InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A New Friend; Or A New Foe? ❯ Friend or Foe? ( Chapter 4 )

“You are Guardian of the Forest?!” Miroku asked in disbelief.

 

“Yes.”

 

Kagome frowned. “But I thought Royakan was Guardian of the Forest.”

 

Risa's countenance took on a saddened expression. “He was. Unfortunately, after being so easily possessed by another demon he was exiled and I appointed in his stead. I do visit him in his cave from time to time, but in the long shot he's sealed himself off from all other living things.”

 

“But it wasn't his fault he was possessed!” blurted Kagome.

 

Risa's eyes hardened. “It does not matter. He went against all his vows, and went so far as to destroy part of the forest he was sworn to protect. As punishment, he will be sealed away for one thousand years. It is a punishment he himself volunteered for.” She looked around at everyone. “Now, how about we perform proper introductions…?”

 

“Ah, yes.” Miroku bowed. “I am Miroku. I am merely a humble houshi.”

 

“And a perverted one,” Sango muttered under her breath.

 

Miroku blushed while Risa hid a smile under one hand. “Ah, um, yes…” he stuttered.

 

Sango extended a hand. “My name is Sango, and this is Kirara,” she stroked Kirara's head, and Kirara purred in pleasure.

 

Kagome stepped forward and bowed. “My name is Higurashi Kagome.” (Japanese put the last name first out of respect for the family. I didn't do it with Risa because Nightfire Risa didn't sound good.) She pointed to Inu Yasha. “His name's Inu Yasha.”

 

“Feh.”

 

“And this is Shippou,” she pointed to the little kitsune, who was currently sitting on her shoulder. He blushed and scuffed one foot against Kagome's shirt.

 

Risa looked down at the little kitsune. “Hello.”

 

“Um… hi,” Shippou said, his blush spreading.

 

Kagome looked at the small youkai on her shoulder. `He seems embarrassed. Well, I guess that's to be expected. I mean, he hasn't been around another kitsune youkai since his father died. It might be awkward to meet another of his kind.'

 

Risa turned around and clapped her hands. “Okay. Now, since you will be staying in this forest tonight, let's say we have some dinner?” She pointed to a few fish that had been sitting unnoticed at the edge of the clearing. “You're welcome to share. I caught enough for everyone.”

 

Miroku bowed again. “Arigatou, Nightfire-san.”

 

Risa waved a hand. “Please, just call me Risa. I have enough responsibilities that I dislike being called by formal titles.”

 

“All right, Risa,” Miroku said. He leaned over, trying to seem helpful while in reality scoping out Risa's ass. “Do you need any help?”

 

Risa shook her head, causing her ears to flap. “No, I've got it. Arigatou, though.” She speared the fish on sticks and set them up over the fire. “With this fire, it should take fifteen minutes to cook—and what is that on my ass?!”

 

Miroku hastily removed his wandering hand and cleared his throat. “*Ahem* Anyway, would you mind if I asked a few questions?”

 

Risa didn't look up from the fire, but her ears twitched, which indicated she was listening. “Ask away. I will answer as best I can.”

 

“How is it such a young and, if I may add, beautiful youkai become the new Guardian of the Forest?”

 

Risa turned around and faced him, pride shimmering in her eyes. “I was chosen for two reasons. First of all, I am the strongest in the forest, as Inu Yasha has discovered. Second,” she smiled. “My clan is the second- oldest in the forest.”

 

“What was the first?” asked Kagome, who was as interested in Risa as Miroku.

 

Cocking her head to the side, Risa answered “Well, to be quite honest, Royakan's clan was the oldest. That's why he was chosen to be the guardian the last thousand years.”

 

“I've got a question, kitsune,” demanded Inu Yasha. “Why are you carrying that jewel shard?!”

 

Risa turned her gaze toward Inu Yasha. “Simple, my hanyou friend. Yes, I can tell,” she said when she saw him stare at her. “I can smell the ningen in you. Anyway, back to your question. Isn't it obvious? I'm keeping it from falling into the hands of youkai who would abuse its power.” She made a point of looking at Inu Yasha as she said that.

 

Inu Yasha growled and gathered himself to lunge.

 

“Sit, boy,” said Kagome. She didn't want to start a battle, seeing how easily Risa defeated him before.

 

“Gah!” Inu Yasha's face was jammed into the ground. Luckily, there was enough moss in the clearing to cushion his fall.

 

Risa peered into the crater Inu Yasha's body made and rubbed her chin with one hand. “Interesting,” she said. “A spell of some sort?”

 

“It's the rosary around his neck,” Miroku supplied. “Whenever Kagome utters the subduing word, sit, Inu Yasha is forced into the ground. Unfortunately, it only works when Kagome says it.”

 

“Isn't it painful?” Risa asked.

 

Inu Yasha dragged himself out of the hole. “Yeah, it hurts like hell!” He glared at Kagome for all he was worth, furious at the `sit'.

 

“I can ease the pain if you like,” Risa offered.

 

“I don't need your help,” Inu Yasha snarled. “Back off!”

 

“Inu Yasha…” Kagome warned.

 

Inu Yasha blanched and quickly shut up.

 

“Who's hungry?” Risa asked, changing the subject. “The fish is ready.”