As the night waned on, Link placed Kagome down in the gorge, a safe distance away from the river. Although it would have taken him a good while to get back, he was tired. He knew the others would come, so there was no point in going further. This was the safest place in Ikana.

Taking a deep breath, he sat down with his sword ready in his left hand. The air was chillier than usual, and he frowned at the woman beside him. At least she was safe now. Knowing the thief was notorious for kidnapping and stealing, he could only imagine what might have happened to her had they arrived late.

A soft snore alerted the boy that Shippo was somewhere close to the maiden asleep, though he didn't bother looking. Serena had also fallen asleep, and he suddenly yawned. Link leaned against the canyon wall and rested his hand on the hilt of his sword. All the while, he remained awake, listening to the whispers on the wind.

About ten minutes later, a shadow flew overhead, and he saw the familiar faces of his companions.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Inuyasha's voice vociferated in the lobby of the Stock Pot Inn. His golden eyes narrowed threateningly toward Shippo and Link.

The moment he woke up from a strange dream, he found the old lady staring him down near his bedside. After a few minutes of awkward conversation, he learned that both his companions went off in search of their three missing friends. Of course he hadn't known, and when he heard from Miroku, the moment he and Sango returned, that Kagome had been kidnapped, he flipped.

Not only did that upset him, but to hear that one of his teammates didn't tell him, it made him even more irritable. "Are you both stupid or what?"

Miroku felt sympathy for the two, but Inuyasha made a valid point. "If you had told us, we would have helped," he explained as he sat on the cream-colored sofa. "You should have come to us the minute it happened. Going off on your own like that and so suddenly was dangerous."

Embarrassed, Shippo lowered his head. He blamed himself for not telling them. "I'm sorry. But, I couldn't let him get away, and Link was there!" He pointed toward the boy beside him, who at the moment was having a staring contest with Inuyasha. "She's safe now!" Why couldn't his friends see that? A while ago, he explained to everyone that he couldn't locate Sango or Miroku, and that Inuyasha was ill, but apparently that wasn't a good enough excuse.

Sango, who'd been standing in the hallway for some time, sighed. She'd been standing there listening to Inuyasha and Shippo argue for a good ten minutes. Though she didn't blame Shippo for going off after Kagome, she was still bothered by the events. Sango hadn't known that there had been recent kidnappings in Clock Town. If she'd known earlier, then she would have accompanied Kagome.

Shaking her head as Inuyasha continued his rant; she turned and ascended the stairs to Kagome's room. When she stood before the door, she entered softly so as not to wake her friend. They'd been fighting all night, and if they continued, then Kagome would no doubt wake up, as well as everyone else staying at the Inn. After what she must have gone through, she needed her rest.

As soon as the door closed silently behind her, she walked herself over to the other bed in the room, directly across from hers, before shedding her clothes. While she took her time slipping in to her regular attire, she couldn't help but worry about what might have happened.

'I sure hope she's okay.' Even as those thoughts ran through her mind, she couldn't help but frown. Sighing, she slipped under the covers and blew out the candle on the nightstand for the night.

"And you let him get away?! What the hell is wrong with you?"

Miroku sighed as he scratched his head awkwardly. Of course, he was every bit worried about his female friend, but he'd rather deal with all the arguing in the morning. Not only that, he was sure the neighbors could hear the ruckus from the Inn.

"Inuyasha," he called, earning the half demon's attention. "Why not continue this in the morning? It's late and I'm sure Anju and Kafei are trying to sleep."

With one last glare at the boys, Inuyasha turned his back on them and marched himself up the stairs. Heck, he was tired of looking at their faces for the night, anyway. "Fine by me!"

"But we saved her, Miroku!" Shippo whined as his emerald eyes watered toward the monk. "Really! Why are you all angry?" The child couldn't understand.

Again, the monk sighed before bending down to ruffle his hair. "We'll talk about this in the morning." He didn't blame Shippo, as he was only trying to look after Kagome's safety. Still, he was worried that something else might have happened to the young priestess.

