Dragonelf 8:Hi, I'm so is Tsume-N-Carnate, and Eternalruler and of course our boy toys.

T.N.C: ANIME OASIS! ANIME OASIS! (Jumping around)

E.R: (hits T.N.C with gaint fan of Doom.)

T.N.C: What the crap was that for?! (rubs head)

E.R: If you use up your energy now you'll just kick yourself later when we force you to stay awake for 72 hours.

T.N.C: Good Point. -.-

D.E.8: But aren't you excited too E.R. We get to go in costume.

Link: Is that why you raided my closet.

D.E.8: Well yeah. I'm going as you so I might as well get it right. Hey T.N.C, E.R. tell the readers what your going as!

T.N.C: Vincent! From FF7: Advent Children and Riza form FMA… in a miniskirt! It's pretty.

Roy: Miniskirt? Where?! (Looks around)

T.N.C: I don't have it on yet, hon.

Roy: Dang it!!

D.E.8: Be patient Roy. You'll see her in a minskirt soon.

Roy: But that's too far away.

D.E.8: Anywho what about you E.R?

E.R: Kaname Chidori! Full Metal Panic!

Ed: Full Metal "Panic"? What about Alchemist!?

E.R: Oh I went as you last time babes. I even gotta kiss your voice actor I love you Vic!

Ed: Traitor!

E.R: Oh relax. Besides I'm wearing a miniskirt so short, it makes Brittney Spears do a double take.

Ed: (Drool)

Roy: So many mini skirts… (drool)

Ed: You pervert! (throws Al's head at Roy.)

Link: (Flinches) That looks painful.

D.E.8: He deserved it. Being so un faithful to T.N.C… … … … You won't leave will you Link? (Tears of utter sadness roll down cheeks pouty face.)

Link: (Jumps back) No! I just wish I can come with you.

D.E.8: Awww. (Glomps Link.)

Roy: It's not my fault! So many underage girls in miniskirts, it makes my mind go south.

E.R: Well were not underage in say, China.

Roy:… … Wanna go to China.

T.N.C: (Hits) What about me!? Besides I'm not underage anymore.

D.E.8: Nor I. (sighs) I'm so glad I'm wearing a tunic, with leggings… … … It's amazing that blood isn't spewing out of his nose.

Ed: Blood? What blood? There is no circulation going in that head of his now.

Everyone:… … … O.O

T.N.C: Let's just move onto the actual story now.

D.E.8: Agreed.

Chapter 23: Cloth of the Fire Rat

Ryu looked down at her Ocarina the intensity of the heat made her feel slightly faint. Was one of the Dragon Treasures nearby? Is so which one was it?

"Why's it doing that?" asked Kura going to her human form and standing next to Ryu staring down at the little instrument.

"I don't know," answered Ryu honestly, "Divine, do you think that my ocarina is reacting to one of the treasure?"

The little Dragon looked down at the ocarina pensively deep in thought. Then finally it looked up to Ryu and Kura holding up a tiny post card.

'I think so. But which one?'

"Let's see," thought Ryu as she began to scan her memory, "When I played the Forest Song the ocarina was glowing dark green, the Ice Song was dark blue, the earth song was light green, and the fire song was bright red."

"So does that mean that the Fire treasure is close by," wondered Kura as she move a long finger to the ocarina, but quickly drew it back and began sucking on it, "OW! Ryu how can you hold that thing it's scalding."

" Huh?" muttered Ryu puzzled, "It's not that bad, hot a little. But it's not to the point were it would burn you."

'Ryu,' wrote Divine in Kura's defense, 'You're a Divine Knight now! Your body quickly adapts to different environments and settings to keep balance. What might be luke warm to you is burning to others, you could walk out into a blizzard and after five minutes it would only strike you as a little breeze.'

"Oh," understood Ryu in surprise, how many more changes was her body going to have to endure?

"Ryu you should try playing the song," suggested Kura smiling, "Maybe the treasure will come here?"

"Maybe," said a hopeful Ryu, " That way we could avoid a fight with a demon."

