InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Crossroads of Betrayal ❯ Regrouping ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, would I be writing a fanfic? I think not.

Chapter 2

Shippou ran through the forest with all his speed towards the mountains. He had to get to Totosai as soon as he could. 'If I can just keep this pace a bit longer, I'll make it just after sunset. I hope he's in an okay mood to make me a sword.' Shippou's muscles ached. He'd been running since he left the village. His speed amazed him. 'I guess when I finally decide to stop being a kid I realize my own power. This will be very useful.' The last rays of the sun slipped behind the mountains leaving Shippou to run in the dark. 'I can see the light from his fire, I'm almost there.' Shippou put on a last burst of speed and was soon at Totosai's hut.
He burst through the door and yelled, "Hey old man!"
Totosai jumped up and held his hands over his head. "AHHH!! I didn't do it, Inuyasha!"
Shippou smirked and began to chuckle. "Thanks for the compliment, but it's not him."
Totosei looked down in amazement. "Huh, what are you doing here?"
"I would have to agree with that. What brings you out here alone young Shippou? Has something befallen Master Inuyasha?" It was then that Shippou noticed Myoga the flea sitting on his shoulder.
"Well, that's kind of a long story. So you might want to get comfortable."
Shippou told them the story and what he wanted from Totosai. The elderly gentlemen sat there in shock. Totosai spoke first, surprisingly lucid. "Well, it's gonna hurt, but I'll pull your fang and make you a sword. I have a few flecks of the Tetsusaiga from when Inuyasha had it here last to be reforged. I could combine them and give you a small sword that could do a very small attack that would grow as your skill improves. Is that what you want, Shippou?"
Shippou was a little stunned. The old sword maker wasn't talking crazy. "Yeah, it is. How soon can you have it done?"
"When you wake up tomorrow morning it will be finished. I'll give you some basic training on it then you can do as you wish." With that, Totosai got some pliars and Shippou braced himself and shut his eyes. It surprisingly didn't hurt as much as he thought, since the old man started banging on his forge causing Shippou to open his eyes.
'That was easy,' thought Shippou. "Okay, I'm gonna get some rest then. See you in the morning." Shippou then went outside to sleep.
"Totosai, I'm afraid I must take my leave of you. I must go to my Lord and see that he is alright. Please, Totosai, make sure the young one is protected well." The wise old flea then bound out of the hut and headed out in search of his master.
Totosai spent most of the night working on the sword for Shippou. He managed to forge a small katana for him that would transform just like the Tetsusaiga. When pleased with his work, he began to make a scabbard out of enchanted oak that would protect Shippou from any attack, much like the Tenseiga had done for Sesshomaru in the past. 'I wish you the best of luck, young one. May Inuyasha's passion burn within you one.'
The sun began to shine, waking Shippou. He stood and stretched before heading to the hut to learn with his newly forged sword. 'This is going to be hard. But I made a vow and I promise to keep it, father.'

Deep in the woods, the sun began to shed it's gentle light on the small camp. It was peaceful and tranquil. Nothing could disturb the blissfullness . . . . almost.
"AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!"
Sango jumped to her feet and grabbed Hiraikotsu ready for battle. She looked down beside her to find Kirara hiding behind her in kitten form like she was in trouble and looked across the fire to see Inuyasha looking pale and holding onto his chest. He was panting hard and looked like he was in pain.
"Inuyasha, are you alright?" Sango was concerned for him.
"Ki-Ki-Kirara . . . . she . . . . . scared me." Inuyasha began to calm down. "Sorry I woke you, Sango. I was just so tired from yesterday that I was completely passed out asleep. Kirara jumped on me and licked me and it just scared me." A look of dread crossed his face as he realized he had been scared by the kitten.
Sango giggled. "Don't worry Inuyasha, it happens to everyone when she first does that to them. She just likes you is all." 'Boy does she have good taste too. Oh, I didn't just think that. It's nothing, just ignore it.' Sango then noticed that Kirara still cowered behind her, afraid that Inuyasha was mad at her.
Inuyasha sat down and called Kirara over. She timidly crossed over to him and he began to pet her behind the ears. She purred. Inuyasha smiled. "I'll forgive you for scaring me if you forgive me for scaring you." The kitten mewed and the group broke camp.
