Disclaimer : I do not own or claim anything related Inuyasha, or Rumiko Takahashi.

Time is Not Your Friend

Chapter Ten: My Shou is Better Then Your Shou

It had been almost a whole entire week since I had come to this house. I had decided to stay since my dream couldn't have been for nothing. I even told my new house companions such. That I had used fire to come here, cause I had dreamed of this house. I told them it was how my arm became burned although I didn't tell them about Lord Sesshoumaru, and my quest to find him though. The one that Jaken referred to as Lord never really said much though, I think it hurt him to really get out and talk.

I fell into a strange schedule while there, I rested at night beside the man, which was strikingly odd to me, not only was he the first man that I had slept next to since my dear older brother Jack, (a pang of guilt had racked me from that, also I didn't count Shippou, cause he wasn't a human) but also that I seemed to sleep better there closest to him. He himself didn't seem to mind much either.

I then would go out and bring in water, and heat it, using a rag to 'bathe ' myself, and pulled my hair back before starting on breakfast. Jaken-san and I finally got him to eat, but only if I left the room . . at least he was eating.

I'd then clean what ever dishes we had, which wasn't much, and helped to tidy things a bit, dusting and such. Jaken-san seemed so relieved to have someone else there, and really, it was pleasant for me too. Cept when I'd get into 'arguments' with Lord Sickly, cause he wouldn't let me touch him. Like now.

"You smell bad buddy, you need a bath. You know what that is? A b-a-t-h?" Jaken seemed to have fits when I talked to him like this but honestly . . .

And all he would do is turn his head, like he is too good or something.

"Oh! You make me so mad!" I turned to my newest green friend.

"Is there a tub around here? One big enough for Thing here to fit in?" He seemed to ponder a minute, before replying.
"No, But I know where to get one!" He put his hat back on his head, covering the empty hole there and left. I placed my burnt hand gently on my hip, a smug look on my face.

"Now we will see who wins this one. You are going to have bath, I don't see what the big deal is . . .you will feel so much better after wards you know. Trust me, cause I'm going to use it after you." I couldn't wait either . . .I had some soap and shampoo I couldn't wait to use. We were going to smell like flowers. . . .

I got up, and went to apply my daily cream, when I turned, seeing him look at me.

"You know if you have something you want to say . . you should just say it?" The cream dropped from my hand as the worst flash of pain flung itself into my brain.

The woman, Himitsu , sat on a sleeping Ah-Un, her pale pink yukata decorated with dainty yellow flowers had the sleeves rolled up as she worked in her hands what looked like red clay. She loved the feel of Ah-Un's steady breath as they slept so soundly in the cool of the afternoon, a pleasant summer day. She looked up as Jaken scuttled to her, bowing and greeting her. She gave a smile to him and hearts filled his eyes.

Lord Sesshoumaru silently walked towards them, watching her mold the clay. He stood with his sword holding hip towards her, his face calm but intrigued. He held a serene look, but she could feel his curiosity.

"You know, Lord . . .if you have something to say, You should always come out and say it. . . " She laughed sweetly, looking up at him, his eyes filling with amusement at her boast.

I was on the floor, my hand to my head. I had a throbbing head ache. I looked up to see that he had moved! He looked like he had tried to stand a few times, but couldn't . . .aw.

"Hey . . .it's alright. I'm . .. fine I think . . " I looked around, but my eyes felt like they were going to pop out of their sockets.

"Who wants some tea? Cause I think I'm ready for some. . . " I was a little early, but I always made him some afternoon tea, he seemed to really appreciate it. It was about the only time I could see any part of his face. He would slide the mask up just enough for his mouth to blow and sip. Why he couldn't do that for food, I don't know why. He had androgynous lips, and it made me wonder if the rest of his face was as lovely.

After salvaging as much of my precious cream as I could, I put on the pot of water, and put the tea leaves in it. The smell of them boiling was so sweet, herbal scents floating through the air in this sickly room. I looked over to him, he was watching me. I gave him a sweet smile, hopefully to get some reaction, nothing of course. I looked down at the tea, it was done so I took it off the stove. I set it up on the wooden slab, it was a table of sorts and It was pretty long too. I set it over his lap, pulling the small tiny legs out, and then sat so I could use it too. I poured him tea, and could feel him watching my every move. Which was weird, cause normally he looked away.