"Miroku—"

"I'm not sure what took place before you and Link rescued her, but Inuyasha is deeply upset. Let's discuss all this in the morning. Get some rest. The two of you," He said, before disappearing after Inuyasha, upstairs.

With tears brimming in his eyes, Shippo sobbed. "I don't get it," he muttered. The tyke's eyes fell on Link, who at the moment was holding onto Serena's wings as she struggled in the air. "We saved her."

While the fairy continued throwing insults about a stupid half demon and what not, Link let his eyes drift the kit by his feet before frowning. "Don't worry," he explained before walking toward the door leading outside. Before his hand could reach the knob, there was a tug on his pants.

"Where are you going?"

"Out," Link muttered before exiting the Stock Pot Inn. As he was halfway out, he glanced back toward the child, who stared solemnly at him. "You should get some sleep. You used a good portion of your magic today, I'm sure you're exhausted." After that, he closed the door behind, leaving Shippo alone in the lobby.

In the dead night, a silhouette of a cloaked figure shrouded in the darkness stood upon the base of the Clock Tower, waiting. If anyone looked up, they would first see nothing out of the ordinary. However, it was easy to discern the glowing red eyes from the black of twilight.

A figure stepped out of the shadows before the cloaked person, seemingly out of breath from exhaustion. The reason for his fatigue was likely because of running from the canyon at a breakneck pace. Sakon, the man who mugged the townspeople and kidnapped the innocent, retrieved from his pocket a small object. This object emanated a mystifying glow that intrigued the person to whom he was offering it to. Hesitantly and with shaking hands, he placed the orb in to the person's outstretched hand.

"You did well," a husky voice replied. This figure gazed upon the object in his hand with great interest. "I assume you want your reward?" Red eyes fell upon the shaking man, whose eyes were wide with fright but with a hint of anxiousness.

"Yes, but—"

Arching a brow, the hooded figure placed the orb in to his pocket before walking over toward the trembling man, who fought to control his urge to run. "Relax, why do you fear me?" It was more of a statement than a question. "I have another job for you," began the person. "Your reward will be doubled, but only if you do this one small favor."

The man gulped before nodding. "Of course. Whatever you say."

A smirked grazed this figure, whose face was shrouded by shadow. "Good."

A startled gasp escaped the priestess, who woke with quite a fright. The patterned blanket that warmed her through the night sailed through the air. Her ebony hair was tangled and her mouth agape. Involuntarily, she placed a hand to her aching head, flinching the moment her fingers grazed her skin. Everything from last night came back to her, and she trembled suddenly.

"What happened to her? Where was she?"

Placing her feet on the floor, she was bewildered when she noticed she was in the Inn room Anju had given her and Sango during their first stay. Of course, she wondered how she got back. She realized she was alone in the room, and the bed across from her was nicely made.

At the moment, she was safe, and she knew her friends must have saved her. However, her mind returned to the fact that she couldn't remember anything except for that man attacking her and forcing her to drink something awful. After that, everything had gone black and now she woke up in the Inn with the sunshine pouring through the windows.

Kagome dreaded what might have transpired after her world went dark so suddenly. Subconsciously, she placed her hand on her belly, hoping that her thoughts were wrong. Oh, god… Please tell me he didn't do any permanent harm…

The door to the room opened, and she shifted her attention to the female figure standing in the doorway; Sango. A small smile graced her lips, and she entered slowly before throwing her arms around the girl.

"Sango, what happened?" She asked.

Removing her arms from her friend, Sango moved away before frowning. "Kagome, you were kidnapped," she replied. For a brief second, she wondered if she'd somehow forgotten. "Don't you remember?"

Kagome nodded. "Yes. I remember that, but what happened?" Her tone took on a more serious one with a hint of fear. "I blacked out after he force fed me something, but I can't remember anything after that. Sango, was I… I wasn't…" The young woman found it hard to say that she may have been raped. Tears fell from her eyes, and her body trembled.

"I'm not sure, to be honest," the demon slayer began before rubbing her arm soothingly. "Link and Shippo saved you last night," she explained, watching as her friend blinked at the names. "Kirara led us toward the canyon where we found you, along with Shippo, Link and Serena. We were surprised you were so far from town."

