InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Foundations of Neo Genesis ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

Foundations of Neo Genesis

Chapter 8

 

Dinner that night was a quiet affair. There were no complaints about the food, even though the soup was still thin and the fish were terribly bland. No one spoke, too lost in their own thoughts.

 

Kagome could barely taste the food in her mouth as she ate. Up until now, it had all seemed like a fantastic adventure: jetting off to an unknown planet, facing unknown creatures in a dramatic battle for survival, coming out on top by sheer determination and overall intelligence.

 

No one was supposed to die, not how she had pictured it. She was going to be the perfect leader; everyone would look to her for guidance and trust in her word as a woman of science. But no one had listened; no one even paid her a bit of attention. A street urchin, who probably had never been to school in his life, had chastised her ability to lead. How had it all gone so wrong?

 

Kagome peered around at the group and her heart sank farther into her stomach. Could it be that they would listen to her even less now that Sean had died, her eyes flickered over to Ivy. The girl sat with her knees to her chest and her bowl of food at her feet, untouched. Her cheeks were a little puffy and she was staring off into space. Sango had informed her that Ivy and Sean had signed up as a couple.

 

A wasp-like bug buzzed past her face and Kagome jumped. Annoyed, she shooed the insect away. It deftly dodged her hand and flew over to the pile of fish guts that Inuyasha had left sitting on the cave floor. She scowled at the offending half-demon.

 

“Inuyasha, you are going to clean that up soon, right?” Her voice echoed slightly in the silence. Inuyasha looked at her, then down at the pile of innards.

 

“You don't like it, you clean it up,” he shrugged, uncaring. Kagome growled. He simply put another bite of fish into his mouth and raised an eyebrow.

 

“You made the mess, Inuyasha. Besides, it's already attracting bugs. Who knows what else it may attract later,” Kagome snapped pointedly. Inuyasha took the time to drain his bowl completely before turning back to her.

 

“Make me, bitch.”

 

Kagome stared at him for a long moment, as the familiar smirk of victory began to touch the corners of his mouth. With a sigh, she decided it really was not worth the fight at this point. A frown of disgust crossed her face as she scooped the entrails up off the cave floor. Inuyasha snorted in satisfaction.

 

Suddenly, Kagome dropped the innards onto his head. Inuyasha sputtered in shock before turning fierce golden eyes up at the girl. Kagome `humphed' and looked very pleased with herself. Soft laughter rose from the group and Inuyasha growled.

 

Kagome had only a moment to consider that her actions were probably not the smartest move she could have made before the half-demon was literally in her face. All she could see were narrowed golden eyes, and his deep rolling growl was ringing in her ears. She swallowed hard. The cave had fallen deadly silent.

 

Inuyasha took a step towards her, and she took one in retreat. Kagome kept retreating, her eyes never leaving his, until her back hit the firm stone of the cave wall. In her peripheral vision Kagome could see Sango jump to her feet. Inuyasha planted his hands firmly against the wall on either side of her head, bringing her attention fully back to him and cutting off any escape. Golden eyes flashed angrily and Kagome's breath caught. A memory of him taking on the giant cat slipped into her mind.

 

“Don't ever do that again.” His voice was just above a whisper, but the promise in it spoke loud and clear. Kagome was not sure how she managed to nod her understanding, but somehow she made her neck work. Inuyasha stared her down for another minute before snorting and walking away. Kagome stayed against the wall as Inuyasha stomped out of the cave. He did not go far, but threw the entrails off into the forest as he pulled them from his hair and clothes.

 

“Kagome,” Sango was at her side in an instant. “Are you ok?” Kagome nodded numbly.

 

&&&

 

Miroku looked up at the night sky. Unlike the sludgy atmosphere of Earth, the heavens of this planet were crystal clear and thousands of stars sparkled down on him. The two moons shown like carefully hung spheres among their smaller companions. Closest and largest was the moon with a slightly blue hue, while the other was more of a golden-red orb. The blue moon was round and full, the red was only a sliver in the sky. He might have found it a very spiritual moment had his mind not been miles away.

 

The young priest found himself at a quandary. He had volunteered to join this mission in order to provide the spiritual guidance and moral support the people would probably need. Yet he was unprepared for such a situation. Ivy had asked him to perform funeral rites for Sean, to help everyone through this casualty they had suffered. But by traditions, he first needed a body to cremate. Sean's body was still on the plains, if the bird-creatures had left anything, and no one was willing to try and retrieve it.

