Author's Note: I don't know whether to call what happened at the end of the last chapter a real cliffhanger or not. Yet, I find it pretty interesting to insert the presence of ninjas to this story. Although it wasn't originally intended, the prospect of having actual ninjas in this fiction sort of heats up thing a lot more, bringing a sense of depth to it.
By the way, did you know that the name Iga and Koga were the names of actual ninja clans. I was told that the Koga's actually died out around the late sixteenth century but the Iga actually maintained until this very day. Thanks to the Tokugawa shogunate. That's what I got the name from for the 'mysterious entity.' Problem ensures though, since I had to put sheiks in this story should I make Iga a critical character in this story? Or to make him a minor villain since Naraku had already made his presence known? I hope that you readers decide because I'm seriously considering to put Iga off as a brief and minor character.
So, let's get down to business shall we.
Disclaimer" I definitely do not own the characters of Inuyasha. And maybe not Iga if I fail to place a real purpose for him in this story.
Inuyasha
Fate's Course And Forbidden Love
Chapter 8: Unknown Motives and Hidden Agendas, The Enigmatic Entity Iga
"What do you want us for? Kagome demanded as she was hoisted on Koga's shoulder. " Are those stolen items from the village enough for your clan?" She glimpsed at the stolen luggage that most of the wolves carried. She gasped as she also caught a sight of Chi, Sango, and Kikyou were being carried as well--in a cage. Kikyou and Sangou were still unconscious.
"Quit your whining little missy." Koga scolded with an annoyed snap. "You know what we want from pretty little women such as yourselves." After that he gave the girl an malicious smirk. Kagome shouldn't ask afterwards but being the daring kid she was that moment she did anyway.
"And that would be?"
"Kagome. I thought so. You are on the slow side." Chizaki sighed in discomfiture. Really, her older sister should know what the wolf meant by that 'clever' statement. Kagome scowls at Chi and suddenly realized that the males weren't around.
"What have you done to our friends?" She beseeched.
"Hmm?" Koga seemed a little confused for a sec. "Oh the human and the dog dung!" He slammed his right fist into his left palm in realization. "You don't have to worry about them. They're taken care of."
"You lie."
"Whatever."
"That was a pretty nice stunt you've pulled off back there." Said Sangou as she convalesced from unconsciousness along with an equally indignant Kikyou. "Remind me to wear my gas mask next time." Kikyou were surveying the surroundings that the clan were currently trekking along. They seem to be walking along a undulating path throughout forests at the base of small mountains. And from the looks of it, they were a decent distance away from the demon exterminating village.
"That wasn't a stunt little girl, it was a good tactic." Said a bizarre looking half bald wolf demon with white hair that looks like feathers atop his head. "What do you have to say about that you little demon slaying twit?"
"Go to shit." Sangou retorted in a deprecate tone. "By the way what prompted you guys to raid our village so sudden. If I knew better you wolves are smart enough no to invade us."
"There was a raging fire at the village right?" Koga asked. "Well we decided to attain unwanted goods after that incident last night.
" 'Unwanted?'" Sangou scoffed. "Can't fool me. You guys had the audacity to rob some belongings from the village and kidnap us in the process? Lame!"
"If you say so kiddo." Koga muttered.
'This is not good. Not good at all.' Kikyou pondered. 'We'd probably could of taken care of these wolves if we were armed.' She sighed a little afterwards. 'That child got us into this. I wonder if he's around. And where's Inuyasha and Miroku?' Just now, she sensed that peculiar presence she felt earlier today. 'It's that chi again. What is it? If it not the wolves nor Naraku then what is it?' The force was almost tangible but it was obviously following then still. 'What's the meaning of this? Could this being be a threat?' She skews her gazes around frantically for the source but almost to no avail. Then she say it. Off in the distance far away she saw a shadowy figure standing placidly in the undulating hills. Only she could see it. . .nobody else noticed it. Kikyou squinted her eyes, trying her best the get a good glimpse of the figure. 'It's there but still I cannot. . .'
"Hey we're almost home!" Hikaku exclaimed. "It's about time too because boy am I getting hungry." An audible growl in his stomach can be heard. "Damn, I need to get some grub immediately."
Chi didn't like the sound of that. Plus the way that the wolf's tummy was growling it unnerved her even more. "G, grub? Don't mind me by asking mister but what are your main course?"
"Aye. I see that you are nervous little girl." Ginta said, giving the brunette a pass.
"All for good reason!" She retorted. "And you better watch out." She followed with fronted warning. "I'm the reincarnation of Kim Wing Chun herself! You do not want to tangle with me! Woo Cha!!" She made some goofy Kung Fu poses.
"Chill out kid. We're not intending on eating you girls." Koga assured.
"Then why you guys kidnapped us in the first place?" Chizaki beseeched.
