Frost-Bite

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inu Yasha or the Yu Yu Hakusho the Anime/Manga or their characters.

Meanings:

`Thought'

"Speech"

Beast

When you see something like this "Oh come on… " (Its a word drawn out: Like soooooo)

Chapter 15

'Journey'

Shippo was tired, he's been flying for days now and he entered the northern territories hours ago. He had to stop for food and to rest. His yoki was getting dangerously low, he knew better than to ignore this. Fishing was easy, he didn't need to cook it but he admitted it did taste better. Now there were no ponds or creeks he could fish from so it left him hunting whatever he could catch. Hopefully small enough to fill his stomach twice over. He knew when he was flying hunting ducks or other fowl flying next to him was easy. They never noticed him which was their downfall. He snatched two out of mid air breaking their necks before a squawk could be heard.

Now rabbits were fast, faster than him, but with Kagome showing him how snares worked he enjoyed catching rabbits for the stew Kagome would often make. Tonight was one of those nights he wished he was with her he really missed her and the way she would hold him. Shippo knew he was growing. The kitsune teachers at school said they wouldn't be surprised the next time Shippo came back to school he would have a growth spurt and possibly earned his second tail with the way his friends and he kept battling foes. Shippo would be really happy if he earned his second tail, the first one doesn't count since he was born with it.

He wanted to make Kagome proud she always loved when he passed a quiz, even if it meant teasing Inu Yasha. His stomach grumbled bringing him out of his thoughts his stomach squelched for a few seconds making a sheepish grin Shippo rubbed his belly before looking down where he placed the snares. He always stayed down wind, so the animals couldn't detect him. He watched from the tree branch as a family of rabbits began feeding on the berries he placed in the snares, it wouldn't be long now. Shippo almost fell out of the tree he was in, as he whooped and hollered for the fact he caught three rabbits.

Turning into his balloon he floated down before popping back to his human form. Reaching the first snare he grabbed the rabbit using his claws he dug them into the rabbits heart killing it instantly. He did the same with the other two, he turned into a shovel and dug deep into the snow popping back into human form. Shippo cleaned his kills leaving the non-edibles and majority of the blood in the hole he fed on the warm blood until it ran no more. Licking his fingers and lips from the blood Shippo looked down at the coil of intestines, kidneys with disgust. He couldn't fathom eating them anymore, once Kagome explained what they were and how they worked in the body, who could find fault in that.

Using foxfire on the skins to dry them came handy for now they were tucked front and back keeping him warm as he ventured away from the area. Shippo didn't need to be found as a snack for another predator. Eyeing the moon rising over the dense forest he jumped into the tallest and the most canopied tree he could find. Locating a burrow where a woodpecker once called home Shippo sat back into it as much as he could the hole in the tree offering him enough support so he could finally eat in peace. Shippo took his time eating having one left he packed the meat for later, right now all he wanted to sleep. A dreamless sleep allowed his yoki to replenish itself.

With Sango and Miroku

When they woke the next morning to the note Shippo left Sango heaved a dry sob. She just couldn't believe Shippo would just leave like that. Miroku held her to him petting her shoulder in a comforting embrace his wandering hand and mind to busy calming the love of his life down from a sobbing fit to seek that plump derriere he loved squeezing so much. He knew Shippo would leave sooner or later he just thought they had more time. Looking into the sky he said a quick prayer for his friend hoping he was well that no harm came to him and that he'd find Kagome in one piece. Since then the both of them decided to return to the village. Hopefully on the way there they would run into Inu Yasha.

Back with Kagome

Kagome was only hours away from the northern village, yet something kept her feeling antsy for some reason. It wasn't a foreboding feeling or anything of that nature it felt like something she was missing yet she hadn't lost anything. So she kept at a slower pace watching and listening with her ears and senses on high alert should something try to attack her. Yuki didn't sense anything wrong but there was a sense of purpose that lingered in the back of her mind like something she forgot however, even she had no clue as to what it was. Only time would tell.

Kagome finally made it. Tenbun Oka, she sighed happy to at least be back to civilization even if it were for a brief visit. Taking her time Kagome wandered the little village getting to know where the exits were and which path would be best to take if she needed to run. Kagome really took her lessons to heart she didn't know this village well or how the yokai lived or who their headmaster was but they appeared to be peaceful folk. Her main concern had been getting the layout of the village and the best exits if those failed she would use her ice slide to escape.

