Crossover Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Journey to the City of Endless Night ❯ Chapter Thirty-Six ( Chapter 36 )

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

Chapter Thirty-Six

Sango climbed from the tub, pulling on her slayer outfit. She strapped her sword to her side and picked up her dress. The foreboding feeling of the small grove about her unnerved her and she felt more comfortable being ready. A small breeze rustled the spring leaves of the trees as darkness settled. The only light provided at all was a small cooking fire in the center of camp. Sango's damp hair fell around her shoulders and she pushed it out of her face with her hand. Crossing the camp, she sat down not far from Miroku. The monk looked tense as well, his cursed hand squeezed into a tight fist. She whispered, “You feel it, too?”

Miroku nodded. “Yes. It's sinister the way it fills this whole glen.” He glanced around the fire.

Sango ran her fingers through her damp hair. Looking down, she smiled slightly when she saw Kagome leaning against Inuyasha. Shippo rested in her lap and Kagome absentmindedly ran her fingers through the fox kit's hair. Sesshomaru and Rin sat not far away, the little girl resting in the Demon Lord's lap. She noticed that both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's expressions were wary and alert as they kept their eyes trained on their surroundings. Inuyasha's ears were raised to full alert and the hood hung loosely around his shoulders.

Sango looked around herself, seeing a great snowy owl sitting on a branch not far from camp. Its gold eyes blinked once and reflected the fire. Hooting once before preening its feathers, the strange owl seemed almost ghostly. It looked towards her, almost as if it was staring directly. She hugged herself, rubbing some warmth into her arms. Moving closer to the monk. Sango asked in a low hiss, “You don't think anything is still here?”

“No. It hasn't been here for a few days.” Miroku looked towards the trees as well, his expression alert.

Small plates with cooked meat and cheese were passed about in silence and Sango accepted one. She had to admit that she was hungry after the long ride all day. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the monk make a small gesture. The spy sat across the fire from them. Narrowing her eyes, she asked, “What did you just say to him?”

Miroku put his hand onto the back of his neck. “I don't know what you mean, Sango. I wasn't doing anything.” He turned his attention to his plate. Sango turned her nose up in the air. It was obvious that the spy and the monk were up to something. Whatever it was, she figured it couldn't be good.

Sango continued to eat, wiping some of the gravy off her plate with some bread. She braced herself, waiting for what she knew had to come. She knew he couldn't possibly resist trying to grope her even if their surroundings had a menacing aura. When it didn't come, she looked at him through the corner of her eye. He wasn't even looking in her direction as he cleaned his plate and accepted seconds. Snorting, Sango turned back to her helping. So he was ignoring her. She could play that game just as well.

The old sorcerer finished his own supper, setting his plate aside. He accepted a tankard from his daughter. “Well, I suppose some of you would like to know what we're going to be doing next. From here we're going to head towards Rakand and bypass the city before turning north to Mal Rakuth. We must reach Ashaba by the end of next month.”

Sango furrowed her brows. Why was it so important that they reach some city by the end of next month? It didn't make sense to her. The sorceress said, “Father, I think you better explain why. You're drawing a lot of blank faces and you tend to do that when you think everyone's on the same page as you.” She began to clear some of the dishes and Sango handed her empty plate to the woman.

Belgarath glared in her direction, clearing his throat. “Well, we have an appointment to make. I have to read a portion of the Ashabine Oracles by the end of next month. It'll shed some light on what is going on with this Naraku fellow and why all of you are here.” He took a drink from his tankard.

Sango noticed she had difficulty keeping track of everyone and their names. The giant red-haired man tugged on his beard. It looked almost like a carpet flowing from his chin. He said in his low, rumbling voice, “Belgarath, now what could Torak possibly have to say that will shed any light on what we're doing now?” The man struggled with his chain mail, strapping it on tight. It was obvious to Sango that everyone was particularly nervous about their stay in this grove of trees.

“Barak, to put it simply, because I was told to by my Master. He said that Torak may have said something in all of that madness that would help. He couldn't say what but I've made it principle not to disobey my Master. Who knows, maybe Torak knew all along the outcome of everything and prepared in advance some sort of message. Maybe he foresaw this Naraku. All I know is I must get an uncorrupted copy of the Oracles and that's the one Zedar took down at Ashaba itself.” Belgarath held onto his tankard, gesturing with it more than drinking from it.

Polgara snorted. “At least you have some principles, Old Wolf.”

Belgarath winced, “Not now, Pol.”

The red-bearded man nodded. “Sounds logical. I just don't know how much he'd really shed light on this, that's all.”

