The Strange Ones…

CHAPPY 4: Rest & Relaxation

Tama's POV…

'I am so confused, right now…. What is with that guy? One minute he hates me, and wants to kill me; and the next, he's saying he expects to see me again?' I thought to myself, as I watched the retreating form of Sesshomaru, and his companions.

"Tama! Are you alright?" Sachiko asked me worriedly, Bakusha looking the same.

'Of course, I'm alright… why wouldn't I be?' I thought, confused as to why everyone seemed freaked out about me.

I was just about to say something, I opened my mouth and everything; but nothing came out… I realized every time I tried to say something, that my breathing would get faster and faster… all of a sudden everything started spinning, and the next thing I saw, was the sky turning grey as I fell back; and my head hit the ground.

…...

A few hours later- 2:00pm…

I woke up to the sound of rain, people talking, and water boiling… the next thing I noticed was the smell of instant ramen. I opened my eyes, and the first thing I saw was Sachiko's face inches from mine…

"AAAHHH!" I screamed, as I shot up, hitting heads with Sachiko in the process.

"Owwie…" Sachiko muttered as she rubbed her forehead, I just glared, while holding mine.

"Sachiko, what the hell! Why were you so close to me, what's going on?" I questioned.

"She's awake!" Bakusha yelled excitedly, as he crawled over to me; hugging me tightly.

"Yeah, yeah. I'm awake, so what? What's the big deal?" I asked, rubbing Bakusha's back.

"Tama, you've been out for 6 hours…" Miroku said, slowly assessing my reaction.

"What? Why?" I screamed.

"Well, you see; after your fight with Sesshomaru you kinda just passed out. It must have took a lot out of you, because your breathing only just stabilized a few minutes ago, and you were sweating profusely…" Sango explained, with a motherly care.

I was speechless. I don't even remember feeling like this earlier, or like I was even remotely in pain. But, now that I think about it, my head does hurt; and not just from hitting Sachiko, just now either…

I tried standing up, but as I did; I instantly started falling again, as my head spun in pain. Miroku caught me, and lay me back down gently. I tried leaning up into a sitting position, but I suddenly felt a stinging sensation in my gut, and noticed that I had bandages wrapped around my belly, where I had been hit with Sesshomaru's poison whips…

"Stop straining yourself, a storms going on and we can't travel through it anyway. You should just lay down, and relax for a bit, so just use this time to get better, ok?" Inuyasha growled out frustratingly.

"Huh?" I asked, just now registering the thunder and lighting striking outside.

I looked around, and noticed that we were in a small abandoned shrine, once used for praying to Buddha I'm guessing based on the Buddha statues sitting in the corners of the room.

Kagome was making instant ramen, and filling up 8 bowls with noodles (apparently she was being nice, and making us all lunch).

I tried sitting up again, and groaned in pain; but dealt with it and leant up against the wall behind me.

"Tama, you should listen to Inuyasha. We have to wait for the rain to let up; so you should try to get your energy back. We gave you an antidote for the poison, and now you just need to eat, and rest. You used up a lot of energy going through transforming into a demon, and back to a human, repeatedly…" Sachiko tried to reason with me.

"You know, I can take care of myself. Don't try to hold me back…" I said frustrated.

"But, Tama. If you just rest up a bit, then you can fight full force next time, we need to." Sachiko tried again.

"Whatever, you're just taking Inuyasha's side, because you like him!" I said back.

"What! No. I'm not! Shut up, I don't like him…" Sachiko replied with a blush.

"Right… of course, you don't." I said with a smirk, as Sachiko tried to convince me she didn't like Inuyasha.

Kagome looked on at us with a glare, as Inuyasha just blushed a bit, and smirked at the commotion being caused over him.

I smiled, and laughed at Sachiko's misfortune, as she gave up on trying to beat me, in a fight she knew was in my favor.

We soon were served our lunch, ate in content. And, were just talking and relaxing as we waited out the storm.

…...

Normal POV (Sachiko's)…

The rain finally let up, and the group had been conversing idly; and resting up for their trip. Tama had regained her health, and was now just as fit, as when we first arrived here.

"Hey, guys. Umm, I think we should get you three some weapons so you can use that instead of straining yourselves with your powers, until you learn how to control your demon abilities." Sango offered, as we started out through the freshly rained on forest.

"That sounds like a great idea, Sango!" Miroku said.

"It is a great idea! Do you guys know where we could get swords like Inuyasha's?" I asked excitedly.

"Yeah, yeah! A sword, just like his!" Bakusha said with a smile.

"No, even bigger, then Inuyasha's!" Tama said, with a smirk.