Hearing this piece of news, Kagome stood with help from Sango. "Where's everyone at?"

"Down in the dining room. We were about to get something to eat, so I came up to see if you were awake," she explained. The older woman noticed the sadness in the young priestess's eyes. "I can bring it up to you if you like. I'm sure you're tired."

"No, I'll go down. Yesterday was our last day to stay here, and I don't want to burden Anju and Kafei any longer." With a few stumbles, she exited the room, with Sango following close behind.

Noises drifted to her ears as she descended the stairs. A few times, she had to steady herself with the railings, and she refused any kind of help from Sango. Sure, she was stubborn, but she felt it was her fault for getting kidnapped. Here she was again, hindering her friends.

Today was a great day to go out in search of another pendant, but and she would not let Inuyasha tell her otherwise. She knew her friend was overly protective of her, but it was her decision to do what she wanted. Kagome hated taking orders from others, especially where her friends were concerned.

As soon as she was on the first floor, she walked the halls toward the dining room, passing granny's room on her way. When she finally stood before the door with the most clatter coming from it, she entered with a sense that nothing happened. Unfortunately for her, the moment she stepped one foot inside, the sound dissipated and all eyes shifted her way.

Gulping, she took a deep breath before waving at her friends. "Good morning, everyone! Sorry I slept in," she laughed before taking a seat near Miroku, who lowered his utensil.

Anju and Kafei, who were chatting with their guests, looked at the young woman with sympathy. They were informed the moment they woke this morning that she had been kidnapped. The couple kept their mouths shut, especially when they noticed the bruises on her wrist.

Brimming with enthusiasm, she greeted every one of her companions; her smile etched on her face forcibly. "It's such a beautiful day!" She said, as she accepted the bowl of hot oats from Anju.

Sango sat next to the priestess, and she frowned at her odd behavior.

"Kagome," Miroku began with puzzlement. "Are you okay?" He asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder lightly. To see his friend smiling as if nothing happened worried him, but he knew she was putting up a false front.

She nodded her head; her smile baffling both Inuyasha and Miroku. "Of course! Why wouldn't I?" She asked with a laugh. As she went about eating her breakfast, she couldn't help but feel their eyes on her. Looking up, she turned her gaze to Inuyasha, who sat directly across from Miroku. "Where's Link and Shippo?" she asked as she looked around the room.

"Well, Shippo is outside somewhere, and Link," Miroku paused, earning a questionable stare from both females. "He disappeared last night. I searched around, but I couldn't find him." He was pondering if perhaps the interrogation from last night might have caused him to leave.

"Who cares! I don't even know why he's journeying with us in the first place!" Replied Inuyasha.

Worriedly, Kagome stood and excused herself from the table, only furthering everyone's confusion. The second she went to reach for the knob of the door, Inuyasha shouted.

"Where the heck are you going?" Already standing, he made his way across the room, his expression angered.

Already knowing where this was leading, the young woman merely shook her head. "Just out for some fresh air is all," she explained, but the look her friend sent told her otherwise.

Annoyed by her cheery attitude, the half demon grabbed her wrist and started pulling her back to the table. "Oh no you don't! Are you trying to get yourself kidnapped again?" He asked sternly. When he felt a tug, he glared at her. "Kagome!"

"No!" Her voice screeched suddenly, and she pulled her wrist free, before holding against her chest as if it were burned. Kagome's brown eyes were wide, and a hint of fear etched her face.

Upon seeing this, Sango left the table and approached her. It wasn't hard to see that Kagome was still affected by last night's event. Though she'd never gone through the same situation as she, the slayer had a pretty good idea of what she was experiencing. As soon as she stood beside her friend, she placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"Are you okay? Maybe you should go back to bed," She urged.

"I'm fine," Kagome explained, though she refused to meet either Inuyasha's or Sango's eyes. "There's nothing to worry about. I won't go far."