Kikyou grimaced at a thought. "Isn't it obvious? The demon wolves have a reputation to being attracted to humans. We're going to end up being their concubines."
"Wow. You're pretty smart little priestess." Koga considered. "You definitely know your demons don't cha?"
"Ah uh!" Chizaki protested. "I rather you guys kill me!"
Sangou's eyes widened in fright. "With outbursts like that these guys might consider it."
"Nah! We're not that bad." Koga told as the wolves finally reached the entrance to their domain. A small pack of wild wolves caught the scent of the girls and approached the captives' cage hungrily. "Whoa easy there fellas! These women are not something that you'll be munching on." The wolves whimpered in disappointment and retreated with downcast heads. The wolf demons trekked around a cascading waterfall and entered a large cave. Inside the cave the girls can immediately spot that the main floor of the cave was large and it is embellished by a large throng of demon wolves. The cave is actually shaped like an gigantic dome consisting of a few floors that has cloisters of stairways that lead to the upper floors. The wolves gazed at Koga and his gang with anticipating eyes.
"Ah. I see you guys decided to raid the village of the demon slayers." A brown haired wolf sneered. "I wonder what makes you want to check out such a place? Got anything important?"
"Yeah we've managed to get our hands on some goods." Smirked Koga.
"Goods?" Kagome snapped, seemingly outraged. "That's all we are to you?"
The brown haired wolf yelped in shock at the creature the suddenly "sprang" to life on Koga's shoulder. "Eh? That's a live human! And here I'd thought that this was a carcass used for our carpet."
"Don't kid yourself mutt boy." Kagome cheeked. "As cute as I am did you honestly think that I would be an embellishment to your little hellhole?" She shifted her visage away from the wolf and employed her trademark 'hmph.'
The wolf was taken aback by slight awe by Kagome's boldness. "Wow. She's a cheeky one isn't she?"
"Hey there's more to her where she came from." Ginta pointed to the girls in the cage. "Look what we have here!" The wolves delighted eyes met the nervous and indignant gazes of the remaining three girls.
"Nicely done, Koga!" A wolf cheered.
"That's one heck of a raid you've lead." Another complimented.
"Talk about fruits of our labor."
"Finally, there need to be more presence of soft legs around here." Another exclaimed as he somehow earned funny glares from the rest of the wolves.
"When we get to eat them?" An obese wolf demon queried.
"What did you just say fat boy!?" Koga snapped. "Listen if any of you guys decides to try to eat one of them then it's hell to pay!"
Kagome looks at him thoughtfully. 'Thank goodness. I'm glad that this guy is not as bad as he seems.'
"Hear me out men!" Koga auditioned. "This girl that I now carry on my shoulders is my betroth. I propose to marry this young woman!"
Kagome's eyes widened. 'Did I just hear right!?'
"What!!? You You're going to marry Kagome!!?" The girls in the cage beseeched with burlesque expressions.
"My that's a lovely name." Koga beamed. "Yep, you ladies heard right, I intend on marrying your friend here. Besides it's one of the main reasons I'd set out to the village."
"Well then my friend. This call for a feast!"
"Yes let's have a feast and by merry, men. Tsunami take Kagome and the other girls to the cabin on the third layer. While we are feasting you can feed them unwanted food."
"What!?" Sangou snapped in outrage. "You're going to feed us leftovers!? Man, we're technically your guests of honor. Damn, how are you going to act?"
"I'd rather he not feed us at all." Kikyou sighed as she slumped back against the bars. "While their intentions are akin to being 'good' we cannot forget the fact that we were kidnapped by these people."
"You call that 'close' to being good?" Sangou scoffed. "I hate to see what you consider bad intentions then."
* * *
"We shouldn't be too far away from the wolves' domain now."
"Good because I can't wait to get my hands on that stinking ass wolf." Inuyasha declared as he followed the little fox ninja. "I've lost the scent of those bastards trying to get the stench of the gas out of my mind."
"Inuyasha." Miroku huffed as he was trailing behind the three ahead of him. "Try to concentrate on any one of the girl's scent. Maybe that way you can easily find them quicker."
Inuyasha considered that notion. "Damn. Why didn't I think of that? Those wolves had me so pissed that I was not focusing well. That means I don't need Shippou to lead us there anymore."
"I'd heard that!" Shippou glared. "I have my own reasons to see those clowns."
"Yeah right! What your little ass is going to do?" Inuyasha guffawed.
". . ."
"Thought so."
"Still, the Steel Fang shouldn't be taken lightly." Kohaku advised. "I wouldn't be surprised if my sister tried to take one of those guys on."
"Ah, such a fiery woman." Miroku swooned.
"Hey man, sorry to tell you this but your sister needs to chill out before something bad happens to her." Said Inuyasha with a hint of concern.