“Me either. I guess we'll find out.” He sipped his tankard. The old man stood, pacing. “Master Feldegast, you know anything else going on in Mallorea we should be aware of?”
Feldegast had changed into peasant brown, looking less like an acrobat and more like a merchant. He said, “Yer mighty sorcerership, I think I heard awhile ago that they moved that pie-bald excuse of a disciple from Mal Yaska to some unknown location. He lost his mind after that blade went through Torak, don't y' know. Methinks they're tryin' to keep it hush hush if yer followin' me meanin'. Tis wouldn't do if the Grolims fell completely apart.”

“So they moved Urvon? That'd make sense on some level.” He put a hand onto his chin.

Sango thought it was odd that the old sorcerer would take any information from the strange storyteller they had picked up on the road. He seemed harmless but certainly not in the know. Something was odd about the juggler. She glanced in Miroku's direction, trying to see if he had any misgivings about accepting information from the acrobat. Sango fumed when she realized that the monk was still ignoring her deliberately. He should have attempted some sort of grope by now. She had to wonder exactly what was up with him. Could he be falling ill? Clenching her teeth together, Sango felt ridiculous. She should have felt relieved that he wasn't trying to feel her bottom.

Inuyasha's voice brought her back to the conversation at hand as he asked the old man, “This Urvon, he like you then?”

“If you mean he's a sorcerer, yes. Until Zedar was released from that rock I sealed him in, Urvon was the only remaining disciple Torak had left. He was perhaps the weakest of the three. Ctuchik ran Cthol Mishrak until Torak tore the city down. The he ran Rak Cthol with an iron fist, essentially controlling the entire western Angarak kingdoms.” Belgarath paused, sipping from his tankard. “Zedar, having been also at one time a disciple of my Master, served Torak well to provide inside information on my family and our practices. Urvon simply ran the Malloreon church. He couldn't even stop the Malloreons from setting up a government separate from the theocracy.”

Sango noticed that this put a frown on both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's faces. They seemed displeased by the answer. Sesshomaru's soft voice entered into the conversation, “So this Urvon is weak.” It did not surprise the demon slayer to hear such words come from the Demon Lord's lips.

“He's the only one of the three to have survived. Ctuchik willed himself out of existence trying to unmake the Orb. Zedar was sealed away in rock until recently. He may not be the most clever of the three when it comes to plots, but Urvon somehow managed to remain unscathed. He's thousands of years old.” Belgarath sighed, setting his tankard down.

The acrobat flipped himself over onto his hands, drawing attention to himself. He said, “Yer attention a bit more, me ancient friend. Me ears have also heard that Urvon has indeed attempted to summon a Demon Lord of his very own. It kin only mean one thin' if yer to ask me. I don't think he's workin' with our little friend in the City of Endless Night. I think he's tryin' to find a way to save his own hide.” The acrobat flipped over, sitting down.

Sango looked down at her hands as she heard the sorcerer start to swear profusely. She glanced over at Miroku again as she felt his hand brush her own briefly. It felt almost chaste and she tensed up waiting for him to reach behind her and rub her rear. It never came and she looked in his direction, uncertain if it was Miroku she sat by.

Belgarath finally calmed down, taking his seat again. He placed his hands over his eyes. “Just what I need. An insane man attempting to raise a Demon Lord.”

Polgara said, “I don't mean to interrupt your tirade, Old Wolf, but don't we have other matters to discuss, in particular a few of our new traveling members?” Sango couldn't help but notice that the tall woman's head titled in the direction of Miroku and herself.

“Ah yes.” He sighed. “It seems you three have your very own prophetic names. We already know Inuyasha as the Dog Protector, Sesshomaru as the Dog that Speaks Little, Rin as the Demon's Conscience, and Kagome as the Priestess that Transcends Time.” He paused and Sango couldn't help but hear both Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's low growls at Kagome's name. The sorcerer continued, “You, monk, are known to us in our Prophecy as the Man with the Curse and you, demon slayer, have been given the name of the Slayer of Sorrow. As for the little fox demon, he's been given the name of the Fiery Fox.”

Sango suppressed a giggle as she saw Shippo puff up in Kagome's lap. He seemed proud of his new name. Inuyasha gripped the kit's hand, balling it into a fist before Shippo could make his famous fox fire. It was apparent that the fox child had intended on showing off why he would be known as the Fiery Fox. Inuyasha didn't raise a fist to strike the kit, but instead simply shook his head no. Shippo crossed his arms, almost making a near perfect imitation pout that Sango had seen often adorn the hanyou's face, particularly after several sits. She suppressed a giggle behind her hand.