"Inuyasha, you haven't told me where we're going."
"I want to see if we can get Shiori to join us. If she can, her shielding powers will become a great asset to us."
"Oh, alright. And if she isn't able to?"
Inuyasha stopped walking. He looked to Sango with an expression that clearly meant he hadn't thought of that. "Ummm, plan B?"
"Riiight. It's okay, we'll figure it out." Sango beamed a smile at Inuyasha who returned one as well.
'She's pretty cute when she smiles at me, and it makes me smile too. What the Hell?! I must still be tired or something. Yeah, just not awake yet.' "Well, ready to go Sango?"
"Yep. How long will it take to get to the village?"
"Well, if we just walk at our normal pace we should make it just after nightfall. Is that okay or would you rather get there faster?"
"No, we can walk. It just means more time alone with you." Sango smiled, then look horrified when she realized she said that.
Inuyasha stopped all movement and looked at her. "Okay, we need to talk about this before shit gets out of hand. I'm not one to beat around the bush so I'll just ask. Do you like me?" His face took on a pink tone to the question.
Sango blushed and looked down. "I think I do. Please don't think bad of me."
Inuyasha put his hand on her shoulder. "That will never happen. Cause I'm in the same boat. It's just really confusing right now is all. My only request is that we just take things easy and relax. I've never had a best friend, but that's what we are for right now and it's nice for the moment. We'll figure out the future later. Deal?"
"Deal. Now that we've settled that, what exactly is this plan of yours?"
"I have a theory on how I can get stronger, much stronger. I have to embrace my demon blood. Don't worry, not talking about transforming. It's something else I think I could do. Shiori could be a great help at making sure we're safe from anything that attacks us. I'd also like to find someone with some kind of magic user for some surprise attacks. Maybe a healer too in case we do get hurt or find some others hurt along the way."
"Sounds reasonable. Do you really think Shiori's mother will let her come with us?"
"I don't know, Sango. I really hope so though." They continued to walk towards the village. Knowing that a long road lay before them, but the person beside them wouldn't let them quit.

Miroku and Kagome were headed towards Kouga and his wolves. They realized they were probably gonna need some help now. They decided that they'd also strengthen their spiritual powers through meditation and practice as they went. It was the practicing that caused them to not make it to his camp until almost nightfall.
Kouga was in his cave by the fire eating dinner when he smelled them. 'Kagome? What is she doing here? And why is only the monk with her? Well, guess that means I won't be pissing the mutt off tonight.' Kouga got up just as the two walked into the cave. "Hey Kagome, Monk. Where's the mutt and the exterminator?"
Kagome suddenly looked ready to cry and Miroku bowed his head in what smelled like shame to Kouga. "They left after what we did to them," he explained. "Kagome accepted your offer making Inuyasha leave. Then in my anger and stupidity I . . . . was found otherwise occupied which made Sango leave. Shippou took off too the next morning."
Kouga was stunned. He opened his mouth to say something but no words would come out. It was then that someone stepped out of the shadows of the cave. "I told you this joke of your was gonna go too far one day. Now look what you've done." Ayame scolded with her hands on her hips. "This is all your fault. You already have me for a mate, but you're stupid ego couldn't let you leave Inuyasha alone. His life was already so hard and you made it worse. The next time you and him come into a fight, I'm gonna make sure Kagome can't tell him to sit and let him beat the shit out of you."
Kagome and Miroku stared at the couple. Kagome then spoke up, "How long ago did he take you as a mate?"
"Shortly after I came back. He remembered his promise, his stupid pride just didn't let him admit it in public. So it's been a few months."
Kagome looked enraged and turned to Kouga. "So all this time, you've just been toying with Inuyasha. You wanted him to get upset, watch me sit him, and you were enjoying it." Kagome took her bow from her shoulder and pulled an arrow from her quiver, she drew the string back and aimed for Kouga. Tears were streaming down her face. "Give me a VERY good reason why I shouldn't shoot a purifying arrow through your heart."