"If that's the case then I'm sure Sangou will be just fine." Kohaku replied. "That girl's a lot more resilient than she looks, you know. Besides, the wolves do not attack women anyway--so I'm told."
"Oh boy . Kikyou's with them too. With her attitude I would not be surprised if any of those wolves became pissed off at her." Inuyasha snicker. "In a way I feel bad for those scoundrels."
"Aye, the den of the wolves is just ahead." Shippou pointed.
"No kidding." Said Inuyasha in agreement as he scrunched his nose. "The smell of wolves is all over this place."
"Finally, I can get my revenge on Koga for betraying me!" Shippou declared as he cracked his fists.
"Get that thought out of your head kid. I bet that guy will beat the bricks out of you!" Laughed Inuyasha.
"I hope that the lovely ladies are okay and. . .untouched." Miroku stated.
"Miroku will you stop thinking with your dick for even a minute?" Inuyasha retorted on the monk's statement.
"Inuyasha, in a way, your friend is right." Kohaku agreed. "Rescuing them are our main priority."
Shippou lead the group to conceal themselves behind a group of large boulders. They can now see the entrance of the wolves' domain behind a waterfall. Three sentries were guarding the splayed openings of the cave with their lives and weapons at ready. Shippou contemplated a plan to sneak by unnoticed but Inuyasha quickly declined the notion.
"If we bullshit around as trying to sneak in there then those wolves are going to pick up our scent before we can even cover good ground." Inuyasha elucidated, shooting Shippou's plan down in flames. "Keh. Watch a pro and learn something."
"Inuyasha? Don't do anything to rash." Miroku warned. "Any accidents may lead to the girls' demise." Always looking out for the well being of women. That's Miroku for you.
Inuyasha rose from behind the rocks and dismissed their concerns with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry. I got this." He beamed showing his fangs.
"Inu-"
Kohaku halted Miroku's pleas. "If the man has a plan, let him go on about it. It's better than waiting and hesitating."
"Hey playa!" Inuyasha called out and managed to gain the guards' attentions.
"Hold it right there you dog." The first one commanded as he tensed his shoulders and pointed his spear at the hanyou.
"Aye, I ain't got any beef with you. I just wanna see what's up with your little ninja clique." He smirked as he held his arms up in defense.
"I don't like that look on your face kid." The second said. A skinny wolf demon with a short red pony tail drew his katana. "What business do you have with us?"
"I've always wanted to be a ninja." Inuyasha fronted with the malicious smirk still playing on his face. "Hey can I join? I want to get initiated."
The third, a bald and muscle bound creature with a tall and imposing appearance scrutinized the dog demon. He held a bo staff on his shoulders. "Sorry kiddo, no can do. We've stop accepting dogs a long time ago. We're about to let foxes off the hook as well."
Inuyasha put up a fake pout. "Aw! It's like that? Damn, that's to bad. Oh well I'll just be on my way back home."
"We can't let you go either." The first stated as he began to giggle. He drew the spear to Inuyasha's jugular. "Sorry but that's the way how it is."
"Any last words, hanyou?" The second followed.
Inuyasha grimaced as closed his eyes which was followed by a sigh. "Yes I do. There's one thing that I have to say..."
"Make it snappy!"
"Man, fuck your little punk ass group!!" His eyes immediately snapped open and hastily unsheathes Tetsusaiga and took care of the wolf who once held the spear to his jaw line. The wolf fell in an unconscious heap on the ground. "Well?"
"You fool!" The second swore as he charged at Inuyasha. He came in and locked swords with him. This lasted for a little moment but soon it became a series of blocks and parries in defensiveness. The wolf devised a plan to take the hanyou out by kicking his legs as they locked again but Inuyasha caught on to this quickly. In a furious struggle during another lock, Inuyasha delivered a quick straight right into the unfortunate wolf's nose. Thus the creature lost his composure and blacked out.
"Geez, you call yourselves ninjas? What a joke." He taunted as he set the fang like blade on his shoulders.
"You may have taken care of my comrades, hanyou but y-" The third suddenly gasped as an intense pain shot throughout his back. He turned around and saw the rest of the cavalry. The boy named Kohaku had another set of tranquilizer darts at ready. "D, damn it. . ." The hulking wolf muttered before helplessly falling into deep sleep.
"Sweet dreams, wolf punk."
"I'll say, that went pretty smoothly Inuyasha." Miroku complimented. "But rest assured that next time shall not be so easy."
"C'mon. The coast is clear." Inuyasha instructed as they followed him inside the cave corridors.
* * *
"Damn it! Eat!!"
"No!"
"C'mon now kid. Grilled badger is pretty good." Tsunami persuaded as he offered Chizaki the unfortunate dead creature.
"Ew! Hell no! Get that thing out of my face!" Chizaki dissuaded.
"You stupid kid! This here will fatten you up a little." Tsunami growled. "At least let that skinny body of yours keep up with that big hump back there."