A frown crossed her own when she reflected on her own name. What did it exactly mean? The Slayer of Sorrow. Did it have something to do with Kohaku and the power that Naraku held over her younger brother? Was she supposed to end the sorrow or was it because she felt it? Sango pictured her brother's face again, his eyes soft and kind. He was so devoid of emotion now and didn't know who she was anymore. Angry with herself for dwelling on it, she brushed a stray tear off her cheek. Again Miroku put a hand on her own, rubbing a small circle before replacing it back to his lap.

That brought her to the monk's new prophetic name. Miroku's was obvious. She glanced at him, noticing that he still wasn't looking in her direction. He hadn't tried to grope her at all and the only touch she had shared with him had been tender and chaste. Why would he resist the urge to rub her bottom? She knew he couldn't have possibly learned any self control. His expression was unreadable from the side as she looked at his profile. A slight blush tinged her cheeks. He had all but ignored her existence for the night and it began to irk her.

Belgarath brushed his patched hose off. He said, “I think we should all try to get some rest. It'll be a long ride tomorrow again.” He turned his back on the group, disappearing into his own tent. Sango noticed that the snowy owl had landed atop the tent itself, preening its feathers. It was rather bizarre behavior for an owl.

Shaking her head, she turned her attention back to Miroku. She noticed the small gesture his fingers made and her eyes narrowed again. He had to be up to no good. Sango stood, hefting her hiraikotsu onto her shoulders as she made her way to the tent she would sleep in for the night. She glanced once over her shoulder as she saw Miroku keep his back to her. She stomped her foot about to turn back and smack him in the head with her weapon, but instead thought it'd best to turn the tables on the devious monk. If he could ignore her, she would ignore him. It was obviously some sort of ploy that she knew would involve that cursed hand of his. She muttered, “The Man with the Curse, which curse? The one in his hand or the curse that is his hand?”

Settling herself into the tent, she placed her belongings into a corner. She stretched before lying down onto her rolled out mat. Sango thought it might be nice to not have to fear for one night the groping of the lecher. Kirara peeked out from behind her pack, curling up next to her. Sango rubbed her head before petting the fire cat on the back. The tent flap opened and Miroku stepped through, Shippo on his shoulder. He yawned, wordlessly making his way to the opposite side of the tent. Sango glared at him. Even though they were alone in the tent, regardless of Shippo, the monk ignored her. She sat up, crossing her arms. “Alright monk, what are you up to?”

Miroku looked over, a phony innocent expression crossing his features. “Why, Sango, what ever do you mean? I'm not up to anything. I'm merely going to get some rest. I suggest you do the same.” He turned around as he stretched out on his mat. His back was to her.

Shippo set up a small mat in between them, curling up on it. He shrugged his shoulders at her. His green eyes held just as much confusion as to why the lecher monk was acting so strangely. He pulled the blanket Kagome had provided him around himself, settling down for the night. The fox kit rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Night, Sango, Miroku.”

Sango harrumphed, turning her back on Miroku. As much as she despised the continual attention of the monk's touch to her rear, she felt neglected almost. Thankful she was facing away from him and not with the others, Sango felt her cheeks flush. Did she really want the lecher to touch her? Did she really feel neglected when he didn't attempt to grope her? Pushing herself closer to the tent wall, she let Kirara curl up by her stomach. What did it matter to her if Miroku wasn't going to pay any attention to her. It was a welcome respite from his usual pawing, after all.



Silent tension filled the camp as everyone had retired to their tents for the night. Sesshomaru sat in his tent, unable to sleep. Rin slept on his chest, her face buried into his fur and her hands clutching his haori front. Sesshomaru thought about the events that had transpired during the day. Rin had seemed fascinated by the large, black bird in the sky that the sorcerers were convinced had to be the other sorcerer from the fight. Her behavior perplexed him and he found himself helpless to understand. If only he could hear the sounds she described or feel the things she felt might he be able to make sense out of it and ease her apprehensions.

It didn't help that the evil that Kagome had mentioned to Inuyasha saturated the air around him. Sesshomaru could feel the dark aura brush against his own. It was residual at best, but the malevolent feeling disturbed him none the less. If he had been alone it would have bothered him not at all, but with Rin, it made him agitated. The little red-headed mate of the Godslayer hadn't been wrong when she had said the trees mentioned the passing of a vile presence. While he couldn't understand the trees themselves, the pensive rustling of their branches reached his ears. He sniffed the breeze, picking upon the scent of a creature he could not identify. This only fueled his restlessness further.

