Their flight to the Palace of Dekus was shorter than expected. Upon their arrival near the edge of the pond that separated them from the gate to the structure ahead, they stumbled upon something unexpected. No, it was not a happy welcoming celebration for the Princess, but instead something more alarming and frightening, if not a tad confusing.

The King, along with his loyal subjects, was gathered around the entry way, hollering profanity and insults toward a much smaller, green individual, who was slowly being lowered from the top structure by a few smaller Scrubs. It wasn't that difficult to realize that the tied up, tiny man was in fact Tingle. As he was slowly lowered into the swamp, a rather large, grayish squid looking creature with a large snout and bulging eyes surfaced from the water and circled the area impatiently, awaiting its meal.

"What's happening?" Shippo cried as he observed the scene warily.

Miroku wasn't sure, but he was beginning to feel a little anxious standing there watching. "It seems something must have happened…"

The half demon wanted to smack his forehead, but then again, he didn't mind all that much. In fact, he found it entertaining, to see the little pipsqueak dangle from the massive structure by rope, sobbing up a storm, if not a little too obnoxiously. "I knew something like this would happen…" That was mainly why he wanted to leave him there, and plus it got him off their back.

Dozens of cheers rang through the area, and as the group looked on in mild apprehension, they watched as the little Deku people raised up their spears in what seemed like enraged happiness. Though, as many called for the tiny man's end, most of the servants near his Majesty had to hold their heads, their faces contorting into pain as a unpleasant melody escaped Tingle's vocal cords; his singing and his sobs were both conjoined into one, creating quite a shrieking and woe sound.

"I need a fairy! One day it'll come to me!

Daddy doesn't believe me!

But Tingle believes!"

Even the group, who had stopped to watch in confusion couldn't help but hold their hands against their ears as the shriek deafeningly rang in the area.

"Drop him! Drop him! Drop him!" Cried the Deku guards and servants.

She couldn't take it anymore. Brushing past Inuyasha and her friends, Kagome couldn't help but jump across the wooden, unsteady platforms, with Sango and Miroku quickly following after. "We have to stop them!" She cried.

Obviously not all that concerned, Inuyasha felt his ears twitch as the loud squawking still commenced before him. He impassively watched as his friends, excluding Shippo, Kirara, Link, Serena and the little stick princess who remained beside him. "What for?"

"Otherwise he'll be fish bait," Serena explained with a roll of her eyes. "Oh my geeze…I think my ears are bleeding!" She cried painfully.

Upon noticing a familiar group of young foreigners trespass upon their swamp, the Deku people didn't bother to give them a second glance, as their entire attention was fixated on one unharmonious individual.

While the servants and guards rudely turned a blind eye to the slayer, priestess and monk, the Deku Butler, however, didn't. In fact, he was the first to hurry and greet them at the edge of the swamp. He really hadn't expected them to make such a fast return, and he realized not all of their companions were with them; at least, not that he was aware. "You have all returned?" He questioned, and when he noticed the young woman with long, silken raven hair point across the swamp, he his eyes nearly bulged from their sockets.

As the Deku Butler nearly found himself prancing in hysterics, Miroku easily managed to switch his attention to himself. "What's going on here?"

Finally calmed and settled down, the Deku Butler shook his head before turning back to observe the scene before him. "I'm afraid your friend has angered his Majesty to the point of no return…it seems…" He explained mildly disappointed. He placed a hand to his brow achingly before closing his eyes at the dreadful sound still buzzing around him and all his family members.

"So I make maps

And wait for Tingle's fairy!

Then Tingle sees a fairy boy,

With a REAL fairy!

And Tingle burns,

in JEALOUSY!"

From the sidelines, Link merely observed the spectacle curiously, but he didn't do anything about it. Rather, he remained standing beside Kirara and the Deku Princess, with Shippo perched on his shoulder staring quizzically ahead. Really, if he did intervene, he knew he couldn't possibly do so. Unless, however, he decided to scale the fortress wall and somehow leap across and grab the rope, break it, then he would, but he didn't feel up to it. His thoughts were still swirling with previous happenings, and he knew his friends…his teammates would be able to handle the matter.

"Drop him! Drop him! Drop him!" The Scrubs cheered.

