bit more." She said smiling. The silence that filled the air seemed like an eternity for Kagome. "What will he say? Will he tell me he loves me?" Kagome thought.
Inuyasha finally looked up at her and gave a faint smile. "I'm glad you feel that way Kagome." He said. "The truth is." he hesitated as he thought of his promise to protect Kikyo and follow her to hell. If he said the next three words on his mind he would be shattering that promise. He could not bear to commit to Kagome then leave her to follow her rival to hell.
"I Love You." He said at last breaking the silence and the constraint on his heart. "Always and forever." He finished.
"Oh Inuyasha." Kagome said with a sob, "That's what I wanted to hear so badly."
With that the couple embraced. They took comfort in each others' warmth as they slowly drifted off to sleep under the stars.
"Ahem." Miroku stood above the pair with a smirk on his face.
At once Inuyasha and Kagome awoke with a start and immediately sprang apart blushing.
The ramen was cooked and everyone ate their fill.
"Well today is free." Miroku said. "Ready yourselves for the battle and be back here by noon. Otherwise you may spend your day doing what ever you want." He said glancing at the Inuyasha and Kagome who blushed violently.
At that Sango took Hiraikotsu and Kirara for some training, Shippo went off to play, and Miroku decided that it was time for a swim.
Inuyasha and Kagome were left alone.
Kagome faced Inuyasha and asked "So what are we going to do?"
"Oh I can think of something." He said wrapping Kagome in a one armed embrace.
"Inuyasha I don't think that I'd feel entirely comfortable making out with my own body." Kagome interjected.
Inuyasha's face fell and he stuttered, "But. you said."
"Yes I know what I said Inuyasha but I think that it's best if we wait on it a bit." She replied. "Don't worry when we get our bodies back then I'll show you a good time." She said with a wink.
At that Inuyasha's face perked up and he agreed with an energetic nod. The two went to find an open field to practice their abilities in preparation.
Finally, it was noon. After a hasty lunch the group took up their positions in close proximity to the lake and watched as the sun lazily began to go down. They waited in tense silence for an hour before it happened. Inuyasha felt a shard coming closer! He gave the warning and readied himself for the Tirus' appearance.
There! The bird came soaring over the tree line, whirled about for a couple seconds and landed. Every feather of its body was aflame and the bird was a miraculous sight indeed.
"It's HUGE!" Kagome thought intimidated. "How am I supposed to take THAT thing down?"
However, she took a couple of deep breaths and prepared herself. Then she raised her hand to signal the start of the attack.
Hiraikotsu ripped through the trees on its collision course with the huge bird. Sango's aim was true and Tirus' tail feathers were suddenly much shorter. The pieces that fell from his body immediately turned to ash as they settled to the floor.
Tirus' roared in anguish as he unsuccessfully tried to rise into the air. "Who dares desecrate my beautiful feathers!" he screamed to the sky. "Show yourself!"
At that Kagome leaped into the air readying her claws to strike. Tirus saw the attack from the corner of his eye and whirled to face his foe.
"Now you die!" he roared. He flapped his wings sending a powerful jet of fire Kagome's way. She barely had enough time to shield herself with her fire rat kimono as the flames burst over her body, sending her flying into a tree.
Stunned Kagome saw the huge form of Tirus' get bigger as he advanced towards her. Suddenly Miroku appeared behind the phoenix taking off his prayer beads as he did so.
"Wind Tunnel!" He shouted as the void began sucking the bird away from his intended target. Once he judged that Tirus was a safe distance away from Kagome he re-wrapped his right hand to prevent the jewel shard from being sucked in.
"Thanks Miroku!" Kagome shouted gratefully as she got to her feet and charged her opponent.
Inuyasha was on the side lines watching the fight. He watched Kagome's approach and Tirus' stance. Suddenly Tirus' weight shifted backwards slightly. Every instinct in Inuyasha's body knew that the phoenix would strike with that subtle movement. However, Kagome was unaware of the meaning of it. She was in danger!
Inuyasha had to act fast. There was no way he could ready his bow in time and even if he could he doubted he would hit his target even as large as it was.
Any moment now Kagome would be decapitated by the phoenix's strike and he was powerless to stop it.
"No there has to be a way." He thought. Tirus let out a war cry and lunged in a strike that would send Kagome's head rolling from her body. Too late Kagome realized her error as she tried to correct herself. Time slowed to a standstill as the attack was executed.