"Are you feeling alright?" I asked in a soft voice, I was surprised when he answered with a raspy,

"A . . . little." I smiled large like, and reached over, gently patting his frail hand. It was a lot larger then mine, and cold. . . .but I was happy he was feeling better.

"Do you need help with your tea?" He moved his head in a small slow no way, and I nodded. I watched as he moved his mask to free his mouth, bringing the hot cup of tea to his pale colorless lips, his hands shaking a little. He blew on it a few times before attempting to touch his lips to the hot liquid. He took one sip, and he let out a small gratifying moan! I was very pleased with this, I finally must have made the tea just right. I was very pleased he enjoyed it, I'm sure I was beaming brightly.

Just then I heard some clanging and a woody dragging sound, and figured it to be Jaken, so I stood up. How ever he beat me to the door, opening it and dragging in a large wooden tub.

"Aw! Thank you so much Jaken-san!" I went to him, and he must not get them often cause when I bent to hug him he flinched. I patted his cheek afterward.

"Now . . you should sit and warm up. I made tea, and I'm sure if you ask Mr. over there he might tell you I did a good job this time." I smiled, and he looked to Sickly, who to my utter surprise again, nodded yes in agreement. I felt very happy indeed.

Her week was up as far as her mother was concerned. Inuyasha had tried to persuade her to give Himitsu more time, but she left with out him, and he was forced to catch up. The village Edo wasn't doing so great, and the rumors about a witch child were circling around. . .so they wouldn't be able to bring her back there with out some kind of violence taking place.

"I'm going to go get my baby, and then we are going home." She said it as if it solved everything, including world hunger. He could only roll his eyes at her. There was a time when she enjoyed this, had a sense of adventure. Where had that gone to?

The headed to the forest, trekking through the snow once more.

He wouldn't talk to me at all when Jaken and I got the hot water in the tub, and I put the frizzing soap in. He acted more grouchy then ever, and I couldn't help but laugh at him.

"Come on Grouchy, it's not going to hurt you. You will feel so much better. I promise." He only turned his masked face away, his arms folded.
"Jaken, we have to get him undressed, and in this tub, come on." Jaken's eyes bulged out yet again, looking around clearly upset.

"Perhaps that is why he seems reluctant?" I looked at him.
"What are you talking about?" He fidgeted under my stare, looking to the floor, then the door, anywhere but my eyes.

"You are but a girl child Himitsu . . . .perhaps his Lordship feels a bit . . uncomfortable with the indecency?" I gave a huff, surely that's not what was going on.

I looked at him. I bent over, my hand on my knee as I looked at him.
"If I turn around and promise to keep my eyes closed, will you let Jaken-san put you in the tub? Please?" I was trying my best to be extra sweet with him. I didn't understand what the big deal was . . . he was just a guy, couldn't look any different from a girl right?

Apparently I was wrong though . . .

I turned to the door, and I even went and waited out in the cold room. I heard splashing and Jaken's voice, and then him yell,

"It is safe to come in now Mistress!" I rolled my eyes . . safe?

I walked back in, closing the paper doors snug. I was stopped in my tracks at the sight though, the man whom was now in the tub was so pale and I was pleased to see he had added just a little weight. . . but his face. No mask.

"Hey . . look, you took it off. You feel better I bet." He wouldn't look at me, not even a little. I sighed, and pinned my sleeves back. I took a wash rag, and he glared at me.

"What? You wanna do it?" I held the rag for him, clearly he wasn't having fun. He took it from me, and I couldn't help but stare at his face. It looked so familiar, but I just couldn't place it. He had a beautiful face. It was stricken with sickness and stress, but other then this he was very handsome, albeit his sunken cheeks and deep dark shadows under his eyes.

I turned away, making supper as he cleaned himself, after about 30 minutes I looked back. He seemed to be tired, but his hair, face and back hadn't been done yet.