 

Inuyasha stomped passed, pulling the priest from his musings. The half-demon was covered in what could only be the entrails of the fish he had gutted earlier. Miroku rose to his feet, intent on helping, when a hand grasped his shoulder. Miroku turned to be met with Shippou's green eyes. The young fox shook his head in warning, before moving past the priest in Inuyasha's wake.

 

The fox kept his shoulders slumped as he approached the half-demon. He knew from experience that simply approaching the angry demon would likely end with him bruised and bloody. He may have had a roof over his head, but he had spent a lot of his life on the streets. Orphanages just were not high on the government's spending list, and if you wanted to eat every night, then you generally had to find it yourself.

 

“Inuyasha…” Shippou kept his movements non-threatening and stayed out of reach until he was given a sign to approach. Inuyasha half turned and growled at him. Shippou swallowed, but stood his ground. After a moment, Inuyasha snorted and looked away.

 

Still cautious, the fox demon moved closer and began to help peel fish guts from the other's clothes. The flesh came off without much fuss, but it left dark stains on the cloth.

 

“I don't need your help,” Inuyasha groused, shrugging away Shippou's hand.

 

“I know,” Shippou answered as he pulled something liver-like out of Inuyasha's hair with some effort.

 

“Then what the fuck are you doing?” Inuyasha growled. Shippou shrugged and tossed the last entrail into the forest. Failing to get a rise out of the other demon, Inuyasha looked away and folded his arms. “That bitch is really getting on my fucking nerves.”

 

“Oh,” Shippou answered, keeping his voice casual.

 

“She fucking dumped alien fish guts on me! And she thinks she knows everything.”

 

Shippou gave him a sidelong look, “So what are you going to do about it?”

 

Inuyasha's ears twitched and flickered with angry energy, “I should have put that little bitch in her place.” He cracked his knuckles for emphasis. Shippou hid a flinch. He did not need much help summoning up the image of similar scenes from his own past.

 

“Maybe.” The fox demon looked casually down at his claw-like nails to keep himself calm. “But then what? We'd be a set of hands short. With all that's going on right now, we need all the people we can get. Besides,” Shippou shrugged, “you made your point. No use wasting the energy.”

 

“Keh.”

 

Accepting that as Inuyasha's cue to leave, Shippou returned to the cave. Kagome had slid down the wall where she had been left. Sango and Miroku were next to her. At his approach, Sango stood up. Shippou expected her to meet him halfway, but was surprised when she marched past him. In an instant he had grabbed her arm. Sango turned and glared at him.

 

“Don't,” Shippou's voice was soft but firm. Sango scowled and yanked her arm from his grasp.

 

“He has no right to treat people that way. Someone needs to teach him how to behave.” Sango snapped and turned on her heels. Shippou grabbed her arm again, this time keeping a firm grip so she could not escape.

 

“If you value your life, you'll let him cool off.”

 

“I was raised in the military, I can handle myself.” Sango made to jerk her arm away, but Shippou held firm.

 

“This isn't the military,” he reminded. “You aren't armed, and he only fights dirty. Right now he is very pissed and I doubt he will give you any quarter just because you're a girl.”

 

“What's that supposed to mean?” Sango growled.

 

“It means he will kick your ass!” Shippou snapped back.

 

“Both of you, please!” Miroku stepped between them. “We have already lost one this day; there is no need for more violence.” When neither relented, Miroku physically stepped between them and pressed them apart. “No harm came to anyone; there is no need for further conflict.” Sango snorted and stomped back to Kagome's side. Shippou relaxed and looked over his shoulder at the still brooding dog demon. “I have had plenty of practice dealing with his kind,” Miroku's voice was soft and even. Shippou looked back at the priest. “I do not know the extent of Lady Sango's skills, but I do not think they are best tested under these circumstances.” Shippou simply nodded in agreement.

 

With everything calming back down, Miroku returned to the entrance of the cave to look up at the sky and think. The moons had not moved from their high perch and the stars still had their careless twinkle. His own problem still remained - what to do about the last rites of the dead boy.

 

Miroku closed his eyes and let his mind wander. It traveled over old scriptures and texts, searching for a loophole that did not require a body. Tradition stated that a body was absolutely necessary; it had been that way for thousands of years. Even if it was only a finger, some part of the body must always be present or the soul could not be properly detached and could not move on. He sighed and frowned. He was out of options.