"I have it!" he said. "SIT!!!" Immediately the rosary beads around Kagome's neck glowed and sent her smashing into the ground in effect dodging the attack that had threatened to end her life.
Expecting to connect, Tirus was thrown off balance and stumbled toward the lake. "No!" He screamed as he tried to stop himself. Too late, he fell into the water with a hiss.
Great gouts of steam arose from the lake as the birds' flaming body was introduced to the water.
When the steam had subsided the party slowly approached the hole where a lake used to be. Looking in Inuyasha exclaimed "There!" In the center of the opening was the jewel shard that had corrupted the once kind Phoenix.
Carefully descending Inuyasha picked up the shard and instantly it was purified. Adding it to their collection Inuyasha and the others began to head back to their campsite. They needed to rest.
Wow that took me a long time to write. I hope that all of you enjoyed it. I apologize if any of you were looking forward to a lemon this chapter. But I promise that I will write one to conclude the story. Thanks for all the reviews. Keep em coming. If you have any more suggestions I will try to implement them into the story. See you next time!
Chapter 4: Onward!
As the sun reached the highest point in the sky it seemed like the perfect day. Supplies were replenished, everyone was rested, and Inuyasha and Kagome had gotten the basics of their new bodies in order. It was time to leave.
As the group left the village Kaede bid them farewell with a faint smile upon her face and words of encouragement on her lips. As she watched them move across the path she sighed. Now it was her responsibility with her wisdom to find a means of putting the misguided souls back in their correct bodies. She turned and walked back to her dwelling already lost in concentration.
"So where exactly are we going?" Shippo questioned as he watched Kagome jump from tree to tree.
"Well we were just planning on wandering around aimlessly until Inuyasha senses a jewel fragment." Miroku answered. "You are getting the hang of your new ability right Inuyasha?" he said turning towards the girl pushing a bike a few feet away.
"Feh." Inuyasha said dismissively, "You think that I'm incapable of using Kagome's miko powers? Well I'm telling you right now monk that there's nothing I can't handle even in this." He said gesturing towards his new body.
"I seem to recall you saying "I can handle it" before everything went to hell and we got into this predicament." Sango replied sarcastically.
Inuyasha pricked up and growled, "If you idiots hadn't distracted me with your foolish sentiment then everything would have been fine!"
While the battle raged on below Kagome was enjoying the view from her treetop perch. "This is a lot of fun!" She thought as she leaped to yet another tree branch. "These heightened senses and strength really are incredible." Sniffing the wind she caught a disturbing scent. "Guys!" She called, "I smell smoke. A lot of it!"
At this announcement squabbling stopped and everyone looked for the source of Kagome's distress.
"There! Look to the south." Sango cried pointing.
Everyone turned in the indicated direction and indeed a large black plume of smoke polluted the sky.
"Let's check it out." Miroku said. Turning to the girl nearby he advised "Maybe you should ride on Kirara Inuyasha."
"Feh. I'll be fine on this contraption." He motioned kicking the bike.
"Have it your way." Miroku said.
Inuyasha mounted the bike and started pedaling towards the smoke in an erratic fashion. The group watched him go waiting for the inevitable. CRASH!
Miroku sighed and scooped up the bike from where it lay. Then Sango took Inuyasha by the neck of his uniform and hoisted him onto Kirara. Inuyasha didn't complain but put on his best stubborn face and began muttering under his breath about a crooked road.
Kagome led the way while the rest of the gang tried their best to keep up. It was exhilarating for her to move at such a high speed dodging from side to side to prevent becoming a stain on a tree.
"Hey be careful with that!" Inuyasha yelled annoyed. If Kagome heard she didn't show any sign of having done so.
Finally, they cleared the crest of a hill and looked down upon the burning village before them. It was in ruins. The screams of the dying were audible even over the crackling of the flames and the sounds of collapsing buildings.
"Oh gods." Sango said in disbelief. "This is awful."
Without another word the company descended the hill to investigate the scene.
Entering the ravaged village everyone fanned out to search for survivors. Little more than a dozen were found. They were taken to a nearby river for treatment and to rid themselves of the visage of the horror of their beloved home had become.
When all were made comfortable and wounds had been attended to the interrogation began.
"Who did this?" Sango asked in a grave tone.