Little by little, Tingle felt his heart lurch in his throat as he awaited the inevitable. Why did his big mouth have to get him into so much trouble? He wasn't ready to die yet. He still didn't fulfill his wish to be a true fairy! Nor did he ever receive his very own fairy, not like he knew he would but he still hoped!

Among the many cheers, two others joined in. A few heads even turned in their direction especially that of Tingle's. When he recognized the familiar voices joined in with the crowd's, he opened his eyes and caught sight of a familiar half demon and a small pink fairy on his silvery head. The half demon, from what he could see, was raising his hand up in unison, just like that of the guards cheering.

"I-In-Inuyasha…" Tears of joy flooded his eyes and he took in an intake of breath. Could it be…He came to rescue him?!

Serena found herself bobbing above the half demon's head excitedly. "Yeah! Drop him, drop him!" The fairy found herself sweat dropping. Hey, she was really didn't want to see the ugly little guy plummet to his death in the mouth of a squid monster, but after listening to his squawking, she changed her mind.

Everyone, except for the Scrubs, sweat dropped at the scene their two friends were creating, and it didn't help matters when the King was ushering for the two guards to hurry and cut the rope.

"We have to stop them!" Kagome cried, and at this Sango and Miroku nodded.

Before either one could make a move to put an end to the commotion, a vociferous cry echoed across the swamp, and it was so loud and high pitched that it caused all heads to swivel in the direction of the shaking and irate Princess jumping across the platforms with great haste.

"FATHER!"

His Majesty turned at the cry and immediately his eyes sparkled. As he watched his daughter leap across the wooden planks, he too ran toward her, opening his arms wide to embrace his once kidnapped Princess, but it was short lived when the young Deku pounced him to the ground. Followed after were various complaints given to him by the young Deku Princess, all of which were quite unlady like.

As if not bothered by the scene, the guards and many servants, with their attention shifted away from Tingle, turned their elated grins to the returned Princess. In a chorus, they all cheered for her safety, gathering around her and her father gleefully.

"Whoa! Did you see that Link? She attacked her father!" Shippo awed at the sight.

Because he was temporarily forgotten, Tingle frantically waved his arms in the air. "INUYASHA! INUYASHA!" He cried happily with a buck tooth smile, and when he gained the half demon's attention, along with several of the Scrubs, his happiness was too, short lived.

"Drop him! Drop him! Drop him!"

"Cut the rope!" One of the Scrubs shouted.

Before one of the guards could lower their spears to cut at the rope, another noisy voice halted their actions, and it was so frightening that their leaves shook upon their small, wooden bodies.

"STOP THAT THIS INSTANT! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! LET THAT INNOCENT MAN GO!" The Princess ordered atop her unconscious father and at this, all of the Scrubs surrounding her and Tingle scurried around to fulfill her demand. Even the monkeys gathered around her pranced in place, their expressions not very pleasing.

Eventually, after a few many scoldings from the young Princess, a woeful of cries from Tingle, everything settled down. After the quick release of Tingle, and after waiting for his Majesty to awaken, everyone stood within the Royal Chamber silently. Kagome, Sango, Miroku and Inuyasha knelt before the Throne of the King and that of the young Princess; Link, Shippo and Kirara on the other hand were the only ones who remained outside, mainly because Link didn't feel like stepping inside.

"I am forever in your debt, young travelers," The Princess exclaimed happily before the group. Turning to her father, she sent him a scornful look that had him trembling in his seat. "Father, I believe you have promised these people our family treasure. They have told me much of what's transpiring in these lands, and it is my belief we should not keep them waiting."

The King nodded. "Yes, my Princess!" His gaze flickered to the Deku Butler, who didn't hesitate to approach the group.

In his hands, he held a lush, violet pillow made from softest of silk, and lying innocently upon the cushion was a familiar pendant with a large emerald stone engraved upon its surface.

Deku Butler offered it to Miroku, who took it graciously before bowing and offering his thanks. "No, I thank you. You've encountered much danger to rescue our dear Princess; we do wish you a pleasant and safe journey," Flashing a look to the smaller individual, he leaned into Miroku and the monk couldn't help but lean down to hear. "And do take the green guy along with you…"

Miroku laughed. "Yes, it shall be done."

OOO

After being dismissed from the Palace, the group found themselves braving the trail through the forest, down a trodden path with twigs, and rocks obscuring it. The sun was nearly out of sight as the reddish sky settled to a dark hue of blues and grays. Crickets chirped and the sounds of owls in the tree tops watched them as they made their way toward an unknown destination.