Kouga took a step back. Terror crossed his face. He knew he was dead. He just hoped that it was a quick death. He looked to Ayame and she crossed her arms. "How about aiming somewhere that will hurt him more instead Kagome?" Kouga had a very good idea where that was. It was confirmed when Kagome lowered her aim. Kouga was saved though when Miroku put his hand on her shoulder.
"Despite deserving that, we need his help. We'll settle this all when the hunt is over."
Kagome lowered the bow and sat by the fire. Miroku knew it was up to him to convince him to join. "Okay, I'll just get to it. We still have to collect the jewel shards. We can't do it alone. And since you're now responsible for our current situation, your help is no longer being requested but demanded."
"He's going, and so am I. I have to make sure he keeps his part of the bargain. It's just too bad he's nowhere near as strong as Inuyasha. But we'll do the best we can. I promise you that." Ayame's declaration shocked the group. But the look on Kouga's face revealed he had to agree. After all, it was his fault this all happened.
"Alright, then it's settled. Ayame and I will follow you wherever you take us. I will do my best to atone for what I've done to you all. I don't know where to start, but ensuring your safety is the best I can do for now. We'll set out in the daty after tomorrow. A few preparations need to be made and then we'll be set."
With that, the new Shikon Shard hunters were formed. The last member would rejoin in a few days upon completion of his training.

The next morning in the mountains, Shippou was learning fighting technique from Totosai. The young kitsune and his will to become as powerful as his new father drove him to learn fast. He'd mastered the fighting styles fast. Now it was time to learn to transform it and use it's hidden power.
"Alright, Shippou. Just concentrate and think of protecting others. The sword will become a miniature version of the fang, just like Inuyasha's. Your attack, however, is based on your Fox Fire. It's created by sweeping the sword sideways. The blade strike will be that of your Fox Fire and cut through your enemies as it burns. If they are quite powerful, it won't do as much. However over time the power will increase. Now, transform the sword."
Shippou put both his hands on the small handle of the sword. He closed his eyes. He was having trouble deciding if he really wanted to protect the traitors. His vow to keep them safe for his Father's wrath flashed through his mind. 'I must keep them safe for Father. I promised.' With that, the small sword pulsed in his hands and then grew. The hilt was red fur, and the blade was tinted blue. Shippou smiled at his accomplishment.
Sweeping the sword left to right and back again, he made sure he had the motion down. "Is that right?"
"Yep. Now, the command to make it work is Fire Strike. Aim for that tree over there." Totosai pointed to a tree about a foot in diameter. "Try it only one handed though. That way if you needed a free hand for a Fox Fire attack or something you could."
Shippou turned to face it, he drew the sword across his body with his right hand. He raised it over his left shoulder. He braced himself, then in one swift motion brought it across his body horizontally. "Fire Strike!" A wide blade of blue fire came flying from the sword at the tree. It sliced through it leaving a scorch mark. Shippou smirked and looked at Totosai.
"Thanks, Master Totosai. I promise to use it to the best of my ability and make you and Father proud."
"I know you will, young one. The scabbard will also act as a shield and protect you, much as you've seen Inuyasha's do. Now run off young one. I can tell that the ones you wish to keep safe for your Father's return are at the den of the wolf pack. Be careful, Shippou."
"I will." And with that he took off towards the den.
'So, the bitch and the bastard have joined up with the wolf. Since he's a demon I won't be obliged to protect him. Like I would either. He's on his own. I should reach their by nightfall. Won't they be in for a shock. And if Kouga tries anything, he'll taste my Fire Strike across that face of his.' Shippou ran faster, fueled by the rage he felt for those three. His demon blood was hot, and he liked the feeling.

"INUYASHA!!"
Inuyasha smiled brightly at the little silver-haired girl running towards him. He knelt down and held out his arms so he could give her a hug. "It's great to see you Shiori. You remember Sango, don't you?"
"Yes, sir. I do. It's good to see you again, Miss Sango."
"It's good to see you too, Shiori. You can just call me Sango though."
"Yes, ma'am."
"Shiori, we're you're friends. You don't have to be so polite to us." Inuyasha said with a smile and a pat to her head.
"Okay. Inuyasha, where is Miss Kagome and Mr. Miroku?"