Kagome had mentioned the tug of a shard three days to the east. This also unnerved the Demon Lord. He knew that they would more than likely encounter who ever had passed through the small grove they now made camp in. Sesshomaru knew that those who sought the jewel would be after more shards, even if they already had one. The Shikon no Tama mattered not to him at all, but Sesshomaru understood that Inuyasha's mate was the proper possessor and guardian for the vile object. If they had to reclaim this shard from whomever possessed it, he would aid them, only so that another weak being would no longer pose a threat with the power the foul jewel provided.

The Sacred Jewel only seemed to bring heartache and evil in its wake, even if it was considered pure when possessed by a priestess. Inuyasha's fifty years spent on the Goshinboko proved this; the nefarious jewel had attracted Naraku and caused the bitterness between his half-brother and Kikyo. The power it provided to lesser demons disgusted Sesshomaru. It provided those who sought it with false hope for unlimited power.

He held no interest in its wicked allure because he understood to possess and use it came with consequences that often would outweigh any gain. Those who possessed the jewel did not seem to understand that the jewel only possessed them instead. Sesshomaru let a small smile cross his face. It seemed the only good the jewel had provided was to bring Kagome to their era. Sesshomaru only hoped that his brother would see the same logic.

Snapping him from his thoughts was Rin. She whimpered in her sleep as she moved closer to him, burying her face further into his fur. Sesshomaru worried that she was perhaps hearing the sounds he could not again and that she would clutch her head in her hands in fear. She moaned again, unease evident in the sound. He rubbed Rin's back gently, mindful of his claws as he made slow circles. It seemed to ease the mind of the sleeping girl, yet she did clutch his haori front tighter in her fists. Sesshomaru sighed. It would be best for them to leave this afflicted place as soon as possible.

A splash of moonlight slanted through the tent flap. Sesshomaru glanced through the small slit, seeing the fire had been doused so not to attract attention. He pulled his arm around Rin a little more, holding her closer in an attempt to keep her calm after her brief distress. Listening, he heard the soft breaths of those sleeping in the camp. Hopefully the rest of the night would be calm, even with the foreboding feeling invading the land around them.

The howl of a wolf reached Sesshomaru's ears and Rin whined again, her head thrashing on his chest. Sesshomaru rubbed her hair, hoping to calm her down. It was obvious to him that it was not the noises that he could not hear that was the cause of her distress. She was having a nightmare and it didn't take Sesshomaru much to figure out what might be the root of it. It also didn't help that wolves were near, calling to one another. His eyes narrowed, fury filling him that wolves still pierced fear in Rin's heart. An answering howl could be heard. He smelt a bitch and a male, noting that the scents had to be the old sorcerer and his strange mate.

Rin struggled against his grip, gasping in her sleep. She moaned before slipping out of his grasp. Rin fled the tent and Sesshomaru could smell the tears on her cheeks and the fear in her scent. She ran aimlessly through the small grove of trees, soft cries escaping her throat as she attempted to escape the pursuers that had killed her long ago. Sesshomaru gave chase, wanting to stop her before she ran directly into a tree. He caught her, pulling her close to his chest. Sesshomaru whispered, “Rin, wake up.”

Sesshomaru looked up over her shoulder. He saw a pair of golden eyes peer at him before the tawny haired woman stepped out, the moonlight bathing her. She stopped, mindful of Sesshomaru's warning growl. A soft tinkle of laughter reached his ears before the wolf-woman melted back into the grove. He heard her faint voice comment, “How remarkable.” It felt as if the woman had been a ghost, not really there at all.

He turned his attention back to Rin as she beat her tiny fists onto his shoulders, sobbing. He couldn't remember the last time she had reacted so violently to the recurring nightmare of her demise. It had to have been triggered by the menacing feeling and the sounds of the wolves near by. Sesshomaru rocked her slowly, letting soft rumbles escape his throat. She remained tense but quit struggling against his hold on her. He sat down onto the ground, pulling her into his lap. He felt her relax slowly, her arms going around his neck as the nightmare passed. Rin cried softly into his shoulder. She breathed through hiccups in her voice, “Are all the bad wolves gone?”

“Rin, it was only a nightmare.” Sesshomaru smoothed her hair from her face.

She shook in his grasp, tears falling freely down her cheeks. “Rin couldn't get away from them. Rin was so scared.”

“I know.” He resisted the urge to snarl. Sesshomaru hated the nightmares that remained. He hated what it did to Rin when she remembered what had happened to her before he had used Tenseiga. He rocked her, making a soft rumble in his throat.

