InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Ever After ❯ Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The lands were at peace again after Naraku's demise, except for a few minor disruptions, nothing a miko from the future, a taijiya, her firecat, a monk, a wolf tribe leader and oh… an inu youkai couldn't handle. However, at present, the inu-youkai was out of business for while. The reason? Carrying pups is a really risky business and that meant no more adventures for poor Inuyasha….

“Damn it Kouga, if you don't take me with you, I am gonna suffocate and die.” Inuyasha yelled, trying to get his mate to listen. The wolf prince only snorted as he secured the ties of his armour, checking to see whether it fit right. They were getting ready to fight a couple of snake demons that had been attacking the nearby village for the past few days.

Kouga didn't look up as he proceeded to tie the fur boots. “No puppy, you're not going anywhere like that.” He raised his eyes, pointing meaningfully to the inu's distended belly where their pup was growing happily.

“But I am no weakling, I can handle some stupid demons.” Inuyasha reasoned, “I am more powerful now and I have Ryu and Hikari to help me out, don't I?” He kicked the youth standing beside him trying very hard not to laugh.

“H-Hai…papa's right father, h-he can handle those demon.” Ryu reluctantly stammered. After all who would want to be at the receiving end of papa's wrath, when he is in one of his `moods'. Ryu had grown considerably during the last year and a half, resembling a 14 year old human boy, and had more power than any of the youkai's in their world, well…except Hikari and Inuyasha, that is. He could easily control thunder, water and ice, and had agility that surpassed even his uncle Sesshomaru. However, the most remarkable thing about him was his power to heal… he could concentrate his life force to cure just about any illness or injury, something that was unheard for any youkai to possess. But this was not all, he seemed to have something more, a potential to draw the males and females of their tribe to him, his charm. He was not only the most handsome boy, but also his personality, and his friendly attitude made the girls and the boys swoon at his sight. He even had a fan club within his tribe. But, he had yet to show any interest in them, as he used most of his time in the healer's hut learning new techniques of healing, or fighting beside his father and ojiisan.

“See! Even Ryu agrees with me.” Inuyasha shouted, and Ryu sweat dropped.

At that moment a knock sounded at their door, before Miroku entered. “Kouga! We need to move fast. Hikari, Sango and Kagome are already on their way.” He informed them, before giving the Ryu and Inuyasha a smile.

“I am going Kouga, whether you like it or not!” Inuyasha announced, tucking Tetsusaiga in his obi.

“NO YOU'RE NOT PUPPY! I TOLD YOU ONCE YOU ARE NOT FIT TO GO!” Kouga yelled, loosing his patience.

“GRR……” Inuyasha bared his fangs, fingers curling into fists, poison hissing in his claws.

“Umm… I will go get ready for the journey, come on uncle Miroku.” Ryu pulled Miroku out with him before the situation got anymore dangerous. Inuyasha was really pissed off and he knew better than to stay there.

“Papa is in one of famous moods today.” Ryu smirked, as sounds of things breaking, and yelling were heard from his parent's room.

“Yeah, his voice could be heard all the way from the entrance. If Yuuka-chan wouldn't have been out to collect herbs she could calm him down, she's the only one who can handle him now.” Miroku sighed. “Inuyasha always gets like that when he's carrying, staying cooped up in one place really affects him.”

At that moment a painful howl was heard from behind and both Miroku and Ryu winced.

“I hope father's all right.” Ryu turned back, looking towards the door. “Papa's really angry today.”

“Don't worry, I think he will be. Come on now kid, we need to get to the women fast. They will be waiting.”

Ryu gave the door one last look before following Miroku to the entrance. He transformed quickly, acquiring the form of a huge dog. He whined before lowering himself to allow the monk to climb up on his back. Miroku smiled as he settled himself on Ryu, before scratching behind his huge doggy ears and earning a gratified whine in returned.