 

&&&

 

Morning dawned gray and wet. Soft, misty rain veiled the land in a thin fog. The group stirred from their various positions around the cave. During the night, Miroku and Inuyasha had both moved back into the relative safety of the cave. Breakfast was as quiet as dinner the previous night had been. The soup, since no fruit had been collected yesterday, was the only provision available. No one complained.

 

As the meal concluded, Miroku touched Sango's shoulder and beckoned her aside. “Lady Sango…” he paused, trying to decide the best way to phrase his request. “I need your assistance.”

 

“With what?” Sango asked, looking up at him in confusion.

 

“You see, Ivy has requested that I give Sean his proper last rites, but…” Miroku let the statement hang in the air. Sango's eyes widened in horror.

 

“You can't do that!” Her voice rose in pitch and Miroku shushed her, “You can't do that. You have to have a body for last rites or the soul will not pass properly.”

 

“I know. That is why I need your help.”

 

“What? Me? How can I help?” Sango protested, “The closest I've ever been to the religious sect was when I had to go to private school.”

 

“You see, Lady Sango, I have an idea that I believe may work, but I shall need you to help me convince the masses.”

 

Sango narrowed her eyes. Something about his voice told her she was not going to like this one bit. “What's your idea?”

 

“I wish to burn Sean's belongings in place of his body,” Miroku said seriously.

 

Sango blinked in confusion. “And that will allow his soul to pass on?” Miroku frowned.

 

“In all truth, I do not know.”

 

“Then why…?”

 

“Back when I was just beginning my journey along the path of the church, I was approached by a young couple who had lost their child in an accident in which the body was unrecoverable. They wished a ceremony for the lost child, but were turned away at every temple because of the missing body. When they approached my master, he told them that he would perform the rites if they would bring him the child's belongings. He gave the items the rites and burned them in the traditional way.

 

“When it was all over, I questioned his methods. He simply smiled and replied that he did not know if burning the items would save the boy's soul, but it made the parents happy. And he was right; the couple left the temple looking as if a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders.” Miroku smiled slightly as he looked out over the forest. “I wish only to give everyone a bit of closure. I cannot help Sean now, but I can help those he left behind.” He looked back at her, a serious gleam in his eyes, “Will you help me, Lady Sango?”

 

“Yeah…” Sango muttered as she nodded.

 

“Thank you.” Miroku bowed his head slightly. With one person already on his side, he felt calmer. Now all he had to do was raise the issues with the group.

 

“This does not change anything.” Kagome's voice broke into his thoughts and Miroku looked up. The young scientist was standing up, a determined look in her eyes.

 

“Sean is dead!” Ivy snapped back, her blond locks falling into her face. “Don't you understand that!?”

 

“So what?” Kagome lashed back, “You want to sit here until we starve or freeze or fall prey to something, for the sake of moping about and feeling sorry for yourself.”

 

“I'm grieving!”

 

“Grieve and work at the same time,” Kagome was on a roll. All her pent up frustration was coming out in a huge unstoppable wave, taking down anyone in its path. “Life doesn't stop just because someone died. We still have to eat, still have to sleep, still need to keep warm and dry. I refuse to give up just because there was a bump in the road. Now, for those of you who aren't cowards, I am going back to the plains to collect some of the grass and to get some fruit. Anyone who wants to come with me better do it now.” She turned sharply on her heels and started walking, not bothering to look back.

 

“Hey, Kagome, wait up. I'll come with you.” Shippou called as he hurried after her. The fox demon gave her a grin as he fell into step beside her. “Can't let you go wandering off on your own.”

 

“I'm coming too,” Sango shouted. “We need more firewood while we're out.” Kagome stopped and looked back as Sango caught up.

 

The young scientist sighed. “Food, grass, and firewood. We need more than three people for this. Any other volunteers?” The others looked at each other for a moment before Krishna stood up.

 

“I will take a few people and gather firewood, if that is a suitable alternative?”

 

“That works.” Kagome sighed. “Anyone else?”

 

“I will accompany you.” The deep voice rolled over the group. The young man who stood was an impressive figure. Tall and lean, he looked like he had worked hard everyday of his life. Not an ounce of fat clung to his muscles. His dark brown hair was tousled and unruly, and his hazel eyes flashed. Judging from his distinct voice, Kagome was sure she had never heard him speak before now.