Chizaki blushed, clearly embarrassed. "And who are you, my pediatrician?" She spat vehemently. "Didn't your mother ever tell you that's it's rude to gawk at a young woman's derriere?"
"No." Tsunami replied uncertainly. He seems to try to seek beneath her.
"And stop trying to peep under my dress! My god! You're rude as hell!"
Kagome sighed. "It couldn't be helped..."
"What was that Kagome!? I do not need any of your sassy comments right now!" Chi retorted, breathing hard from her outbursts of anger. She clenches the cage bars like an enraged jailbird.
Kagome folded her arms over her chest and closed her eyes with another sigh. Then she opened one of her eyes to regard the younger girl with a pensive look. "There's really no need to nut up like that. Your situation is not nearly as bad as mine." She notified. "I have to marry the very man who threatens my life and kidnapped me."
"Shit happens..." Chizaki considered.
"Hey you, would you like this plate?" Tsunami walked over to Kikyou's cage. "I just hope you're not as snappy as that harpy over there." He pointed to Chizaki.
"Come say that in my face you fat bastard!!" Chizaki retorted with a fierce and burlesque scowl.
"Hey don't talk to me kid." Tsunami dismissed then he turn his gaze back to Kikyou. "Well? Would you like this fine piece of meat I've cooked?" He offered.
"No I'm fine." Kikyou declined, trying to be as amiable as possible to the behemoth of a wolf demon. "I'm a vegetarian. Thanks anyway."
Tsunami raised a brow in consideration. "Okay. Whatever you say Miss 'I'm Soon To Be Nothing But Bone & Earth' because you've starved yourself to death."
"Please. Was that pun really necessary?" Kikyou pressed.
"No, but I'd tried to look out for you kiddo."
"I'm not a kid, thank you very much."
"Whatever sweetheart."
"I'm older than I look." Kikyou muttered. "And don't call me sweetheart. I'm not your girlfriend."
"Next subject." The wolf approaches Sangou's cage. "Are you going to be a bother as well?"
"No sir. I'm actually quite hungry." Sangou replied, giving the beast a sweet smile.
"Finally! At least you're smarter than the other girls." He beamed and unlocks her cage. In an instant Sangou darted out and initiated an onslaught on Tsunami's huge belly.
"Take this! And that!! And this!! Kyah!! Kyah!!" She employed a series of consecutive and successful blows to the wolf's abdomen, causing the flab in his stomach to become elastic like jelly. Yet, the beast didn't felt any of it. ". . .Had enough?" She panted.
Tsunami gave her a bored expression. "What was that?" He demanded.
"N, nothing." Sangou stammered, shrinking.
"Well back into that cage miss and here's your food." He instructed.
"Okay..." Sangou replied in a tiny and timid voice and step back inside her cage. Kagome, Kikyou, and Chizaki groaned in defeat. "Sorry. I've tried."
"We'll give you credit for it." Kikyou and Kagome stated simultaneously.
"Hey fat boy!!" Chizaki challenged. "Try that stunt on me and see what happens."
"I bet it would not be pretty, will it?"
"You got that right." Chi cracks her knuckles. "Listen. There are going to be two hits: Me hitting you and you hitting the ground."
"You're funny you know that?" Tsunami dismissed as he made way to the stairs.
"Hey! Wait! I wasn't joking! I will literally whoop your ass!" Chi exclaimed.
"Let it go Chi." Kagome sighed. "Let it go. You're going to have high blood pressure over trivial matters."
"I guess." She looks over to Sangou. "Hey you! What was that you call yourself pulling just then?"
Sangou glared. "I'd tried to set ourselves free so can it. That guy's better be glad that he's covered in lard, otherwise he'll be out like a light right about now."
"So? Anyone have a plan?" Kikyou suggested.
"No." Sangou groaned as she tried to reach for her boomerang just outside her cage. Unfortunately it was just a little out of reach. "Do you have a plan?"
"Sorry. I haven't contemplated with anything yet." Kikyou responded.
Kagome head snapped up at a thought. "Maybe I can-"
"What's up?"
"What have you devised, Kagome chan?"
"Fill us in girl."
"Well...If I manage to get Koga's--" She started and only to be cut off again. "Do you guys hear that?"
"Yes indeed." Kikyou replied.
"Somebody's fighting." Sangou said with her ears on focus at the foreign sounds.
"Damn. And catching an ass whooping at that." Chizaki grimaced as she heard a nasty punch being landed.
"Could it be Inuyasha and the others?" Asked Kagome, clearly ambivalent.
Another attack's landing was heard and it was followed by a thunderous thud. Kikyou eyes abruptly widened in trepidation. "It's that presence again." She noted with fear evident in her voice.
"What? What have you so freaked out Kikyou?" Chi queried.
"Kikyou. Is it Naraku again?" Kagome followed.