An elder looked at the youkia exterminator and replied, "A phoenix by the name of Tirus destroyed our home." He continued, "For many years Tirus had lived in harmony with our people. He often took the children for rides and protected them from harm. He even made healing droughts for our ill with his tears. We regarded him as a great friend"
"It doesn't look like he was too friendly after all." Inuyasha replied smugly.
"No. You don't understand." The elder said facing Inuyasha. "Everything changed when one of our young found a mysterious pink crystal imbedded in a tree."
At this everyone stopped their activities and paid very close attention to the elder's words.
"The boy was taking the crystal back to the village for closer examination when he was viciously attacked by a demon. Tirus came to his rescue and gratified, the boy relinquished the object to his benefactor." The elder let out a sigh. "Thereafter Tirus became more and more belligerent with each passing day. Finally, he just lost himself and began destroying everything in sight."
"You poor people." Kagome sympathized, "We have to do something to help them."
"We'll go hunting for phoenix." Inuyasha said with a grin. "If he has a jewel shard then we're going to get it from him."
"Inuyasha!" Kagome exclaimed exasperated, "We have to get these people safely situated. Then we can go hunting for the shard."
"Feh." Inuyasha replied as he settled onto the grass.
When that was settled the gang packed up and carried the wounded back to their starting point where they entrusted their burden to Kaede.
"Thank you for your kindness." The elder said as Kagome handed him some water and prepared to leave. "I think that I have some information that could be of use to you."
Kagome turned and waited for the man to continue.
"Tirus lives in a nest on the side of a cliff about 5 miles that way" he indicated with a finger. "However, he is a creature of habit and is also very vain. Everyday, even after his corruption, he flies to the nearby lake when the sun has begun to set to gaze at his reflection in the water. Perhaps you can use this information to your advantage."
Kagome thanked the man for his intelligence and returned to her comrades to report her findings.
"We should set up an ambush for the phoenix at the lake." Miroku observed, "I bet that Tirus has already made his trip today so we should spend the remaining light scouting the area for vantage points for an ambush."
Everyone agreed that this was a suitable plan and the party traveled to the indicated spot.
As night fell Inuyasha smiled. This day hadn't been a waste after all. A battle plan had been drawn up and the attack had been coordinated. However, something was left undone.
Again the troop visited the decimated village. This time their objective was not saving lives, but burying the dead. When the arduous task was completed the last bit of light disappeared from the sky. Camp was struck and ramen was devoured.
Shippo, Miroku, Sango, and Kirara all settled down for the night readying themselves for tomorrow's activities. However, two pairs of eyes, one golden and one brown, probed the night restlessly.
Sitting in a tree Kagome could not sleep. She was still being troubled by her thoughts of Inuyasha. "I wish I could remember what he said to me." She mumbled frustrated, "When I was dying what did he say in response to my confession?"
Inuyasha was equally disturbed. "I told her what I really thought of her and she hasn't reacted in any way. Is she rejecting me even after we pronounced our love for one another?"
Both rested glumly in their selected spots until Inuyasha couldn't stand it anymore. "Kagome?" he whispered.
Kagome heard the murmur and quietly descended the tree to sit by Inuyasha. "Yes?" she asked, her heart beating rapidly.
"I need to know what's going to happen to you and me." He said not looking at her. "What if there is no way to reverse this?"
Kagome could sense Inuyasha's body heat rising and in turn she blushed. "I Love You Inuyasha." She said sternly. "Nothing can change that. I'll just have to. learn to love myself a bit more." She said smiling. The silence that filled the air seemed like an eternity for Kagome. "What will he say? Will he tell me he loves me?" Kagome thought.
Inuyasha finally looked up at her and gave a faint smile. "I'm glad you feel that way Kagome." He said. "The truth is." he hesitated as he thought of his promise to protect Kikyo and follow her to hell. If he said the next three words on his mind he would be shattering that promise. He could not bear to commit to Kagome then leave her to follow her rival to hell.
"I Love You." He said at last breaking the silence and the constraint on his heart. "Always and forever." He finished.
"Oh Inuyasha." Kagome said with a sob, "That's what I wanted to hear so badly."
With that the couple embraced. They took comfort in each others' warmth as they slowly drifted off to sleep under the stars.
"Ahem." Miroku stood above the pair with a smirk on his face.
At once Inuyasha and Kagome awoke with a start and immediately sprang apart blushing.
The ramen was cooked and everyone ate their fill.