Inuyasha gathered Shiori into a gentle hug and whispered to her. "Do you remember what the word, betrayed means?" A simple nod was his answer. He loosened his grip to look the sweet girl in the eyes before continuing. "They betrayed us both and broke our hearts. We left because it hurt so much. We have to continue our quest though and have a big favor to ask you and your mom. Can we go inside?"
Shiori understood from the look in his eyes that the topic for discussion was over. "Of course." Came a voice from behind her. Shiori's mother stood there smiling. Her eyes held the sympathy for the broken hearts of the travelers. "Please come in and rest."
"Thank you," they both replied.
After sitting down near the fire and drinking some cool water they began the story. Shiori was still young, but understood the most of it. Her mother had tears in her eyes. Inuyasha then got to the point of their visit. "What we came to ask is if we could bring Shiori with us to help in our travels and fighting. Her ability to shield us would greatly aid our cause. I promise on my own life she will return safely to you. The only change is I hope she will be stronger and look upon us as her friends and protectors always."
Shiori looked to her mother, a begging look in her eyes. Her mother just stood and went to the back of the hut. Shiori looked down defeated. She knew her mother would never let her go. Then her mother returned and knelt before her daughter and placed a medallion around her neck.
"This was a gift your Father gave me. He said it will enhance your powers, and that one day you would need it upon a great quest. Go, my lovely daughter, and find your destiny." She kissed her daughter on the head and then went over to Sango. "I'm entrusting my daughter to you. However long it takes you to finish this, I want you to see to it she is raised right. Be her big sister for me in my absence. Remember all she does so that you may tell me of the accomplishments upon your return. You are in charge of her human half." Sango simply nodded as a single tear rolled down her cheek at the chance to be a big sister again. The woman then knelt before Inuyasha. "And you, Inuyasha. I charge you with her safety and her life. She is to return to me unharmed in anyway, or I will take your life as payment as you said. She is all I have, watch over her as your little sister. Help her powers to grow. You are in charge of her demon half." Inuyasha nodded.
"It's getting late. Let us rest tonight and you may head out in the morning." Shiori's mother then got out futons for them and they all curled up to sleep.
Inuyasha could smell the tears on all their faces. He gently got up and went to where Shiori and her mom were cuddled together, he gently whispered to them and they fell asleep after awhile. He then made his way to Sango. 'I hope she doesn't slap me. If she does, so be it.' He picked her up causing her to gasp and sat her in his lap. He began to slowly pet her hair and growl gently and lowly in his chest.
Sango was shocked at his action. 'Why is he doing this?' "Inuyasha, I thought you said we were gonna keep things simple?" She whispered.
"We are," he whispered back, "I'm simply comforting my crying best friend. Don't be upset with me, I think I needed the contact too."
Sango relaxed and snuggled into Inuyasha. "I'm not upset, it's just nice to finally have contact with a guy who really cares about me. Your purring is so soothing." She began to drift off to sleep in his arms.
Inuyasha smiled and leaned his head down on hers. 'And your warmth and breathing soothe me.' He soon drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, after tears and hugs all around, the group headed out.
"Inuyasha, is anyone else gonna join us?" Shiori asked.
"Well, I'd like to get a magic user of some kind for some distance and surprise attacks. And a healer in case we get hurt. Any ideas?" Inuyasha beamed a bright smile at the little girl.
"Actually, a man and his daughter passed through a few days ago. She was a half-demon too. She was a phoenix demon, and can control and use fire. She's also able to heal people almost instantly, and if she gets powerful enough even revive the recently dead."
"Shiori, do you have any idea which way they went?" Sango asked.
"Yes, they went to the village in the direction we're headed."
"We have to try and track them then. If it's been a few days already we have to be fast. Sango, get on my back and wrap your arms and legs around me. I'll carry Shiori in my arms and she can hold Kirara. I'm faster than she can fly. Is that alright with everyone?"
Shiori nodded and Kirara mewed in agreement. Sango blushed and looked down at the idea of having to lift her kimono to do that even though her armor was underneath it. Inuyasha smiled at her when she brought her eyes back up. "I'll take that as a yes."