"Guys! Look! The doorway!!" Sangou pointed.
There stood at the doorway where the gigantic wolf had previous left was a shadowy figure. It had Tsunami on it's shoulder too.
"It's undeniably clear." Kikyou stated as she narrowed her eyes. "The source of the ki is coming from that entity."
"What does it plan to do?" Kagome asked a little afraid. "What are it's intentions."
The entity dropped the unconscious Tsunami off it's shoulders and made way into the room before the girls. The girls can now see the identity of the entity.
"NINJA?" They exclaimed.
The figure was clothed in a dark blue loose fitting ninja habiliment. Clearly it was a male, having broad shoulders and lean, yet very chiseled mascular arms. His face was hidden in a mask and a long black scarf was worn around his neck as the two ends dangled all the way to his legs. His equally black obi was tied into a belt in the usual martial arts manner. On his obi was a short sheath for a ninja dagger. It was worn on his back and was pointed outwards-the polar opposite to most swordsmen such as knights and samurais for instance. The warrior dug into Tsunami's pant pockets and fished out a key.
He was helping them.
One by one, he unlocked the cages of the captives and handed them their respected weapons. The girls gave him their gratitude but they was still uncertain whether to trust this guy or not.
"Thank you mister." Kagome started. "But, who are you?"
He didn't answer.
"We appreciate your help but can we at least know who you are." Chi requested.
He remained silent.
"So it was your presence I have felt all that time." Kikyou realized.
He nodded but he still remained wordless.
"Are you by any chance, are in league with Naraku?"
He nodded a 'no' that time.
"Can you talk at all?" Sangou asked as she approaches him. Surprisingly, he wasn't much taller than her.
He pointed downstairs. He was signaling the girls to make their getaway.
"Thanks anyway sir. You've been of great help." Kikyou accredited. "Now's our chance. C'mon."
He disappeared in a puff of smoke.
They exited the room and made their way down the cloisters of the dome. Fortunately, Inuyasha and the others arrived just in time. "Inuyasha! Miroku!" Kagome shouted. "Turn back around now! We've managed to escape!"
"Eh?" Was Inuyasha's reply.
"Kohaku what are you doing here?" Sangou demanded. "This is dangerous grounds. You're being reckless again."
"Sorry but I was assisting these guys in rescuing you." Kohaku replied and skews his glance to Chizaki. "Hi there, Chizaki san."
A blush crept up on the girl's face. "Um. . .hey Kohaku."
"It good to see you ladies safe and sound." Said Miroku. "Since this is a window of opportunity we should be hastily make our way back to the exit."
"Hey you!! Hold it right there!!" Exclaimed Koga's voice. "Well if it isn't dog crap! And he's trying to kidnap my fiance!"
"What!? Kagome is he telling the truth!?" Inuyasha demanded.
"No! It's not like that!" Kagome exclaimed.
"What!!? What do you mean 'not like that!!?'"
"Inuyasha! Now's not the time to be fussing over trivial matters."
"You're definitely going to get it now dog crap!!" Koga growled.
"Don't move." Kikyou warned with an arrows set on nock on her bow. "You'll be smart to try and contain your anger. Otherwise you're in for a world of pain."
"Don't make me laugh little priestess." Koga sneered. "Men! We have some lightweights to handle." With a snap of his fingers the huge gang of wolves emerged from the large double doors. Kikyou gasped in fear. "Well, little priestess. What do you have to say now?"
She didn't reply.
"Thought so." Koga confirmed.
"Keh. I got something to say." Inuyasha declared as he unsheathes his Tetsusaiga.
"Inuyasha, don't! There's way too many of them!" Sangou exclaimed.
"Koga you fool! How dare you betray me!!" Shippou yelled.
"Because you did not have the talents to be one of us!" Koga retorted. "There! Now you have it! Happy now?"
"Nope. . ." Shippou shrank.
"You fool! Your folks deserved to die because you didn't have talents in the first place." Koga strucked a nerve.
"What did you just say?"
"You couldn't contend with your parents' killer, as from what you told me." He remarked callously. "You don't even have the will to be a ninja!"
"Bastard! I'm just a child! It was nothing I could of really done to prevent that from happening. Let alone, trying to help them."
"Koga. how can you be so cold toward a child that seeks your teachings!" Kagome exclaimed. Indignant to Koga's harshness. "And you wanted me to marry you!"
"What!?" Inuyasha exclaimed. "You were going to comply to marrying him Kagome!?"
"No I wasn't Inuyasha." Kagome dismissed before regarding Koga again. "Koga, you're so cold and harsh! How can you expect any woman to accept you? I for one dislike men who are emotionless such as yourself!"
"Kagome. . . I was just-" Koga stammered.
"Inuyasha is the one for me!" Kagome declared. "He is my one and only true love!!!"