"You're not fine. Look at you!" He pointed toward her frail figure and her pale complexion. "You're completely shaken up!"

Kagome refused to listen. "I'm telling you I'm okay, Inuyasha. Really!" The young priestess's gaze fell on the others at the table directly behind Inuyasha; they were watching closely. All she wanted to do was go out and get some air, not be locked up in the room, where she knew she would only dwell on her emotions. She didn't want that. "I'm going out and that's that!" Sure, she knew she was being unreasonable, but she hated it when others gave her orders.

Fed up with her impudence, Inuyasha growled. "The hell you are! If you're so damn insistent, then I'm coming with you!" There was just no way in hell he was going to let her go off on her own. Knowing her, she'd just end up kidnapped again. "And don't go acting like everything is okay!"

"What?" Her eyes grew wide.

"You heard me!" He replied with a grunt. "You were kidnapped and you're just acting like everything is right with the world! Pisses me off!" He clarified with a snarl. "Just look at you—"

"Shut up!" she bellowed with unshed tears. She swallowed a lump in her throat. "Just stop it, okay!?" Kagome didn't want to hear it, because she knew if she did, then she wouldn't be able to stop the tears. The priestess covered her ears, with her face turning red.

Annoyed, Inuyasha took an intimidating step toward her. "No!" he responded, quite aggravated by her words. "What the hell, Kagome?! After what happened, how can you just act like everything is fine?" He asked. He knew he was going too far, but he had to get it through her head. "You're just asking for it! Do you want to get abducted again?"

For a while, she was quiet. Still, she refused to look him in the eye or anyone. First, she was embarrassed about the entire situation, and second, she felt like a part of her was gone. "I don't need protected twenty-four seven!" Kagome was not completely helpless, and she refused the very idea of having a bodyguard in her shadow.

"The hell you do!" He blurted, watching as her eyes were set ablaze. "Every single day I have to save you! You're always getting in to trouble!" His words hit hard.

Those who had been in the room felt an awkward silence fall over them. Sango, who had been standing near the priestess, wanted to shut Inuyasha up, but she knew his words were true. Kagome would always get herself in trouble, but not on purpose.

Silenced by his words, Kagome's eyes fell downcast. A tear fell from her eyes, and her face reddened in shame. "So I'm a burden, is that it?" She asked, though she didn't wait for a response. Without looking back, she ran out of the room, ignoring the yells from her friends.

Realizing too late, Inuyasha cursed. As he was about to head out, a hand stopped him. "Sango?"

"I'll go find her," she explained. Sango excused herself from the room.

Anju and Kafei glanced at one another.

Shippo kicked the rock at his feet lazily. His head was downcast, and a frown marred his youthful face. Currently, he was walking around north Clock Town. He'd left the Inn around nine in the morning. Inuyasha was still upset about what he'd done, and Shippo just didn't understand. In all honesty, he thought he did the right thing.

"It's not fair," he muttered. No matter what he did, he was always picked on by the older half demon. Just because he was small, didn't give Inuyasha the right to bully him.

To top that, even when he tried to do the right thing, Inuyasha continued tormenting him. There were times back in the Feudal Era when Kagome wasn't around where Inuyasha would laugh at him, especially when he was trying to introduce himself to a girl. Not only that, but he'd steal his share of food, though Kagome always sat beside him; that would always make him feel a little better.

Sighing, the child kicked at the dirt. Strangely, he wondered why he returned to this part of town. Only last night did that strange man kidnap Kagome, and here he was walking around the area. A laugh brought him out of his pondering, and he looked up to see who it was.

Across the dirt path leading to the Great Fairy's fountain, Shippo noticed a group of children around his age playing together. There were five, and they were all wearing matching blue bandanas on their heads, except for one whose was red. They wore blue and white shirts and short pants which were questioning to the child. With a small distance separating them, he noticed numbers, similar to those in Kagome's trigonometry book, on each of their backs.

Shippo realized they were all identical. Sure, he'd heard of twins before, but to see five kids with the same faces was just mind blowing. They hadn't noticed him, as they had their backs to him. He debated whether to introduce himself, but he thought better of it. Shippo was too depressed to talk.