The walk was quiet for the most part, and for once, without hearing the nonstop nonsense spilling from 'someone's mouth, the travelers felt a sense of relaxation and serenity pass over them. Finally, they had acquired their third pendant, and only one remained one that had been stolen back in Ikana, apparently by the one in charge or ordering the deceased thief this entire time. Whoever he was, they were sure they'd encounter him soon enough.

A grumble, a familiar grumble was heard, and the priestess held her stomach achingly. "I'm so hungry…we didn't eat lunch, did we?" She asked no one in particular. If only she had something to munch on, but her book bag was empty of anything. No ramen, no chips, nothing healthy and nothing edible…

"Tingle is hungry too."

"Nobody asked you," Inuyasha replied from ahead of the group.

Kagome leaned against her female friend as they walked together after Inuyasha. "I'm pretty tired as well. I'm guessing we're going to have to make camp soon." She didn't wish to stumble across any man eating plants, wolves or anything dangerous. She wanted to heed Jo-Ho's words.

Another moment of silence followed, and following after were many yawns, sighs and a little stumbling, mostly from Kagome and Sango, who had to hold her steady.

"I believe the boat man had offered us a place to stay until sunrise," Miroku spoke up, and at this Kagome immediately awoke with a cheer.

"That's right! We won't have to sleep outdoors!" She could already imagine it. Pillows, blankets, maybe even a bed laid out before them would await them when they arrived. Who knows, maybe he'd have food for them too.

Along the way, Inuyasha suddenly stopped before turning back to stare at one of their followers. Tingle. "What the hell are you doing? Hurry up or we're leaving without you," He called. It seemed Tingle had placed at least half the distance between himself and his friends, and from the look on the little guy's face, he couldn't help but squint.

"Tingle doesn't wish to go there!" He called back, and this only caused an awkward silence to follow.

Miroku scratched his cheek. "Why is that?"

"Are you serious? Why not?" Serena, who had been resting on Link's shoulder, cried out annoyingly.

It wasn't difficult for Inuyasha to put two and two together. "Don't tell me you're scared of him?" At the sight of Tingle trembling, the half demon merely smirked. Sure the boat man was a giant of a man, dressed in a gaudy red and white pants and a thick overcoat, and he had hair all over the place, but there wasn't anything threateningly about him, save for his bombs that is…

Tingle huffed. "Tingle wants to go another way!" Without even hearing a word of complaint from Serena, the little guy turned his back and began his departure through the trees, but he didn't get very far when he felt his feet lift from the ground. "No! No! Don't take Tingle there! Anywhere but there!"

Too late.

In but a matter of a few minutes, they managed to cross the gap of the bog before standing near the hut, situated above a suspended platform over top the swamp. And it took all of Tingle's strength to attempt any escape, but the half demon held on tightly.

"Mr. boat man?" Kagome called, and when she didn't hear a reply, she was about to climb the ladder, until the door abruptly slammed open.

"Who goes there?" A gruff voice inquired, and when the shaggy beard adult peered over the ledge from his hut, he offered a friendly wave before climbing down the ladder to greet his company. "Well, I take it, it all went well?"

They nodded, and judging by their tired expressions, he laughed.

"Well don't just stand there, git on up there and—" He sentence died in his throat. He was staring at Inuyasha, no, he was staring at what Inuyasha held by his clawed hand. "Well I'll be…Nigel, where in the God's name have you been?! Why I ought to whip you until your ass was raw!"

Everyone blinked. Who was Nigel?

Well, it wasn't too difficult to guess, since there was only 'one' person traveling with them, excluding Link and Serena of course. When their gazes landed on the still little man in the half demon's grasp, they understood.

Tingle slapped the half demon's hand away before he dropped onto his butt with a plop. Standing up, he dusted his suit off before crossing his arms and glaring at his father. Still, from the intimidating stature of his father looming over him threateningly, Tingle did not back down. He was used to Inuyasha by now that see his old man did not bother him as much.

"Well boy, you better answer yourself!"

"Tingle doesn't have to say anything!" Cried the small man with a huff.

This earned a scowl from the father figure. "Well, since you've returned home, after so long, what have you got to say for yourself? Do you know how worried you had me? I swear not a day went by where I didn't think something happened to you!"