Rin rubbed her nose under his chin. She hugged herself closer to him. “Why did the wolves hurt Rin?”

Sesshomaru knew she was upset when she started referring to herself in the third person. He placed his chin onto her hair. He couldn't answer that question without becoming angry so he said, “I do not know.” Glancing up, he saw both Kagome and Inuyasha approach, concern in their expressions.

Kagome asked, “What's the matter, Rin-chan?”

Sesshomaru responded, “She had a nightmare, nothing more.”

He noticed that Inuyasha had remained silent, anger in his eyes. He had to have heard the wolves howling and the girl's question. The hanyou's ears were down and he had a hand squeezed into a fist.

“Oh.” Kagome sat down onto the ground not far away. She put a hand onto Rin's back. “It's alright. We're here.”

Sesshomaru stood, holding the small girl. He said, “She should rest. We have a long day of travel ahead.” He turned his back on the pair.

Before Sesshomaru could take a step, Inuyasha put a hand onto his shoulder. “Maybe you and the pup should be with us for the night. Make her feel safer.”

Sesshomaru glanced over his shoulder. He nodded before turning to follow the two. Rin locked her arms around his neck, her head resting on his fur. He carried her to the waiting tent before entering behind Kagome and Inuyasha. Once inside, he sat down into a corner, Rin resting on his chest. He rubbed her back, in attempt to calm and ease her back to sleep.

Kagome whispered, “What was her nightmare about?”

Rin lifted her head, a yawn escaping. “Wolves who hurt Rin.”

“Wolves?” Kagome looked concerned. “How did the wolves hurt you, Rin?”

Rin nodded. “Wolves chased down Rin and tried to eat her.” She shivered against Sesshomaru.

Inuyasha leaned over, whispering into his mate's ear. Kagome's eyes went wide and she looked over towards Rin. She shook her head. “You don't think, Inuyasha---”

“Think what?” Inuyasha's brows knit together.

“Never mind. It couldn't be.” She leaned back into her mate's embrace. “Rin-chan, try to get some sleep. No wolves will get you here. Sesshomaru-sama and Inuyasha will make sure, okay?”

Sesshomaru saw Rin nod her head before she yawned again. She snuggled up on his chest, burying her nose into the crook of his neck and shoulder. He brushed some hair away from her face before resting his hand on her back. Her easy breaths assured him that she had again fallen asleep. Looking over her resting form, his eyes connected with Inuyasha's. His brother's eyes were angry and wary. It seemed that the foreboding feeling had bothered him as well. He whispered, “Thank-you.”

“Feh. The pup was scared. I don't blame her. This place reeks.” He pulled a drowsy Kagome closer to him. “What ever those trees told Garion's mate must have been big.”

“I think it is imperative we leave as soon as dawn arrives. It is too disquieting to sit in this grove of trees much longer than that.” Sesshomaru felt more at ease now that Rin was resting comfortably but could not help the feeling of dread that settled in the pit of his stomach.

“I agree. What ever was here is in need of a bath.” Inuyasha's nose wrinkled.

His brother was right. What ever had passed through hadn't discovered bathing as of yet and reeked of human blood. It disgusted him that such a creature chose to feed off humans. To Sesshomaru, that was a weakness. It proved that one was incapable of intelligence and instead had given into blood lust. Sesshomaru nodded his reply. He adjusted his head. “We should attempt some sleep.”

Inuyasha snorted. “Feh. Like I can sleep.” He yawned wide contradicting his statement.

Sesshomaru resisted the urge to roll his eyes at his brother's bravado. Instead, he closed his own eyes, drinking in Rin's scent. Hopefully he could rest some before another long day of riding. He opened one eye to see Inuyasha fast asleep, arms tightly wrapped around his mate. A soft snore escaped his brother and Sesshomaru sighed. Perhaps it hadn't been such a good idea to join them in their tent after all.



Miroku sat wide awake in the tent he shared with Sango and Shippo. He heard both their easy breaths as they slept. He glanced at Sango's form in the darkness as moonlight crept through a small slit in the tent, and reached his hand out towards her before setting it down onto his lap. It had taken everything in him to not touch her earlier by the camp fire. Miroku sighed. Sango had turned over in her sleep, facing him. She had one arm curled under her head, the other resting on her stomach. Kirara rested next to her, curled into a little ball.

