InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Gold Manacles ❯ Showdown: Enter the Tenyo ( Chapter 4 )

[ P - Pre-Teen ]

Finally the brothers are face to face with the Tenyo. To make the situation worse, InuYasha's friends are there to give them moral support.

However, the tenyo seems to have something else in mind. And if it's possible, a little fun at the brothers' expense makes living forever all worth the time she spent in boredom.

Tenyo: Give me the one thing that means most to you and I'll set you free.

InuYasha: Lady, there's no way I'm giving you Tetsusaiga!

Tenyo: What makes you think I want your little sword?...Pun intended.

Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Action / Adventure / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.14.2005 | Pages: 8 | Words: 13.2K | Visits: 258 | Status: Work In Progress

Kagome, Sango, Miroku, Kaede and Shippo admired the grandeur of the temple. It was bright and beautiful with high walls and well maintained surroundings.

& nbsp; “Wow! This is incredible.” Kagome gazed with amazement.

& nbsp; “He, he”, Miroku looked troubled. “Such an enigma.”

& nbsp; “What do you mean?” Kagome was curious.

& nbsp; Shippo jumped on Kagome with the same confused expression. “It did not look like this when we came here.”

& nbsp; “Matter of fact, it looked deserted and gloomy.” Miroku added.

& nbsp; Kagome could not imagine how that was possible, nor could Sango who had searched the perimeters.

& nbsp; “But it looks so peaceful.”

& nbsp; “That indeed Kagome”, Kaede spoke up “No doubt that the Tenyo was expecting visit.”

& nbsp; “Kaede, are you implying that the day Inuyasha, Shippo and I came…”

& nbsp; “The Tenyo was expecting you.” Kaede confirmed Miroku's suspicion.

& nbsp; “Nice to know she has a sense of humor.”

& nbsp; Kaede nodded.

& nbsp; “Oi!” They all looked up to see Inuyasha waving to them from Sesshoumaru's dragon beast. “Kagome!”

& nbsp; “Inuyasha!” Kagome called happily.

& nbsp; “Kagome!” he yelled.

& nbsp; “Will you be silent!” Sesshoumaru commanded, as he steered the animal for a landing. But before any hopes of landing could be done, Inuyasha's enthusiasm to see his friends got the better of him that it made him jump off the dragon's back in midair.

& nbsp; “Inuyasha, don't!” Sesshoumaru called out to stop him. However, before Inuyasha could react in time, the Yokai Lord lost his balance and went plunging down like a ripe melon under his little brother's weight. All eyes shut tight when the Taiyokai crashed down on the hanyou. What a mess! There was a clutter of legs and arms as Inuyasha was the one who hurt the worst. He could taste the all too familiar flavor of dirt invading his mouth and Sesshoumaru's armor in his back.

& nbsp; “When we get out of this, Inuyasha, remind me to kill you.” Sesshoumaru threatened.

& nbsp; “Inuyasha!” The group came running to their aid. At least Sesshoumaru felt one consolation, his beast had landed safely and was now feeding on easy to reach branches, close-by.

& nbsp; Sipping her tea, the Tenyo bursted out in laughter, spitting out the liquid, as she watched all this through her magic looking glass. These past days had proven quite amusing to her as she realized she had not laughed this much in 500 years.

& nbsp; Beside her, sat her little daughter who was even more intrigued than her mother as she watched with innocent eyes. Suddenly, a servant walked in interrupting the show to inform his mistress of trespassers.

& nbsp; “It is alright.” With a hint of mischief, she added, “I have been expecting them. You may return to your duties.”

& nbsp; The servant excused himself.

& nbsp; “Well,” the tenyo looked down on her daughter, “it appears that your Mommy has visitors.” She picked up the little girl, who smiled with sparkles in her eyes. She looked at the mirror, wonder lit up her orbs as well. “And we thought this would be a boring day, did we not?”

& nbsp; The little girl beamed.

& nbsp;

& nbsp; In the throne room, the Tenyo accommodated her garments wanting to look presentable for her visitors who were too cowardly to come alone. Although, she was aware of their true purpose to plead her Ladyship to spare the stupid halfling of his transgression.

She instructed her offspring to stay hidden behind the curtains in case it starts to get messy. Other than that, she wanted her heir to have front row seats to the real action once it commenced. It was the only way the child could learn.

