A/N: Hoooo boy I've been really busy the past six days. But anyway, here's the next chapter!
ThebigW: As ever, thank you for your kind words of wisdom. (cough) mmyes . . . And yes, alas for the poor ferret. But I must have it being teased. Otherwise, it's not as much fun.
Inu-babe666: Thankee very kindly for your review, mate! And here is more, just as you desired!
Sesshomaru-luver: (bows) Thank you, thank you. Once again, I appreciate your reviews. Enjoy the next chapter!
Chapter Four: To Run From Your Fears
The moon cast a snowy light across the ground as the flames from the fire crackled and lit the faces of those sleeping around it. Inuyasha was sitting up in a tree branch above them, looking over them like he did every night. Miroku was leaning with his back to the base of the tree, and Sango and Kagome were near the fire. Shippo was near Kagome in her sleeping bag.
Inuyasha, of course, was wide awake. He looked towards the moon and found himself yet again in deep thought, which he could only achieve at night, when things were actually quiet. He was just thinking of trying to get some sleep when suddenly a scent came to him.
It can't be . . . he thought as he sat up straight and looked off into the direction from which it came. He leaped off the branch and into the forest below. He hated leaving everyone like that, but he had to see . . .
After running for some time, the scent became very strong. He stopped and looked out at the form of Kikyo before him. She looked back with those cold eyes.
"Kikyo . . ."
"Have you come to ask why I am here?"
"I . . ."
Kikyo laughed without mirth. "You always do. If you must know, I am on Naraku's trail. I thought you would have known that."
"But Kikyo, you can't on your own! I won't let you, I told you that!"
"I can do this on my own. I don't need anyone's help; especially the help of that reincarnation of mine."
"Kikyo . . ."
"I've told you before, Inuyasha; I am doing this by myself." Then she turned, her soul gatherers at her side, and disappeared into the trees. Inuyasha was left standing there, watching as she vanished into the night.
Kohaku gripped his chain blade in slightly sweaty hands. He was walking quietly, and trying hard not to breathe so much. He set his face in a dead pan way, just in case anyone caught him, which he hoped would not happen.
Somehow, he had to slip past the hall and out of the "castle", for it was another imitation castle set up by Naraku, and then once outside, he would have to be on extra alert. Who knew what was beyond those doors? Hakudoushi could be waiting for him. He always had a way of knowing whatever was going on . . .
He stood, finally, in front of the doors. He slipped through and stood outside, where the breeze ruffled his hair. His breathing didn't change. He was still precautious. He took a few steps, looked around, then began a medium-paced walk. Soon, he got to the wall outskirting the makeshift castle and leaned his body against it, hiding himself in the shadows. Hardly breathing, he looked around once more.
Still no one. Could an escape possibly be as simple as this? Kohaku, not wanting to find out the outcome if it wasn't, slowly crept along the wall. He got to the break in the wall, which led to the outside . . . and to freedom . . .
Not letting down his guard, he very slowly inched his way around the wall to the opposite side. Now he was facing the forest that encompassed the castle . . .
He knew there would be a barrier, and he didn't want to alert Naraku if he had gone. So, Kohaku came to the most difficult part in his escape; the running. He knew there was no other way, and this was the only thing that had come to mind.
Taking a deep breath, he looked up at the sky, closed his eyes, and thought about being reunited with Sango. Looking back to the forest, he took off at a sprint.
He felt the barrier the instant it touched him; like a small jolt throughout his body. Now he needed to concentrate . . . He ran at full speed, not looking back.
"What's wrong, Inuyasha?"
It was now day, and everyone was on the move again. Kagome, on her bike, was looking at Inuyasha curiously.
"Feh, it's nothing," he replied roughly. Kagome frowned.
"No, it's not. You've been acting strange ever since this morning and I want to know why."
"I told you, it's-!" Inuyasha began before stopping in the middle of his sentence. He sniffed the air and growled.
"Inuyasha?" Miroku had stopped and looked back at the angered hanyou.
"Not him again . . ." Inuyasha snarled before a small dust storm greeted everyone's eyes.
"Oh no . . ." Sango murmured before Kouga stood before them.
"What do you want, wolf-breath?!" Inuyasha yelled at him, placing a hand on Tetsusaiga.
"I've come to claim my woman once and for all!" the young wolf prince declared. "And you can't stop me!"
"Why you . . ."
"Inuyasha, be calm," Miroku said softly to Inuyasha before facing Kouga. "Excuse me, I don't mean to sound rude, but we are in a hurry."
"Oh yeah? Well this won't take long," Kouga told them before sweeping up Kagome in his arms in lightning speed.
"Damnit!" Inuyasha cursed to himself and unsheathed Tetsusaiga. "YOU'RE FINISHED, WOLF-BREATH!!"
Kouga, now on a small ledge a few feet away, placed down Kagome and turned to the now furious Inuyasha.
"She's mine now, dog-turd!" he shouted before jumping off the ledge and straight at Inuyasha, where he delivered a punch to his stomach.
"Why me . . ." Kagome muttered before turning to the scene. "Don't fight, you two!" she shouted, but it was no use. They were too wrapped up in their battle.
"Take this!" Inuyasha yelled before striking at Kouga with his sword. Kouga easily jumped out of the way. He sent another punch at Inuyasha, which he dodged, before getting clawed on the face.
"Can you hear me?! I SAID STOP!!!" Kagome shouted. As if magically, Kouga and Inuyasha immediately quit their fight and looked up at her.
"Thank you! Now, Inuyasha, I can sense a shard of the jewel!" she yelled down at them, while pointing into the vast forest.
"Got it!" Inuyasha sheathed Tetsusaiga and jumped up to retrieve Kagome. Miroku, Sango, and Shippo followed on Kirara.
"HEY! COME BACK AND FIGHT, DOG-TURD!" Kouga called after them, but it was no use. They were already disappearing.
Angry, he grumbled furiously and ran towards his den. He'd have to figure out a better approach . . .
"Over there!" Kagome pointed to where she could sense the shard. "That's strange . . . there's only one . . . Do you think that means-?"
"Kohaku . . ." Sango said softly.
Inuyasha could now definitely smell the scent of Sango's kin. He remembered the encounters they had with him before . . . How would this meeting turn out? His previous discussion with Kikyo was now lost within his mind as he focused on finding Kohaku.
Kohaku had been running all night, not stopping even once . . . He was too afraid that Hakudoushi or Naraku himself would catch up with him . . .
He was exhausted. He stumbled now through the forest, eager to get as far away as possible . . . Get away . . .
"Kohaku!"
He looked up with half-lidded eyes and saw a blurry image; people . . . in front of him . . . Someone was coming closer . . . But so slowly . . . He had to . . .
His vision went black as he fell to the ground.
A/N: Haha cliff!!!! (rocks get thrown) OW I'M SORRY I'M SORRY!!!
Anyhoo . . . Aw poor Kouga-kun. Haha. It's still funny, though. And, personally, I don't really like Kikyo all that much . . . so she's not in the story as much as . . . er . . . the people I like . . . But still, I can't help feeling sorry for her. I mean seriously . . . going through what she did? That would SUCK! But anyway, next chapter coming soon! Ja ne!
