DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Author's note: Sorry about last month. I hope this chapter being a little longer than usual makes up for the delay.


Chapter 21

Kagome's chest tightened. Was a moment's peace really too much to ask for? Some haven this was. Well, she sure wasn't backing down now. She squared her shoulders and faced the darkness before her.

"How do you know me?"

All spirits know the Avatar.

She'd figured as much. They'd been haranguing her ever since she set her hand on the Goshinboku. There'd been no doubt in any of their eyes. Except for Inuyasha's. She gave him a curious glance. His gaze was still fixed on the darkness.

"If you know I'm the Avatar, then why won't you let me stay?"

You are welcome here, Avatar. But we cannot allow this one. His very presence disturbs the balance.

"How?"

All humans who meddle with the balance must perish.

She wrinkled her nose. "That doesn't explain-"

"Don't bother." Inuyasha heaved a sigh. "This one ain't worth your yammering."

Silence, fool. A low growl reverberated through the trees.

"Takes one to know one."

The growl took a step closer to Inuyasha.

"He's with me."

He is an abomination.

Inuyasha lifted his chin. "Oh? How about saying that to my face?"

She drew in a breath. This could go on for a while. Best try a change of tack. "We?"

We kitsune are the guardians of this shrine. We will not permit him to taint it.

Taint? The word set her teeth on edge. A flare of anger rose within her."But he was born this way! How can you-"

That cannot be. A hint of doubt crept into the spirit's voice.

"Oh? Well here I am," Inuyasha retorted.

The spirit gave another growl. You will not be warned again.

"Oh you-" She bit back the urge to stamp her foot. "The forest's crawling with dark spirits! If he goes out there-"

That is none of my concern.

"It's your forest."

The forest belongs to itself alone.

"So you'd leave him to them?"

The forest will decide his fate.

"Looks like it already has." Inuyasha didn't even bother to keep the smirk from his face.

Insolent whelp! You will-

"Keh. Don't bother." Inuyasha's smirk widened. "You couldn't keep me out if you tried."

We shall see about that.

A hot wind stirred around them. The treetops quivered. Kagome stifled a gasp as the air cooled into mist. She took an unconscious step towards Inuyasha. He didn't even flinch.

Another growl came from the darkness. The mists parted as suddenly as they'd arrived. An enormous fox emerged from the gloom. Its head stood taller than the shrine gate. Its fur was white as frost. Its eyes blazed cobalt. Each of its nine tails was tipped with azure flames.

She backed away. Inuyasha didn't move. He eyed the fox withcontempt.

"That all you got for me?"

The fox bared its fangs in reply. Flames billowed at the back of its throat. It unleashed them with a roar.

She ducked for cover. Inuyasha stood his ground. The flames washed over them like a flood. They didn't have so much as a breath of warmth in them. She raised her head with a blink.

"Wha-"

Inuyasha's mouth twisted into a grin. "Guess so."

She stared at the fox in disbelief. Whisps of flames still licked around its jaws. Flames that hadn't even singed the grass. A rush of understanding came to her. "It's... a fake?"

Fools. I am no mere illusion. A tinge of pique crept into the spirit's voice.

Inuyasha snorted. "Oh please. The Ember Island Players could put on a better show."

Why you-

The fox shivered with rage. Its outline wavered like a mirage. It fought to hold its shape as its eyes bugged out like a frog's. It disappeared with a pop and a billow of smoke.

She shielded her face until the smoke vanished. She blinked her eyes clear and made out a tiny boy stood atop the shrine gate. His hair was as red as autumn leaves, his eyes as green as new ones. The fuzzy tail protruding from his loose trousers was almost as big as he was. If he hopped down he wouldn't even come up to her knee.

She gaped at the strange child. He certainly wasn't human. "Are you-"

"Keh, don't get too excited," Inuyasha scoffed. "This is just your regular tanuki."

"Hey! I'm a fox!" the spirit protested.

"Not like there's much difference." Inuyasha shrugged.

"Oh really?" The spirit's tiny hands balled into fists. "Amazing. You're even dumber than you look."

Inuyasha snorted. "Coming from you that's-"

"Hey, hey," Kagome held up her palms. "He's just a kid."

"Who are you calling a kid?" The fox spirit's tail bristled. "I bet you're not even fifty."

Well, she wasn't going to argue with that. She shot Inuyasha a glance. "Is he really-"

"Keh. Spirits don't age. But they can grow." He turned his glare back on the spirit. "He may not be a kid but he's still a runt."

"Runt?" The fox's tail burst into flame. "I'll show you-"

Inuyasha lobbed a flaming punch in his direction. The spirit dodged it with a yelp. "Hey!"