In no time, she heard their apprehensive voices echoing throughout the halls. The little tenyo hid behind the draperies as her mother made like she had been eating lunch. This was going to be fun, she thought and her daughter was going to see her in her finest godly glory. The thought brought tears of joy to her eyes.

“On with the show,” she uttered.

“We have been walking in circles. Are you sure you know where we are going?” Questioned the monk.

“Yeah, I'm sure! I think.” Inuyasha did not sound convincing enough.

“Be patient,” started Kaede, “The way will be pointed out to us. I am sure the Tenyo is expecting us.”

Sesshoumaru said nothing. He looked around for anything out of place. He smelled the air hoping he could pinpoint the deity's location. Nothing. Then , suddenly, he felt a shift of energy coming from a hallway he sworn he had not seen before.

“We go this way,” he decided.

Inuyasha was about to mouth protest when Kagome and the others stopped him. They had no desire to waste any more time. Inuyasha, reluctantly, gave in to their pleas and decided he would trust his brother on this one.

“Alright, let's go.” He said.

Without much ado, they followed Sesshoumaru into the unknown. Shippo clung to Miroku's back looking out for possible traps. The energy was getting stronger with every step they took. Miroku could feel it, too.

“The souma in this place is really strong,” he whispered to Kagome.

“Souma?”

“Godly Aura. It is the opposite of what youki is.”

“Oh.”

“What should we expect once we face the Tenyo?” Sango asked Miroku in concern.

“Yeah, what should we expect?” Shippo echoed the Yokai Exterminator, his body trembling all over.

“Honestly, I do not know.”

“You're a Monk! You should know these things!” Kagome retaliated.

“Well, I am sorry but it is not like I see Tenyos every so often.”

“You mean, you have never seen a Tenyo?” Sango corrected.

Miroku chuckled nerviously.

“Oh, I knew it!” Shippo cried in exasperation. “ We are going to die! And it is ALL Inuyasha's fault!”

Inuyasha's ears twitched, annoyed at Shippo's comment. “Hey, I HEARD that!”

“Technically, Inuyasha, it IS your fault.” Kagome added to Shippo's statement.

Inuyasha could do nothing but pout.

“We have arrived,” Sesshoumaru announced, boorishly. Before them, were the immense doors that led them to a great hall. Immediately, the doors started to creek open. They all stepped back, moving out of possible harm's way as the mammoth things swung back on needed to be oiled hinges to welcome them inside. As soon as they stopped moving, Sesshoumaru wasted no time in walking inside, pulling a reluctant Inuyasha by the chain. Kaede and the others followed close by.

Kagome looked around in awe, admiring the bejeweled walls. There was so many riches and beauty in this place that it would take more than her lifetime to appreciate all this. She was not the only one blown away. Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kaede's eyes sparkled while their mouths formed perfect O's.

“Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in or should I say, dog?” Echoed an imposing female voice which shook the very walls of the Temple, making Kagome's heart skip an awful beat.

“Wow!” Both Kagome and Sango verbalized in unison.

“I told you she was celestial.” Miroku just had to get his two cents in.

She was, indeed, beautiful!, Kagome thought.

“Very amusing! I see you brought your friends along!” her voice thundered.

Shippo whispered to Miroku, “For some reason, she does not look mad.”

Miroku could confirm the kit's observation upon seeing the goddess' ear to ear grin. “No, she does not look mad.”

“So, what can I do for you? Be quick about it, I am in the middle of my lunch,” she said, popping a tangerine slice in her mouth.

Sesshoumaru glanced at Inuyasha with his periphery. Upon noticing his hanyou sibling not quite getting the message, he tugged hard on the manacle catching him unbalanced, causing Inuyasha to fall on the solid floor.

“You *%#@ Moron, what was that for!” Inuyasha shouted yet, he got the message upon Sesshoumaru's furrowed glare. The hanyou quickly sprung to his feet, not like he was not in pain already.

The goddess popped another piece of fruit in her mouth awaiting Inuyasha to speak.

“Look, I'm sorry! Okay! I'm so damned sorry for taking your damned manacles! So, will you just let us go!”

“Is that it?”

“Hey, don't push it!”

“Who are you trying to convince, Hanyou?”

“Hey, I said I was Sorry! What more do you want!”

“It is interesting you should ask that.”

In the back, Miroku whispered to Kaede, “I do not think we will be out of here anytime, soon.”

Kaede responded, “I fear you are right.”