Soon Kouga joined them, grumbling under is breath, fortunately without Inuyasha and unfortunately with a huge patch of fur missing from his tail. How he managed to convinced Inuyasha to stay was still a mystery and Miroku decided it was not an idea to ask. Instead, he chose to let his mind drift to the one who had managed to capture his heart, one who didn't give him one moment of peace in this one and a half year's time. Yes… the cold hearted, azure-orbed beauty who was one of the reasons he had left his friends to wander the world in search of knowledge to increase his spiritual power. With the wind tunnel gone forever, he no longer felt the need to ask each and every women, or girl he met, to bear his child and found his taste for women slowly wavering. Instead, his heart settled on the lord of the western lands, his aloof yet strangely alluring features, the crescent moon that adorned his forehead, those eyes that held so much wisdom, those soft narrow lips, the silver mane cascading down his back, that lean body hidden behind tough armour, and that perfectly rounded derriere begging to be caressed….. Miroku shook his head violently, as very hentai thoughts began to enter his mind. He could not afford to think of Sesshomaru in such a manner. He was a simpleton, one whom demons like Sesshomaru considered to be scum of the earth. He knew he had no chance against the daiyoukai, but still deep within his heart he hoped, for once to get a chance to meet the inu-youkai. He had seen just how much Sesshomaru loved Rin, he had seen him hold the little girl close to him and soothe and reassure her, he had seen something which others had missed…he had seen love in the lord's eyes, and for that, he longed for once, to touch that face, to look past those cold and ruthless eyes, into his heart, which had so many emotions locked away in them. He wanted to….

“…roku…hey monk!” Miroku jerked back to reality as the wolf prince shook him lightly.

“Eh?!”

“Don't `Eh' me. We are here.” Kouga informed.

“Oh.” Miroku said, as he climbed down Ryu, his eyes quickly hiding his emotions and burying the thoughts of his love, deep within pits of his heart.

“Are you all right?” Kouga asked, as he landed behind Miroku, while Ryu changed back to his humanoid form.

“Yes uncle Miroku… you seem to space out a lot after you've come back from your journeys. Did something happen?” Ryu too was concerned about the houshi. He seemed so sad most of the times, a look of pure longing reflecting in his eyes when he thought no one was looking, something he didn't know what to think of.

“N-Nothing is the m-matter with me. I…I am fine.” Miroku stammered. “Come on guys, let's go to the ladies. It's not polite to make them wait.” He quickened his pace, leaving a very baffled wolf lord and his son behind.

“Miroku, you guys are late!” Kagome shouted, sounding a little irritated, she stomped towards them followed by Sango and Hikari.

Before Miroku could answer, Ryu piped in. “We were having some trouble with papa. He…he wanted to join us. It took some time for father to get him to stay there.” Kouga growled lowly in his throat, the memories of his assault going through his mind as he involuntarily caressed the part where Inuyasha's poison had burnt a good many of his furs.

“Looks like papa was in a very foul mood.” Hikari remarked, her lips curling up in a slight smile. “So father, what did you promise to do this time?”

Kouga only growled in response. He really hated the fact that Hikari knew him so well, inside and out. The pup had always been the smartest, not to mention equally powerful and twice as deadly as her brother. She had learned to control the elements of fire and wind, and had equal agility, along with the unique ability to hypnotize just any creature with her eyes. This proved to be a very useful `weapon', as she could draw out the truth from even the most veteran liars. She talked very little, a trait Kouga presumed belonged to her uncle, lord Sesshomaru, but always had a keen sense and knew just about everything occurring around her, down to the tiniest detail. Kouga had to admit, that sometime his daughter seemed a bit cold and mysterious, but those who knew her well, knew just how much of a loving and warm heart she had and how much she cared about her dear ones.

“Ah it is a beautiful day for a little exercise.” Miroku reflected. “Don't you agree Sango?” He added, smiling brightly, his hand moving to caress her backside.

SLAP….

“EEK! Pervert!” Sango shouted, jumping to stand behind Kagome, while Kouga and Hikari sweat dropped, and Ryu burst out laughing.

“Keep your hands to yourself houshi-sama or I swear I'll purify your ass to hell. She's mine.” Kagome fumed at the monk rubbing his flaming cheek, smiling nervously. She encircled her arms around the blushing taijiya possessively. Miroku knew very well that when he was tracking the mountains in search of knowledge, Kagome had finally managed to gather up enough courage to express her feeling towards Sango who gladly reciprocated it, and now they were a couple. But this didn't discourage him from teasing the young slayer every now and then. Moreover, this sort of formed a daily ritual for him and something to keep his façade of a carefree person up.