"HUH!!!? HE IS!!?" Everyone except Kagome and Inuyasha beseeched at the same time. Inuyasha was as stiff as a stone, completely flabbergast with a look of pure astonishment.
"Yes he is." Kagome continued. "And I'll do anything for my boo." She gave a pass at the gorgeous half demon. "Right Inuyasha?"
"D,duh. . .duh, duh, duh. . ."
"Is that so?" Koga growled, presenting a threat. "Well that means that I have to kill you too, Kagome! Alright men! ATTACK!!!"
"Everybody! Run for it!!" Miroku shouted as they made haste outside the cave.
Outside the wolves' den, Inuyasha devised a notion and decides to test out his Tetsusaiga on the boulders above the splayed entrance of the cave. "Okay here goes nothing!" He leaped to the ceiling of the entrance and swung his sword in wide, circular motions. Afterward, several boulders began to crumble and topple downwards to block the splayed entrance. Success! He's managed to obstruct the wolves' warpath. Behind the great mounds of rocks, several obscenities can be heard.
"There! Those guys won't be coming out of there for a while." Inuyasha snickered. "I guess this sword is pretty useful after all."
"It's getting late." Miroku noticed the sun was now setting. " We should head back to the village."
"The wolves are no longer a worry to the village." Sangou stated. "But since Inuyasha managed to defeat them they're going to devise a plan and track him down later on."
"Let those creeps try." The hanyou smirked.
"That one who rescued us?" Kikyou realized. "Is he still inside?"
"Someone rescued you girls?" Miroku questioned.
"It was another ninja." Kagome answered.
"Plus he did not say one word. Strange." Chizaki followed.
"I'm pretty sure we shall meet him again." Said Kikyou. "He may not be bad after all."
* * *
Night has fallen and the gang were now making way throughout a forest right before the village of demon slayers. At least they can now be at ease because the wolves were no longer a concern. Kikyou was trailing behind, lost in deep thought.
'The demon called Naraku. How does he know me? Most importantly, why does he oppose us?' She ruminated. 'Then there's the one whom had freed us from our prison back at the wolves' den. What's up with him?'
"Kagome..." Called Inuyasha. Kikyou rose her head from her thoughts only to see the hanyou start yet another argument with the younger girl. Her so called 'confession' must be bothering him, she thought.
Kagome didn't respond, she knew exactly what he wanted to mull over about. A vibrant blush appeared on her face. "Kagome are you listening to me?"
"Cut her some slack Inuyasha." Said Sangou. "With an attitude like that, I'll ignore you too."
"Very funny."
"Inuyasha. . ." Kagome started. "I'd said that only to dissuade Koga."
"What!? So you're telling me that you didn't mean any of that what you've said back there?"
"Inuyasha, I-I, I. . ."
"Hold it everyone!" He instructed suddenly. "Someone's nearby."
"I can sense it's ki." Kikyou followed. A hauntingly familiar energy. "It's him."
"Who's 'him'?" Inuyasha demanded.
At that moment, four shuriken came soaring out of nowhere and apprehended Kikyou by her robes and pinned her to a tree. She gasped in horror and realized that it was the work of the one that saved them back at the mountains.
"Kikyou!" Kagome shouted in surprise. She rushes over to her aid but she was suddenly apprehended in a giant net along with Chizaki, Miroku, Kohaku and Shippou. Only Inuyasha and Sangou were left standing.
"What the? What the hell's going on!?" Inuyasha demanded furiously.
"It's the one that helped us back at the cave!" Kikyou exclaimed.
Sangou brandishes her Hiraikotsu at ready. "Inuyasha! Be on your guard!" She advised. "This is going to be a tough one."
"He's close. . .very close!" Kikyou sensed.
"She's not lying. The scent is getting louder and louder." Inuyasha unsheathes his Tetsusaiga. "Okay, it's showtime."
"Are you the one that goes by the name of Inuyasha?" Queried a haunting, deep and cold voice. It sounded almost robotic-not that is was slow and without accent like one. Kikyou shivered against the tree, obviously taken by fear. The voice was the coldest she had ever heard. The voice even had a slight imposing edge over Sesshoumaru's and even the vocals of Naraku's.
"Up there!! In that tree!!!"
Kikyou was right. It was the very same person that aided them back at the cave. He stood on a branch with his hands in his pockets, taking it easy. "You're Inuyasha, right?"
"The one and only bud." Inuyasha replied haughtily. "What's up? Are you one of Naraku's lackeys?"
"If you are then prepare to be beaten." Sangou warned.
"No, I am not one of Naraku's followers." He dismissed. "As a matter of fact I have never met the creature."
"You! Who are you?" Kikyou demanded anxiously. "Why did you aid us back there only to confront us?"
"I have my reasons." He replied. "If you must know the name that I go by then very well. . ."