Kura waited Patiently holding Divine in her arms and watching Ryu with eagerness. Ryu placed the ocarina's mouthpiece to her lips and blow loud rhythmic beats that always reminded her of a war song. Bolero of Fire heated Ryu's face as the mist turned to steam. When the song was over the ocarina still glowed a bright red, but this time a line of fire cutting through the Mist standing in mid air never touching the ground or the plants. Kura smiled up at Ryu as they looked up at each other.

"Well let's go," said Kura as she followed the line.

"Right," said Ryu following after Divine flying in the air next to her.

Elsewhere

They all walked cautiously through the tunnels of the cave where the treasure hunt was said to be held. Thanks to Rath's fire they were able to set up a few torches to see where they were going, none of them noticing the three missing individuals. Thatz was busily talking to Rune about all the treasure he'd find and what he'd do with all the money he'd get off of pawning them

"Don't you think so Ryu," said Thatz turning to get his answer.

"Thatz I don't think Ryu will want to sell the treasures once she gets what she wants form them," sighed Rune in irritation.

"Well we wouldn't know that now would we," replied Thatz stopping completely in his tracts, the gravel grinding under his foot.

"Oh and why's that?" asked Rune as he turned back to Thatz, stopping as well.

"Because she's gone, with Kura and Divine," answered Thatz pointing to Ryu vacant spot.

Rune fell flat on his face by the mere casualness of his words and also because he was right. Ryu, Kura, and Divine were nowhere to be seen in the dark caves. The wolves turned back as well curiously looking for their friend as they sniffed at the air. Rath jumped forward in indignation as he looked wildly around, his fist clenched tightly in front of him.

"Ryu you traitor! How could you go demon hunting without me!!" yelled Rath his voice echoing off the cavern walls.

The Dragon Knights and wolves all face faulted again, but Rune quickly stood up again a giant fan appearing in his hand seemingly form nowhere and he smacked into the back of Rath's head. With is attention diverted to the bump forming on his head Rath began to rub the bump as Rune swiftly turned Rath around and began to strangle the man.

"THIS IS NOT A PICNICK AND WE ARE NOT HERE TO DEMON HUNT!!!" yelled Rune shaking Rath violently.

"Don't be so emotional Rune," accused Thatz.

"Is it always like this," asked Tsume turning to Lero.

"Pretty much."

"We probably should go looking for them," said Kage turning to the strangling knights.

"Hold on for a second, I'm almost done," answered Rune hysterically.

"Can't breath…"

"It won't help anyone if he's dead," smiled Hige.

With that Rune reluctantly dropped the Knight on the floor and turned to face the other he seemed to have calmed down quiet a bit, but still looked a little Po'ed.

"Well we should probably split up," suggested Kiba, "We'll cover more ground that way."

"Great!" cheered Rath excitedly as he jumped back up to his feet.

"We could also look for the treasure the Ryu's looking for while we're at it. It would make things a lot easier," suggested Tsume.

"Thatz you seemed to be an expert treasure hunter," noted Blue turning to Thatz, " Why don't you and Rune go look for the treasure."

"But what about you guys," asked Rune worriedly turning to the wolves.

"I honestly don't think its safe for Cheza here," began Kiba cautiously as he looked up at Cheza, " I don't know much about these demons. So if you don't mind I'm going to take her back to the Restaurant and stay there with her."

"That's probably a good idea," said Thatz thoughtful as he examined the frail flower, " Alright you wait. Once we all done we'll all reconvene there."

"Sounds like a plan," smiled Toboe.

"Not you kid, your going with Cheza and Kiba," growled Tsume to the now pouting Toboe.

"We'll split into two teams to search for Ryu, Kura, and Divine," interrupted Blue.

"Rath, Lero, Kage, you go that way," said Hige again pointing at one of the tunnels, " Me, Blue, and Tsume will go the other way. Weather we have them or not we meet together at the inn by sundown."

"Alright let's go!" said Thatz clapping his hands together.

And they all went there separate ways down different tunnels of the cave where the treasure hunt was being held. The wolves being the best trackers sniffed at the air trying to catch a scent of their missing comrades, as they cautiously rounded every corner.