Tingle sniffed and turned his nose in the air. "Tingle was just fine on his own! Tingle wanted to fulfill his dream!"

"Your dream?" He laughed at the absurdity of it all. "It's about time you gave up on that nonsense of becoming a fairy and take some responsibility for once!"

As the two berated back and forth, the more the group found themselves stepping away, placing distance between themselves and the family argument taking place before them. They group didn't know what to do or say for that matter.

"I can't believe it…they don't look anything alike," Kagome whispered to herself in astonishment.

"What was that?" Inuyasha leaned into her questionably. "Why would they look anything alike?"

She shook her head. "Because they're father and son, duh."

Inuyasha blinked. "Say what?" He didn't see the resemblance. Well, so the little guy had guts, running away from home to fulfill an impossible dream and now even standing up to his father.

"And for the love of the four gods, why are you still wearing that gay suit? No son of mine will parade around in such clothes!"

Tingle huffed before planting both hands on his hips, one jutted out to the side. "It's not a gay suit dad!" He moved his hands up and down his body suit to emphasize his point. "It's a fairy suit!" He was hoping this would justify everything, but it apparently didn't; it only urged a groan from his father and a stifled giggle from Kagome, who found the scene a little comical.

"Kagome?" Sango voiced, watching as the young priestess's shoulders trembled. "Are you alright?"

The priestess coughed into her hand before clearing her throat. She turned to Sango and shook her head. "No no, it's nothing."

"It's about time you pursue a career that doesn't involve you sneaking away from the house chasing fantasies!" His father roared.

"Fairies do exist!" He pointed to Serena for clarification, but the little fairy only ducked away behind Link's blonde locks.

"ENOUGH!"

Everyone flinched at the tone.

"No son of mine will act this way. Do you understand me?" He questioned his son, and when he didn't receive a reply, he kept going. "You're to take over my shop and will pursue a career that doesn't involve you becoming a fairy. As far as I know, you could be out there on some corner in town hanging with the wrong crowd!"

After a moment of intense silence still hovering around them, Serena suddenly broke the awkward tension surrounding the group. "This is a family moment. I think we should leave them," She explained and she was thankful when everyone nodded before silently slipping away.

OOO

A crackle of sparks lit the night as the group sat around the fire in silent conversation. The air was cool and they were thankful that Kagome had supplied extra blankets for her friends.

While Link and Serena were absent from the camp, gathering firewood, Kagome found herself leaning against her book bag while writing in a small pink book, otherwise known as her journal.

Dear Diary,

It seems like this journey is taking longer than expected. I still can't believe we were stolen away from the Feudal Era, but Termina really does need a savior. I'm still wondering if gathering these four pendants will be enough to save this world. Everyone else seems a little doubtful, but the Great Fairy seems to think we were brought here for that purpose.

If only we had that last pendant. Where could it be now? Nobody in our group knows who has it, and surprisingly, Sakon didn't know either. It doesn't make sense…

I'm starting to enjoy the company of Link and Serena. Though Link can be a little quiet at times, I somehow feel that he holds a lot of burdens and regrets on his shoulder. We've started talking more these days, and I feel like he has opened up to everyone, including Inuyasha.

I wonder if those two will become good friends…At least Inuyasha isn't so rough on him like before, and I don't know if my eyes are deceiving me, but I think Serena and Inuyasha are finally on good terms. Sometimes I see those two going at it, and I expect the worst to follow, but nothing. She seems to enjoy teasing Miroku and Inuyasha though.

There have been so many interesting people here, including the species thriving in the four regions. While I did not have the chance to meet the Gorons in person, I did get to know the Zoras a little bit during our short time there. I wonder how Kauji is doing?

I actually got to meet a real life princess. Sadly I never got her real name, but she was beautiful. There were so many petals and blossoms on her flowery gown, and I actually had the urge to reach out and touch them, but I don't think I would have. I wonder how Link got a picture of her on his camera? There are still so many things about him that remain a mystery to me. He's told me of his home life, how he used to be a hero, but still. I want to know more about him…

Lately, he's been a little quiet, and I'm starting to wonder if it has anything to do with Sakon's defeat. After leaving the Deku Palace, he hadn't said anything, and I think Serena seems to know what's bothering him since they are rarely inseparable. Maybe I should ask her…

Pausing from her writing, the priestess stretched her arms above her head before closing her book and returning it to the safety of her bag. After which, she turned to Sango, who was busily roasting some mushrooms and fish over the crackling fire before them. "That smells good."