“Let us hope that Idiot-yasha does not botch this up. I really want to go home.” Shippo hoped.

“Tell me, hanyou. Are you apologizing because you are really regretful for your transgression or are you just desperate to have the manacles removed from your wrist?”

“Watch what you say,” Sesshoumaru warned him behind gritted teeth.

“Does it really matter? I said I was sorry.”

“Very well. I will grant you your wish.” Answered the Tenyo, popping another fruit in her mouth as everyone started celebrating, a bit too soon. “Under one condition.”

“Uh-oh, I knew it,” Miroku sighed.

Kagome kept quiet but her inner self feared the worst or, at least, something close to that. Acting upon reflex, Kagome held on to the almost complete Shikon no Tama around her neck.

“I want something in return. That is the least I ask for granting your freedom.”

“What do you want, Tenyo-sama. I am sure Inuyasha will have no problem in getting it for you.” Sesshoumaru finally spoke.

“Was she talking to you!” Inuyasha barked.

“Give me something that is of the utmost value to you and then, I will grant you your freedom.”

“That's it!” Inuyasha bellowed excitedly.

“I suggest you put some thought into this. I may not like what you offer. I have very peculiar tastes, you know.” She smirked, biting a cherry off its delicate stem.

Inuyasha stood there in thought. The Tenyo took another fruit in her grasp and bit off a piece of its flesh. Simultaneously, she was striving to keep herself from bursting into violent laughter. Watching the hanyou trying to think his way out of this was funny enough to request an encore. It was even funnier watching his brother try in keeping a calm disposition while she was very well aware he was as scared to his wits than anyone else. Youkais were not the only ones who smelled fear.

At this point, Inuyasha lowered himself upon the cold hard floor. Sesshoumaru was growing impatient by the minute the more Inuyasha continued delaying. “It is not that hard.”

“Oh, yeah! Well, why don't you think of something for a change, then!” he yelled from his sitting position.

“Because I am not the idiot who caused all this trouble. Now, think!”

“I have a suggestion.” Spoke the Tenyo. They all looked up with hope beating in their hearts. “Why not surrender your lives to me? It's simple, it's easy, I could use a couple of jesters to entertain me for the next, um, two thousand years. And the bonus? Absolutely, no brains are required.”

Sesshoumaru growled.

“And if you are extra good, I will throw in two diamond studded doggie collars and a doggie door to allow you easier access to the garden. What more can you ask for?” The Tenyo's taunting words ended up in laughter.

Sesshoumaru was not amused. “She is mocking us, Inuyasha.”

“Gee, and I thought things like this never phased you.”

“That's it. Woman!” Sesshoumaru summoned.

“Y-y-yes?” Sango and Kagome replied in unison, both pointing to herself.

It was tempting, yet, Sesshoumaru suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. “I meant, the Wench.”

“Oh, he means, me” Kagome clarified it to Sango, joining the two brothers.

“Don't worry, you'll always be my Wench,” Miroku consoled her, patting her on the bottom. A loud slap was heard in the background.

“Hey, what you're calling her for!” demanded the halfling.

“What do you need?” Kagome, hoping to be of some help, asked. Without warning, Sesshoumaru grabbed the Shikon Chunk, yanking it from her neck. “Hey!”

“Tenyo!”

“You barked?”

“We offer you this! It is the most powerful thing in their possession and is capable of granting the most strongest of youkai great power. Think of what it can do for you?”

Magically, the jewel vanished from Sesshoumaru's palm and appeared in her hand. “My, it is quite pretty.” She rolled the crystal in her fingers, admiring it more. “And it does emit a great power. Very impressive. Hmm? And you say it is powerful enough to grant more power to even the most strongest of Youkai?” She asked, still scrutinizing the jewel fragment.

Sesshoumaru nodded. Inuyasha, and Kagome whimpered in protest.

“Very impressive but it is of no use to me, seeing that I am already as powerful as it is. I do not need a mere trinket to assist me in wiping the likes of you off the face of the Earth. Of course, if you would like to test that theory?” She tossed the Shikon aside like useless garbage.

Everyone, save for Sesshoumaru, froze in shock as the gem fragment came falling. Miroku, Sango, and Kagome, quickly, scattered to catch the jewel. However, it was Shippo who reacted the quickest,leaping off Miroku's shoulder, catching the jewel in midair before it had the chance to touch the floor. Many sighs of relief rolled in the room.

