InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ phases ❯ Spilling Over ( Chapter 13 )

Ch.13

Spilling Over

Totosai sat patiently, watching as Inuyasha fidgeted unconsciously with the tiny bundle tucked neatly between his hakama and the grey blue sash that had become a part of his new apparel. He had to admit he had been quite surprised when he had first caught sight of him three days ago. He had known Inuyasha always resembled his father in some way but the loss of his human mother's blood had transformed him into a mirror image of his late friend.

The marks adorning his face, the armor he had chosen to cover his chest and arms and the way he had pulled his snow white hair atop his head had been quite a sight. It was obvious now which of the brothers most resembled their father not only in looks but in temperament as well. Totosai's knobbed fingers slid over the fabric he had chosen to wrap the new blade in before jumping to his feet and shuffling forward to stand beside the young inu.

"Thank you for waiting, Inuyasha. These few years have done much for your patience." Inuyasha smirked giving a snort as he shook his head. "Surprising isn't it?" Totosai nodded as the two looked out over the expanse that laid beyond Totosai's mountain home. "You know, my patience still has a limit. You gonna give me that sword or what?"

"Oh yes, the sword!" Totsai carefully handed the blade to Inuyasha, watching in anticipation as he moved back the fabric revealing the dark wooden sheath that housed the blade. Inuyasha threw the fabric to the side, pulling the sword out and inspecting it closely. The sword was small compared to the katana he now carried on his waist. The weight was light with the metal handguard and dark wooden sheath intricately decorated with various scenes depicting youkai and humans. Around the edge of the sheath was tied a red silk rope and the handle had been wrapped in red cotton fabric. At the end of the swords handle two strings fell, holding two small carved jade balls in the shape of inugami.

Inuyasha snorted before quickly snapping the sword back into its sheath. "I will never use this sword, Totosai." Totosai glared before bringing his hammer down hard on his head. "Good! It isn't for you anyways!...you brat." Inuyasha cringed, growling as he held his head. "Jeez, I didn't mean anything by it. Why did you have to fuckin' hit me with that damn hammer?!"

Totosai turned away as Inuyasha regained his composure. "If it's not for me then why the hell did you go through so much trouble to make the damn thing?" The elderly demon sat, legs neatly folded as he scratched his chin, staring off into the grey sky. "It's not for you because you don't need it...Tessaiga isn't as useless to you as you think." Inuyasha glared before turning to face Totosai completely. "Are you blind, Old man? I'm not hanyou anymore, Tessaiga won't accept me anymore."

Totosai cleared his throat as he dusted imaginary dirt from his old haori. "Your father used it, did he not?" Totosai sighed before standing once again. "Tessaiga doesn't care what you are, Inuyasha. It's what is inside your heart that decides...Tessaiga refused you because you believed yourself to be damaged by the transformation. You are still Inuyasha regardless of your human or demon blood."

"I see." Inuyasha slipped the sword securely between the other two he had placed in his sash, before moving to the edge of the cliff. "It would be nice if you had Tessaiga with you. Not more than four days ago I felt a large demonic aura heading west. Most likely a horde, nothing Tessaiga couldn't handle." Inuyasha furrowed his eyebrows at Totsai's offhanded remark watching as the old demon hobbled back inside the cave. 'Some group of assholes who think they can get a good winter's meal by slaughtering a village, no doubt.'

Inuyasha turned his gaze from Totosai to the rising sun ahead. He had just a little over two days left before he would make it back to the others and get this whole thing over with maybe then he could continue his search for Kagome, he could only hope.

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"He did a wonderful job, Kagome." The black haired onna nodded in agreement. "Yes he did. It was much more than I expected, even from him." Kagome let her hand slide over the silk that made up the new kimono she had commissioned for the following night, as she folded it back up. "You will be quite a sight for, Katsuo tomorrow night."

Hotaru giggled at Kagome's burning blush, covering her mouth in an attempt to stop her laughter when she saw her friend's pout. "You shouldn't be so silly, Kagome. He is very fond of you. I hear from Yuudai that he speaks of you often." Kagome sat down setting her hands atop her folded legs, blushing at her friend's words. Hotaru smiled brightly at the look in Kagome's eyes and she desperately hoped her friend would finally win the battle against her broken heart.

Hotaru stood gracefully, smoothing out her kimono before making her way towards the door. "I will see you tomorrow, Kagome-san." Kagome stood, bowing softly as her friend shut the shoji. She pulled on an outer layer, preparing for the cold air outside her cozy room, she made her way out of her room, shivering as the winter air hit her face taking with it her breath.

She pulled the fabric tighter as she shivered. "I hope it isn't as cold tomorrow." Kagome jumped from the wooden deck that surrounded the rooms, taking off in the direction of all the noise. It didn't take long before she caught sight of people preparing for the coming festival, hanging lanterns and securing banners. Carts for venders being placed throughout the dirt streets. Her gaze froze on a white haired figure crouching precariously atop one of the shop's roofs.