Sango smiled. "They're just about done."

"I wonder what's keeping Link and Serena," Kagome wondered aloud, and at this the slayer couldn't help but chuckle, causing her friend to stare in confusion. "What?"

"It's just, you seem like you're always wondering about him," Sango explained, and at this, Kagome felt her face flush under the moonlight.

"No…it's not like that…"

Miroku wasn't hard of hearing before he found himself also chuckling along with the slayer. "What's this? Do my ears deceive me or could it be our fair priestess has a crush? And on Link?" He teased aloud.

"What? No! I don't!" she replied before waving her hands in front of her embarrassingly. "Come on, stop joking."

They didn't believe her.

"B-besides, we haven't even known each other that long and … " She allowed her eyes to roam anywhere but at their piercing gazes before she suddenly realized they were missing another person. "Hey, where did Inuyasha go?"

Miroku leaned back against the stump with a small sigh before closing his eyes. "He went to fetch Link and Serena a while ago."

"He did?" Curiously, Kagome scooted closer to her female friend as she turned the mushrooms and fish every so often. "Hey, Sango."

"Yes?" The slayer asked before turning her utmost attention to Kagome.

For a moment she wondered if she should say anything, but given that it had been on her mind since this evening, she badly wanted to know. "Well, do you think Link's being strangely quiet lately?"

"Are we on the topic of Link again?" Miroku asked teasingly.

Kagome blushed. "It's not like that!" She explained awkwardly. "I was just…concerned is all. He seemed…different after returning to the witch's house earlier today is all."

Sango frowned at this. If she had to guess, she probably knew the reason, but then again, she didn't know the mechanisms of how Link's brain operated. He did, after all, lose his life for a short time only to come back and slay the horrid bastard. She was sure a great many thoughts were running through his head. "I'm sure he just has a lot on his mind. I wouldn't worry too much about it," She reassured.

"Hmm…"

OOO

While she quietly watched her partner aimlessly gather the small pieces of sticks lying on the forest ground, the little fairy, Serena found herself sighing loudly. "I think we have enough…lets head back to camp," She tiredly voiced to her companion.

"I've been thinking about this for a while…"

"About what?" She asked.

Turning around, he looked the small fairy in the eye before looking away dismally. He'd already decided, he thought. "I think…it would be better if I finished this journey alone…"

Serena almost did a double take. "Huh? Wait, what? Why?"

"Because for one, they shouldn't even be here…nor should I. Do you know how many times their lives were at stake?" He asked. He knew very well. He almost lost Sango, Kagome, Kirara, and that even included Tingle. If it was something that had to be done, he'd rather do it himself.

"But we need them! Didn't we all agree to work together to help the Great Fairy?" She asked worriedly.

He nodded. "Serena…Sango nearly lost her life…" He began, and at this, Serena immediately quieted. "If I hadn't had that Healing Fairy…she would have lost her life, and by a man who's life I ended shortly after."

"You killed him? Healing Fairy? Wait, you guys never mentioned any of that. What exactly happened between you three?" She circled him, but he only remained quiet.

OOO

It was at this moment that Inuyasha had finally caught up with the young swordsman. Of course he had been following the boy's smell since he last disappeared from camp to gather firewood, but at the high pitched voice from the little fairy ahead, it made his job much easier.

He had only caught half of what the little fairy was saying before he pressed himself up against a tree. They seemed to be in a serious conversation, and what was up with Link looking so gloomy?

"What the heck are they talking about?" He muttered to himself.

OOO

"I think…we should go our separate ways…" He replied before turning away from his fairy friend and down the misshapen path toward camp, but his path was soon blocked by an irate and desperate fairy.

"But they're our friends! Friends stick together!" She explained.

Pausing in his strides, Link lowered his head. That was true…they were… Sighing, the boy returned his gaze back to hers. "They…" He paused. "Are not friends of mine."

"What…are you saying? Link?"

"It's better this way. They take their own path and we take ours." It was simple. Link knew this was for the best. It had to be. Maybe then, no one else would get hurt.

"How can you say that?"