Looking away, Miroku thought of the scheme the thief had suggested to attract Sango's attention. He had to admit that Sango seemed confused and peeved that he hadn't attempted his usual attention to her posterior. It was as if she had wanted it and this caused him to smile slightly. To think that the demon slayer had actually wanted his caresses astounded him. As many bruises and bumps he had incurred over his time trying to touch her bottom, he would have been certain she had not wanted them at all. The only give away to Miroku that it was to the contrary up until now was her blushes. A slight blush tinged his own cheeks as he thought about it.

Sango's soft moans in her sleep as she readjusted herself on the mat brought his attention back to her resting form. She yawned, snuggling back down, curling up into a ball almost. Miroku leaned over, pulling the blanket that had slipped off in her movements to keep her warm. Unable to resist anymore, Miroku moved his hand down her form, resting his hand onto her rear. Cupping it gently in his grasp, he rubbed slowly. Sango jerked up in alarm, her palm connecting with his cheek. “Lecher!”

Shippo woke amongst the commotion. He rubbed a tired eye. “What's going on?”

Sango pulled her knees to her chest and glared at him. She hissed, “Why don't you ask the monk?”

Shippo rolled his eyes, lying back down. “Oh. Figures.” He yawned. “Just leave her alone. I'm trying to sleep.”

Miroku held his hands up. “Now Sango, dear, I was only trying to make sure you stayed warm, nothing more. My intentions were entirely chaste.” He noticed Sango's brow twitch causing him to back away before she could hit him. He crossed towards his side of the tent, keeping his gaze on her. The ring of steel on steel greeted his ears before he could settle down and shouts could be heard just outside. Miroku pulled his staff from the corner he had left it in. “Come on, something is happening out there.”

He looked over the camp, seeing that Sesshomaru had two men pinned by some of the trees while Inuyasha fought back two others. Miroku held his staff in his hands, ready to defend himself. A dagger whistled by Miroku's ears and he raised it to deflect any other potential attacks. Kagome stood outside a tent, her bow drawn and ready. She let an arrow loose, grazing one of the men. Glancing around, Miroku noticed that Silk had come closer to their tent, reaching behind his neck. He flung a dagger at a target Miroku couldn't quite see and a strangled gurgle reached his ears.

Silk said, “They're after our goods.”

Miroku nodded, blocking another strike. “I can see that.”

Sango wasn't far behind him, her sword drawn and her weapon across her back. Kirara charged out of the tent as well, waiting for Sango's request that she transform. The demon slayer kicked one man out of her way. She said, “Who cares about the goods. We've got to make sure that everyone's safe. Can you see that little girl Sesshomaru has anywhere?” She blocked a sword parry with her own before shoving the man away and slashing the blade across his chest.

Miroku peered through and saw Rin peek out of the tent that Kagome guarded. “There! Rin is there.” He pointed in the direction with his staff. Turning again, he cracked his staff against the skull of another attacker.

It seemed their camp had been attacked by roughly sixty marauders. A few of them grabbed at pack items and ran off again into the grove. A brilliant blue streaked through the camp as Garion charged after them. Zakath wasn't far behind on his heels, a rapier drawn. Polgara stood outside another tent, guarding the little red-haired queen. A few men who charged towards her were easily felled by Durnik with a club. Miroku turned his attention back to his side of the camp when another pair of men stopped in front of the tent, battle axes raised. He ducked, stabbing his staff into the gut of one man before fanning it to cut the other's feet from underneath.

“Kirara! Go help Kagome protect Rin,” Sango shouted, twisting away from another potential attack. She slammed her weapon into the air, letting it cut through six of the men before catching it and using it to block another sword thrust. Kicking another raider behind her, the man grunted in pain as he slammed into the tree behind the demon slayer.

The fire cat nodded, running in the direction of Kagome and the little girl. Shippo wasn't far behind as he dodged several attacks before turning and throwing some fox fire at them. It stopped them, giving Shippo enough time to cross the camp and stand by Kagome and Rin. He threw more fox fire at attackers as Kagome shot a few arrows. A few of Kagome's arrows struck their targets, grunts of pain filling the air.

The thunder of horse hooves charged through the clearing and Hettar trampled two men before beheading two others. He circled the camp a few times, knocking some blades out of attacker's hands. His long, black lock flowed in the wind, looking like a horse tail. His expression was grim and deadly as he charged again through the glen. Miroku backed up as he came close, letting him slice the man nearest to him across the chest. Glancing down at the anguished man, Miroku moved away further.

