I thought I would switch it up, and through in a little twist here just to see what happens. Let's see the mighty Inuyasha get a little worried shall we? Our favorite fox and feline have disappeared. What's Inuyasha to do? Read and see. Please tell me if you enjoyed it, and I will keep those comments in mind for further chapters.
Chapter 22- Fox Hunting
Inuyasha growled. And for the fourth time in the last quarter of an hour he clicked his claws nervously on the hut's tatami mat covered floor. It had been exactly forty -three minutes since he had last seen Shippo and Kilala. Where in the blazes could they have wondered off too?! Inuyasha had specifically told them not to be gone very long. And forty-three minutes constituted as a long time in his eyes! Forty- four now! The irritated half demon looked up at the sound of someone approaching the thick mat that served as a door of sorts wavered. It was Miroku and Sango. Sango's face was all aglow with happiness and Miroku…. Well Miroku was smirking like he had made out like there was no tomorrow! Inuyasha snorted. No doubt what they had been up to!
He went back to his impatient tapping. Every now and then his golden eyes would flick to the doorway and seeing nothing they would narrow into slits of increasing exasperation. A soft hand penetrated his simmering disposition. Kagome's hand rubbed his shoulder reassuringly. A soft growl played on his lips as he took her hand in his own. What in the hell could be taking them so dam long?! He knows not to wonder off!! Foolish fox child! Inuyasha's irritation was growing, not to mention his hidden worry that was kept locked away deep in his soul. That something had possibly happened to the young fox boy and the feline. That thought alone made the stern half demon's heart race.
Forty- five minutes. Inuyasha snapped. "That is it!" He growled loudly, startling everyone. He got up from his cross legged position, breathing heavily.
"They have been gone long enough!" He ground out, his fist shaking. His ears atop his silver mane twitched in annoyance. He was sick and tired of waiting around, and he was going out to look for the imprudent child and the demon cat. He stormed out of the doorway, intent on catching the foxes' scent.
"Wait Inuyasha." A voice froze him in his tracks. He spun around in a whirling fury ready to bark a foul 'What!' But the words died in his throat. There stood Sango dressed in her demon slayer battle armor hiraikotsu at the ready, Miroku next to her staff in hand, and last of all Kagome her quiver strapped firmly to her back stocked with arrows, and a bow gripped in her fist. They all held determined looks on their faces.
"Don't forget. Shippo and Kilala are our family too." Sango reminded him.
Inuyasha nodded curtly. "We should divide into teams and search the region. Sango, you and Miroku take the southern region, Kagome and I will go west. If you don't find them there then we will meet back up here and search the others." His face was stretched taught with determination, daring anyone to disagree with him. No one did.
Once Kagome boarded his back he bounded off in a red streak toward the west, Miroku and Sango began their trek to the south.
Inuyasha's eyes set into an unwavering stare as he streaked past the trees, leaping over fallen trunks and craggy boulders. Dam itShippo you had better be all right! Inuyasha thought, trying not to worry too much, as he swiftly bounded his way through the woods. But he did worry. And Shippo wasn't all right.
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How do I get myself into these unbelievable situations! Shippo asked himself as he backed up another step, his back meeting a crumbling cliff wall. The young fox was currently staring down a hulking muscle bound wolf demon. At least he thought it was a wolf. Shippo wasn't exactly sure, seeing as this particular wolf had two horns producing out of its fur mated forehead. He had never seen a wolf with horns before, and judging by the look of this one, he never wanted to again! The wolf had dark, somewhat shaggy russet fur, and a long swishing tail. Its fangs jutted out massively beyond its muzzle as it growled menacingly at the young fox. Sheer, white claws as sharp as glass donned the wolf's paws. Emerald eyes glared out from the pointed face. Shippo could see the wild emotion in those eyes. It screamed: hunger.
Now Shippo was an intelligent young demon, but he was still young none the less. And being young he tended to act rashly and on spur of the moment decisions, which tended to land him in trouble. Much like what he was currently staring practically nose to nose with. The tangerine haired fox turned to his fellow demon companion.
"Kilala… Shippo breathed, intending to tell her to run, but the small feline was growling menacingly at the carnivorous wolf. Then in a blast of heat searing flames, Kilala transformed into her larger form. But even in her larger state, she still only came up to the shoulder of the enormous wolf demon. Her large pearly fangs glinted in the sky high sunlight. A threatening growl erupted from deep in her throat as she glared down the wolf.