"Hey there!" Kagome smiled softly as Katsuo raised his head flashing one of his brightest smiles. "I was wondering when I would see you. Where have you been hiding all morning?" Kagome smiled as she shouted back. "I was with Hotaru all morning...I see you have been quite busy."

Katsuo's deep laugh rumbled through his chest as he secured the lantern safely in place. "Yes, I have." The demon jumped from his place on the roof bowing politely towards the old woman who owned the shop, the old woman grabbed both of his hands in hers thanking him for his help. Katsuo made his way towards Kagome, both of them making turning to head down the dirt street. "That was very nice of you to help that woman."

Katsuo looked towards and smiled. "She needed my help, that was all." Kagome grinned, snorting as she elbowed his side. "I dont think that's the only reason...I think you are quite excited for this festival." Katsuo watched amused as Kagome made her way in front of him walking backwards as she raised an eyebrow. "I'm right I know it."

Katsuo crossed his arms, lifting his chin and looking to the side. "So what if I'm excited? Isn't that a normal reaction to such things?" Kagome laughed, falling back to take her place by his side once again. "I didn't mean anything by it, you know...I just think it's nice that you, a big bad demon, are looking forward to a festival...It's rather cute."

The demon furrowed his eyebrows questioningly. "Cute?"

"Oh don't worry about it. It's something people say where we come from." Kagome laughed softly at his puzzled look. "Would you mind helping me, demon?" The two looked over to see an elderly couple, the woman holding lanterns of various sizes. Katsuo made his way to the couple. "It would be my honor, ma'am." Kagome couldn't help but roll her eyes at Katsuo's overly sweet answer and the little eyebrow waggle he added when the woman wasn't looking.

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Night began to fall upon the land as Kagome and Katsuo made their way towards the kitchen. They had spent most of the day in town helping out in any way they could and now the two desperately wanted to fill their stomachs and quiet the growls within. Kagome scooped some rice into a bowl for Katsuo and herself before sitting at the makeshift table that sat in the middle of the room.

"I believe you made many friends today, Katsuo. If you're not careful you'll find yourself being quite popular with the women around here." Katsuo laughed remembering the swarm of women that had come to him asking for his 'help'. It had started fine at first until he found himself sweeping the doorways of shops. "Well who's to say being popular with the farer sex is a bad thing?" Katsuo smiled as Kagome laughed softly. "It looks like there will be a lot of dancing tomorrow night." The small onna cleared her throat as she nodded. "Yes, there will be. It's my favorite part...beside the food of course...The dances are quite beautiful to watch."

"Do you know any of them?"

Kagome smiled wistfully. "Yes I do. I've watched them for years."

Katsuo smiled triumphantly as kagome finished the last of her rice. "Good, I expect at least one dance from you tomorrow night." The inu laughed deeply as Kagome coughed, her eyes widening in surprise. "You are a trickster, Katsuo." Katsuo could only laugh as he made his way out of the door. "Good night, little Onna. I'll be looking forward to tomorrow."

Kagome smiled as she moved to the door, watching as Katsuo made his way back out into the chilling night air. "Maybe...maybe Hotaru was right..."

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Brilliant hues of orange and red began to fade into a deep blue as the sun set allowing the moon to take its place in the night sky. The sound of everyday life quieting to a murmur as villagers retreated to the warmth of their homes. Shippou reached for the hilt of his sword, out of nervous habit, feeling the softness of the well-worn fabric that crisscrossed its way around the handle.

His feet moved steadily forward as he strained his ears, sifting through the quietness of night and the soft crackle of the leaves as his feet fell. The kit reached forward moving a stubborn branch from his path, cursing as he stumbled on a leaf covered root. "Dammit!" Shippou quickly recovered making his way around another large tree. He stilled as a chorus of mumbling voices filtered through the forest trees.

Beyond the trees he could see the light of a dimly burning fire. He crossed the distance left between himself and the clearing leaving the cover of the trees behind as he walked up to a wooden lookout post. He gazed up taking in the tall structure noticing two others standing at equal distances apart. "Oi, what is all this?" Shippou cupped his hands around his mouth as he shouted up towards the elevated bird's nest.

"Who'se there?" Shippou rolled his eyes as one of Yutto's men peaked their head cautiously over the edge. Shippou grumbled before taking off up towards the soldier. "What is all this?" The man stumbled backwards trying to play it off as he realized it was only the 'Onna's demon'. "I can't really say, all I know is the dog demon Katsuo ordered it with the permission of Lord Yutto of course."

"Dammit!" The soldier watched as Shippou shot off into the bordering trees disappearing in a matter of seconds. "Crazy demon."

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'What the hell is that asshole thinking?! I'll kill him!' The kit growled in frustration as he gained speed, quickly picking out his target's aura. His anger began to boil over with each step he took paying no attention to the tiny voice of reason pleading for him to stop. At this point the feeling of unease had morphed into paranoia, pushing him to watch Kagome constantly and work his way around Lord Yutto's small castle.