Kagome had talked to beast Yuki about the issues she had; none were wrong per say its just new territory she's learning as a new mother. So many questions not enough answers she supposed every new mother felt this way unless they were schooled. She never did take sex education in junior high she believed she would have to in high school or even health science but she never had got the chance to attend them being out all the time but that does not go to say she's ignorant of the subject. Kids her age knew more about sex and the how to, but she's never exericised any of them. She's seen what Eri, Ayumi and Yuka were watching on Eri's phone when they didn't see her come up behind them.

Porn; it made her curious as well, but not enough to go looking at it. Besides if her mother and Ji-chan caught her they'd surly lock her up with a key if they knew how many times she was kidnapped or came close to being raped. She figured she would have gone to a matchmaker when she was done with college and had a steady career she would check what choices they would have for her. But that all changed when she was pulled down the well. That little girl dream was dashed as soon as she saw Inu Yasha. She could never look at a human boy now that the rose tinted glasses were removed.

She couldn't help it; who would blame her most yokai she met were HOT… She's only met a handful that were walking sex on legs and boy did Sesshomaru ever leave her panting. Damn, get your mind out of the gutter. NOT HERE, NOT NOW! Yuki voiced. I can smell your arousal. If you happen to remove the cloak they would scent it as well. Well that stopped Kagome from those thoughts all together. No one needed to know she was horny for the lord of the west. Especially him. No she liked having her neck thank you very much. Okay back to business.

Kagome kept an eye out making sure no one was following her she still feared someone scenting her arousal thinking she was looking for a man. She shivered at the thought, at least the cloak is covering her. Stepping around the building she found the way to the marketplace. It wasn't to busy as the last time she was here which is a good thing. Now she could replenish her stock, buy items needed for the babes perhaps she'd even get a new pot to cook with since the one she has was on its last leg. Once she purchased what she needed she began looking for a food stall.

Kagome spied a shop having dried meats, vegetables and hot food. Her tummy growled something fierce alerting a passerby covered in thick furs who laughed with a deep rich voice telling her she needed to feed the beast before it keeps growling. Feeling warmhearted Kagome laughed as well agreeing with the male. Bowing to the yokai she made her way to the stall purchasing a hot bowl of stew and sweetened rice balls and hot green tea to wash it all down. Thanking the vendor for a wonderful meal she began looking over the variety of vegetables and meat in the stall.

Gaining the usagi's attention Kagome pointed to the vegetables and meat that she wanted. Once Kagome paid for the wrapped items, she wished the usagi a good day. Now that she had the food and surplus supplies taken care of she made her way to a blacksmith. She wanted to get a set of knives for carving the meat from bone as well as chop the bones for good broth or weapons. She also wanted to see if he carried a fukiya and datsu. If she created the right mixture it would be handy when hunting or in case of trouble. What Kagome found her eyes widened she didn't think to ever finding one. The manriki-kusari the weighted chain was a ninja weapon. Boy her Ji-chan would flip to own anyone of these weapons…

Hmm that gives her an idea? If everything goes as planned perhaps making an investment of certain weaponry, artifacts and outfits can help her family and the shrine in the long run. But the how to and where to store them is the problem. So much history happens to her homeland and most of it is not good. Between the wars, floods, earthquakes, plagues and famine. Let alone what killed the yokai? How can I help or even stop it from happening. I don't think miko or monk are safe from whatever happens to cause yokai and us spiritual users to die off? Well that was something for another day to think over along with my investment. Kagome almost missed the male speaking to her.

"How can this Iwatani be of service?" The tall Kuro-hyo questioned looking down at the female cloaked figure. Looking up Kagome saw the most dazzling shade of silver eyes looking down at her. Lost in the moment she did what she always did.

"You have the most beautiful silver eyes, I've ever seen." Kagome immediately blushed as the tall male blinked then blinked again not knowing what to say to that. No one besides his mother and mate told him such things. This would prove what Toran spoke about the miko.