“Hey, careful! You could've shattered it!” Inuyasha angrily yelled.

“And what does that mean to me?” She showed more airs that even put Sesshoumaru to shame.

Inuyasha gulped. It was then he heard Shippo sigh right next to him. Inuyasha's mind was illuminated as he stared down at little Shippo moving around , fixing his tiny garments, and cute things like that. An evil grin appeared on the hanyou's face. Shippo stopped and looked up once he saw Inuyasha's shadow hovering over him. Tears welled up in his eyes. That was when Inuyasha mercilessly grabbed the little kitsune child.

“Take, him!” Inuyasha offered her the crying Shippo, who struggled to get free from his grasp.

“KAWAIII!” the Tenyo shrilled with awe, holding her hands to her cheeks.

“No, NO! I don't wanna go! I don't wanna go!” cried the fox-kit.

“Inuyasha, you can't offer Shippo!” roared Kagome.

Shippo vainished, then reappeared on the Tenyo's lap. “No! NO! Don't eat me!”

The Tenyo held him firmly to her chest. “He is SO cute!”

Shippo continued crying, “I don't wanna die! Kagome!”

“Well, now that you're happy, would you mind taking these off!” Inuyasha demonstrated the manacles.

The Tenyo sighed. “You obviously do not understand.” Suddenly, Shippo vanished from her lap and reappeared in Kagome's arm. The little kit did not waste time on securing his hold on her. “Perhaps, your brother can come up with something better?”

“What do I have to do with this? I was not the one who took your prize.”

The Tenyo sighed again, and shook her head, smiling sardonically. “Talk about your bloodline flaws.”

“What?”

“Sesshoumaru, that is your name, is it not? You do not seem to comprehend your current position.” She made a dramatic pause. “ This deal is a two for one.”

“You mean, what he decides affects me, too!” Inuyasha snarled.

“You did involve him. But the way this works is that both of you must be in agreement. I did not see that, yet.”

“If that's the case, we're in trouble,” the hanyou muttered under breath.

“Oh, and just when I thought she was happy with Shippo.” Miroku commented. Sango shot him a glare.

“The Tenyo did not accept neither of their offerings because it was not an offering they both agreed on nor it was of great sacrifice to them both,” Kaede added her insight. “We are going to be here awhile longer.”

Come on, Inuyasha! Think!, thought Kagome in her heart.

“Let me rephrase this. Give up the one thing you cannot live without and I will let you go.”

Inuyasha thought and thought.

“What is the one thing you cannot live without and sacrifice to me even if you do not want to? The answer is right under your noses, boys.” She taunted.

Immediately, they both thought in their swords.

In a burst of passion, Inuyasha answered, “I rather die than give up my Tetsusaiga!”

A burst of frightening laughter came from the throne. “You think I want your Tetsusaiga! What use do I have for your little swords? Pun intended.” Her laughter turned into contagious giggles, turning her face red with emotion.

“She is some character, I have to admit.” Kagome poured in, Sango, Miroku, Shippo, and Kaede nodded agreeing with her.

“Between all of us,” Sango opiniated, “I am starting to pity more Sesshoumaru than I am Inuyasha.” They all nodded but were soon silenced upon noticing Inuyasha glaring dangerously at them.

“Come on, boys, start thinking! As the old saying goes, two heads do think better than one…pun intended.” Even that ended in laughter.

“I'd rather wipe that smile off her face,” Inuyasha grunted.

In the back, Kaede mused, “What can be the thing that they both have but would not, could not, live without? It has already been answered that the twin swords are not, despite their power. Power.”

Sesshoumaru looked at the old miko with the corner of his eye. Kaede instantly noticed. “Hey, Tenyo, his sword and mine are very powerful!” Inuyasha barked.

“Yes, I know, Hanyou. But they are not exactly what I want. Think. What is the one thing you cannot live without? I will release you when you both agree to part with that one thing.”

“No. Anything else but that.” Sesshoumaru uttered under his breath.

“What was that?” The Tenyo picked up his voice.

“I said, I rather spend the rest of eternity bound to this mutt before relinquishing my powers to you! If you want something else, I will give you something else but my powers are mine alone! Let's go, Inuyasha!”

Inuyasha looked up at his brother. What did Sesshoumaru mean?, he wondered. “Our powers?”

“Let's go!,” Sesshoumaru ordered as he turned to leave.