 

“Good,” Kagome smiled

 

“I'm coming too,” Kouga stood up. “No one will ever say I ran away with my tail between my legs.” Miroku made a face, but said nothing.

 

“Then let's go,” Kagome said with a nod.

 

&&&

 

Kouga and Shippou moved cautiously towards the tree line, ears perked to catch the slightest sound, nostrils flared to take in every scent, and eyes wide to catch any flash of movement. In the cool morning air, the plains were alive. Animals that had kept close together during the heat of the day were now spread out over the grass, trying to eat all the grass they could reach. A careful sweep of the area turned up no signs of the birds.

 

The two demons signaled to the others and they moved out into the grass. Several animals looked up at them, curious and cautious about these new creatures in their midst. A horse-like creature with a small head and interchanging tan and mahogany stripes on a compact body shook its short mane and snorted at them. Another animal, thick and heavyset on squat legs with a greenish moss-like film growing on its armor-like grey hide, squinted at them through beady eyes on its large head. Disinterested, it opened a gaping mouth and tore up a huge amount of grass.

 

Kagome carefully led the group forward into the grass, assessing how much danger each creature presented them. None of the local fauna seemed perturbed by their presence, even if they kept a wary eye on them. Working fast, and looking around them often, the group gathered as much of the grass as they could carry.

 

They made quick work of their task, but it still took over an hour to complete. The sun was already beginning to burn through the clouds and dried the rain-kissed ground when they retreated back into the forest. The birds never showed.

 

The five made their way back to the cave feeling much more lighthearted than they had since dusk the night before. Their arms were full of grass and a few spare packs were brimming with fruit.

 

“That wasn't so bad,” Shippou sighed.

 

“Trust me,” Sango answered with a sidelong look, “Last time was much worse. Those things were monsters.”

 

“They weren't monsters, Sango,” Kagome groaned. “They're just animals, plain and simple.”

 

Kouga snorted and shifted the pack over his shoulder. “Too damn smart to be animals if you ask me. They snuck up on us and attacked. They knew exactly what they were doing.”

 

“There is nothing that says an animal can't be intelligent,” Kagome replied. “Humans, and for that matter demons, are animals and we are very intelligent.” Kouga snorted again, but made no further comment.

 

“There is water beyond the plains, correct?” Charon, the lean man who had accompanied them, asked.

 

“That's right.” Kagome nodded.

 

“Fat lot of good that does us,” Kouga huffed. “We'd have to get by those fucking birds to reach it.”

 

Charon frowned and ignored him. “My father built boats for a living and taught me and my brother everything he knew. Given time and sufficient resources, I'm sure I could create a craft capable of water travel.”

 

“You can?” Shippou asked, eyebrows raised.

 

Charon nodded, “I'm sure it can be accomplished, but it will take time. All my experience is in transports over oil slicks.”

 

“That doesn't change the fact we have to deal with those birds first,” Kouga cut in.

 

Kagome sighed in exasperation, “Fine, what do you want to do about them?”

 

The wolf demon gave her a look that made her skin crawl. “I say we take care of them.”

 

“Take care of them…” Sango repeated slowly, “What do you mean?”

 

“It's not that hard to grasp,” Kouga answered as they emerged from the forest in front of the cave. Several people turned towards them curiously.

 

Kagome noticed that they had indeed gathered plenty of firewood, and Miroku was busy directing the stacking of the timber into two separate piles - a large one inside the cave and a small one outside. She also noticed that Inuyasha had washed the rest of the fish entrails off. It was nice to see that, for the first time, it seemed everyone was pitching in. Now if they would just keep it up.

 

“The simple solution,” Kouga went on, “is to eliminate them.” The cave fell completely silent.

 

“Come again?” Branwen asked as she set down a small limb in the smaller second pile, pushing a dark curl out of her face.

 

Kouga nodded, looking very assured with his idea, “That's right. We'll just go in and kill them and our problem will be solved.”

 

Kagome fixed him with an incredulous look. “Just like that, huh?” Kouga nodded. “You are an idiot.”

 

“Excuse me?” he growled back.

