Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or its characters. I do own, however, the original characters: Alden, Cora, and Setsuko. Using my original characters in your own stories is not permitted, unless with my consent. Thank you.

Chapter 8

New Weapons

A crack in the earth was suddenly born. That damned spirit that was trapped underneath the earth was trying to escape. The ground continued to rip and tear open. The spirit persisted; however, with great difficulty. The earth began to quiver gently, then gradually, the intensity increased. It soon shook loudly and violently, as a devastating fiery maelstrom burst forth from the torn earth. The spirit had finally managed to erupt from beneath the surface, free from its treacherous and utmost abysmal confines.

Alden woke up in great panic, eyes frantic and shocked. He was drenched in sweat, panting, trying to regain his unsteady breath. He never felt his heart beat so fast; he grasped his chest. The nightmare was the most intense one yet.

Alden's loud thrashing and breathing awakened Cora, who was dreaming peacefully. Her dream was scattered abruptly, much to her disappointment.

"Ugh.....Alden, you okay?" she asked drowsily.

"Yeah.....I'll.....be fine," Alden told her, trying to regain comfortable breath. "Just.....a bad nightmare."

"Okay....."

Cora mumbled something, yawned, and then fell back to sleep. Alden remained awake for a while, contemplating his new nightmare and recuperating. He finally dismissed his meditation, and lay his head back down. The extreme images still remained afloat in his mind, disturbing his relaxation; they had terrified him. Slowly, he felt a calming sensation, as his body rested for a while, and he fell back to sleep.

In the morning, unusually, Alden awakened before his sister. He had disturbed her routine sleeping rhythm during the night, so it didn't surprise him. Cora was a "picky sleeper," as she called herself, so nothing could ruin her pattern of slumber. Alden allowed himself to get up gradually, and then get dressed and ready. Cora was awake by the time he had finished. She reprimanded herself for sleeping later than usual, then got up quickly and hastened to get dressed for breakfast.

In the adjacent abode, Kagome handed out the last of her snacks from her backpack, and had also cooked a soup she had learned from her mom. Alden and Cora soon entered, the aroma wafting easily through the air.

"Hm.....what's that, Kagome?" Cora asked, sitting down next to her.

"A special soup," Kagome told her. "I learned the recipe from my mom. It's almost done, so get comfortable and I'll pass it out."

Alden sat down next to Sango, she smiling instantly.

"Good morning, Sango," he said, kissing her cheek. "How did you sleep?"

"Very well, Alden," she said. "What about you? Did you have another strange nightmare?"

"Yes. As usual. But last night was probably the worst one. Very intense."

"Really?" a voice broke their conversation.

It was Myoga. He hopped upon Inuyasha's neck, attempting to draw blood for a meal, but his endeavor was thwarted. Inuyasha slapped him off before he could.

"Myoga?" Alden asked.

"Yes, Master Alden," Myoga said, recovering from the minor injury. "So, do tell about your newest dream."

"Well, let's see," Alden said, stroking his chin. "It was pretty terrifying. That demon-like person, still covered in darkness, broke through the rock that was above it, exploding through the ground. It looked as if it was underneath the earth's surface, and it finally broke through the crust."

"Is that all?"

"Yeah. That's it. In fact, I'm not really shaken up about it any more, but all I know is that it was pretty scary at the time. I was panicking."

"Hm. Interesting. This demon from beneath the earth....."

Myoga began his usual futile pondering; it always wound up to no avail, and resulted in some frustration. But nonetheless, Myoga kept at it very diligently.

After breakfast, Lady Kaede returned. She had a very despairing disposition about her, as she rode into the village on horseback. Everyone welcomed her back and asked of her travels. She responded with a grim face.

"My herbal medicine did not help the poor child," she said. "Her illness seems to be incurable."

"How awful....." one of the villagers commented. "The poor girl....."

"How sad," Kagome said, as the others approached behind her. "None of your remedies helped, Kaede?"