Right away Kagome began offering apologies that she didn't mean to say that out loud. Yanagi heard a familiar voice turning from the stall she was at she spotted the black cloak focusing on it and the voice she couldn't believe the miko was back from her task so soon. Walking up behind her she listened while nodding to Iwatani who smiled down at the old inu.

"Really, I am sorry. I don't want you to think poorly of me; for saying you have pretty eyes but its the truth, and I'll shut up now…." Kagome huffed. She can't believe how she gets into these things. Laughter brought her out of her musings turning swiftly only to see the one person she would be looking for once she finished purchasing the items she needed.

"Yanagi, oh my your a sight for sore eyes." Kagome calmly hugged the elder inu who in turn introduced the miko to Iwatani-san the blacksmith.

"My dear Kagome it pleases this one to introduce you to our blacksmith Iwatani. He and his family resides in the village making incredible items of use." Yanagi smiled leading Kagome closer to the stall to for her to view his wares.

"Please do not be offended from my young Kagome's statement; you do have beautiful eyes Iwatani be proud of it, I know Koike is." The male smiled letting Yanagi and the cloaked female know he took no offense to a statement meant to be good.

"Oh Yanagi, I would be going to go to your stall once I finished here. I will be real quick." Yanagi chuckled kindheartedly.

"None of that child, make your purchases and this old one will wait." Kagome smiled nodding her head.

"Kagome-san what can I get you?" Kagome looked up at him about to apologize again when he interrupted her.

"Worry not for your inspiring words, miko." Right away Kagome hackles were raised what how did he know? The cloak was supposed to conceal her.

"Hahaaha haa…. This one admits it is wonderful to see someone else fret over something that needn't be." Kagome pulled the hood off her head to get a look at him since he knew who she was already it didn't matter if she was concealed or not.

"How? How do you know who I err what I am?" The black panther chuckled more watching Kagome frown he eased up on his laughter to inform her.

"Who do you think made your cloak along with the spells woven into it?" Okay this new information had her stunned. He made her cloak or his mate did either way she owed him a great deal of thanks.

"Oh Kami be, Toran never told me who she got this from. I should thank you and your mate for the cloak. It has helped me tremendously. Domo arigatou." Kagome said as she bowed as low as she could go without waking the babes. Iwatani-san waved it off knowing it served its purpose well. After some small talk Kagome got down to business she needed to speak to Yanagi after and did not want to keep her waiting.

"Okay, Iwatani-san let's see….." Kagome hummed while looking over the different items he had.

"Oh these knives? Can they cut meat from bone and chop the bone as well?" Before Iwatani could reply Kagome was looking at other items like a child in a candy store.

"Oh, oh and I really need this fukiya and datsu. Comes in handy when hunting. Before I forget, I also want to purchase the manriki-kusari. By chance could you recommend other weapons that hide in plain sight?" If Kagome didn't know yokai well she'd say Iwatani's grin grew even more wide.

Kagome was practically drooling from the mouth at all the weapons. This yokai was talented wonder if he could make things from sketches. She asked him about water holding skins and if there was anything similar to feed small animal cubs. Iwatani told her he had skins but nothing to feed cubs with. When she looked downhearted he said to give him a few minutes and he'd come up with something he just needed to speak with mate. Nodding yes to the male Kagome turned to look at all the other stalls. If she wasn't careful she'd run out of room to store her belongings then what would she do?

She appreciated his input on so many items that she even had him wrap up a few parcels filled with Kasui, Supaiku and gosunkugi she could use them with her fukiya or nail to hold things in place. So many weapons and they appeared like a normal walking staff, long bow, disguised as farming tools and equipment. Even items ladies wore or used like metal fans, chopsticks, hair ornaments and necklaces. Kagome asked for one of each of the lady items. Knowing they'd come in use one day. So Iwatani wrapped her parcels then placed them in a deer skin handmade bag with ties.

Pulling out her gold coins she paid the blacksmith handsomely for his wares and the deerskin bag to carry everything. When Kagome was ready she sat the bag down pulling the hood over her head thanking Iwatani and to tell his wife thank you as well, for all their help then bowed to him before saying goodbye. Kagome thought about her new knives they are perfect to skin and carve her kills its what she needed most. She only purchased the weapons to further her skills in battle plus have extra protection knowing they are in plain sight. Kagome took the weight of her bag and backpack meaning she's well stocked for up to two weeks.