"Yeah, right! Like you could get a sword bigger then mine! My sword is made from my father's fang. Granted it broke… but, my new sword is even better! It's made from my fang." Inuyasha said with a smug look on his face; as if his sword is the best in the world.

"Well, then we'll just have to get ours made from our fangs as well." I said, up for a challenge.

"Yeah, they'll be way stronger then yours!" Bakusha said.

"Yeah, I'll believe it when I see it. Your fangs are nothing compared to mine. If anything they'll only be the size of a normal sword. Like that'll do any damage against me, and my sword." Inuyasha said with a smirk.

"Whatever, we'll see." Tama stated simply.

"So, to Totosai's it is." Shippo said energetically, Kirara mewed in happy response, rubbing up against Tama's cheek; where she had perched herself on her shoulder throughout our resting period. She seemed to have taken a liking to Tama.

An hour or so later- Totosai's cave…

"Hey, Totosai! It's me, Inuyasha!" Inuyasha called out as he led us into a big cave inside a volcano.

"Ah, Inuyasha. How have you been? Who are these new additions to your group?" The Totosai guy asked, looking towards us.

"Oh, hi. I'm Sachiko. This is my, sister, Tama. And, my brother, Bakusha." I introduced.

"We're here for new swords!" Tama said, matter-of-factly.

"Umm, and we hear you forged Inuyasha's Tetsusaiga. So, we were wondering, if you could… maybe… make us some swords too…?" Bakusha started out strong, and ended just as timidly as ever, when looking at Totosai's blank stare.

Everyone froze in wonder, as they awaited Totosai's verdict…

"Ahahahaha!" Totosai roared out in laughter.

Everyone freaked out, and sweat dropped in shock.

"You three are quite bold, for humans. I like that. Sure, I'll make you three swords; but, you'll need to bring me something to make them out of first." Totosai said with a smile.

Tama looked like she wanted to yell at the guy, for saying 'human' like it was a bad thing. But, I stopped her, and she decided to settle for breathing slowly as she calmed herself.

"Well, actually… we're not…" I started but was interrupted by Totosai.

"Human? I know, I just thought I'd gauge your reactions first; you three are much more calm then Inuyasha when mentioned as anything near human."

"Your half-demon, if I am correct. And, I'm guessing you'd want your swords forged from your fangs, am I right?" Totosai continued, with his same blank look, though a slight smile could be seen on his features.

"Yes! If, you could do so. We'd love that!" I said excitedly, Bakusha nodding happily.

"Ok, then. If you say so. Open your mouth, and say 'Ahhh'..." Totosai said, as he turned around and picked something up from his little stone table.

All three of us looked at each other questioningly (though it should have been obvious; I mean, come on he's forging them from our teeth, duh!…) and opened our mouths.

"Ahhh…" We said together, as Totosai turned back around to us held up 2 pairs of pliers…

"Uhh, I don't think you guys should…" Inuyasha tried to warn, but it was too late…

The next thing we knew, Tama had a tooth yanked out, then Bakusha, and I got one yanked out of our mouths as well, at the same time.

"AAAAAHHHHH!" We screamed together as our mouths throbbed in pain.

"Ooh… I tried to warn you…" Inuyasha said, cringing as he remembered his own pain.

We all held our cheeks in pain, as we groaned. I couldn't hold back the tears, as I cried with a big hole in my mouth; where my tooth used to be. Bakusha whimpered in pain, tears slipping out the corners of his eyes. Tama seemed to be the most in control, she always was good at holding in the pain…

"I'm surprised your fangs were even visible, with the seal placed on you three.. But, then again, that is the one thing that stays even with a seal… oh, and don't worry, they'll grow back by the time you wake up tomorrow morning." Totosai said.

"Wait, how did you know…?" Tama started, as Bakusha and I were in far too much pain to talk at the moment.

"Oh, I could smell half-demon from a mile away; even with the seal still intact. I see you've worked that seal well to the point of it almost breaking…"

"Heh, yeah… you see; we've been attacked a few times, and I guess being her made the seal weaken or something… owww…" I mumbled in pain, grabbing my cheek again.

"I felt the same way, Sachiko. But, if your sword turns out anything like mine; then it'll be so worth a little pain." Inuyasha comforted me, with a hand on my shoulder.

"Th-thanks. I hope it does, and is worth this pain…" I blushed, and tanked Inuyasha.

So after that, we all decided to sit in Totosai's cave, and wait for the swords to be made.

An hour or so later, Tama's tooth was back, and her sword was finished as well… (that lucky bastard…).