"I'm afraid not, Kagome," Kaede told her. "I and many others have tried all we could, but alas.....nothing has helped....."

Miroku was suddenly struck with an idea. He stepped forward to converse with Kaede about the urgent matter.

"Lady Kaede, you say no medicine seems to cure this child," he said.

"Aye," she responded.

"So, perhaps maybe then it is probable that we are dealing with something demonic or supernatural in nature? Perhaps a demon is her affliction....."

"Hm. Perhaps ye are right, Miroku. Perhaps it is the work of a demon.....trying to possess this very unfortunate child....."

"May I suggest going with you back to the village to perhaps rid the place of any demonic presences? I could try and exorcise the house and also put up a protective barrier....."

"Hm. Aye. Let us make haste then, Miroku. I fear for the child.....she appears not to have much time....."

The two thus took off quickly on horseback, leaving the village in a desperate haste.

"This will do me good," Miroku thought to himself. "I will have my mind on other things for a while. But when I come back, I must do something.....but not now. I must not think about it now.....I'm now preoccupied with another task at hand that requires my attention....."

The others watched Kaede and Miroku ride off into the distance. Sango wished she had bid Miroku farewell formerly, but she hesitated, watching his somber face grow concerned.

The two riders left the outskirts of the village, Miroku not looking back.

The day continued, Cora once again focusing her light, in an endeavor to unleash some sort of power. But nothing resulted; Cora soon became disheartened.

"I can't do this for anything!" she shouted, in an abrupt outburst while meditating. "I give up!"

"No, don't, Cora," Kagome said, trying to raise her spirits. "You have to keep trying. You'll get it."

"No, I won't."

"But look at how far you've gotten! You can shine the light from the shard now easily! You can't quit now, Cora. You have to be strong. I know plenty of times when I've wanted to quit on things, but you can never give up."

"I know.....but.....I just need to take a break."

Cora grabbed her slingshot, which was propped up in the corner of the abode. She aimed with it, mindlessly. She then noticed Kagome's quiver, which lay near her depreciated backpack, its size conspicuously shrinking due to the supply depletion. A few arrows protruded from the quiver; Cora eyed it.

"Hey, Kagome, why can't I have a weapon like you?" Cora asked abruptly. "You have a great bow and arrow.....and I have a homemade slingshot.....woohoo....."

"Well, you've made a lot of progress with your slingshot," Kagome said. "Remember the demon you slew all by yourself? That was amazing, Cora!"

"Yeah, but it was a lucky shot. I aimed it good, and hit its soft spot. But I don't think all demons have soft spots.....and I won't always be so lucky with my aim either....."

"Well, maybe we can get you a new weapon somehow. Something not too dangerous.....but something you can protect yourself with."

"Yeah! That would be great!"

"After all, we can't have you defenseless. I don't want you to get hurt, Cora."

"Thanks, Kagome. You know, you're like a big sister to me. I always wanted one."

Cora's kind comment made Kagome smile.

"Thanks, Cora," she said happily.

They both smiled.

By noon, Kagome and Cora exited the abode, after further attempting to tap into Cora's light. During this time, Cora felt invigorated; determination renewed, after talking to Kagome for a while. They enjoyed chatting together.

Kagome and Cora continued to talk as they left the abode.

"Alden needs something too.....somehow I think he was lucky too with that blast from the umbrella," Cora said.

"Yeah. That was pretty amazing too....."

"What are you two going on about now?" Inuyasha asked irritably, noticing they finally were outside.

"Oh. Hey, Inuyasha," Kagome greeted him. "Just talking."

"Feh."

"Yeah. About much needed weaponry," Cora said.

"Huh? What?" Inuyasha wondered, in obvious confusion.

"We were talking about getting new weapons for Alden and Cora," Kagome told him. "They need something to protect themselves while in this era."

"Yeah. Something better than a slingshot and an umbrella," Cora said with a sarcastic smirk.

"Feh. I'll protect you," Inuyasha muttered under his breath.

"What was that, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked. "I didn't hear you."