As he was about to turn and leave, a shout was heard, and Shippo stopped and glanced over his shoulder warily. From his line of vision, a boy with a red bandana approached him.

Not a moment later, he stood before him. "Hey you! What's your name?" The boy questioned while he scrutinized Shippo from head to toe. "You're not from around here, are you?"

Blinking, Shippo shook his head. "No. My name is Shippo," he replied. "Who are you?"

The boy stepped back and snapped his finger. As if on command, each of the boys leaped from their spot in the background and stood beside their leader; their arms were crossed, and their expressions were serious. "We are the Secret Society of Justice!" He exclaimed with pride. Smirking at the boy, he pointed toward himself. "My name is Jim, and I'm the leader."

Scratching his head, Shippo nodded. "Hi."

"Say, what are you? You're not like us, and yet you're not like any of the other races outside of town," questioned Jim.

"I'm a demon," he explained, most of which perplexed the children. "I'm not from around here."

Waving his hand as if dismissing him, Jim smirked. "How would you like to join our group?" Jim didn't care what specie he was. Besides, he certainly looked human enough.

Shippo canted his head. "What do you do?"

"We help others out," replied a boy to Jim's right. "That's what the Bombers do!"

Again, Shippo blinked. "Bombers?"

Jim nodded. "That's what we go by."

As he listened to the kids, Shippo wasn't sure what to say. He had never been part of a group with other children his age, and the thought excited him a bit. However, the child wasn't sure whether to accept. It was a little sudden. "I don't know. I'm a little busy," he explained.

Somewhat saddened by this, Jim nodded. "I see. Well, if you ever find the time, let us know. We're currently looking for new members to join," he explained, before sighing. "Gee, and here I thought we had another member." The child pouted.

Shippo was about to apologize for turning them down when he suddenly noticed a shadow tower over him from behind. Glancing over his shoulder, he nearly gave a start when he saw Link regarding him with an arched brow and a hand on his hip. "Link? Where were you?"

An intake of breath was heard from Jim as all the other members gasped in complete shock. "Link?" His eyes were wide and his mouth agape. "Is it really you?" The boy questioned as he took a step forward, most of which baffled Shippo, who stared between the two.

Link nodded toward the boys, who all at once circled him. They were smaller than Link, only because they were at least twelve years old.

"Where have you been all this time? You just up and disappeared on us," Remarked one boy curiously. "You look so much different."

"And your hair is longer!" replied another youth.

Perplexed, Shippo couldn't help but wonder how Link knew them. Of course, it wouldn't have surprised him if he were friends with them. There was a lot Shippo didn't know about the green warrior. "Link, you know them?"

Jim turned toward the boy and grinned. "Of course! He's an official member of our group!" he explained with much enthusiasm. "Actually, he graduated some years ago." Jim remembered that day well. Link had aided all the citizens in Termina and was offered a higher position in the group. Sadly, he declined and left that day after the festival.

The kids circled around Link, nodding vigorously. "That's right!" They exclaimed in unison.

Shocked, the tyke looked upon Link with wonder. "I didn't know." Somewhat jealous of him, Shippo bit his lip, all the while his tail twitched. Only last night, Shippo had grown kind of fond of the boy, though he rarely talked to him, or anyone.

However, his kindness lifted his spirits, and it was when he fought in the canyon that he truly admired the boy. "I wanna join!" He looked to Link for permission, though he wasn't really paying attention.

Thrilled, Jim turned his attention away from Link and bounded to the lad. "That's great! All right! Line up, guys!" Jim ordered, watching as all his members lined up on each side of him. His eyes turned to Shippo. "If you can find all five of us by tomorrow morning, I'll teach you the code!"

Bewildered, Shippo was hesitant. He knew his friends were likely waiting for him to return so they could continue their journey, but he didn't want to go back yet. Not wanting to keep the boy waiting, he nodded. "Alright!" If all he had to do was catch them, then that was easy. Catching them would be a piece of cake!