Finding her way to Yanagi she smiled how the inu baba interacted with other merchants. She stood near her looking over the aromatherapy the small shop held. Not being able to stop herself Kagome posed a question to the owner of the shop after Yanagi made her purchase. Yanagi smiled at Kagome nodding for her to continue. When Kagome asked if she carried a soap mild enough to use for babes had the shopkeepers attention.

"Do you recommend anything Yanagi?|" The cloaked figure asked watching as the shopkeeper fluttering about her shop gathering ingredients for the soap. Yanagi had to think on it.

There are many items she would recommend but which ones were most needed. Knowing Kagome wanted a mild soap for infants she assumed Kagome finished her quest and is caring for the babe. So she recommended lavender to help relax. Then she mentioned orange, ylang ylang, and white cypress separate or a mixture between the two or three revives energy. However, without toothpaste she'd learned mint kept her breath fresh. Kagome agreed especially waking with bad morning breath.

Kagome remembered the memory of one particular night Inu Yasha took off then came back the next morning rudely waking them. When he got in her face his mouth opened yelling at her only for her to get hit from the foulest smell of the dead living in his mouth. So she did the first thing opening her pouch of mint and shoving it in his mouth and closing while yelling at him to chew the dead breath away that it is gross and stinks like he just ate Hell or she'd S.I.T., him a hundred times. It worked the baka chewed while grumbling about how unfair it was that he was being punished for something he didn't do.

Kagome smiled it was an awful wake-up call, so she made sure she always had some mint on hand. Yanagi chuckled hearing how she shoved a handful of mint leaves into her friends mouth due his breath smelling like a graveyard. Kagome told her at that time she didn't think is was funny, but as she looks back on it now it truly was. You need to focus, we need to get away just in case the Koorime are looking for us. Blinking in surprise Kagome agreed with her. Hearing Yanagi speaking Kagome turned and nodded once she bought the soaps and more mint.

"Yareyare, Kagome-chan. Follow this old one." Kagome didn't have to be told twice stepping into the stall as Yanagi quickly raised a sight and sound proof barrier to protect Kagome.

"I think I'm being followed by the Koorime, Yanagi. I don't know where to go. I... I don't even know if Toran made it out! She told me to run and I did. When I reached ground level, I found one of the guardian frost cub mothers killed along with her pups all except one. I couldn't let it die, it wasn't fair, and so I claimed it as well." Yuki agreed in taking the cub, feeding it had been a challenge.

I can't go back to my pack in fear they will be attacked, I know they can hold their own but Inu Yasha wouldn't understand if I showed up with my son. He'd demand that I give Hiei to someone else or abandon him saying I was risking their lives to save one child. I don't want to think what he'd try to say or do. I can't risk it." Yanagi understood why the young warrior refused to go to her pack always looking out for everyone else.

"I understand little one we will think of something now let this old woman see the babe, Kagome-chan. I promise no harm to come to him." Kagome nodded removing the cloak undoing the ties to her furs showing a dark blue swath of material concealing the babe and frost cub from her eyes. Handing Hiei over to Yanagi she smiled seeing the small newborn look around gumming his tiny little hand. Kagome pulled out the baby frost cub she needed to feed it as well. A thought occurred to her and she asked Yanagi.

"Excuse me Yanagi? By chance do you have a milking flask? I need to feed this little one as well. Yanagi was surprised at how young the cub was its eyes were still shut.

"Oh my Kagome-chan he is a little thing. He needs milk and I'm sure you thought about your milk, you need another beast that you can take the milk from and I have such at my home. For now just feed him as you have he will have plenty of milk soon." Kagome smiled thanking her over and over saying if there was ever anything she could do in return to let her know and she'd come running. Yanagi laughed waking Hiei up from his nap.

"Ah such a trouble maker you will be little one. A forbidden child he is, born that of fire and ice two opposed energies twined for eternity. He will have a troubled life my dear. His heart and soul is good yet darkness will ensnare him but not forever. You my dear heart have a future unwritten, take care of ye and the babe; many will be lurking in the shadows ready to turn your soul." Kagome got the sense that Yanagi just gave her a warning and she'd do everything she could to prevent the warning from coming true.