"Don't worry about it. I've got it. Tetsusaiga is all we need."

"I'd feel safer if they had something. I was thinking.....maybe we can get Totosai to forge something for them....."

"That senile old man?!? I wouldn't consider him to be the most trustworthy."

"But, he did forge Tetsusaiga, Inuyasha. I'm sure he could make something that could protect them, something that would be easy to use and not too dangerous."

"Feh. Don't worry about it."

"Come on, Inuyasha. Please! It's not like we have anything else to do while we wait for Miroku and Kaede to get back.....and plus, we could happen to stumble upon a jewel shard on the way there....."

Inuyasha thought about it, presenting a sort of apathetic façade, however. He decided that it was better than sitting there, perhaps allowing Naraku to gather more shards.

"Hm. Fine. Let's go," he said finally.

"Okay," Kagome said in relief. "Traveling will do us some good too."

"Yes!" Cora exclaimed. "We're going on an adventure!"

Kagome announced their plans to the others; everyone elated and invigorated to be going somewhere, free from their now monotonous village confines. Kagome gathered up her backpack and what was left of her supplies. Cora grabbed her slingshot and backpack, ensuring her notebook was inside. She told Alden to take the umbrella along in case of rain; he gave her a curious glance, wondering why she was being so concerned. He shrugged it off, and brought it along anyway.

Myoga decided that he would remain in the village, in case something suspicious was to happen with the well while they were all gone. Inuyasha commented on how he was a cowardly bug, but Kagome defended Myoga and told him that it was a good idea for him to stay behind just in case.

After everyone else was ready, they bid the villagers farewell and set off for Totosai's place. Inuyasha warned them of Totosai's senility and unreliability, and that he may not even be at his dwelling, but they wanted to leave the village for a change, nonetheless. Inuyasha admitted to himself that it would be a good refreshing change, but he secretly yearned more for fragments of the jewel. His blood hastened with anger when he thought of Naraku gathering more pieces as they walked.

Sango and Alden rode on Kilala's back, while Kagome rode her bicycle with Shippo in the basket. Inuyasha was left to carry Cora on his back; Cora enjoying the thrill of his leaps and jumps. Her eyes showed a shiny sheen of excitement, but also had a sparkle of disbelief buried underneath that would always seem to reside there. Alden shared this glint, although his was far more conspicuous at times.

Much to Inuyasha's disappointment and increasing irritation, they did not encounter any demons or jewel shards on the way to Totosai's dwelling. This began to concern the others to some degree as well, not including Alden and Cora. They were all, in some form or another, betrayed or injured by the despicable Naraku; he gave them scars that perhaps would never heal entirely. They all housed some vengeance, anger, and utterly bitter feelings, an ephemeral silence causing their minds to wander on such subjects. But their excursion from the village enlivened their hearts somewhat. Alden and Cora provided them with another source of vigor, since it was their first traveling journey through the Feudal Era, and they seemed profoundly excited.

"You okay, up there?" Inuyasha asked the smiling Cora.

"Yep. Great!" she told him.

"Good. We're almost there. Hold on tight."

By late afternoon, they approached Totosai's cave. Cora's smile and excitement had not dwindled a single iota since they left the village. Sango had enjoyed Alden's company as well as his tales from his time. They were all in general, mellow and content while stopping in front of the dwelling.

Sango and Alden dismounted Kilala, as she shrunk back into her petite form. Inuyasha let Cora off his back, while Kagome got off her bike and put the kickstand up. Shippo leapt joyfully out of the basket.

Totosai's odd-looking cow was standing just outside the cave, grazing. They figured that Totosai must have been inside, thus they proceeded to enter the rocky dwelling.

The dwindling sunlight draped over the cave opening, revealing some of the cave's insides. Totosai must have been deeper within the cave, for the light did not reveal his form. Darkness had dwelled mysteriously in the midst of the cave.