"Inuyasha!"

"He started it," he shrugged.

Honestly. "He's just-"

"A pain in the arse." He turned his back on the spirit. "Get going before he-"

A blue fireball shot towards him. He dodged it without breaking his stride. He eyed the spirit with a scowl.

"You sure don't know when to-"

"Inuyasha. Please." She waved him down. "I'm sure we can talk this over peacefully."

Inuyasha cast his eyes skywards. "Oh goody."

She swallowed a wasn't worth a retort. She gave the spirit a smile. "Please excuse my friend. He's had a rough night."

"Friend?" Inuyasha wrinkled his nose.

"I'm sorry we didn't get off to the best of starts." Better not let Inuyasha get another word in edgeways. "So, you're a fox spirit?"

"I'm a kitsune." The little spirit puffed out his chest. "We guard this shrine from evildoers." He shot Inuyasha a non-too-subtle look.

She let it slide. For now. "I see. Pardon me but I'm not from round here. If you don't mind me asking, what's a kitsune?"

The spirit's tail fluffed up with pride. "We kitsune are-"

"They're just fox spirits." Inuyasha stifled a yawn. "They're shape-shifters. Kind of. If you think illusions count."

"Tch." The fox spirit folded his arms. "Like mine didn't scare the pants off you."

Inuyasha gave another snort. "I've seen better from tanuki."

"Still made you jump," the spirit retorted.

"Keh. Just be glad you're not-"

"Hey, hey." She waved him down again.

"You think you can get a straight answer out of him? Go ahead." Inuyasha leaned back against the gate with a sigh.

"Why should I give you one?" The fox spirit folded his arms. "You haven't even told me your names."

"You-"

"I'm Kagome." She shot Inuyasha a warning look. She switched back to a smile for the spirit. "And he's Inuyasha."

"Avatar Kagome." The spirit gave her a nod. "Nice to meet you."

"Okay, your turn." Inuyasha cast him a pointed look.

The spirit's cheeks flushed. "I never-"

"Just your name is fine," Kagome put in.

"Oh." He screwed up his face in thought. A decision was soon reached. He cleared his throat. "It's Shippou."

"Nice to meet you, Shippou." She gave him a bow. "You said there are more of you?"

"Well... " A flicker of uncertainty crossed the spirit's face. He glanced away before she could meet his eyes.

"Well?"

"There were. More of us. But not since the Sage went away."

"Sage?"

"Probably a fire sage," Inuyasha muttered. His shoulders were still hunched in a sulk.

"Fire sage?" The pit of her stomach froze. That would explain more than a few things. "Wait. Are we-"

"Oh, this isn't the Fire Nation," Shippou reassured her. "Not that that keeps them from coming." He shot Inuyasha another look.

"There are firebenders here?"

"Well... " He cast a glance over his shoulder. "It's getting late."

"Spirits don't sleep." Inuyasha glared up from his sulk.

"Not like humans," Shippou eyed him knowingly.

"We need to rest," Kagome agreed before Inuyasha could open his mouth. "Is there anywhere nearby where-"

"Oh, you don't need to ask, Avatar. Uh, Kagome. The Shrine Tree says you're more than welcome."

"Shrine Tree?" Kagome replied. "You mean there's a spirit tree here?"

"Keh. What did you think was keeping them out?" Inuyasha gave a nod towards the river. "Some Avatar you are."

She let the jibe slide. Now that did explain things. More than she'd dared hope.

"Um, can I see it? Uh, the tree," she explained, as a frown crossed Shippou's face. "I'd just like to say thanks."

Shippou gave her a nod. "Sure. Right this way."

He hopped down from the gate and spread his arms. The mists parted to reveal a set of worn stone steps. He scampered up them with ease. She followed at a wearier pace. Inuyasha trudged after her, still grumbling. She stuck with him despite his complaints. His flames were the only light source apart from Shippou's fox fire.

Shippou didn't even glance back at Inuyasha. Not that that was a surprise. His very presence set the fox's fur on end. If he'd come here alone... She shook her head. Perhaps spirits really weren't so different to humans after all.

Not so different. Her footsteps slowed as the realisation sunk in. Inuyasha might not be fully human but he was hardly a spirit either. No matter where he went, he stuck out like a splinter. Humans and spirits alike would tear at him until they were rid of him. Until he lay broken and bloody on the ground. The thought was almost...

"Oi. Are you going to stand there all night?" Inuyasha tapped his foot.

She started. Drifting off again? What had got into her? It was probably all that bending catching up with her. That was all. She shook herself and carried on. He followed with a scoff.