Shippo thought the wolf was about to pounce and readied his body to avoid it. But surprisingly the wolf let out a feral, animal like laugh, the unfamiliar sound was so rough and it heart Shippo's ears. Then he did something that just about made Shippo faint. He spoke.
"You amuse me little fox. You and your feline friend have wondered into my liar so helplessly lost, and yet the little kitty thinks that she has a chance against me." The wolf's voice was like crushing gravel, and it sounded even more menacing then Shippo would have imagined. But the strange part was that the wolf's mouth did not move when he spoke. Not a single inch, nor a quiver of his whiskers. It was if the wolf's thoughts projected out and could be heard. Shippo had never in his life come across a demon that could speak using his thoughts like that. But never the less this demon looked immensely threatening and ravenous so Shippo had to devise a plan that would keep him and Kilala alive.
I have to keep coo, keep him talking until Kilala and I have a chance to make a run for it! Shippo thought, his mind racing to think of a plausible way to get out of this.
"H how did you come by those horns?" Shippo asked, trying to sound brave. Although he was scared, he was also curious of how the wolf had obtained horns attached to his head.
The demon chuckled heartily, his laugh causing Shippo to shrink back against the cliff walls, as if he could melt into the rock itself.
"You're a curious lad aren't you?" He growled out, a vicious like smirk on his muzzle. But he continued on despite Shippo's expression of attempted bravery.
"I was born with these horns, seeing as I am half wolf demon, half vampire demon."
The wolf intentionally ignored Shippo's look of horror and went on with his speech.
"They were the result of my father being a wolf and my mother a vampire. As was my father's gene more dominant I was born in this form as a wolf." He explained, dragging his razor claws in the dusty earth.
"But I received my mother's eternal thirst for blood, which is why I must seek out new prey every few days to keep the hunger at bay. You caught me on one of my last night; I have not fulfilled my yearning in nearly five days. And I'm famished." His fangs glittered in the late afternoon sun.
Shippo took a fleeting sweep to his surroundings. Tall, dark trees surrounded the small clearing they were in, and to Shippo they looked like they were pressing in closer, as if trying to trap him in this enclosed space with this hazardous wolf demon. Their branches looked like long spindly arms, ready to reach out and grab him should he try to run. The cliff his back was currently pressed against seemed like his only means of escape. But looking up he saw that it was pure slanted rock, with no handholds to grab hold of. It would be getting dark soon; they only had a few precious hours left until the sun went down. After that…Shippo shook his head forcefully, trying to rid his brain of those thoughts.
He didn't have time to even think of ducking as the wolf launched himself off his forepaws and directly at him. Shippo squeezed his eyes shut, hoping it would be quick and painless. But nothing came. He cracked a bottle green iris open, half afraid half curious.
Kilala had jumped in front of him and was wrestling nosily with the despicable beast. Growls and scuffling where heard as Kilala and the vamp wolf wrestled around, butting heads and swiping claws.
Shippo heard a terrible hiss as the wolf landed a massive paw to Kilala's head, sending her slamming to the ground. The young kit gasped as the feline shakily stood up, a dark stain clearly spreading on her forehead. The blood sucking wolf advanced toward Kilala, his tongue lolling out of his mouth hungrily. Kilala backed up a few feet, growling in an aggressive manner. The feline jumped and took flight, evading the wolf by inches. But what she had not counted on was the beast's incredible ability to jump great heights. He took a colossal leap, and managed to catch his claws on the underside of Kilala's stomach. Shippo watched as she fell bodily to the ground and did not stir again.
I have to do something! I can't just sit back and watch Kilala get hurt! Shippo screamed at himself. Gathering up all his courage and power he ran at a full out sprint towards the horned wolf. When he was about two feet away he thrust his hands out and summoned his magic. "FOX FIRE!!" A burst of electric blue flames shot from Shippo's hands and enveloped the wolf. Although Shippo's power had grown since his time as a young kit, it was not nearly enough to bring down the terrible demon. He watched in horror as the wolf shook his massive body vigorously, and Shippo's fire was extinguished. The most damage it had done to the powerful vamp wolf was cause his fur to smoke slightly.
The fanged wolf's eyes seem to smirk at Shippo. Then the fox heard his voice again, this time it sounded somewhat smug.