“Wait! Who gave you permission to leave my divine presence!” With those words said, the huge doors slammed shut, causing all to jump with a start. The Tenyo rose from her throne glowing with her heavenly light. With her powerful voice, she bellowed, “Who do you think you are, you little brat!” The entire temple rumbled with a force that made Kagome and the others want to crawl out of their own skins. “You get back here!” She snapped her fingers. Sesshoumaru's body was thrown back, sending him and Inuyasha sliding on the smooth floor at the base of the throne. Unfortunately, Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha made a head-on collision with the first two steps.

From the distance, Miroku shook his head, rolling his eyes towards heaven. “My father always told me never to anger heaven.”

“I want to go home,” Shippo whimpered. Kagome petted his head to calm him down.

“I wish we would have stayed outside with Kirara and that two-headed beast.” Sango expressed her regret to the others.

“Facing Naraku sounds good just about now.” Miroku added with a sigh.

Kaede stood silently. Kagome stared at her in thought, then turned her attention to the scene before her. The Tenyo's light glowed brighter. However, Kagome did not feel anger from her light.

The Tenyo looked down on them, then slowly, set her body down on her seat. “Get up! I know you are not dead. Not yet, at least.” She reached over for more fruit as Inuyasha and the elder, both dazed from getting the wind knocked out of them, stirred to get up. “Cats are much easier to deal with. They see my walls, they know better to keep the hell away than to risk being victims to their own curiousity. That is what walls are for. If I wanted trespassers, I would not have built them in the first place.”

She stared down at their moving forms. “I know you can recover faster than that.” Inuyasha was the first to sit up, shaking away the dizziness and the stars he saw before his eyes. He rubbed his head, trying to fight back tears. He had hit himself on the old bump again. “Such disconsiderate fools! The longer it takes to make your decision the longer it will take for your friends to return home in time for dinner. Personally, I am amazed they are not irritated with you. I would be.”

Sesshoumaru was the next one to sit up. “I know exactly what you are thinking now. `Why me?, Why me?, What god aweful thing have I done to deserve this?' You must really hate yourself.”

Inuyasha began speaking, “You can't take our powers.”

“Who said anything about take? I said you will give them to me. Big difference.”

Sesshoumaru added, “If you take our powers we will be…”

“Useless?”

“I was going for human.”

“That, too. Believe me, it is not as bad as you think. You just will not be able to tear your enemies to shreds. This is why it is called a SA-CRI-FICE.”

They both managed to get on their feet.

“Well, Lady, I can't wield the Tetsusaiga if I'm human!”

“It is not like you can wield it, now, as it is.”

“But we need it to defeat Naraku!”

“Funny, I thought you needed the manacles. That is why you came to steal them, is that not correct?”

Inuyasha turned pale. Sesshoumaru sighed.

“Neither will Sesshoumaru be able to wield his Tenseiga. And the Taijokin will surely kill him. Nevertheless, you still want to be free.”

“Yeah, we want to be free but not at the cost of losing our powers!” Inuyasha yelled his response.

“So, you do not want to be free?”

“Let's go Inuyasha,” Sesshoumaru ordered.

“Look, Lady, I rather lose my arm than be stupid enough to wanna be stuck to HIS ass forever!”

“Well, then, give me your powers and you will not have to lose your arm. It is less painful that way.” She allowed a smirk to curl her lips.

“I said I don't wanna be stuck to his ass! I never said I agreed!”

“What is it, then? You do not want to give up your powers to be free but neither are you willing be free if it means giving up your powers. Honestly, children, I could care less if you choose to give me your powers or choose to be bound to each other for all eternity. Either way, it will still going to be fun.”

“Let's go, Inuyasha. We will find another way out of this.”

“Baka-baka, Taiyoukai. If that is what you wish, good luck on finding another Tenyo,” she waved them off. “ And if you manage to find one who cares, then surely the heavens have bestowed their mercy upon your insignificant lot.”

Inuyasha flashed a glance at Sesshoumaru. “What now, dumbass!”

“I was not the dumbass that got in trouble in the first place.” Sesshoumaru answered and began to tug so that Inuyasha would follow.

“Oh yeah! But you were the dumbass that showed up!” Inuyasha tugged. < /div>

“You act like a child, that which I cannot stand!” Sesshoumaru tugged even harder forcing Inuyasha to take a couple of steps.

“Can't stand a child! And you have a human child with you!” Inuyasha competed with his brother by tugging with both arms.