Else where

Ryu and Kura walked casually down the many tunnels of the cave following the Red line of Fire, Divine deciding to rest leisurely in Kura's fur, as the temperature dropped. Ryu was still feeling very warm thanks to the heat of the fire line, and Kura's fur was such a lovely coat that neither of them worried to much about the declining temperature.

"Geeze it's so deep in the cave," mutter Ryu to Kura, " and it's getting so cold I wonder if it really is the snow sword that the treasure."

"I don't think so Ryu," said Kura turning her head to Ryu, "This is Fire remember? The snow sword would just simply melt away."

"True," murmured Ryu smiling down at Kura thoughtfully for a second, "… … … Tell you what Kura."

Kura looked up at Ryu as they stopped in their tracks. Ryu held up a long thin finger out to her friend one of her eyes closed in a wink as a big smile plastered her face.

"When we find the Snow Sword and if it does turn out not to be a dragon treasure, how about I convince Thatz to give it to you."

"Why would I want or need a sword?" asked Kura.

"It a Snow Sword remember," smiled Ryu, "I'm sure there are a lot of things you want to get done, and you know that there is all the ice and snow that hits the Wolf's Rain world right? I'm sure that the least it could do is at least stop a few snow storms. It just might make things a bit easier."

"True there were a lot of storms when we left," agreed Kura as they both started walking.

"Yeah! And maybe it'll be like Lero's sword, they go around his paws you know, because he can manipulate metal easily. He had a lot easier time when we learned about magic than me, I don't even what my magic is."

"Oh! I've been meaning to ask you about him," started Kura.

Ryu froze in her tracts, all the warmth she had felt moments before seemed to be doused in icy water, and she became very aware of how cold it really was. Ryu swallowed nervously as she continued walking, trying to act as if nothing had happened. Kura watched her curiously, both still walking.

"What about him?"

"Well I was just wondering if you could tell me a bit about him."

"Okay… But I can't grantee I'll answer, so fire away."
"Alright I'll work with that. Where should I start? How about where you met him?"

"Next question."

"Wha? But that's the easiest one!"

"Perhaps the easiest one for you to ask, but the hardest for me to answer, I don't even know how to answer that one properly. Just trust me on this, so next question."

"Fine have it your way. Next one. He is a wolf, right?"

Ryu looked down at Kura for a second wondering what she meant by it, but then again Lero did act a lot like a dog.

"Yes, he is a wolf."

"But doesn't act like one."

"That's only around you and the other wolves," began Ryu looking away form Kura, "Before he met you, and the other, he acted very much like a wolf and was very proud of it. He used to go out on hunts, run around the forest by the castle, and howl at the moon. Everyone loved it when he did, cause it sound like music. He misses doing things like a wolf so much, even he even dreams about it at night you know."

"If that's true, then why does he act like a dog around us? Do we make him nervous or something?"

"Yes you do," answered Ryu bluntly, the stare she received from Kura told her to elaborate more, so she sighed and continued, "Kura, Lero might be the Prince of Wolves but he has never once met a wolf, much less ones like him. It's not that he's being territorial or anything like that. I think it's just that he is confused, and I'm absolutely sure he's scared out of his mind."

"Of us? But why?"

"Its not you and the others he's scared of. It's for you."

"… What do you mean?" asked Kura slowly.

"I'm sorry Kura but I can't tell you. He has specifically asked me not to, I gave him my word. Besides I've given you more than I should have," finished Ryu.

The Two continued to walk in silence neither of them looking at each other both pondering deeply. Finally a thought struck Ryu as she walked. It seemed okay, not like it would do anything too significant.

"Hey, Kura," called Ryu smiling again, surprised that it had disappeared.

"Hmm?" answered Kura showing that she was paying attention.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Lero. I was wondering if you could talk the other wolves into at least hanging out with him. I'm sure he'd like that in the long run, though I'm sure it will take some work. But he really isn't that bad once you get to know him."

"Wha? But, but, but? How can I explain that to the others?"

"Well tell them what I told you," smiled Ryu.