The path was steep but short. It didn't take long to crest the hill. A grove of trees rose into view. They were far from the tallest she'd come across but their sturdiness was still imposing. Their leaves were completely foreign to her: broad, flat and blunt. Each was a vivid green, despite the chill in the air.

Her gaze was immediately drawn to the largest tree. It was a mere sapling compared to the Goshinboku but its presence held the same warmth. Even on a night like this its shade was comforting. So this was what kept the darkness at bay.

"It said you'd be coming," Shippou waved towards the tree.

"Oh." Kagome stared for a few moments before her manners caught up with her. She gave the tree a deep bow. "Thank you."

Inuyasha gave the tree a grunt. It accepted it in silence. A faint smirk tugged at his lips."Told you he couldn't keep me out."

"Tch, don't bet on it," Shippou pouted. He made no move to attack, though.

Of course, there was no arguing with the Shrine Tree. For all Shippou's protests, it hadn't raised so much as a tremor at Inuyasha's presence. Strange how much warmth that thought brought her.

"Oi, Kagome." Inuyasha cleared his throat.

She blinked her thoughts away. Strange, indeed. Still, there was no sense in refusing its welcome. She turned back to Shippou.

"So, it's okay for us to stay right?"

"Well... " Shippou's brow creased.

"Both of us?"

"Well... "

Shippou turned to the tree. A soft wind whispered through its branches. He turned back to her with a sigh.

"Okay. But only because you're the Avatar."

She gave him the neatest bow she could muster. "Thank you, Shippou."

"Keh." Inuyasha stifled a yawn. "Just get to bed before you drop."

"Sure, sure."

There was little chance of finding a bed - or even much of a roof - in this place but she'd be happy with anything horizontal and dry at this point. Her feet ached in agreement. Sleep couldn't come soon enough.


Her sleep was dark and dreamless. Waking still came far sooner than she would have liked. The winter sun was far too bright for her eyelids to keep it at bay. She eased an eye open.

The sun peeked at her through a crack in the roof. She greeted it with a sigh. They'd picked the driest and sturdiest of the shrine's remaining buildings for the night. That was a slight improvement over the forest floor. A mere gust of wind made this shack groan more than Grandpa. She heaved another sigh. There'd be no more sleep for her here.

She rose with a yawn and a stretch. Inuyasha was already up and away. He probably hadn't gone too far. His eyes hadn't left her back since they'd arrived. She was lucky he'd been too tired to bother with more ropes.

Her stomach gurgled a reminder. She'd better do something about breakfast. She wasn't even going to try to retrieve their supplies. She dug through her pockets, just in case. All she had left of her meagre belongings was a morsel of dried fruit. Still it was probably better than anything she'd find in the shrine. If the Sage had left any stores they'd be little more than dust by now.

"Hey, Kagome."

She gave a start. Shippou peered down at her from what was left of the rafters. His eyes were bright as the morning. He clutched a cloth bundle to his chest. His tail perked up at her acknowledgement.

"Oh. Hey, Shippou."

"Thought you might like some breakfast." He tossed the bundle into her lap and hopped down to join her.

She blinked. Goodness knew what spirits called breakfast. Did they even need to eat? Politeness was probably the best option.

"Oh. Thanks."

She picked up the bundle and set about untying the knot. Her fingers were stiffer than ever. Shippou gave her a few moments before he reached out to offer her a hand.

"Here."

He loosed the knot in an instant. An abundance of mushrooms spilled out into her lap.

"Um."

"These should be okay. I think," he chattered. "Don't eat the spotty ones. Or was it the orange ones? They make you barf real bad."

She stared down at the mushrooms. Her stomach had gone quiet. "I'll keep that in mind."

"I think the little brown ones are okay? Mostly. I heard some of them make you-"

"Uh, thanks, Shippou." The less said the better, really.

"No problem!" he chirped.

She couldn't say no to that smile. She scooped up the mushrooms and placed the bundle beside her. She got to her feet with a wince. She was actually starting to miss all that time in bed. Best find something to take her mind off her body.

"Um, is Inuyasha-"

"Oh, he didn't want any." His eyes didn't quite meet hers.

She suppressed a sigh. No doubt he hadn't even offered him any. Still, that was probably just as well. If this was his idea of a gift then goodness knew what he'd try to foist on Inuyasha. The fruit would have to do for now.

Shippou scurried off before she could begin her breakfast. At least that saved her from finding an excuse not to risk the mushrooms. She finished it in three bites. She'd have done it in two, if her throat wasn't so dry. Better go find some water.

For once she had some luck. There was a bubbling spring not far from the grove. The water was mercifully clear and salt-free. She drank her fill and set off in search of some containers.