“At least I am not being submitted by one!”

Inuyasha's mouth gaped open, partially because the remark was true and also because he did not know how to counterattack. The brothers argument amused the Tenyo even more, something of which she would take an advantage of.

“I clearly see who is the master here.”

Upon hearing her comment, Inuyasha felt a shooting pain through his spine.

“What's that suppose to mean, lady!”

“Yes, I see,” she appeared magically in different spots, in front, in back, at the sides, all the while observing them both.

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha had a hard time keeping up with her.

“So the little one does what the big one says.” She reappeared at her throne.

“You look here, lady! No one tells me what to do!” Inuyasha felt a slight pain as if someone had stabbed him with their eyesight. He momentarily looked at Kagome who did not seemed pleased. Sesshoumaru noticed and stared at Inuyasha as if silently telling him, Kagome had him whipped.

“I see you take orders from the girl as well.” She taunted

“Piss off, lady! You're just trying to play with my head!”

“Took you long enough to figure it out.” Sesshoumaru commented.

“You shut the hell up! I don't take orders from you nor will I take it from some cheap Tenyo wannabe!”

They all gasped fearing the worst. Even Sesshoumaru, in all his grandeur, felt his heart sink to the ground. He did not know what overcame him when suddenly he violently tugged on the manacles pulling Inuyasha towards him and punching him with such force that Inuyasha felt the cut of air flow to his lungs, momentarily. Inuyasha fell on his knees in an incredible pain. The others were startled since they did not expect that reaction from Sesshoumaru, but what they feared most was the effect of Inuyasha's stupidity on the Tenyo.

“What a display!” The Tenyo clapped and clapped even harder. “That must of hurt, then again he who fears my wrath would react the same way.”

“I fear nothing, WOMAN!” Sesshoumaru just lashed out. He was amazed by his own lost of control as the sweat drops became evident. He could not control the tremble of his hand. What was going on?, he wondered. He felt weak, he could not understand the emotion surfacing, could it be fear? Is this what fear felt like?

“You fear nothing you say.” The Tenyo arose slowly from her seat.

Everyone felt as if their feet were glued, except Inuyasha who finally rose from the floor grunting. He stared up at Sesshoumaru with anger and immediately made fits.

“What the hell was that for!” He punched Sesshomaru back waking him from his gaze.

“Inuyasha!” Kagome was about to stop him but was held back by Miroku who seriously nodded.

“Oh, so the little one does have it in him, now he dominates the big one.” The Tenyo continued her taunting. Sesshoumaru reacted by grabbing Inuyasha by the throat.

“You have always been disobedient, stop this madness!”

“I am not the one that threw the punch!”

“You are a stupid halfling, your human side is what has weaken you!” He squeezed Inuyasha's throat more causing the hanyou to dig his nails into Sesshoumaru's arm. Their eyes began to change color as they revealed their sharp canines to one another.

“I rather be human than to be a useless one-armed youkai like you!”

“Even if I were human, I would still beat the guts out of you!”

“Would you like to make a bet out of that?” The Tenyo asked at the precise moment.

“YES!” They both shouted unconsciously.

“Then by the powers invested in me, may it be so.” An orb appeared before the brothers, which in that instant made them realized what they had just done.

& nbsp;

Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha felt a sudden drain as there bodies became weaker. The orb blasted them with an imaginable power forcing them to release one another. The spectacle left the rest blinded forcing them to look away from what was happening. Sesshoumaru and Inuyasha struggled but it was useless. If this was an extension of the Tenyo's power, they did not want to imagine her at full throttle. Just when they thought they could not take anymore, the orb ceased its action and returned to the Tenyo. Everyone managed a glimpse at her as she shrunk the orb into a jewel at the center of her garment. A child appeared next to the Tenyo tugging as if she wanted something. When the Tenyo knelt down she felt the child's stomach grumble, “Oh my, I do believe it is supper time.” She rose with the child in her arms providing a view of those below.

& nbsp;

“I believe you will not need those anymore.” The manacles flowed towards the Tenyo's free hand. “Without further adieu, thank you for stopping by.” Out from nowhere, a hurricane like wind swept all of them into the air and flung them out of the now open doors. The departure was a quick one for them, within seconds they ended far from the temple. Shippou was sure he had seen a sparrow face to face, such a marvelous experience with a painful landing.