Once she fed the little cub Kagome looked at him carefully taking in its bloated stomach knowing it needed to relieve itself from what it had eaten thus far. Pulling out a small clean damp rag she cradled the cub on its back in the palm of her hand gently wiping the genitals allowing the cub to relieve itself of urine and feces she continued to do this until there was no more the little cub could push out. She needed to name him she couldn't keep calling it cub with her pointed finger she rubbed the tummy soothing it as she turned it over getting a good look at the little thing.

The little cubs fur was black as night a few white spots littered the dark fur what amazed her was the tuft of silver fur that stuck out like the mane on a horse so soft to the touch. Taking a gander at its black paws with a set of three silver rings around each paw marked with tiny claws and the triple tails ringed much the same, except the ends felt sharp like jagged needles. Not sure what to make of the little cub one thing Kagome knew it needed a name. Thinking hard Kagome wondered what it would like to be called when Yuki spoke up.

'The frost cub will be quite large in its true form. He undoubtedly will inherit both parents genes making him a strong, loyal and fierce companion much like Kiara is to Sango. Although, I am not sure what kind of power or powers it may grow to have. He deserves to have a fitting name.'

'I have a feeling he will be like ice, thunder and lighting all rolled into one like stormy weather... That's it Arashi... His name is Arashi it suits him don't you think Yuki?'

'A fitting name indeed, you chose well Kagome. Oh Yanagi is speaking to you.'

"Oh child have you named that little cub yet?" Yanagi questioned as she watched Kagome examine the tiny cub.

"I just thought of a good name, Arashi fits well with how I found him on the mountain. The weather was quite stormy up there!" Kagome exclaimed in happiness. Yanagi smiled handing her a patch of fur to wrap the cub in keeping it snug and warm.

"Indeed a fitting name my dear. I must warn you Kagome. You need to become strong mentally, emotionally and physically. It matters not who they are, once they know of your son others will use it against you. This ones mother spoke of such eons ago. It is better to be ready than not." Kagome nodded in understanding, while Yanagi continued with what she was doing. She sighed knowing she had a lot of work to do in order to become stronger in every way imaginable.

Kagome began to wrap Arashi in the fur then carefully placing him back in the knotted part of the sling she made for him ensuring he was secure. Yanagi watched Kagome tend to the cub and knew Kagome would have a fierce companion for life. When Kagome was done, Yanagi patted Kagome's shoulder while holding the baby kissing his forehead before giving him back to his mother. She needed to gather supplies Kagome would need along with a few milking flasks. It had felt nice to hold an infant oh how she missed it. It didn't take long to find and gather the things Kagome would need.

There were a few things that were not located in her shop that they would need to traverse the portal to get from her home. Kagome held her son and watched as he opened his tiny mouth and move his head back and forth. Kagome didn't know what it meant until she heard a chuckle from Yanagi. Scrunching her eyebrows Kagome looked to Yanagi for understanding. She watched as Yanagi set the things down before confronting Kagome on a few things she needed to know about babes of all life.

"You see his head move back and forth?" Kagome nodded.

"Do you not know what it means?" Kagome told her no, she didn't know much at all about babies.

"It seems this will take a bit longer than expected. I will write things down that you should know, you will get to know your son as he continues to grow." Kagome looked back down at the babe raising him higher to her shoulder to pat his bottom.

"First when you see him or any babe do what your son had done. It means they are hungry." Eyes wide Kagome forgot to feed him. No wonder he was searching for food the only way a baby could.

"Okay, I'm on it. Come on sweetie, time to feed you." Kagome didn't waste any time undoing her furs, haori and breast bind to feed Hiei. Turns out he was most ravenous prior to hours ago. Perhaps he was adjusting to her milk and her body to his needs. 'Its a two way street' Kagome thought as she switched the babe to the other breast allowing him to feed as much as needed. When he stopped Kagome wiped his mouth then fixed her clothes so she could burp him.

A few minutes later Yanagi came out carrying a dark woolen jinbei set with socks and a baby fur pullover along with the scroll which Yanagi written on how to take care of babies what the most important things needed, feeding, clothing, what to do, what things meant when they do this? The list went on. Not that the scroll was long but it contained the most vital of information every new mother should know and Kagome was happy to know Yanagi supplied her such information. She was an angel in demon skin.