A bit of rooting in one of the storehouses unearthed some clay bottles. Two of them still had stoppers and no cracks. They were heavy and dusty but it wasn't like she was in a hurry. She gave them a good wash out before she filled them.

That wasn't quite so simple. Her sleeves were soon soaked to the elbow. Her arms began to ache with the strain. Her stomach's complaints didn't do much to help. Wherever Inuyasha had got to, he'd better bring back some more breakfast. She'd have to find another distraction until he got back.

She started at the thought. Inuyasha was well out of sight. Spirits knew what her friends and family were going through right now. The sooner she headed home the better. So what was holding her here?

Apart from her almost total lack of supplies, hope and directions. The horde of dark spirits lying in wait didn't do much for her chances either. Her shoulders slumped. No wonder he hadn't bothered to tie her up.

She glanced down at the bottle in her hands. Water gurgled over the brim. She tipped it upright with a curse. If only she could do this with bending.

Now there was an idea. She corked the bottle and got to her feet. She set off for the Shrine Tree at a brisk pace. If she was going to be stuck here for a while, she might as well use her time wisely.

She ran through a few warm-up exercises in the grove. Her body's protests quietened as she worked through them. She should do these more often. By the time she finished she was almost half awake and positively eager to practice.

That didn't last long. The water was as sluggish as she was. Sweat trickled down her spine as she fumbled it into a ball. Of course she hadn't figured that she'd be waterbending by day. Another bead crept down her back as she teased out a thin stream. She shouldn't have taken the moon for granted. Why did this have to be so-

"Oi."

Inuyasha's voice shattered her concentration. The water crashed from her hands. She answered him with a dripping glare.

He replied with a blink. His hair and clothes were infuriatingly dry.

"What?"

"You're... training?"

"Well, what else is there to do?" she snapped.

"Oh, I dunno. Something useful?"

She pointed towards the bottle with her foot. "There."

He stared at the bottle. "Can't you just use your hands?"

"I did." She prodded the bottle. "You want it? Go take it."

"I don't." He gave her a scowl. "We don't have time for this."

"Really? You could've told me earlier."

"You were asleep."

As if he could blame her for that. His scowl made it clear he did. Her mouth gave a twitch. A faint mist rose from her soaked sleeves.

"Well, that leaves plenty of time for you, doesn't it?"

"Oh for-"

He shot forwards and scooped her under his arm. He leapt into the Shrine Tree before she could let out a yell. He dumped her over a branch with a vehement "keh".

"Hey!"

He tensed to spring. She grabbed his ankle before he could take off.

"Inuyasha!"

He shook her away. "Stay here. And try not to make too much noise for a change."

"Oh you-" She swallowed her annoyance and let out a sigh. "You know, you could at least trust me a little."

"Trust?" The word fell from his mouth as if he loathed the very sound of it. His glare sharpened. "Just stay there."

"Inu-"

He was gone in a heartbeat. Her hand fell to her side. Trust. How could one word sting so much? Coming from him, of all people.

She wrenched herself into a sitting position and slumped back against the trunk. Honestly. Why did she even bother? At least she could attempt another nap. She let her eyes fall shut.


She woke with the sun in her face. It did little to ease her chills. Sleeping upright hadn't done much for her aches and pains either. She shook her head and blinked the sunspots from her eyes. At least her dreams had stayed at bay.

She'd best get moving. Not that she could do all that much up here. She shielded her eyes and took a quick glance at the sky. The sun still hadn't reached its peak. Besides, if Inuyasha was back he'd have never let her sleep through his return.

A faint rustle answered her thoughts. Her breath stilled. She caught the soft pad of footsteps.

"Inuyasha?" she whispered.

She received no reply. Not that she'd expect much of one from him. She edged forwards and peered down from her branch. She made out a small girl tramping her way through the grove.

She ducked back down. The girl paid her no mind. That was just as well. She might not be alone. She shrank back against the trunk as the girl passed under the tree.

The girl carried on unawares, her face set in a steady frown. Her fists were clenched as hard as her teeth. Even her bobbing pigtails radiated anger. She stormed through the grove without so much as a nod to the followed her path with baited breath.

The girl drew to a sudden halt before the gate. She sucked in a breath and spun to face the tree. Her eyes narrowed, as if sizing up a target. Small as she was, Kagome still flinched.

The girl's glare sharpened. She shot out a punch with a yell. Flames burst from her fist. A gasp burst from Kagome's throat.

The girl's head shot straight up. Her gaze narrowed as it locked with Kagome's. Her amber eyes burned as fiercely as her flames. Smoke still curled from her clenched fist. There was no hiding from her now.


Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update once a month.