"You really do trust him do you," sighed Kura beside Ryu.

"Of course I if it weren't for him I'd still be locked up in Nadil's castle. He saved me Kura, and he really is a valiant Knight. It's surprising how much like his dad he is though."

Ryu eyes widened in surprise as she realized what she had said in instantly drew her hand to her mouth. To shut herself up, though it really didn't make much difference. Kura continued walking on as if she hadn't heard or that if she did she wasn't showing any interest. So they simply continued walking in silence following the line. But soon Kura stopped in her tracks causing Ryu to bump into her and fall on her face.

"What is it?" asked Ryu as she rubbed her nose, surprised that Kura didn't seem to notice.

"Do you hear that?" asked Kura then she turned to me, " Why are you on the floor?"

"-.-;… Tripped," sighed Ryu

'Kura is stronger than she appears,' thought Ryu as she stood up again cradling Divine in her arms as he still slept even though he was completely knocked off his Furry support. Ryu closed her eyes and listened to the echoing silence.

"I don't hear anything," said Ryu to Kura.

"Just listen," muttered Kura her ears up right.

Ryu sighed then tried again, feeling her ear prick up slightly as she tried to catch faint sounds that might bounce off the walls. Her eyes opened wide when she heard something. It was faint almost completely unnoticeable, and it was in the direction of the line of fire. Ryu turned to Kura.

"What is that?" asked Ryu.

"The keeper maybe," suggested Kura.

Ryu nodded her head in understanding then closed her eyes again her palm up and out before her. Warmth circulated through her as a light burst form her hand and began to solified in her sword, the only one that fit Divine. Lightly she place Divine next to the blade and he dissolved into it.

"Let's go," said Ryu seriously.

With a nod they both ran down the tunnel following the line, the noise getting louder the closer they drew to the noisemaker. A light grew all the brighter as they saw a doorway. Ryu and Kura screeched to a halt as they saw the shear drop they'd make if they continued out the door. Both leaned on the doorway as they looked down. It sloped a good ten feet form the ground, one side of the clearing was covered in ice, a sword dangling right and Kura and Ryu's height, about fifty yards way the ice even covered part of the ceiling. But that not what caught their attention it was the group at the bottom of the cave that was arguing loudly. All of them very recognizable, Ryu leaned out a bit farther to get a better look.

"Is that Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Miroku, and Sango!" cried Ryu in surprise her feet slipping on the rock, "WHAAAAA!!!!"

"RYU!' cried Kura and bit into Ryu's shirt as Ryu fell out dangling there for a second.

Kura soon began to back up to pull Ryu back in, but her paw caught on some loose gravel and the two both went tumbling down the slope in the most un flattering way, eye opened wide in shock.

"Face it Inuyasha you lost their scent!" yelled Kagome to the dog demon.

"I didn't lose it! It's close I just can't tell where!" yelled Inuyasha right back at Kagome.

"Look they're at it again," sighed Shippo in exasperation.

"This calls for a relief in tension," smiled Miroku as place his hand on Sango's butt.

Sango went completely rigid and slapped his hand away for her. Shippo once again sighed and jumped down to go play with Kilala.

"This is hardly the time!" yelled Sango as she slapped Miroku.

"How can this not be the time when one wants to reveal stress the person must use their own outlet," smiled Miroku holding his hands out in peace.

And so the two couples argued until they were abruptly caught off by the sound of someone crashing behind them. The couples instantly stopped as they both looked back to see who made the noise. Once the dust cleared they saw two girls laying on the ground groaning in pain. .

"Ow," grumbled Ryu as she sat up, "Kura you okay?"

"I'm fine. Ryu don't lean so far out next time, okay?"

"Right," answered Ryu then she jumped up in surprise, Kura looked up at her in surprise.

Still ignoring the staring group, Ryu pulled out her ocarina once again. The tiny instrument glowed a bright flaming red the line once appearing. Inuyasha jumped back as it lead right up to him connecting to his clothes as they also glowed bright Red. Ryu stared for a second then smacked her fist in her hand in sudden realization.