The discovery of the small lookouts only one hundred feet away from the castle and town had done nothing to alleviate his budding paranoia. His fiery red hair blew behind him falling loose from the small ponytail he had secured at his neck, his eyes began to glow with anger as he caught sight of the white-haired demon. He landed loudly only a few feet away from the unsuspecting Katsuo. "Shippou?"

Katsuo had no warning as the kit's fist sped forward making firm contact with his jaw."What are you hiding, Katsuo? What are you not telling me?!" Katsuo stumbled backward narrowly avoiding another hit as Shippou flew forward in hopes of landing another blow. "Shippou Stop!" The kit lunged forward once again only to clip Katsuo as he leapt. "You could have at least told Kagome if you had truly cared for her!" The Kit swung again only to find himself immobile as Katsuo held him tightly in a choke hold. The inu watched as Shippou's breathing slowed, his body going limp as his muscles began to relax.

"Are you finished?" Shippou nodded before pushing away from the inu. "What the hell are you talking about?" Shippou spit off to the side before wiping his mouth with the sleeve of his haori. "The lookout asshole! That's what I'm talking about! What are you not telling me? If you know something you need to tell me so I can protect her!" Katsuo furrowed his brow, watching the exhausted kit reach for his sword.

"Don't Shippou...I have no desire to fight you."

"Then tell me! What the hell are those lookouts for, huh?!" Katsuo sighed as he rubbed his eyes. "Lord Yutto, Akio and myself met not too long ago. Lord Yutto asked for my opinion on the suspicious human activity that has continued to occur from the enemy...I suggested, to be safe it would be wise to set up lookouts...Shippou this does not mean anything other than a safety net in case we have underestimated the enemy."

Shippou ran his hands over his face and moving to push back his windblown hair. "What is wrong with you, Shippou?" The kit shook his head letting it fall as he rubbed his tired face once more before mumbling almost unnoticeably. "I don't know."

Katsuo's brows grew heavy as he eyed the kit. "What do you mean, you don't know?"

Shippou turned to face him once again, the anger replaced by concern as he searched for the right words. "Something...I don't know. Something is going to happen...I can feel it."

"I don't feel anything." Shippou turned away, his eyes drawn towards the direction of Lord Yutto's castle. Watching as soft tendrils of light danced around one another. "Of course you don't." Katsuo watched as Shippou began to walk away silently. "I'm sorry...Katsuo."

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The moonlight glowed sending beams down to highlight the surrounding landscape, it's ethereal beauty wasted on it's one man audience as he sped by ignoring the glowing expanse that surrounded him. His eyes were trained on the path ahead his feet barely gazing the frosted grass as he leapt once more into the air.

His feet began to slow as he caught the scent of blood and demons up ahead. He laept into the night sky, clearing a wall of trees. He growled as a small military outpost came into view, the soldiers within most certainly torn to pieces by the pack of rogue demons. Inuyasha pulled his sword from its sheath as he touched down in the center of the smoldering outpost.

In a matter of minutes the small band of demons had been dispatched, leaving their bodies to burn with the wooden structures. Inuyasha flung the blood from his blade as he made his way through the tiny settlement. The demon stopped quickly flinging his sword, pointing it only inches away from a terrified demon's face. "Do you have a reason for slaughtering these humans?"

"Please don't kill me." The terrified demon trembled as he backed away in a failed attempt to escape. "Tell me, I do not have the patience to wait." Inuyasha watched as the demon scrambled to his knees bowing his head in fear. "We are heading west under orders from Lord Hiromasa in the east, to lead a surprise attack on the daimyos in the east."

Inuyasha turned to survey the damage his eyes catching on a banner as the flames ate away the edges. His mind flashed to the memory of the camp he had come upon on his way to Edo, It had been the same crest as the one he now watched disappear in the flames.

'There is something in the air, Inuyasha. Something is going to happen...something quite horrible or perhaps a blessing, I know not.' Inuyasha growled in frustration, remembering the words Tototsai had spoken not too long ago. He was right something was going to happen but it was clear to him now as he watched the wooden structures collapse into the ravenous flames, it was not a blessing. He turned his back on the destruction, the bodies that scattered the ground in pools of blood.

'These are Yutto's men. Dammit why didn't I notice this before!'

Inuyasha took off leaping only once before finding his unlucky informant. He eyed the demon before slowly sheathing his sword, making his way closer. "You know, you're pretty lucky. You'll be the first to see this in some time." The demon looked on quizzically as Inuyasha balled his fists tightly piercing his flesh. "please don't!"

"Sorry my friend."

"Blades of Blood!"

A.N.

Hey y'all! Thanks for your patience and all your reviews for chapter 12. I hope you guys like this chapter. Things are starting to get interesting...or so I hope :P