At that moment, all time seems to have frozen as everyone awaited the entity to reveal it's name.
"Iga. . ."
Sangou arched a brow. "Iga, huh? You must be one hell of a fighter to earn that name."
"Iga. . . as in Iga Ninjutsu." Miroku acknowledged.
"An Iga ninja, so what!?" Sangou mocked arrogantly. " You'll rue the day that you've messed with a taijiya."
"Yeah and you definitely do not want to fuck with me!" Inuyasha followed.
"That's the spirit." Iga replied calmly. "If you're up for a challenge then attack me. Bust a move."
"That's enough! Hiraikotsu!!" Sangou hurled her boomerang towards him. As the projectile sped towards him he out stretches his hand and caught it with ease.
"Good try." He uttered. "Mind if I try out your toy?" He retaliated by chucking the Hiraikotsu back at her. Much to the taijiya's surprise. Sangou was immediately frozen in fear and at the same time, astonishment.
"Sangou!!" Inuyasha yelled as he dived to tackle her out of harm's way. Just in time. The boomerang landed jutting out of the ground. "You need to be more careful."
"Thank you."
"No worries. Let me get a crack at him." He leaps in the sky to reach Iga. The ninja leaped down from the branch and met the hanyou with a dunking punch, thus knocking the hanyou back down to earth.
"He's good." Inuyasha complimented as he landed on his feet just in time.
"Hey where did he go Inuyasha!?" Chizaki exclaimed.
"Damn! He's employing his disappearing acts!" Inuyasha cursed.
"Behind you!" Kagome shouted.
Iga suddenly reappeared from a puff of mist and lunged at Inuyasha with his dagger now unsheathed. Inuyasha turned around just in time to obstruct his dagger from slashing him. They struggled in their lock of swords. Neither of them dared to leave themselves open. Inuyasha tried to do to him what he had done to the sentry earlier today. During the lock he tried to land a punch or at least a kick on Iga, but to no avail. He releases himself from the lock of swords by hopping back a few steps and successfully knocked away Iga's dagger from his hand.
"Keh. I got you now!" Inuyasha charged. Just as he was about to strike him, Iga punched him in the abdomen and it was followed by a sickening sound of electricity cracking. He finds out that his attacks contained the element of electricity in them. He faltered slightly from the shock but quickly came back with a swing of his Tetsusaiga and struck Iga across the chest.
"Impressive." Iga complimented. "That was a good blow."
"If you thought that was good then here comes another." He swung the giant fang again at the ninja. This time he wasn't successful. Because Iga had caught the blade between his hands, readying an attack reversal. He quickly released the blade and grabs the hanyou by his collar and slammed him to the ground.
"How can a mere human give Inuyasha this much trouble straight up?" Chizaki pondered.
"He's obviously not human, Chi. He's an youkai." Kikyou stated.
"You are wrong." Iga regarded. "I am not an youkai." He jumps up into a tree as Inuyasha tries to strike him with his sword while he was off guard. "Almost. . ."
"You say that you are not a youkai." Inuyasha said as he pried himself from the ground. "Are you like me?"
"Perhaps in a way." Iga replied. "Yet, I do not consider myself to be a hanyou either." Oblivious to him Sangou was behind him and she drew her boomerang and struck Iga on the back of his head. "Good one. But I am still unscathed." The attack didn't even phased him! Sangou's eyes widened in awe at the strength of this ninja. "I guess it's my turn now." He deliver a roundhouse kick towards the demon slayer and fortunately she puts up her Hiraikotsu as a means of defense. Unfortunately, the force of Iga's kick was absurdly powerful and streaks of lightning surged throughout her body as she was hurled back towards the ground.
"Sangou!!" The gang shouted.
"I'll get her." Inuyasha promised and jumped into the sky to catch the falling girl. He successfully rescues Sangou and landed back to the ground with her safe and secure in his arms.
"Inuyasha, you are quite the warrior." Said Iga as he sat upon a branch.
"You're not bad yourself." Inuyasha retorted. Suddenly he starts to experience a weird scene before his very eyes. He sensed Iga's energy and his as well. What's the meaning of this? The conflicting energies were nearly tangible. Inuyasha began to reflect on what the smithy, Totossai informed him.
"Inuyasha the Tetsusaiga is the key to realizing your full potential."
"My full potential?"
"Yes. There are things to be learned about the good ol' Tetsusaiga. The answers are closer than you think my friend."
"You don't say. You know what? You're a trip."
"I trip you not, Inuyasha. The answer could be right before your eyes. More likely in the whispers of the wind. . ."
"The wind. . ."
The wind. . .
'So this is what that old fart was talking about! I can actually see it! It looks like a scar!'
"What's the source of your delay Inuyasha?" Iga queried.