They entered the entrance, Inuyasha in the front due to his acute senses. A spark of light was soon revealed, as the group approached it with some apprehension. However, it was only a mere fire, and beside it, sat the wizened Totosai, scraping at a sword with a sharp rock. The sword he held had a unique curvature and shape, it was somewhat coiled and helix-shaped. Totosai was admiring its craftsmanship and brilliant sheen.

The fire suddenly revealed the group to Totosai; they scared him with their abrupt approach.

"Why it's the half-breed, Inuyasha!" Totosai exclaimed.

"Listen, old man," Inuyasha said, already irritated.

"Hey, Totosai," Kagome greeted him, interrupting Inuyasha. "How's it going?"

"Well. Everything's good here," he said. "Forging some weapons for some villagers. Say they came across some money and wanted strong demon-slaying weapons. They're willing to pay me generously."

"Hm. I see," Kagome said. "Got a business going, huh? Well, we were wondering if....."

Totosai abruptly turned his attention to the two strangers.

"And who are these two?" he asked, referring to Alden and Cora.

"Oh. This is Alden and Cora," Kagome told him. "They're friends.....they came from....."

"Far away, Totosai," Inuyasha intervened. "They're foreigners, old man."

Kagome deciphered Inuyasha's logic; he said that so they wouldn't have to explain the whole story to Totosai. She knew he was indeed a bit senile and very forgetful, so she allowed Inuyasha to talk.

"Oh, I see," Totosai said. "Very well then. What's your business here?"

"What do you mean, what's your business here?" Inuyasha asked vehemently. "Do you think we're going to actually pay you for what we need?"

"Well, yes....."

Inuyasha hit Totosai on the head.

"Well, that just isn't going to happen, old man."

"Inuyasha, sit boy!" Kagome said.

Her words of invocation caused Inuyasha's face to hit the rocky floor.

"Totosai, may we ask you a favor?" Kagome asked politely, after Inuyasha's smash subsided. "We need your help."

"Ah. The lady, Kagome. What is your request?" Totosai asked genially.

Inuyasha shook off his injury and stood up abruptly.

"Hey, how come.....?"

"Well, we need some weapons for Alden and Cora," Kagome told Totosai, interrupting Inuyasha. "They need something easy to use, but also able to defend themselves against demons."

"Hm. And you want me to forge something for them?" Totosai asked.

"Uh huh. Would you, please?"

"Well, perhaps. I may be able to come up with something quick. I do have plenty of time before I have to finish these weapons for the villagers."

"Oh, thank you!"

"But, what would you like me to forge? Anything that you have in mind?"

"Well, no actually. Just some weapons that are easy to use, reliable, and not to dangerous. More like last resorts for defending or warding off demons."

"I see. Hm....."

Totosai thought, while Inuyasha still remained vexed with the old man. Totosai's eyes wandered around aimlessly until they landed on Alden's umbrella. Cora had told Alden to bring it with him inside in case of rain because she didn't want to get wet. Totosai approached Alden, eyeing the umbrella.

"What is this contraption?" Totosai asked, pointing at the umbrella. "May I see it, young man?"

"Sure. It's a modern umbrella," Alden told him, handing it over to him. "From our....."

"Country," Kagome intervened. "It's from their country."

"I see," Totosai said, examining the umbrella. "It seems to be made from very sturdy material."

He held it near the fire to scrutinize it more closely. Afterward, he stood up and began to walk outside. Everyone followed behind him, exiting the cave.

Once outside, Totosai flailed the umbrella about, haphazardly causing it to lengthen and open itself.

"Ah," he exclaimed. "Very versatile.....useful.....easy to wield."

"What are you mumbling, you old geezer?" Inuyasha asked.

Totosai seemed to be ignoring Inuyasha's words, too busy engrossed in the umbrella.

"Yes, this will do. I will work on this. But now, a weapon for the girl."

Totosai began scanning the area, while musing. The others merely watched, wondering if they should've even come here, questioning Totosai's reliability. He eventually eyed Cora's enormous backpack, which was sitting by Kagome's bicycle. An idea struck him then, as he approached the bulbous satchel.