Inuyasha marched himself out in to the streets of Clock Town. Shippo and Link had not shown up for hours was irritating him to no end. Not only that, but Kagome had yet to be found, and this only furthered his anger. The guards stationed around the town explained that no one had left the town, so he knew she was still in the area somewhere. Because Kagome wanted space, Inuyasha let her. He wasn't in the mood to be sat, especially after what he said earlier.

"Damn it!" He cursed as he crossed the paved path of south of town. The clock, which towered over him and the town, baffled him. The letters painted on the wooden surface were unrecognizable to him. It was as if they were written in some unknown language.

Inuyasha was unsure of what the time was, and so he turned his sights toward the sky. Little use that did! The freaking eclipse was still there, however, the sun was high in the sky; showing that it was at least noon, and the sky was blue again.

On his way to wherever, Inuyasha walked past a few workers, who appeared to by lazing around near the food stand to his right. He didn't know where he was going, but he needed a little time to think. Sighing, the half demon placed both his hands behind his head as he walked around the town.

As he walked around the Clock Tower and up the ramps, Inuyasha found himself in north Clock Town. Almost immediately, Inuyasha remembered that this was where the Great Fairy's fountain was located. He wondered what she was up to, but of course, he really didn't care. The area was completely vacant except for the guard stationed near the exit leading to the Snowy Mountains.

Straight ahead of him was a big red box, most of which puzzled the half demon, though he spared it a second glance. Again, he continued on his path toward the other exit, which led to another part of the town. He hadn't explored that area yet, or at least that's what he thought. Before he could manage another step, something behind him fell. Curious, he turned around and glanced down.

No bigger than him, but small enough to reach his knees, Inuyasha noticed a short, paunchy man garbed in a one-piece green suit. He was strange looking, that was for sure. This small man's suit clung to his figure tightly, showing off his medium-sized gut and rather big backside. The outline of his chest was seen, making him freakier.

This person's ears were hidden behind the strange hat that pointed at the top and was also connected to the suit he wore. Red underwear overlapped the garment, revealing a big booty and bulge, and a brown leather belt held the entire outfit together. There was even a round watch around his neck, dangling by a silver chain.

Inspecting this strange dwarf closer, Inuyasha watched as the man, who at the moment was on the ground, picking up his parchment and bottles of ink that lay scattered at his feet. His face was hidden from view, so this made Inuyasha even more curious. He couldn't figure out just what he was. Yes, he was an inhabitant of this town, or so he assumed, but he saw no one like him, especially someone so small.

The short man, noticing a figure standing over him, glanced up with wide eyes and his mouth agape, showing off his sparkling buck teeth. Bushy black eyebrows were above his slanted, sparkling, dark eyes. This green man's face was oval shaped and his nose fairly large and red. To top that, his cheeks were rosy as if he wore makeup; Inuyasha didn't bother asking. Last, a mole lay under his lip, just above his black goatee.

Surprised to see such a fella, the green garbed man hurriedly picked up his belongings and smiled before the half demon. "Hi!"

Not sure what to say, Inuyasha squinted his eyes at the man. "Hi..." Knowing he had somewhere else to be, Inuyasha walked away from the little guy, much to his surprise. 'What a strange person,' He thought. The sound of pitter patter sounded from behind him, and he glanced over his shoulder in mid walk. "What?"

Brimming with delight, the strange man ran around Inuyasha, causing him to stop and stare at the man with confusion. As soon as he stood before the tall man with silver hair, he awed. "You're not human!"

"Gee, what gave me away?" Inuyasha nearly rolled his eyes, watching as the little man eyed him from head to toe. "Do you need something?"

The green guys nodded his head vigorously. "I'm Tingle! And I'm a fairy! But I'm actually thirty-five, and a fairy hasn't come to me yet, so I help my father sell maps!"

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes as he crossed his arms. "Uh… why are you even talking to me, pip squeak? I didn't ask to hear your whole life's story."

Tingle ignored him and continued scrutinizing him. "I see you're not from around here," he explained. "Could Tingle interest you with a map, sir?"