"Is that the best you have? My turn." And Shippo watched in alarm as the wolf opened his mouth wide. A pitch black, swirling ball of energy began to form in the wolf's jaws. He drew back and hurled it from his mouth. Shippo barley saw the blast coming, and had just enough time to dive out of the way before it hit. He covered his head instinctively as the ball of dark energy smashed into the earth, creating a vast explosion that caused rocks and other debris to rain down upon them.
When the dust finally cleared, did Shippo dare to lift up his head. The wolf's silhouette appeared amongst the settling dust. How is this guy so powerful?! Shippo asked his mind, as if expecting a logical answer to pop up and explain everything, which of course it didn't. He slowly dragged his dusty body out from under the debris. After brushing a few clouds of dust from his clothes, he looked at the horizon. Lifting a hand to shield his eyes from the glint of the sun, Shipp gasped. The sun was setting. In another few minutes it would be down, and the inky blackness of night would be upon them.
As if reading his mind, the wolf chuckled menacingly. "Yes little one, the sun is almost set. And with darkness cloaked among us, I will be in my natural element, and thus my full power."
Shippo's mouth fell agape. Full Power?! You mean this is not his top form?! Well he is part vampire, so I guess the night makes him stronger.The young fox nearly fainted from shock.
A growl from behind the wolf made Shippo to glance towards the source of the noise. It was Kilala. She stood bloody, battered, and shaking, but standing. The wolf leered at her as if she were some kind of toy he had decided he was bored with and wanted to break. Kilala was no fun to play with any longer, so he would dispose of her like any other useless toy.
Shippo's eyes narrowed into hard slits. This mangy wolf had some nerve! He was going after Shippo's friend! And that was unacceptable. He felt his still immature body begin to shake with anger. He could feel it spreading, a white hot, sweltering rage that filled his entire being. He dropped to his knees, clutching his chest, painting and sweating. What is this? This power I feel.. Consuming me… It burned Shippo's insides. A monster with burning razor claws ripping at his chest. It wanted out. Now. He just wanted a release from it. Burning… ripping…. Please….. No more… chest on fire… going to die….JUST LET ME DIE! And then he felt it slip from his conscious and his world went red.
The wolf whipped his head around as his nose caught scent of a dramatic change in the fox boy's power. His eyes widened in surprise. A powerful red aura was radiating from this fox demon. His orange colored hair fell into his eyes, blocking them from view. Then from within the curtain of orange, the wolf saw it. Two crimson glowing eyes. A feral growl rippled from Shippo's body. His small fangs had grown longer. His smallish hands had grown sharp claws and his tail grew long and wild.
What is this?! This power? It can't possibly come from that weakling fox?! He was no match for me! What has changed? The wolf stood in disbelief, trying to figure out how his meal had gotten so powerful so quickly. Before he could get a chance to obliterate the measly fox there was a flash of red. The wolf growled as he felt a burning in his left front paw. He looked down to inspect it. A gash about five inches wide stretched across the dark fur. Dark liquid used from the wound, as the wolf absentmindedly licked it to keep the blood from leaking out. The blood seemed to restore him slightly and he straightened up, his head swiveling around, searching.
"Looking for me?"
The beast snapped his head at the sound of the voice. It was that idiotic fox child. But he was different somehow… this power… raw power coming from him… it was so sudden and the leap from his level of strength was so astonishing. Then as if a bright light bulb went off in the night beast's mind as he realized where the power had initiated from.
"So, you're body has reacted of its own accord and transformed your blood to that which is similar to a demon's true form."
The wolf sauntered slowly toward Shippo, who backed up growling loudly. A cruel laughter crashed through Shippo's ears once again. That laughter…so taunting… make it stop. There was a rushing sound in his ears, as he felt the beast within him howl. That cretin was laughing at him, and he would pay! A growl tore from Shippo's lips as he launched himself at the wolf, intending to hurt him for his seemingly indifferent characteristics.
Closer… closer… almost there…. He would hurt him….tear his flesh… make him hurt. SLAP! Shippo felt an enormous paw collide with his torso as he was thrown back several feet. The force of the blow sent him tumbling against the rough earth. His body finally came to a rest when he slammed into one of the trees planted at the edge of the clearing.