He knelt down and Sango got on with Hiraikotsu strapped to her back. He scooped up Shiori. "Oof, this is heavy." Inuyasha said with a huge smile. Sango was ready started to draw back a hand to hit him with when she heard Shiori giggle and Inuyasha kiss her hand then turn his had and wink. The gesture melted her heart and she tightened her grip on him before he took off at full speed. They girls were amazed at his speed and were enjoying it, he jumped into the air and they squeeled in pleasure. 'We'll have to do this sometime when we're not in a hurry.'
With that, he sprinted in search of the next member of the team.

Kouga was the first to awaken the next day. He gently got up so as not to wake Ayame and headed for the cave entrance. He spotted Kagome and Miroku sleeping and the guilt rose in him again. 'I'm responsible for breaking their hearts. I've ruined possibly the bests things their lives could ever hold for them. Damn my ego.'
Kouga walked out into the morning sunlight and stretched. He took off for a run to wake him up and try to stifle the rising guilt.
Ayame woke next, a rather loud yawn woke Kagome and Miroku. "Sorry, didn't mean to wake you."
"It's okay," Kagome said sleepily, "it was time to get up anyways."
Miroku looked around through his partially closed eyelids. "Where did Kouga run off to this time?"
"His morning run, he'll be back before too long."
A short time later Kouga returned. He looked at the faces of the group and knew it was gonna be tough on them.
"Kouga, why don't I take Kagome and Miroku and we can start getting provisions and supplies together?"
"Alright, I have to take care of the pack anyways."
With that, Ayame led the two away while Kouga went to find Ginta and Hakkaku.
"Hey you two, I have a job for you."
"What is it Kouga?" Ginta questioned.
"I'm leaving with Ayame to help Kagome and the monk find the rest of the jewel shards. I need you two to make sure the pack stays together and stays strong. I'm putting you both in charge, got it?"
"We won't fail you Kouga," Hakkaku boldy stated.
"You'd better not or I'll gut you both."
Kouga went back to the cave after a finalizing a few more details with them. He found Ayame, Kagome, and Miroku packing things into Kagome's pack and close it. 'That thing is so weird.' "We all set?"
Ayame perked her head up. "Yup, you just need to carry the pack." Ayame shot Kouga a glare that definitely meant 'Carry it or die."
"No probl-" Before he could finish growling was heard from outside.
The four got up and walked out of the cave to find several wolves growling and baring their teeth and a small form at the entrance to the camp. He defiantly kept walking foward paying no attention to the wolves. He showed no fear, only anger. This made the wolves now cower before him and he approached the cave.
"Shippou!" Kagome screamed. "We were so worried about you." Kagome ran towards the kitsune but he side-stepped her before she could grab him.
"I told you, wench. No bitch of Kouga's will ever be allowed to touch me." Shippou glanced around at the faces. He saw a mixture of pain, hurt, and anger among them all. The wind shifted slightly and his glance was brought to Ayame. He recognized the scent she gave off and saw her marking on her neck. Shippou smirked and looked back to Kagome out of the corner of his eyes.
"I stand corrected. Ayame is apparently his mate, or bitch by dog-demon terms, while you are merely his whore."
Tears fell from Kagome's eyes. 'There's the reaction I wanted, you whore. I may have promised to protect them, but that doesn't mean I can't torment them as well.'
Kouga was enraged. "How dare you talk to Kagome that way! She's like your mother!"
"She WAS like my mother until she betrayed the one who IS like my father. As far as I'm concerned, wolf-boy, the only person who needs to address me is Ayame. The rest of you can burn in Hell."
"Shippou, I need to tell you something." Ayame then told the young kitsune the truth behind it all.
When she finished, Shippou pounced at Kouga so fast no one saw him. He clawed at his face and kicked him. He finished when his cheeks were cut, lips and nose bleeding, and had a black eye. "You ruined my life for a sick joke!? You're an even bigger bastard than I thought. Just don't cross me and I'll allow you to live." Shippou then stormed out of the cave and sat by it's opening looking at the stars. 'I'm sorry Father. You will never know the truth of your betrayal. I promise to make you proud of me for keeping them safe until you're return.'



Jacketslacker: Well, there it is. Yeah I know it was kinda lame. But it needed to be done to help set up the rest of the story. So what you think so far. Give me feedback. Tell me what you'd like to see, what you don't like to see, etc. That's all for now. See ya next time.