***

Time was not of the essence yet a considerable amount had passed by before Sesshoumaru finally opened his eyes. He could see how the stars beautifully decorated the night sky. The moment seemed peaceful, he could lie there for a while wishing an eternity of comfort as a shooting star appeared and disappeared like magic. He wondered to himself about life and why people take the time to remember suffering and anguish but do not take the time to contemplate the goodness of nature. He suddenly felt ill from his thoughts not realizing what had just transpired. The night air was fresh flowing through his nostrils. The grass formed a bed of comfort cushioning every part that layed upon the greens. How valuable the moment felt with the orchestral of crickets and frogs nearby. With such feelings Sesshoumaru definantly knew something was wrong with him. Although the fall did not kill him, he was sure the Tenyo had removed his powers. He slightly rose his head, observing his surroundings. He was in the very forest he had traveled through countless times, alone yet tranquil. He permitted his head to slump back, remaining motionless for the time being.

Kagome supported Sango by the arm as the two roamed around slightly injured, Sango more than Kagome, yet they both managed. It was a wonder they did not die from the fall. All had been separated however Sango had managed to keep a hold on Kagome long enough before they both crashed on the same tree. From there on Sango painfully broke the rest of Kagome's fall, she thanked the heavens that she had her armor on, Kagome was heavier than she looked. Kagome was not sure of how much time had passed, but she had to wait awhile before she managed to awaken Sango. The two of them figured the others could not be far and decided to search for the rest. Sango had a hunch that Kirara and Shippou were fine since they both had the ability to transform, as for the rest, she worried about the monk but figured he would be fine as well as Inuyasha and his older brother. Kagome wished her thoughts would be as easy as Sango's, but she was sure that she had seen something concerning Inuyasha's and Sesshoumaru's appearance before the Tenyo unexpectedly threw them out. The two girls continued their journey slowly as Sango began to drag her feet more. Kagome noticed the girl was out of breath, something was wrong. Although Sango was a bit reluctant, Kagome decided they should rest awhile longer.

“I am fine, Kagome.”

“I think not, I am sure I knocked the wind out of you when I fell on top of you.”

“Perhaps you are right.” Those were the last words Sango spoke before passing out. She slumped to the side permitting her beautiful black hair to cover her face.

“I'll be back.” Kagome tenderly whispered. She stood up with some effort and continued to walk a little further before tripping on what seemed to be a body.

“Ouchy!” She lifted herself to see if it was one of the guys. It was hard to make out through the darkness yet the facial features were familiar. Indeed it was one of them, just not the one she had hoped for.

***

The annoyed hanyou made his way through the forest making enough noise to wake up the dead.

“Out of all the things that could have happened!”

“Inuyasha, be grateful that you survived!”

“Shut-up already! Why is it when something like this happens I always end up with you, Shippou?”

“If it wasn't for me you would be plant food by now!”

“Ha! I didn't need your help, I would have survived!”

“Not in your current state!”

“What's that suppose to mean?”

“I figure that it must be the first day of the month already since your hair is black.”

But it was not the first day of the month. Inuyasha stopped in his tracks in shock by Shippou's comment. The youngster jumped off seemingly having heard some noise, he ran towards whatever it was. All the while he yelled things at Inuyasha, but the hanyou was in a sort of daze. He began to look at his hands, they were normal, no long finger nails and even worse, he had lost his abilities to pick up any scent. He remained in that state until Shippo returned to tell him he found Miroku. Inuyasha snapped out of it and ran in the direction where the monk would be. Miroku was already conscious, sitting on the ground rubbing his head. Inuyasha rushed to his side to see how he was.

“Miroku, are you hurt?”

“I should manage, how about the others?”

“Well Shippou is with me, as for the rest I have no idea.”

Inuyasha noticed that Miroku was staring at him mesmorized.

“I see the Tenyo completed her promise, but if you are human then that means…”

“I don't want to imagine.” Inuyasha interrupted although he shared the same thoughts of the monk.

“Miroku, Inuyasha, let's hurry and find the others!”

Inuyasha bonked the little one on the head for being so hasty.

“I will be fine here, go on with Shippou and find the girls, I just need to recollect myself, I fear I might slow you down.”

“I rather stay here with you Miroku! That Inuyasha is mean, and ungrateful. I should have let him fall hard!”

“Why you little pest!”

“Inuyasha!” A voice surged through the forest.