The first thing that Shippo was aware of when he came to was how much his body ached. It felt like he had been running for days on end. His chest burned, and his breathing was shallow and wheezy. "Ugg, what happened to me?" Shippo wondered aloud. A chilling laughter caused him to freeze. His head slowly turned and he came face to face with the vamp wolf.
Surprisingly the wolf was sitting calmly a foot away from where Shippo lay. The darkness of night enveloped them as the sun had gone down. The moon was out and cast its illuminated shaft of light down on the creature. Softly his voice penetrated through Shippo's pain.
"Stupid fox. You think that you could have defeated me with such raw, uncontrollable power? With absolutely no idea what you were doing? I admit I underestimated you. But no more. I am through playing your little games."
He padded closer, until he was right up against Shippo. The fox wrinkled his nose as he caught a whiff of the wolf's breath. It smelled like the awful stink of blood, metallic and rotting.
The beast continued on, as if he had not noticed Shippo's visible gag at the smell. "I am actually glad that that little fall did not kill you." He leaned in close, until his muzzle was right next to Shippo's ear. "I prefer my prey alive. I like the taste of fresh blood. The beating pulse of live prey makes it so much more fun."
Shippo stiffened, looking like a deer caught in the headlights. A smirk coiled its way onto the horned animal's face as he saw Shippo's visible change in emotion. Excellent. Fear accelerated the flow of blood, making the taste more irresistible.
His fangs came deadly close to Shippo's neck. "Do you fear my pain little one?" He whispered quietly. The fox squeezed his eyes shut tight, muttering a prayer to himself. The wolf lowered his fangs, the points resting on Shippo's fragile neck. The wolf did not expect his prey to answer. They never did, so he was shocked when he heard a new voice ring out from between the trees.
"You will fear my pain if you don't get you're filthy mouth away from my pup."
The wolf's head snapped up, searching wildly for the new voice that had interrupted his nearly successful hunt.
Silver hair blowing in the cold night air, crimson kimono billowing and snapping, golden eyes blazing with a fury never before seen, and claws curled into fists stood Inuyasha. His eyes fixated on the demon that had the audacity to touch his pup. One look from the half demon and even the most formidable foes would turn tale and run. No one wanted to be under his gaze when he looked like that. A fire burned in those eyes, so hot that it seemed to scorch anything in its path. And the vamp wolf was the first target on the list.
The beast looked around as he sensed other auras surrounding him. Kagome stood a few feet away from Inuyasha, her bow knocked with a readied arrow. Rage filled her usually happy brown orbs. An electrifying power was radiating off her in waves. The wolf's ears flicked irksomely as he felt the spark of her power zap at them.
Directly across the circular meadow stood Sango her hiraikotsu aimed. Fire blazed in her eyes as well, when she saw the state of Shippo and Kilala. Her lip had thinned into a tight, angry line as she glared at the demon.
Beside her was a monk. His blue eyes also held the same intense anger as the rest. His eyebrows knitted together in a seething furrow.
If the wolf did not know before, he knew now. He was dead. He had messed with these people's family. That was a big mistake. And now he would pay dearly.
Now just because the demon knew his odds were slim, it doesn't mean that he necessarily obeyed the clear warning that the half demon and humans were giving him. It clearly stated: back off. But instead of doing so, he did something extremely foolish. He pressed his fangs harder against Shippo's neck.
In a flash the demon was tackled and swept off his paws. He went tumbling, rolling four times before he was slammed forcefully to the hard ground. Inuyasha had a foot planted on his stomach and pressed hard. The half demon's eyes were laden over with an indescribable, undistinguishable rage.
Inuyasha leaned in close, his fangs glittering in a snarl. "You're first mistake was thinking you could ever mess with my family."
In a flash of crimson Inuyasha had swiped his claws over the wolf's dark stomach. Blood spurted in a dark wave. The wolf howled in pain, but Inuyasha just looked at him in disgust. He turned away from the bleeding disgrace.
"Kagome its you're turn now." He called out to his mate. The miko nodded seriously. After Inuyasha had bounded out of the way, she let her arrow fly. It whizzed in a brilliant pink light and landed next to the wolf's body, imbedding itself into the earth. As soon as the arrow collided with the ground it released Kagome's spiritual powers, sending electrical shocks all throughout the wolf's body. A shrieking scream penetrated from the bowls of the beast. But miraculously he still lived. His fur was scorched black and burnt, there was a deep gash across his stomach, but he still lived.