Tama was prancing around, bragging about her tooth being back; and her sword being finished. Though, she didn't get to look at it yet; not until, they were all finished.

Tama was a little mad at this, but dealt with it; glad her tooth was back and she didn't have to deal with the pain anymore.

The next morning…

We woke up the next morning, teeth back, and swords finished…

I checked my teeth, and squealed in glee; as I woke Tama, and Bakusha. Bakusha had his tooth as well. We looked over to see Totosai, sleeping against his work bench; swords lain out neatly on the table.

Everyone else woke up to the sound of Totosai being thrown across the room, and hitting the cave wall. Totosai just groaned in pain, and opened his eyes to see me, and my siblings crowded around each other, respective swords in hand (they had our names engraved on the sheaths).

The others gathered around us, and looked at our swords with us.

My sword was full tang double pegged and featured a red nylon cord wrapped around the handle. It has a beautiful copper 4-heart circled hilt and tusba followed by the brass fittings on the scabbard which is painted in high gloss black. The sageo matches the color of the handle. At the middle of the sageo is a cute little orange-brown fur fox charm. (picture in link on profile)

Tama's sword is blood groove blade, it has a deep blue scabbard, with a blue cord wrapped around both the hardwood handle and the sageo. The katana altogether is 40", the blade is 26". It has a hardwood handle. It also comes complete with its own sword bag, and is full tang. It also had a strap, connected to it, so it could be worn around her back.

Bakusha's sword has full tang. It is very sturdy from end-to-end, thick blade, tight fittings. The guard is made from steel and has a black liquid finish. The scabbard is fully handmade to fit the sword and is painted with black high gloss liquid finish. It also has a silver chain hanging from the handle. Sword is 41" overall, Full tang, and guard, with Black finish. Comes with Sword Bag. (imagine teal, instead of red in the picture)

We stared in awe, at the high standard craftsmanship.

Everyone was amazed at the work effort Totosai had put into these sword, especially mine; with the little fur trinket and all.

"Wow, Sachiko! That's so cute. I love it." Shippo said, as he stroked the soft fur of the toy fox.

"Thank you, Shippo. It is, isn't it." I said happily.

"Wow, Totosai. You really did a great job with this! It's beautiful." Bakusha said, admiring his new weapon.

"No, kidding…" Was all Tama said, as she turned her sword over repeatedly, looking over every little detail.

"What is this, Totosai? You didn't put nearly as much detail into my Tetsusaiga!" Inuyasha whined, like a baby.

"Oh, calm down, Inuyasha. Your sword is much bigger then theirs, isn't that enough for you?" Totosai asked.

"Whatever…" Inuyasha said.

"Thank you, Totosai." Me, and my siblings said in unison, bowing to Totosai in gratitude.

"No problem, children. Now, off you go. Put those swords to good use; and come back, whenever you need a tune-up." Totosai said, shooing us all out of his cave; saying that he needed a bath from working up a huge sweat making our swords, and needed more sleep.

We all said goodbye, and left without a fight; happy we achieved what we had traveled here for.

We were walking down a dirt path, when we came to a stream. We decided to take a break; stopping for baths in the hot springs nearby. After our baths, we changed for the day.

I had pulled on an oversized pink off the shoulder t-shirt, that had a smiling jack-o-lantern on it. And, slid on a pair of spandex shorts. Black converse, with red shoelaces adorned my feet; and my hair was left down.

Tama wore a simple black spaghetti strap top, with a sketchy white skull, that goes to her thighs. A pair of white short shorts, and a black jacket with a white star on the middle of her back, it however was left unzipped; and a pair of black boots with white lining, that go to the middle of her calf completed her look for the day. Her hair was also left down.

Bakusha wore a plain black t-shirt that just barely fit him(meaning if he lifted his arms, his belly would be visible), and camouflage jeans. He had on grey combat boots, and black fingerless biker gloves.

"Wow, you guys have a lot of clothes…" Sango said.

"Heh, yeah. We're kind of shop-a-holics." I said, with a hand behind my head in embarrassment.

"Oh, but it's cute. You've got some really pretty clothes." Sango continued with a smile on her face.

"Thanks." We three said together.

We were talking, laughing, and having fun; as we promised to buy Sango some modern clothes, the next time we went home. And, all was going well, until a purple miasma appeared, and out of it came a man (assuming it's a man) in a white baboon suit...

"Naraku…" Inuyasha growled out in disdain.

The man known as Naraku, just smirked.

A/N: Ok, people, there's the 4th chapter. Hope you liked it, sorry if the explanations are bad; sword descriptions are kind of hard to do… lol (the sword pictures are in my profile). Now, on to the 5th chapter!^^