"I get it! The cloth of the fire rat, is the Dragon Treasure we're looking for! And he's the guardian," said Ryu to Kura as she pointed at Inuyasha.

"How strangely fitting," said Kura as she stood up shook the dirt out of her fur then reverted to her human self, "So hurry up and get it so we can see if the snow sword is another dragon treasure then get out of here, I bet you anything the others are worried."

Ryu stood up and walked right up to Inuyasha. Watching him intently as he glared at her, kind of like the way Rath did when he first met her.

"Hey you," began Ryu, "Strip! I need to see your clothes."

"What!?" cried Inuyasha jumping back but Ryu ran up to him in an instant making it no difference that he jumped.

"I'm not asking for your pants! I'm just asking for your shirt," said Ryu turning her head slightly.

"Wait who are you two!?" cried Sango looking between Ryu and Kura.

"Why would I give my cloak to a demon like you!?"

"Half demon!" said Ryu indignantly.

Everyone paused for a second then Inuyasha leaned in and sniffed at her for a second, then his face lit up in confusion as he backed away, seeming to relax.

"She's right," he muttered under his breath, " But there's something else there as well."

"I'm Ryu Kami, member of the Dragon Tribe, and also the Divine Dragon Knight, the serves under their majesties Dragon King Lykouleon, And Queen Raseleane. This is my best friend Kuragari Burakku, Kura for short, form the world of Wolves Rain. And I'm on a quest to find all the Dragon Treasures with my other comrades that we were separated from, and apparently your clothes is one of the dragon treasures I'm looking for. Any more questions as to who we are, mister I'm form another world and like to declare it to the world. Yeah that's smart, get every demon in Dusis on your tail," snide Ryu frowning.

"Other world? Dusis? Dragon Knight? King? What?" asked Kagome looked confusedly at Ryu.

Ryu's expression softened a great deal as she turned to the others in surprise. They was watched her confused. Her steam completely run dry by their obvious confusion.

"You mean…" began Ryu in surprise, "That you don't know?"

"Know?" asked Miroku giving her a look to elaborate on what she was saying.

"That you're in completely and utterly separate world than the one you just came form."

They all jumped back in surprise, Kura took this time to talk to Ryu and make her presence aware again.

"Ryu they honestly didn't know, it seems," said Kura walking up to Ryu.

"I guess not," muttered Ryu, " I could tell you all later, but first I need to see your cloak."

Ryu turned back to Inuyasha as he glared at her.

"Fine!" said Inuyasha as he took off his kimono top, "Just give it back when you're done."

"Thanks," said Ryu appertativly as she took the cloth.

"What did Lero say to do when you got a treasure?" asked Kura looking down at the cloth.

"He said to play its song," answered Ryu as she held out the instrument.

Ryu gently placed the instruments to her lips, and blew strong steady beats into the tiny thing. The air around them began to swelter with heat, a red symbol appeared on the floor directly below Ryu the center picture looking like a flame. The cloth began to float on itself, then began to unravel. The intensity of the heat caught Ryu off guard as the cloth absorbed into her chest, where it was hottest right into her heart. The heat! Finally the symbol beneath her feet burst into flames, but just as quickly as it came so did it die out, though Ryu still glowed a bright red, the cloth once again appearing in her hands as if it was never even absorbed, even though Ryu could still feel a piece of it still there.

"Ryu," called Kura neverously, "You okay?"

"I'm fine, I think," added Ryu looking down at her hands, "Thanks for trusting me."

She handed back the cloth to Inuyasha.

"Can you do anything new?" asked Kura looking up at Ryu.

"Well let's see," began Ryu.

She then closed her eyes , focusing her mind on the new energy that was now inside of her. She could feel her hands being to heat up then with a spark flames burst form her hands. Ryu then twisted her wrist and the flames died down.

"Yep! I can do something new now," smile Ryu, "That makes nine more treasures to go!"

'BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!'

Dragonelf 8: Okay I'm ending it here! Also this one took me a lot longer to write, considering I didn't even consider writing it tell March, and I kind of had to force it down. So I'm sorry I'm so late.