“That sounds like Kagome!” Shippo excitedly ran towards the direction of the voice.

“Hey!” Inuyasha yelled after him. He was about to run after the youngster when suddenly he saw the child running back towards his direction frightened. He clunged onto Inuyasha, trembling.

“What's the big idea, get off me!”

“There's a big guy with black hair just as ugly as you with Kagome and Sango!”

Enraged, Inuyasha grabbed the demonchild and threw him down. Luckily, Miroku caught him before he could hit the floor.

“Inuyasha!” The voice was clearer by now as well as the sound of footsteps.

“Kagome!” Inuyasha responded. In no time, Kagome found her way along with Sango and Sesshoumaru. Inuyasha was surprised to see all three of them together, mainly to see Sesshoumaru with them. Miroku stood up as soon as he saw Sango hurt, but what startled him the most was to see that it was Sesshoumaru who carried her. Shippo ran towards Kagome worried by this scenario.

“I have Sango to thank, it was her who broke my fall, then along the way we came across…”

“Trash!” Inuyasha shouted at seeing Sesshoumaru. “Why the hell did you bring him along!”

“Inuyasha, this is no time for pointless arguments. None of us are in the condition for it.” Kagome pointed out.

“I would have left you to rot! So what, you came back to finish the job? Well not before I am finished with you!”

The moon was now uncovered revealing the full figure of Sesshoumaru and Sango who rested on his shoulder.

Kagome sighed, “You see what I mean.”

They all felt astonished, Sesshoumoru's features looked unchanged without considering his long black hair, normal teeth, light brown eyes and human ears. The silence was broken by Inuyasha's loud uncontrollable laughter. Kagome did not share his amusement, they still had to find Kaede and Kirara.

“Who's the useless one now!” He continued to make fun of his brother's appearance.

“Inuyasha, SIT!” The hanyou was forced on his face by Kagome's order as if his body did not hurt already. “Like I said, this is no time to argue, besides Sesshoumaru will be tagging along for sometime.”

Inuayasha jumped back on his feet. “Tagging along!”

“Yes, by his own free will, too.”

Inuyasha felt fury and yet he could not understand Sesshoumaru's objective.

“He has no business being with us!”

“Maybe he doesn't, yet he did help carry Sango here.”

“I don't care!”

“Inuyasha, it is quite simple”, Sesshoumaru finally spoke up, “you got me into this dilemma and I cannot return home as I am now.”

“I don't care about your reasons, I don't want you with us!”

“Inuyasha that is enough!” Everyone but Sesshoumaru were surprised by Miroku's sudden outburst. “He cannot return home because he would be dead before he made it.”

“What do you mean, Miroku?” Shippo innocently asked.

“If word got out of Sesshoumaru being human, his enemies would surely come after him. There would be no way he could defend himself as a human against other powerful yokai.”

“What's that to me? Let him be killed, he probably deserves it!”

“Inuyasha, have you no heart?” Kagome's voice trembled.

Inuyasha felt his heart would sink if Kagome began to cry. He did not want Kagome to think he was insensitive. Despite his reluctant feelings, he was willing to let Sesshoumaru remain with them until they could figure something out.

“Fine then, I guess he can come with us, it would be good that way once we feel better we can fight each other on equal terms, ha, ha, can't wait until that moment to show him who is really the useless one!”

Kagome turned her attention to Miroku who a waited for what ever she was about to say.

“Miroku, are you well enough to carry some extra weight?”

“Well I believe so.”

At hearing Kagome Inuyasha began to wave his hands as if pleading, “Kagome!”

She took in a deep breath, “SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT! SIT!”

Inuyasha passed out while Miroku tried to pick up his body.

“I think you might have overdone it, Kagome.”

“I fear I did. I forgot he was in his human form.”

“We still have to find Kaede and Kirara, Kagome.” Shippo pointed out.

Kagome smiled at him, “Sango had a theory that perhaps Kaede and Kirara are back at the her hut.”

“That sly old lady!” Shippo gasped.

“Let us be off, I fear we have a long way to go.” Kagome walked on ahead with Sesshoumaru, who was familiar with the forest and the still unconscience Sango. Miroku carried Inuyasha on his back. Shippo jumped on top of Inuyasha, a motion that made Miroku stop.

“Shippo, please do not add more weight, both Inuyasha and his stubbornness are heavy.”

“Sorry.” The little fox ran off to catch up with Kagome.