 

“I said, you… are… an… idiot,” Kagome hissed, dropping her burden onto the cave floor. “Not only are they bigger than us, stronger than us, faster than us, and possibly smarter than us, they have the `home field advantage,'” Her hands came up to rest on her hips as she glared at the wolf demon. “Those creatures have evolved over who knows how many millions of years to fill the niche they are in. They have adaptations we can't even begin to dream of, much less understand.

 

“Furthermore, all that killing those things will accomplish is to make the same mistakes our ancestors made on Earth. No matter what it seems like, our resources are not limitless, and to treat them as such can ultimately only bring us to the same fate as those before us.

 

“If you really think you can kill those things, have at it. But it's a fool's whimsy.” She spun on her heels and sat down next to the pile of grass as Sango, Charon, and Shippou added their loads as well. “Emer, will you teach me to do this?” Behind her, Kouga growled.

 

The next moment happened very fast, almost too fast for Kagome to register. Kouga spat out a curse and, as Kagome turned to reply, he swung. Her eyes snapped shut instinctively. A loud slap of flesh on flesh made her wince, even though she felt no pain.

 

Opening her eyes, she found Shippou standing between them, his palm cupping Kouga's fist and preventing the wolf from hitting her. Both demons let out deep growls as they vied for dominance.

 

Shippou gave way first, tumbling backwards over Kagome and landing in the pile of grass with a loud oomph. With a grin, Kouga brought his fist back again. This time he did not get a chance to swing. The wolf demon let out a pain-filled yelp as he found himself facedown on the stone floor, his arm twisted up behind him. Inuyasha knelt on his back, one knee firmly on his spine.

 

“Listen, and listen good, you asshole, because I'm only going to warn you once. Pull shit like that again and you'll never get the chance to throw your life away to those birds,” He ground his knee deeper and Kouga groaned. “You got that?” Kouga nodded as best he could and Inuyasha let up. “Go make yourself useful.” The dog demon growled as he placed himself firmly between Kagome and Kouga. The wolf climbed to his feet, gave a final growl, and stormed off.

 

Inuyasha `humphed,' turned around, and moved past her. He extended a hand to the fallen fox demon, and helped him to his feet. Shippou muttered a `thank you' and Inuyasha shrugged.

 

With fresh fruit to eat, they returned to their work, albeit a little more subdued than before. There was a tangible tension in the air between Inuyasha and Kouga, but no more fights broke out. Emer sat near the pile of grass, the bundle Kouga had dropped having been added to it as well, and began weaving simple grass mats. She taught everyone who was willing to learn, but it still took several hours to make enough for everyone.

 

It was fast closing in on the noon hour when they finally had all the mats made and the wood in piles. Someone had gone for water, and Kirara stoked the dying fire back to life and made soup. As the group settled in to eat, Miroku cleared his throat. Sango looked over at him and swallowed.

 

“I received a request,” Miroku began slowly. “An anonymous request, to give Sean his last rites.” A murmur went through the group and he was met with many skeptical and doubtful looks. “I realize this is unorthodox, but I believe that, under the circumstances, the Gods will understand.”

 

“That's why you had us place the wood into two piles.” Inuyasha accused. Miroku nodded guiltily. The half-demon rolled his eyes.

 

“What is your idea, Lord Miroku?” Jamie asked, her voice small and tentative.

 

“I propose we cremate Sean's belongings in place of his body.” Miroku answered. His statement was followed by a pregnant pause and he swallowed thickly.

 

“That's a stupid idea,” Inuyasha snapped.

 

“You're horrible!” Ivy barked back. “Sean deserves his last rites just like everyone else.”

 

“Humph, save the bleeding heart for someone who gives a fuck. There's no good fucking reason to burn supplies we can use.”

 

“I have to say,” Shippou added slowly as Ivy let out an impressive growl for a human. “I'm inclined to agree with Inuyasha. We have limited supplies; there is no reason to waste them.”

 

“But…” Ivy argued.

 

“They are right,” Kagome nodded in agreement. Then she turned a placating smile on Ivy, “But I'm sure a compromise can be reached.”

 

“Like what?” Ivy screamed, angry tears making their way down her face. “What right do you, any of you, have to decide how to split up someone's possessions?” Kagome raised a pacifying hand, but the girl was already on her feet. “The only one with any brains around here is Kouga! At least he wants to do something about the problem! The rest of you are content to-to-to make grass mats and divide up a poor dead boy's belongings after he was ripped limb from limb by monsters!”