Kirara arrived by Kagome, transforming into her larger form. She snapped her jaws causing a few of the raiders to back away in panic, fleeing. Unfortunately for them, the large red-bearded man intercepted them, swinging his massive sword in an arc, cleaning beheading them. Strangled cries could be heard as other attackers were cut down by the knight as he sliced another man down the middle. Pushing the corpse off his blade, he turned slamming his gauntleted fist into another man's face, knocking blood and teeth loose.

Fanning out from the tent, Miroku came across two men in plain brown, armed with swords. Raising his staff he blocked both strikes before turning his staff on the two men, knocking their weapons from their hands. Turning the butt of the staff towards one, it connected with a sickening crack against the skull of one of the attackers. The other tried to wrench it from Miroku's grasp, only to have the monk swiftly flip it around and push the man away. Dodging another attack, he whirled, slamming his staff into the throat of another.

Another flash of light could be seen as Sesshomaru sliced his way through a few more bandits. He spun on one foot, his whip cutting down any man who dared near him. Their cries of pain filled the night air as much as the grunting of others in hand to hand combat. As he stopped, he pulled Tokijin, the blade slicing through a few others as the Demon Lord made his way towards the tent that Kagome defended It was apparent he had had enough with the raiding party.

Miroku pulled one man to his chest as he locked his staff around him. Shoving him away, the man dropped his weapon. Ducking again, Miroku noticed that Inuyasha had Tetsusaiga out, blocking a few blows before unleashing a Wind Scar that sliced the two men in its path and a few trees behind. Inuyasha shouted, “Hey jackass, watch where you're aiming that fucking whip next time! You nearly hit me!”

Miroku shook his head. It seemed that the brothers might have made some sort of truce but that didn't mean that they didn't argue. Sesshomaru's cool voice answered, “Half-breed, if I meant to kill you, you would already be dead.” He extended his hand, releasing poison on another attacker.

“Oh yeah! Prove it, asshole!” Inuyasha shook his fist in his brother's direction. He dodged another attack, using Tetsusaiga to block before he sliced the blade across the three men charging him. They fell dead at his feet and the half-demon glared in his brother's direction before engaging a few more bandits in a fight. He, too, made his way towards the tent. In the middle of a battle, Miroku realized that they were bantering with one another.

Rin's screams could be heard as a few of the men charged from the opposite side of the tents from where Kirara stood, blocking the route. A silver wolf shot through the clearing, snatching the little girl off the ground by the back of her shirt before bounding to a location away from the fight. If it had only been one moment later, Rin would have been sliced in half. Another regal wolf sat not far away. He stood and howled before charging into the fight as well, snapping his jaws around various attackers throats. His hackles rose on his silver fur and he snarled at any who neared the small area where the she-wolf had the frightened little girl.

On hearing Rin's cries, Sesshomaru's direction changed, his eyes glowing an eerie red. He sliced the air with Tokijin, felling four in his way with the aura alone. It was apparent to Miroku that the Demon Lord was furious and would stop at nothing to reach Rin's side. A few of the bandits foolish enough to get in Sesshomaru's way found themselves flung aside as if they were dolls. Inuyasha wasn't far behind until he saw Kagome standing alone, her bow ready to shoot. Inuyasha switched his path, charging a few men with slices of Tetsusaiga.

Kagome was standing by Kirara before jumping on the fire cat. She notched another arrow, shooting it at one of the men below as Kirara leapt into the sky. The arrow landed into the ground, a brief pink light fanning out from it. Kagome's expression was furious as she prepared another arrow. This one grazed the side of the man's head before embedding into a tree, purification light spreading out from it. He heard Kagome say, “That was for Shippo!” Miroku noticed that Shippo had been knocked into a tree, lying still on the ground.

Inuyasha charged the man that Kagome had grazed, thrusting Tetsusaiga through him. He looked up towards Kirara and Kagome before slamming his sword into the ground to unleash another Wind Scar towards five charging men on horses. It sliced through them, anguished screams filling the camp. Ducking another blow coming his way, Inuyasha sunk his claws into his attacker's throat, squeezing before throwing him against a tree. A sickening crack of bones crushing followed by a pained gurgle reached Miroku's ears as he blocked another parry.

The knight joined Miroku. Drawing his attention, he said. “Tis a fine night for a fight. Methinks these vile beasts were sent to provide us with amusements. Thy staff, it is a formidable weapon.” He smiled, lifting his broadsword. “I have come to aid thee.” Mandorallen ran his sword through another attacker, kicking the man off his blade.

Miroku shrugged, blocking another dagger thrown in his direction. He saw Sango throw her weapon through, cutting down a few more of the marauders. She rejoined him, panting from the effort of the fight. Catching her hiraikotsu as it spun, she set it against her back again. “You think they're connected to those assassins at the palace?”

