Dislaimer- I do not own Inuyasha

Chapter 9- Truth revealed for a Kitsune

Shippou was very curious about the smell coming from Bankotsu. It was Kagome's. Even though it had been a few days since Kagome's death it was there as if Kagome was with them. He knew Bankotsu had something of hers and he wanted to know what it was.

He thought as they traveled of a good way to find out. As if it was meant to be he could smell a river ahead.

'All I have to do is get them to stop and then I'll go through Bankotsu's stuff.'

"Hey, Inuyasha you smell that river up ahead?"

"Yeah, so?"

"Well, it may be awhile before we see one again and I think it's a good idea that we stop now while we're near it."

"What you tired from doing nothing?"

"No, I just don't want Bankotsu dying from exhaustion. And we haven't eaten or had anything to drink all day."

"I'm not tired." Bankotsu said. Shippou and Inuyasha could tell he wasn't really listening to what they were saying. He only did every so often so they wouldn't ask what he was thinking about. Of course, they already knew that too.

"See? Why would we stop if he's not tired?"

"Come on, it could be days before we find water again."

Inuyasha stopped and so did Bankotsu. "Feh, fine we'll stop for awhile."

They stopped when they came to the small body of water. Shippou watched as Bankotsu put his halberd and something else against a nearby tree. Shippou waited until Bankotsu was putting water on his face and then went over to the tree.

Inuyahsa watched Shippou as he did this.

'He needs to know what we're doing anyway.'

Shippou would probably be upset but he'd get over it once he saw Kagome.

Shippou picked up the bone and began screaming. Not because of what he just saw but because Bankotsu was holding him up in the air now facing him.

"Maybe you should have just asked. I wouldn't have lied." He put the kitsune on the ground and picked up his things. "Let's go. It's obvious now why Shippou really wanted us to stop."

Sango sat at her normal spot. At the entrance of the forest. The forest they had traveled through many times taking Kagome back to the well.

She heard leaves crackling behind her but didn't move. She knew who it was.

"I knew I'd find you here." It was a man's voice. A voice she knew very well.

"Yes, you say that to me everytime you find me here, Miroku."

He sat beside her but didn't look at her. "Is it wrong that I am concerned for you?"

"No, but there is nothing to be concerned about. I'm fine."

"No you're not. I know you very well Sango. You can't fool me with your fake smile."

"They really are going to do it aren't they?"

"What?"

"Inuyasha and the others. You think they can really bring Kagome back?"

"I don't know."

Sango was silent for a few minutes. Then she threw herself into Miroku's arms. She didn't cry, but she didn't speak. He ran his hand up and down her back. His hand began to droop lower. Sango knew what was coming and slapped him. She then stormed off into the village leaving Miroku with a huge red handprint on his face.

Kagome sat away from the water. She didn't want to know what was happening. And she really didn't want to know what was going to happen in the future.

"What's wrong Kagome?"

"Nothing, you know with everything that's happened I forgot to ask your name. So what is it?"

"I'm not sure. I've been here a very long time and I've never used my name since I've been here. I suppose I forgot it."

"Is that why you use my name so much?"

"Yes, but why don't you give me a new name. I'd really like that."

"Okay, how about...Sankotsu?"

"I see a mix of your two friends name. I like it very much thank you Kagome."

"You are welcome Sankotsu."

"Do either of you think Kagome would want this?"

"No, I don't think she would." Bankotsu said stopping. Inuyasha stopped and Shippou jumped down.

"Then why are you doing this? Isn't there another way to save Kagome?"

"I guess I'm being selfish in bringing her back, but this is the quickest way and I'm going to do it. If you don't want to come you can leave."

He set off again running at full speed.

"Well?" Inuaysha said.

Shippou sighed but jumped on his shoulder.

"Kagome will want to hear how mean you've been to me, Inuyasha."

I know its been while, but here it is! hope u like it!!!!