“I thought your interest laid elsewhere, uncle Miroku?” Miroku eyes widened, and he gulped as Hikari whispered the words in his ear, low enough for only him to hear. He stared, with a slight blush covering his cheeks, at the young demoness who gave him a knowing look and a triumphant smirk before she clapped her hands, drawing the attention of the group to her.

“Okay people, enough of the daily pleasantries, now we have to concentrate on how to take these snake demons out of the village,” she said, before Ryu took over. Taking out a small parchment he began to explain the plan.

“Hikari and I, had managed to track down their activities for the past few days and it looks like they always attack from this side.” He pointed to a place on the map, an area of the village near a large waterfall with dense forest around it. "Now, they mainly attack after dark, so we presume they hide somewhere near this waterfall during the day.” Kouga couldn't help but smile proudly at his children and their ability to work together. They were so different, yet so alike.

“Yes, Ryu and I tracked, and kept an eye on them, and found one of them entering the caves near this fall.” Hikari offered. “But, the main bulk is hiding elsewhere in the forest. So, the best thing to do will be for us to split up.”

After much discussion, it was decided that, Kagome, Kouga and Ryu would go into the forest while Miroku, Sango and Hikari would draw out the ones hiding in the caves near the falls. Thus, the group parted, setting out for their own destinations.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

“So, Sango, how's life with Kagome?” Miroku asked, as they walked towards the cave.

“G-good…I mean excellent…I mean…” Sango stammered, trying to find the right words, she was still too shy about their relationship. `Damn Miroku', she cursed mentally, `he always gets me with his stupid questions'.

“Excellent you say, hmm? No wonder you were so loud last night, almost everyone could hear those sounds coming from your chamber.” He whispered, laughing inwardly, as he saw the taijiya turn an adorable shade of red.

“S-shut up!” She snapped, before stomping off ahead of them. `I wish I had taken Hikari's offer on carrying us there.' She grumbled mentally, `now he'll go on and on about it. Oh dear, this wasn't possibly the best time to leave Kirara with Kaede and Kohaku.'

“Hey… Sango, wait up.” Miroku chuckled, as he followed the pissed off taijiya.

“Now, would you two stop it and follow me.” Hikari chided, coming out of the bushes suddenly, making the two jump. She had gone ahead to scout, but the knowing smirk on her lips confirmed she knew just what exactly was happening a few moments ago.

“Hai.” They answered in unison, following the young demoness. They followed her through the jungle path, which led to a rocky one, finally opening to the place where the falls had originated from a small cave.

“This is where I saw the snake go in.” She informed them.

“Wow! Looks like it's a long way down.” Miroku contemplated, looking over the edge, trying to see to where the falls ended, but could see nothing beyond a certain point.

“Hai.” Hikari nodded. “This fall is quite steep and it ends in a very fast flowing river, so watch your step.”

“Okay.” Sango agreed. “Now take these,” she quickly handed them masks to cover their faces before she took out some herbs from a pouch and lit them in front on the cave. “Hikari!”

“Hai!” Hikari at once closed her eyes, calling upon the power of wind, blowing the smoke into the cave. Soon, growls and hisses were heard coming from the cave, and everyone took their stances. Suddenly they found themselves surrounded by a group of snake demons.

“Foolssss, you have called forth your own death, by coming here.” Their leader hissed, as it charged along with a few others towards the taijiya. Sango immediately jumped back, swinging Hiraikotsu slicing a few, however, missing their leader, which it quickly burrowed into the ground disappearing beneath the earth.

Meanwhile, the others attacked Miroku and Hikari with poison stings. Miroku swung his staff in a circular motion, deflecting the needles quite skilfully before slicing through a few of them. On the other side Hikari was having her fun as she swiftly dodged the poisonous needles while frying them crispy. “Pests,” she snorted, quickly disposing of a few others that dared to sneak up on her from behind.

“Ahh!” The sudden sound of the taijya's cry made both the monk and the inuookami turn to see Sango slicing off a demon's head before she collapsed to the ground clutching her thigh. “H-Hikari,” she whimpered. Hikari sliced off another demon, rushing to Sango's side immediately. “It…it bit me,” she tore off the fabric on her leg, revealing the twin puncture marks, which had began to swell, turning an angry shade of purple.