 

Miroku stood and grasped the hyperventilating girl by the shoulders, “Lady Ivy, you need to calm down.” She tried to shake him off, but only managed a weak twist. Miroku gently led her away from the group.

 

“What's her fucking problem?” Inuyasha spat.

 

“You are an ass, Inuyasha,” Sango replied calmly.

 

“I concur,” Gawain agreed, turning his large yellow eyes on the half-demon. “The girl has lost her best friend and we are speaking of him as an object. Show some sensitivity.” Inuyasha replied with a rude gesture.

 

“Look,” Kagome cut in. “I'm not disagreeing with Inuyasha and Shippou, and I can see Ivy's side too. But I have to think of the group as a whole, and it is best not to waste possible supplies.”

 

“Looks like there is a brain bouncing around in that skull of yours,” Inuyasha quipped, earning himself a number of dark looks. Kagome ignored him.

 

“So,” She glanced over her shoulder to see Miroku helping Ivy sit back against the wall. The girl's tears had dried and the sleepiness that followed was setting in. “Once Ivy is asleep, an objective party member will go through Sean's stuff and determine what we could possibly use and what can be used for Sean's last rites.”

 

“I nominate Shippou.” Inuyasha nodded as if it was decided.

 

“Me?” Shippou choked on the bite of fruit in his mouth.

 

“That's not fair!” Aodh objected. He was a white tiger demon, with short white hair split with a single black stripe down the middle. Bright blue eyes flashed and a delicate feline fang peeked over his bottom lip. “The fox has already made his choice. I say let the priest decide.”

 

“The priest will want it all burned,” Savannah argued. Kagome sighed and shook her head.

 

“How about this,” Sango compromised. “Shippou and Miroku will both go through the items together, that way there is a voice from each side. Is that agreeable to everyone?” No one had any arguments. “Good.”

 

&&&

 

Miroku and Shippou looked at the items laid out before them. It was not much. There was the pack the things had been in, a few pairs of clean clothes, a simple silver necklace with the symbolic triangle on the end, a handful of sweets, and a holophoto of Sean and Ivy and another of Sean and an elderly woman. Among his less personal items were his eating utensils, a poor excuse for a blanket, and a simple first aid box.

 

“So,” Shippou drawled slowly, “what stays and what goes?”

 

“Let her have the holophotos, and the triangle.” Miroku offered.

 

Shippou nodded, “Agreed.” He paused to hold up the blanket, “It's not much, but we can probably do something with it. The first aid supplies too.”

 

“And the rest?” Miroku asked, kneeling down next to the fox demon.

 

“Well, some one could use the clothes, the pack we can use to carry things, and there's no reason to waste the utensils.” The fox shrugged, “She can have the sweets if she wants them.”

 

“I think something personal should go.”

 

“What do you want…?” Shippou asked, his voice neutral but his eyes narrowed.

 

Miroku looked at the choices before him, resting his chin in his hand as he thought. “The pack.”

 

“No, too useful,” Shippou crossed his arms.

 

“But look at it,” the priest argued, calmly lifting the pack for Shippou's inspection. “This is custom made. It has his name monogrammed on it. Someone spent a lot of money on this.”

 

“What's your point?”

 

“It was obviously of great personal value and is most likely to retain traces of his soul. Besides that, with his name on it, it would be cruel to flash it around Lady Ivy. She obviously feels very deeply for him and I see no reason to inflict further undue harm on her.”

 

Shippou sighed, closing his eyes as he weighed both sides. After a few minutes he looked back at the priest. “It's a useful item and I shouldn't do this…” Miroku nodded slowly. “But things are bad enough without causing more tension. You can have the pack, but it is against my better judgment.”

 

“Understood,” Miroku smiled. “Anything else?”

 

“No.”

 

“Then I have a job to do.” The priest gathered the items they had agreed upon and moved off towards the small pile of wood. Shippou shook his head and gathered the remaining items.

 

Miroku carefully laid the pack, holophotos, triangle, and the sweets on the woodpile. Aodh woke Ivy from her restless doze and the group began to gather around. Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably at the back. Miroku began to recite the last rites and the half-demon inched away. As the fire began to catch the wood, he moved to the deepest part of the cave and sat with his back against the hard stone. He grumbled to himself and closed his eyes, shutting out the make-shift pyre.