"Thank you so much Yanagi. This jinbei is so adorable and the fur pullover makes a perfect bed for when I'm carrying him in the sling. I thank you for writing all of this information down for me I'd be lost without it." Kagome heard Hiei grunting and smiled she knew he would be relieving himself soon better now than later. Wow it smelled bad. But oh gosh it smelled worse once she undid the makeshift diaper would it always smell this bad? It felt like she was cleaning tar of Hiei's behind it was so thick and sticky.

"Yuk" Kagome scrunched up her nose making Yanagi laugh. Once done she tied a clean cloth diaper in place redressing him in one of the jinbei Yanagi supplied for him.

Kagome then asked Yanagi if she knew of a safe place for them to move to. It took Yanagi some time to think then asked Kagome with one of her own. When Kagome answered the best she could Yanagi was smiling. Yes, she knew of many places where the new family could live. Yanagi told Kagome not to worry, she had a perfect place for them but it was far from her home in Edo to that on the island of Hokkaido. After a quick explanation she continued to explain what she meant earlier about becoming stronger. Yanagi began naming off important facts that would help Kagome when she needed it most and not to second guess herself or doubt her instincts.

The first was to trust no one she did not already know and even then to be wary because not all were well wishers or eager to help those in need. That the world held many dangers especially for a lone female and new born babe. She continued with how the world now was vastly advancing Ships larger than those of the common houseboats or skippers sailed the seas and oceans to be most aware when near a port or that of a trading village that is where the most danger lie. Yanagi continued about traders, goods, slavery, and how men sold women to brothels or auctioned them off to the highest bidder and so much more.

Yanagi explained all this while bundling the outfits, furs, and sleeping mats that they would need. Yanagi came back with a leather pouch pressing the clothes down before adding a variety of vegetable seeds, packaged dried meats into the leather satchel. Yanagi handed her a water flask and a plate of food knowing the young miko was hungry. Saying her thanks Kagome dug in with gusto. The food was delicious Kagome tore through the meal in minutes. Wiping her mouth before taking a drink from the flask she stood checking the babes diaper before wrapping him up into her sling and covering herself pulling her cloak over her head.

"Now, we'll head to my home. Hold on tight." Yanagi shuffled Kagome next to her. Holding Kagome's hand in hers, Yanagi opened a portal pulling Kagome into it along with the wares of her shop leaving an empty building.

When the portal opened up Kagome was in a beautiful home made of stone. A servant dressed in dark and light blues with silver woven into them came out of nowhere welcoming the lady of the house home. Yanagi flared her yoki calling for servants to collect her wares and take them to the store rooms. Calling for another servant, Yanagi watched Kagome look at her home. She held wonder in her eyes.

End Chapter.

Hope you enjoyed the chapter be kind please leave a review.

Peace.

Japanese Meanings:

Iwatani-san: Boulder valley

Koike: Small pond

Domo Aragato: Formal Thank you.

Fukiya and Datsu – Blowgun and needle-fish (darts).

Kasui/Supaiku: Spike: also used with the fukiya

Gosunkugi: Long nail: also used with the fukiya

Manriki-kusari: Sometimes called fundo-kusari or weighted chain it gained fame as a ninja weapon.

Rei to karada wa futatabi ketsugoo shimasu - Basically meaning spirit returning to meet with the body once again.

Tenbun Oka – Destiny Hill

Yanagi – Iris

Koorime Island – The land of ice and snow in Makai (Demon World, Yu Yu Hakusho) where only ice maidens live.

Koorime – Ice Maidens that live on Koorime Island (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Hiei – Flying Shadow

Yukina – Snow of Emotions (also Snow Vegetables) I thought Snow of Emotions was a better name than snow vegetables... lol

Rui – Kind (The name is pronounced Ree.)

Yareyare- has several meanings from "No way", "Oh, goodness" or "Sheesh." We say yare two or three times under our breaths when we hear something unbelievable, and want to roll our eyes and shake our heads.

Arashi – Stormy also Storm.

Jinbei – Is a summertime two piece kimono outfits for babies and kids made from cotton.

*Tamagoyaki – Japanese-style omelet

*tsukemono – Pickled vegetables

*takoyaki - Octopus Balls

*Onigiri - Rice Balls

.