Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.

Discovery

The wolf tribe had learned from harsh experience to keep their eyes on the sky: any youkai that could soar in the wind was a potentially deadly opponent. So, while Ginta went to investigate the corpse of the bird of paradise, keener-eyed Hakkaku kept watch on the evening sky, while their two companions scouted downwind.

Finishing, Ginta dashed to the greater safety of the tree-line, calling his companions in. "So what did you find?" asked Hakkaku, keeping his eyes on the sky.

"It smells like a human and a cat took it down."

"A cat!" Hakkaku gave Ginta a startled glance, then snapped his head up again.

"I think it's that cat that was with the Inu-tachi. Do you remember its name?"

"Nope. You?"

"Nope. It's hurt—the bird got its claws into the cat, before it was killed."

"What about the human? Was it that taijiya girl?"

Ginta ran his fingers through his gray and silver hair, clearly puzzled. "No. It's weird. It smells something like her, but it's male—not the monk, and not Inuyasha. He wounded the youkai, I think, but the weapon must be weird—it's not a sword, and it smells of youkai bone."

They both eased back a bit further under the trees, exchanging worried glances. The white-haired ookami broke the silence.

"Do you think the inu-tachi's in trouble?"

"What do you think? Everyone's heard that Naraku's dead. But…"

"But, rumors are saying that Sister hasn't been seen since."

"Why hasn't Koga gone to find out what happened to her?"

Hakkaku snorted. "When would he have time? Ayame's got him so wrapped up…"

"You'd think he'd have send someone…"

"There's always us." Hakkaku frowned. "If something's happened…"

They exchanged identical scowls, cracking their knuckles.

"If that human stole the neko, he's gonna regret it…"

Author's Note: This piece was written for the prompt "Soar", for the LiveJournal community "Inuyasha's Unsung Heroes." It was originally posted on 05/31/2011. It won the contest. (last edit 6/22/11)