Sango stepped forward, a steely glint deep in her eyes. She heaved hiraikotsu with a mighty swing. The weapon began spinning toward the demon at incredible speeds. True to her aim, Sango's weapon struck the wolf in the lower left leg. A sickening crack was heard as a leg was broken.
The wolf was now painting very heavily, his pink tongue lolling out of his mouth in his effort to stay alive. His left leg was bent at an odd angle, sticking out, the bone could be seen producing from beneath his fur.
Miroku gathered a sutra in his hand and flung it at the demon. The scripture hit the demon square in the chest, sending a powerful spark surging through the demon's body.
No one would have thought that all this would have without a doubt killed the demon. No, that honor was saved specifically for Inuyasha.
The golden eyes, silver eared hybrid leaped down until he was inches away from the demon's face. His claws rested right over the beasts black heart.
"Do you fear my pain?" He whispered darkly.
The wolf's jet green eyes widened in fear. A slash of claws, and he was no more. Blood pooled from the massive, fatal wound that Inuyasha had inflicted on him when he stabbed his heart. Inuyasha's claws were stained ruby and he wiped them on his kimono to rid them of some of the foul liquid. He stood up. With a scowl he spit on the carcass.
" I guess you did." The half demon answered.
He turned away to see Kagome tending to Shippo's wounds. She placed her hands over his shallow breathing form and a glow erupted from them. A few minutes Shippo was able to stand, somewhat shakily. Kagome supported him with her arm.
Across the way Sango was kneeling over the still form of Kilala. The feline did not stir when Sango tried to rouse her. Tears began to form in the demon slayers eyes as she shook Kilala harder. Miroku put a comforting hand on her shoulder. She sobbed into his shoulder.
Shippo saw the scene and immediately his own eyes began to water. Kilala had given her life for him! And he had dragged her here to this dangerous place. The fox felt his heart sink.
A tiny meow broke the silence. Sango looked up in shock from Miroku's shoulder. Kilala's red eyes cracked open a centimeter to stare at her mistress. Her breathing was shallow, but there.
"Kagome come quick!" Sango called to her friend urgently.
Kagome obeyed and hurried over. Kneeling by the feline, Kagome held her palms over her body. Summoning up all her strength Kagome managed to heal Kilala to a decent enough state. The rest, her body would have to do on its own.
Sango was hysterical. "Oh thank you Kagome!" She flung herself at her friend in a tight embrace. "Thank you so much."
Kagome smiled. "You are so very welcome Sango. I was glad to be able to help."
Shippo jumped over to Kilala, hugging her tightly. The feline purred contently at the attention.
Inuyasha's eyes softened at the scene played out before him. Then they immediately narrowed at the remembrance of what he must do tonight.
He approached the group. "Let's go home." He said.
The group all agreed and got up, anxious to get back to the village and into a warm bed. Sango carried the small formed Kilala, Miroku beside her. Inuyasha carried Kagome once again, and Shippo ran beside him.
The trip back to the village seemed a lot quicker than the young fox realized. He recognized some land marks as they sprinted their way back to the village. He did not realize how far he had actually strayed and immediately felt guilty.
When they were about a half mile from the village, Inuyasha had them halt in a small clearing. The group stopped staring at him, curious as to why he had made them stop this far from the village.
Inuyasha set Kagome down. He turned to his mate. "You guys go on." He said softly. Kagome's eyes looked at him her eyes scrunched in confusion.
His voice hardened slightly. "I have to teach my pup a lesson."
Kagome immediately understood and her expression softened. She, Sango, and Miroku retreated, making the trek back to the village, leaving Inuyasha alone with Shippo.
Shippo gulped nervously as the rest of the group left him alone with his adopted papa. His heart sank in shame and he awaited his fate.
What do you think? It's a new twist in the chapter. Shippo running off and disobeying his "papas" wishes. I thought the ending to this chapter reminded me greatly of The Lion King- when Mufasa wants to talk alone with Simba. I'm not sure what I have planned for the next chapter. If you have any ideas please send them in. I'm trying to portray Inuyasha as being the responsible father who must deal with his disobedient son. Knowing him, he won't be afraid to take a firm hand. Anyway, thanks for reading, I really appreciate any advice or comments you guys may have
P.S-Here is the URL for the picture of the wolf demon, if you're interested in seeing where I got my description from. It is an awesome picture!! http://i110.