"Well today is free." Miroku said. "Ready yourselves for the battle and be back here by noon. Otherwise you may spend your day doing what ever you want." He said glancing at the Inuyasha and Kagome who blushed violently.
At that Sango took Hiraikotsu and Kirara for some training, Shippo went off to play, and Miroku decided that it was time for a swim.
Inuyasha and Kagome were left alone.
Kagome faced Inuyasha and asked "So what are we going to do?"
"Oh I can think of something." He said wrapping Kagome in a one armed embrace.
"Inuyasha I don't think that I'd feel entirely comfortable making out with my own body." Kagome interjected.
Inuyasha's face fell and he stuttered, "But. you said."
"Yes I know what I said Inuyasha but I think that it's best if we wait on it a bit." She replied. "Don't worry when we get our bodies back then I'll show you a good time." She said with a wink.
At that Inuyasha's face perked up and he agreed with an energetic nod. The two went to find an open field to practice their abilities in preparation.
Finally, it was noon. After a hasty lunch the group took up their positions in close proximity to the lake and watched as the sun lazily began to go down. They waited in tense silence for an hour before it happened. Inuyasha felt a shard coming closer! He gave the warning and readied himself for the Tirus' appearance.
There! The bird came soaring over the tree line, whirled about for a couple seconds and landed. Every feather of its body was aflame and the bird was a miraculous sight indeed.
"It's HUGE!" Kagome thought intimidated. "How am I supposed to take THAT thing down?"
However, she took a couple of deep breaths and prepared herself. Then she raised her hand to signal the start of the attack.
Hiraikotsu ripped through the trees on its collision course with the huge bird. Sango's aim was true and Tirus' tail feathers were suddenly much shorter. The pieces that fell from his body immediately turned to ash as they settled to the floor.
Tirus' roared in anguish as he unsuccessfully tried to rise into the air. "Who dares desecrate my beautiful feathers!" he screamed to the sky. "Show yourself!"
At that Kagome leaped into the air readying her claws to strike. Tirus saw the attack from the corner of his eye and whirled to face his foe.
"Now you die!" he roared. He flapped his wings sending a powerful jet of fire Kagome's way. She barely had enough time to shield herself with her fire rat kimono as the flames burst over her body, sending her flying into a tree.
Stunned Kagome saw the huge form of Tirus' get bigger as he advanced towards her. Suddenly Miroku appeared behind the phoenix taking off his prayer beads as he did so.
"Wind Tunnel!" He shouted as the void began sucking the bird away from his intended target. Once he judged that Tirus was a safe distance away from Kagome he re-wrapped his right hand to prevent the jewel shard from being sucked in.
"Thanks Miroku!" Kagome shouted gratefully as she got to her feet and charged her opponent.
Inuyasha was on the side lines watching the fight. He watched Kagome's approach and Tirus' stance. Suddenly Tirus' weight shifted backwards slightly. Every instinct in Inuyasha's body knew that the phoenix would strike with that subtle movement. However, Kagome was unaware of the meaning of it. She was in danger!
Inuyasha had to act fast. There was no way he could ready his bow in time and even if he could he doubted he would hit his target even as large as it was.
Any moment now Kagome would be decapitated by the phoenix's strike and he was powerless to stop it.
"No there has to be a way." He thought. Tirus let out a war cry and lunged in a strike that would send Kagome's head rolling from her body. Too late Kagome realized her error as she tried to correct herself. Time slowed to a standstill as the attack was executed.
"I have it!" he said. "SIT!!!" Immediately the rosary beads around Kagome's neck glowed and sent her smashing into the ground in effect dodging the attack that had threatened to end her life.
Expecting to connect, Tirus was thrown off balance and stumbled toward the lake. "No!" He screamed as he tried to stop himself. Too late, he fell into the water with a hiss.
Great gouts of steam arose from the lake as the birds' flaming body was introduced to the water.
When the steam had subsided the party slowly approached the hole where a lake used to be. Looking in Inuyasha exclaimed "There!" In the center of the opening was the jewel shard that had corrupted the once kind Phoenix.
Carefully descending Inuyasha picked up the shard and instantly it was purified. Adding it to their collection Inuyasha and the others began to head back to their campsite. They needed to rest.
Wow that took me a long time to write. I hope that all of you enjoyed it. I apologize if any of you were looking forward to a lemon this chapter. But I promise that I will write one to conclude the story. Thanks for all the reviews. Keep em coming. If you have any more suggestions I will try to implement them into the story. See you next time!