"I don't need no stinkin map."

Tingle nearly gasped from shock. Why, everyone he knew bought his maps. "But everyone loves Tingle's maps!" The little man began jumping in place as he pulled out a few maps to the half demon. "They're the best maps in the land! They are the most accurate, and every good traveler must have one!" Tingle ceased his jumping and gazed hopefully toward the man he wished would buy his maps. "Buy a map of Clock Town, and I'll give you one of Woodfall for free!" He knew no one could turn down such a deal, and besides, this was Tingle's bargain day special.

Annoyed, Inuyasha brushed past the strange thirty-five-year-old man. "Get lost!" He didn't have time to deal with a man who thought he was a fairy.

From behind him, he heard Tingle following. "It would make Tingle thrilled if you would buy one of Tingle's maps!"

Aggravated, Inuyasha stopped and turned toward Tingle. "Why the hell are you talking in third person? And I said get lost, fairy boy!" If he didn't leave him alone soon, Inuyasha was going to hurt him.

Hearing this, Tingle gasped, but not in the hurt kind of way, rather it was just the opposite. "Does Tingle really look like a fairy?" Before Inuyasha knew what to think, the green man began twirling on his dainty small feet. The man was grinning from ear to ear and his face reddened with embarrassment.

Feeling a twitch develop, Inuyasha glared. The stupid man was supposed to be offended and leave him alone. "No! You look like a middle-aged man with no life, and probably no girlfriend either! Now leave me the heck alone!" With that said and out of his system, the half demon turned his back to the man and continued on his way to find Shippo and Link. 'I don't know why, but he really pissed me off.'

"Wait!" Tingle's voice shouted from close behind. "At least let Tingle bless you with my magic words!"

"Shut up!" Inuyasha growled, his anger heightening.

Not dropping his renewed enthusiasm, Tingle leaped in to the air over the half demon's head, which cause him to look up. "Tingle blesses you!" Confetti and strange sparkles fell upon the half demon who ceased walking. The moment Tingle touched the ground, he twirled. "Tingle, Tingle, kooloo-limpah!" His hands reached for the sky and his mouth opened with joy.

A rock soared through the air and whacked Tingle across the face. No sooner than that happened, Tingle found himself on the ground, sporting a rather large bruise. Sitting up and shaking away his dizziness, Tingle watched as Inuyasha marched away. Placing a hand to his mouth, Tingle whispered to himself, "Tingle has a friend…"

As soon as the half demon reached the exit, he thanked god or whoever for letting there be no one there, save for the guard, but he was quiet. Seriously, Inuyasha thought he'd pulled his hair out if he spent one more second around the strange man who thought he was a fairy. Well, he was sure he learned his lesson about bothering others. And what was the deal with the maps? As far as he knew, Inuyasha didn't need a map to know where he was going.

As he sauntered by a few shops, he stopped and sniffed. "This place is just plain weird to begin with." The smells assaulted his nose, and he released a sigh. "What else is going to happen today?" he muttered to himself briefly.

A childish scream reached his ears, causing them to twitch. Just as he heard that, a shadow fell over the half demon, and he looked up. A curse left his lips as he ducked out of the way as a kid jumped from the top of the bar's roof top. The child landed, stumbling a bit before dashing down the stairs toward south of town.

"What the hell?!"

Before he could continue, something hard connected with his head and he gave a "oomph!" before falling back on his butt. Blinking, he watched as a child with a familiar tail sailed across the air, holding on to what appeared to be a chicken. The chicken flapped about wildly. Before Inuyasha could yell insults, Shippo scampered away toward south Clock Town.

"What just happened?" Realization hit him and he waved his fist in the air. "Shippo, you little runt! Get back here!"

The guard stationed a few feet away chuckled at the half demon. "Kids these days!" When he noticed the glare sent his way, the guard cleared his throat, but his smile remained.

Glaring at the soldier, Inuyasha dusted the dirt from his clothes and turned his back to the man and walked toward the Inn. He was growing very annoyed. The minute he got his hands on the brat, he was in for it. Today was not his day.