Kagome pulled the metal ring closer to Inu-Yasha for his inspection. The silvery metal was well done, and perfect for the size of dog Inu-Yasha had become. It was the type of training collar with blunt 'spikes' on the inside of the collar to keep a large dog in line. The 'spikes' wouldn't hurt the dog, but they would let the dog wearing it know who was the boss. She didn't want to use it, but the laws, and Jii-san both were adamant; if Inu-Yasha wanted to stay, he had to wear the collar. "I'm so sorry Inu-Yasha. If there were any other way..."
The collar on the bed had him looking up at her suspiciously. There was something else he sensed about the collar he didn't like...something familiar...but he just couldn't figure out what. He stared at Kagome while he thought, then went to her door and whuffed. She let him out, then followed him downstairs to let him outside. It was an important decision, and one he had to make on his own. Kagome stayed by the house, but kept an eye on Inu-Yasha as he walked around the property smelling all the new scents and thinking.
He came when Kagome called him to come inside so she could get some rest for school tomorrow. He could think just as well inside, by her bed.
Miroku and Lady Kaede sat surrounded by small piles of scrolls. They had spent most of the day fruitlessly searching through her collection of scrolls for any hint as to what spell Naraku had used on the hanyou. Sango had just returned from her training and was sitting on the porch so as not to disturb the two inside.
"I could check with the nearby villages, see if they have any other manuscripts." Miroku offered as they began to clean up.
"Nay, we've been exchanging information for decades. If there was anything new, they would send it here, and I, there." Lady Kaede stood stiffly, gathering a few scrolls.
"Sesshomaru?" Miroku suggested.
"Although his knowledge does exceed mine, do ye really think he would answer?" Lady Kaede shook her head as she gave Miroku the scrolls to put away.
He sighed rather heavily. "You're right Lady Kaede. But would it hurt to ask him?"
"Let us wait for Kagome to return to us. We shall meditate on this tomorrow." As Lady Kaede turned to begin dinner preparations, Miroku went outside and sat beside Sango.
"Any luck?" She spoke quietly, enjoying the late afternoon sunlight.
"None." Miroku sighed heavily again, and just as his hand began to roam over towards her...SMACK! He held his cheek where Sango had slapped him, watching her storm off. "Absolutely no luck at all..."
A.N. -- I know, horribly short, but it's better than nothing. Our house is beginning to be built, and things are going to be very hectic over the next few months. I am still working on this though. I'm just not able to put my attention to it like I'd like to.