"You'll see and it will not be pretty! Kaze no Kizu!!!" The Tetsusaiga radiates with potent energy as Inuyasha swings the sword through the 'wound'. The energy streaked towards the ninja like a raging fire. At the last minute, Iga guarded his body with his arms. After the Wind Scar crashed into Iga there was no trace of him. He was defeated.
Inuyasha slumped over his sword. "Damn, he was quite a nuisance too."
"C'mon, Inuyasha I'll untie the net and you release Kikyou from the tree." Sangou instructed.
"I'm certainly glad that you did decided to take the Tetsusaiga along." Miroku stated. "And you actually once thought that it was useless."
"Keh. That was just pure luck." Inuyasha retorted. "I see now that I'm going to have to train myself to master Tetsusaiga."
"Inuyasha it's not over." Kikyou noted dreadfully. "Iga's presence is just as strong as ever."
"Huh?" They all wondered.
"She's right. You're not done with me." Iga rose from the shadows on the ground as if he were a devil spawning out of the underworld. "That was totally unexpected." The gang gasped at his now exposed appearance. A long fluffy tail waved mischievously behind him and he has the face of a tomcat! His head is round and bushy outlined with long whiskers. He is a black colored creature along with an abundance of white fur-especially at his chest. His eyes were extremely narrow slits and he had no pupils, only spooky silver colored irises. He was considerably bigger and taller than the usual cat demons that the gang knew of. Instead of being nearly five feet tall, Iga was around five feet nine inches tall, two to three inches taller than Sangou and Kikyou and slightly shorter than Inuyasha.
The girls thought he was cute but his narrow eyes gave him a menacing appearance that unnerved them.
"You? How could you survived that? You were totally off guard." Inuyasha stammered.
"Iga smiled. "I'm of the shadows. Capriciousness is my specialty." He disappeared again and this time reappeared before Kikyou and he pluckes her from the tree and held her face first into the dew dropped ground. "Well Inuyasha? Care to try that again? If not, this flower arranging girl will get it."
Kikyou struggled against the restraint of Iga's hand. "Unhand me you monster!"
"I've told you before, I am not a demon." He calmly retorted. "Now hold still."
"Iga! Let her go. Only demons does things like this." Kagome lectured as she climbed out of the net.
Kohaku took out some darts from his pockets but Sangou advised him not to. "No he's too dangerous Kohaku. One false slip and one of us may end up dead."
"Sangou. . ."
"My intent is not of killing this woman. I am not a murderer." Iga stated solemnly.
"Then let Miss Kikyou go." Miroku commanded.
"Silence. Come Inuyasha. Try that crafty technique once more."
"Damn." Inuyasha swore. "If I do it again like an ass then that means I'll kill Kikyou in the process."
"Iga! Iga! Chill out player." Chizaki conned. "What do you want?"
"Nothing. . ." He simply replied. His silver eyes gleaming mysteriously.
"You monster. The moment I pry myself from the ground I'll see to it that I make you pay!" Kikyou declared with absolute rage. For a slight moment, Iga had a look of fear on his face.
'This woman's words!' He thought frantically. 'Could it be!!?'
"I am a miko and I shall oppose all forms of wickedness!!" She continued.
"I am a miko and I shall oppose all forms of wickedness!!"
'Those words! So familiar.' He trembled. 'So she's a miko as well? I once thought that she was a flower arranger.'
"He's releasing her!" The gang exclaimed in astonishment.
"Harumi. . ."
"Inuyasha. I return your friend." He grips the back of Kikyou's blouse and lightly tossed her to the hanyou like a ball. On instinct, Inuyasha caught the miko into his arms. Iga turned away and heads for the opposite direction. "We shall meet again. Sayonara." He once again disappeared into the night.
The uncertainty of their journey grew. Once they return to the village they had a lot of thinking to do. They also needed a well deserved break.
Naraku intentions are clear but Iga's motives and agendas are largely an enigma.
END OF CHAPTER 8
NEXT CHAPTER:
~CHIZAKI~
What's up, this your girl Chi chan. Boy did that cat proved himself to be a pain. Now that we have returned to the village we have some time to lay back and relax but before we move on, we need to learn more about our adversary Naraku and possibly Iga. Damn, these guys gives me the creeps. What's this? Kikyou's is pissed off about something. She seems to be unable to heal the comatose villagers due to largely unknown reasons. Plus, Kagome's all decked out in miko clothing as Kikyou drags her into helping her.
Guess what? Miroku just so happens to be one of those comatose victims. Hmm. The smell of smoke on his breath? Miroku! You naughty boy! You shouldn't do drugs. Are you really that depressed!? Wait a minute! That's the cause of the strange incidents to the villagers as well. Uh oh! Is Naraku behind all of this. . .
. . .Or Iga?
Find out in the next chapter.
Inuyasha
Fate's Course And Forbidden Love
Chapter Nine: Soothing Relaxation & A Grating Nuisance