“Shit!” Hikari cursed, as she tore off a part of her sleeve, tying the area tightly to prevent the poison from spreading. The taijiya was swaying, as her vision began to fade. At that moment another demon attacked, however Miroku jumped in, his staff slicing it in half. “Hikari, take Sango to Ryu immediately,” Miroku ordered, “I will take care of the rest of them.” Hikari nodded as she picked up Sango, the clouds forming at her feet before she took off at lightening speed to where her brother was.

“SSSSSoooo, the brave monk will fight usssss alone,” one of the remaining sneered, as they together charged towards Miroku. He tried to fend them off, but they were too many in number and began to push him backwards. Suddenly he found himself just at the edge of the falls, dislodging a few pebbles in the running water. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead as he concentrated his energy on the staff, fighting relentlessly to keep his ground. Finally, after much struggle he sighed, after slicing through the last of them. “Phew,” he wiped the sweat off his forehead, contented with his success. However, he didn't notice the one (A/N: The leader) emerging from the dust as it slithered to come up behind him. The demon hissed once before sinking its fangs in his leg. “Shit!” His eyes widened as he felt the sting of the poison injected into his bloodstream. He turned around, his staff moving quickly, to sever the demon's head. He then swayed, his staff slipping out of his hand, before he lost his balance, falling over the edge.

“Help.” He moaned, in pain, but there was no one to save him as he hit his head on his way down on one the rocks, rendering him unconscious as he plummeted into the waters below.

***************************************

Meanwhile, Hikari had rushed to the other group who had just managed to slay the demons that were hiding within the forest. “Ryu!” She called, landing before her brother. She knelt on the ground supporting Sango in her arms.

Kagome immediately rushed to her side, her face etched with worry and concern. “W-what happened to her?” She questioned, kneeling before the unconscious taijiya.

“She got bitten by one of the demons.” Hikari answered. While Ryu moved quickly to examine the area.

“I-is she gonna be all right?” Kagome inquired, looking on the verge of tears.

“Don't worry Kagome, nothing will happen to Sango,” Kouga assured, coming up to put his arm around her shoulder.

While Ryu took Sango's hands in his, concentrating his life energy into the taijiya. Slowly, a smile formed on his face as he felt the poison recede from her blood and Sango groaned, her eyes slowly fluttering open. Ryu released her as Kagome moved to capture her in a tight hug, tears now falling freely from her eyes.

“Hey…” Sango smiled weakly as Kagome released her, returning the gesture.

“You scared me half to death, you know,” Kagome said, before the miko started placing a soft kiss on the taijya's lips

“I am sorry, I worried you so,” Sango replied, after Kagome released her.

“Where's Miroku?” Kouga suddenly asked, noticing his absence.

“He asked me to carry aunt Sango here,” Hikari offered. “He said he could handle the rest of the demons.”

“Idiot! Lets go get to him.” Sango slowly got up, with Kagome and Kouga's help, while Ryu and Hikari transformed. They took off into the air, heading to where the monk was.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * **

They reached the place within seconds, but found no one there. “Miroku, MIROKU!” Sango called out, however no one answered.

“Miroku where are you?” Kagome yelled. Still no answer. Worry began to eat away at everyone's heart as they searched for the monk.

“Damn it monk, come out of where you are or I swear I'll….” Kouga growled, before he was cut off by Ryu.

“Everyone, look!” They turned to where Ryu was he knelt. “I found uncle Miroku's staff.” They quickly rushed towards the youth and Sango gasped.

“Oh no!” Sango sank to the ground, her heart dropping to the pit of her of stomach at the inevitable. “H-he fell….”

Ryu and Hikari quickly flew down towards the falls, searching through the rushing river for any sign of the monk, but found none. They scanned over a few miles before returning to the group, empty handed.

“Did you find any sign of him?” Sango inquired hopefully.

“No aunt Sango.” Hikari answered sadly, “It seems the stream has carried him away.” She added sadly.

“He fell into the water. And none of us were there to help him. Damn it! Stupid houshi, it's…it's all my fault. He was probably injured by….” She sobbed harder as Kagome knelt beside her hugging her close.

“No Sango, it's not your fault, please calm down…” She rubbed soothing circles at the taijya's back trying to calm her.

“No!” Sango shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I-If I hadn't just allowed myself to get injured, none of this would have happened. I will never forgive myself. Please Miroku, please forgive me……” She begged, as other watched helplessly.