"Whom does this belong to?" Totosai asked, pointing at Cora's backpack.

"That's my backpack," Cora told him.

"Can you please empty it for me?"

"Sure, Mr. Totosai."

"Thank you, child."

Cora hastily emptied her backpack, pouring its contents into Kagome's basket on her bike.

"May I see it now?" Totosai asked.

"Sure," Cora said.

She handed it over to him. He held it in his hands, and then lifted it, as though he was weighing it.

"Very light.....good....." he mumbled to himself.

"What are you doing, old man?!?" Inuyasha demanded to know.

"Yes.....very good.....these will do....."

Totosai took the umbrella and the backpack, reentering his dwelling.

"I will begin making your weapons shortly," he told them, calling out over his shoulder. "They should be done in a day or so. I'll deliver them to you soon enough."

"I don't know, Kagome. Can we rely on Totosai?" Sango asked her.

"Um, I don't know exactly....." Kagome said, considering her hasty judgment.

"But, Kagome! He took my kitty backpack!" Cora cried, distraught.

"Feh. I knew this would happen!" Inuyasha said.

"Why did he take the umbrella and Cora's backpack?" Alden wondered. "Is that our repayment or something, or is he a kleptomaniac? Or maybe he's just senile?"

"I don't know," Kagome said.

"But, Kagome! I want my backpack!" Cora told her.

"Don't worry, Cora. We'll get it back from Totosai. He's not one to steal.....I don't think anyway....."

"Feh. I'm getting those things back!" Inuyasha said.

He entered Totosai's cave with a now enraged, harsh step. Totosai was sitting down by the fire again. He appeared to be examining the umbrella further.

"What are you doing, old man?!?" Inuyasha asked. "Give us back the stuff."

Totosai was startled, immediately turning around.

"Inuyasha? Did you want something?" he asked.

"Yeah, you old geezer, the stuff!" Inuyasha yelled.

"But I need these items to construct the weapons you want."

"Huh? What are you going on about, old man?"

"Don't you worry about it. Just get going, and I'll get them to you soon enough."

"Feh. Whatever. Senile old man."

Inuyasha left Totosai and exited the cave. He meandered over to the others and told them that Totosai required their things to build their weapons. Kagome wondered what on earth he could build out of an umbrella and a backpack? Maybe Inuyasha was correct in considering Totosai's senility; but she shrugged it off.

"We should get going anyway," Kagome said. "We should get back to village as soon as we can, just in case Kaede and Miroku return."

Everyone agreed, and thus set off again, Cora complaining slightly due to her lack of backpack. Alden hushed her, compromising with her that he'll get her a new one later. Kagome wondered to herself if the ailed girl would recover from her illness, if Miroku had been able to help her.

"It's sad....." she thought. "I hope everything will be okay."

They arrived at the village for dinner, Inuyasha grumbling something; he was obviously annoyed with the fact that they had not collected any jewel shards or met any demons on their trip. Kagome was irritated with him at first, but then began to ignore his grunting. They ate fish around a small flickering fire, Myoga asking about their journey to Totosai's.

"What I don't understand is what Totosai is doing with an umbrella and a backpack," Alden said.

"That is interesting," Myoga commented. "Well, let us not forget that Totosai is the one that forged Tetsusaiga. He is a skillful master. Perhaps he is tinkering with the items in some way to forge suitable weapons."

"That's strange. You'd have to be really innovative to make weapons out of an umbrella and a backpack with cats on it. What an eccentric old man."

"We will just have to wait and see what becomes of it."

"He told us that he'll deliver them in a day or so," Kagome said. "That's pretty quick."

"Yes, Totosai is quick with his forging, but he is not hasty. He forges with precision and meticulous hands."

"Feh. Whatever," Inuyasha grunted.

"Perhaps they will be ready some time tomorrow then."

Everyone was somewhat weary from their travels, so they conversed for a while longer and then decided to head in for the night.