Miroku shook his head, tossing one man away with his staff. “Not sure. They could be. Either that or they think we have expensive goods.” He parried another attacker's weapon away before kicking the man away.

Kagome's cries could be heard as she said, “Inuyasha! That man! He's trying to steal my bag!”

Inuyasha bounded after him, snarling. Tackling the man, they tumbled together onto the ground, Kagome's bag splitting open and spilling its contents. Inuyasha punched the man in the face before lifting him in the air. He dug his claws in before snapping the man's neck and tossing away the carcass. A few other men attempted to attack the half-demon only to meet their ends on Tetsusaiga. Inuyasha attempted to retrieve the items as quickly as he could, shoving things haphazardly inside.

Deflecting another blow, Miroku flipped his staff into the chin of another. It caused blood to trickle from the mouth of his would be attacker. He jumped away from the man to land a blow on the man's back. As he looked around the camp, Miroku noticed that less and less men were around to fight. Most were either dead or wounded, their groans of pain heard. About ten remained alive and able. The knight cut two more down before Silk returned, throwing a couple more daggers at two charging men. Blocking another blow, Miroku brought his staff down on another's skull.

As he looked up, he noticed that the battle had ended and a blur of white crossed the camp as Sesshomaru reached the sobbing little girl. Catching his own breath, Miroku noticed that the she-wolf sat down on her haunches, her tongue out in laughter. She backed away from the child as Rin ran to her lord. Sesshomaru knelt down, hugging the girl to his chest fiercely. The she-wolf bowed her head slightly before disappearing into the trees again.

Kirara landed and Kagome ran towards Shippo, picking the young kit up. She hugged him and Inuyasha joined her side. Sango said, “Looks like Shippo took a big hit there.”

“He just got knocked into a tree. I'm sure he'll be just fine when he wakes up.” Miroku sunk his staff into the ground, leaning on it. He panted. “Well, that was most invigorating.” Sango glared darkly in his direction, her arms crossed.

The other wolf had seemed to have disappeared and from around the trees came the old man. He said, “I see we've made quite the mess here. It'd be best to clean some of it up and leave immediately.” He bent down, picking up a small, silver object. “And would this belong to you, Kagome?”

Kagome sputtered and Inuyasha shot across the clearing, snatching it away. Inuyasha glared at Belgarath, snarling, “It's none of your business, old man.”

Belgarath glared back at the half-demon before his ice blue eyes locked onto Kagome. He said, his tone firm, “I think, young lady, you have been keeping something from us, have you not?”

Miroku looked from the sorcerer to the half-demon. Both were agitated. Inuyasha stood protectively in front of Kagome. She was currently looking at the ground, twirling the silver object in her hand. Miroku had recalled that it was called a camera phone. She sighed. “Yes.” She set Shippo down gently onto the ground.

“I assume it has something to do with your name in the Prophecy, no?”

Kagome nodded quietly and Inuyasha growled more. Sesshomaru joined the pair, Rin held against his chest. His gold eyes were narrowed as he took his stance with his brother and Kagome. Miroku wondered if another fight would break out, this time between the sorcerers and the odd pack that Inuyasha, Sesshomaru, Kagome, and Rin had formed. She said, “We can't let Naraku know and that's why we didn't tell you.”

“Tell us what, dear?” Polgara had joined her father's side. “What is it?”

Inuyasha and Sesshomaru stood in front of Kagome until she pushed between them to take her place in front instead. She bit her lip. “I'm not from the same time as Inuyasha.”

Miroku heard Sango's gasp as Kagome revealed a secret that could potentially wreak havoc on Kagome's era. He was about to step in to divert the situation, but the old man asked, “What do you mean?”

“I—I travel through a well between my time and theirs. My time is five hundred years in the future from theirs.” She clutched her hands nervously. “Naraku doesn't know and if he finds out he might do damage in my time.”

“I see. Well, we must make haste to get out of here before our presence is known to many. I will want to talk to you more about this, Kagome.” The sorcerer looked at her before turning towards his tent to begin cleaning up. “Let's clean this place up and leave.”

Miroku watched as Sango turned her back on him to return to their tent. He followed closely behind, his hand finding its way onto her rear. She slapped him, glaring in his direction. “Lecher!” Rubbing the cheek she had slapped, he sighed in bliss. It was all well to make her feel ignored but nothing compared to the sting of her blows on his cheeks. He followed her into tent to help pack, a small smile on his face all the while.