"Here, let me help the rest, ok? Just relax a bit, you shouldn't have wore yourself out so much. . ." Jaken watched as I helped him lean back, getting his hair wet. I soaped it up and massaged his head while shampooing his hair like Mom had done for me so many times.I could tell he liked it cause he let a small sigh out, his lids closing half way. I smiled, enjoying myself, it was rather fun. I rinsed the soap out, and gently started to clean his face for him, he looked up and to the side, he looked so young then when he had done that and I wondered how old he really was. After his face was cleaned(and boy had that made a difference) I pulled his wet hair over his shoulder and started on his back. When i was finished, and he was completely clean, of course I was made to go back out and wait. I didn't approve, but oh well, two against one. . .I still didn't know what the big deal was.

I 'closed' the doors, I left a small crack . . I couldn't help my curiosity, It was just so hungry to see what the huge thing about a man being naked was. I had seen a girl, heck, I was one. I was ready to peek, my heart was thumping fast in my chest. . . I didn't get to see much however, seemed Jaken was a lot stronger then I had thought cause I only saw a flash of thigh and he was already covered up with a new and freshly cleaned kimono. Jaken yelled for me, and I jumped, but came back in, the man turning to look at me. He was a lot taller then I had originally thought. He slouched however, as if he was weighed down by a burden, or weights on his shoulders, but I imagined he was probably about six feet maybe a little less. Jaken struggled with him though, and I went to them, helping the man distribute his weight onto me too. We got him to his bed, and he settled back in. He watched me, and I gave him a small smile, maybe he would smile back?

No such luck, but he did how ever come up with something different other then the casual glare or ignoring idea. He handed me a comb, in such a way that it was like a polite suggestion. He wanted me to comb his hair. I really must have been smiling, cause I laughed and nodded.

"Can I braid it when its all combed?" He rolled his dark eyes, nodding once. Yes! So much fun I had playing with his hair too. And most of all he seemed to enjoy it as well, although he was very subtle about it. It was something of a relaxing activity.

The trip to finding the Dearest Daughter Himitsu was already a long and tiring one and they hadn't even been walking but for a day. It seemed that ice was really acting out, and trying its very best to make either Kagome or Inuyasha slip. They were both feeling pretty sore, and not to mention tired by the end of the day as the set up a camp fire, warming up near it together.

"Do you think she is alright?" Kagome whispered to her silent husband.

"How about, 'Do you think she found him?' that sounds a lot better to me." She winced, she knew that she was having a hard time entrusting and accepting everything, but honestly. With all the hurt and losses that came from here, who would want their child here?

"I miss Miroku and Sango and Kirara." She said quietly. She saw him nod his silver haired head, his ears twitching.

"Yeah, it almost feels like old times . . ." He added on. She gave a sigh, wondering about them. She still wasn't certain how far time had passed, Shippou was a big grown up Kitsune now . ..so there was no telling really. She wondered if their lives had been good, how many kids they had had. . .

Inuyasha wrapped a red clad arm around his wife, holding her to him. "I love you." She snuggled up to him, "I love you too."

She had successfully dumped and refilled the tub back up with nice and hot, the bubbles fluffy and white. She started to undress when she heard a strangled gasp, her dear new Gentleman Friend Jaken. She turned to him,

"What now?" He waves his short arms,

"What are you d-doing Mistress? Have you know sense of decency?" Himitsu felt anger boil up inside her as she glared at Jaken, whose just previous stressed demeanor melted into a frightened apologetic one.

"F-forgive me Mistress its just . . . you aren't exactly . . ." He looked off, as if trying to find the words.

"Oh my god!" This was shouted in English.

"Really? I can't even take a bath now? I really don't think that he is going to just stare as I take a bath, look, he is too busy sleeping for that. Honestly, it's not like he hasn't ever seen a girl take a bath before either. Doesn't he have kids of his own somewhere?" This made Jaken squeak in surprise of her question, shaking his head no.

"Yes, I did." Jaken jumped, making a foul sound to everyone's ears of being startled.

"My Lord! I had no Idea that you considered her that . . . " He looked appalled, but Himitsu was in the water, leaning down and relaxing.

"You had a daughter? Where is she now?" She was surprised a bit herself, that he had brought it, especially since she had thought him to be sleeping. He looked off towards the door, as if the remember.

"She died years ago." He said it almost in a tone that meant to be mocking, as if I should have already known that. . . how odd of him.

"Oh . . I'm sorry. What was she like?" Jaken made silent 'retreat' movements towards her, trying to get her to stop. But she waited for his answer by soaping up the rag and getting to work on the grime , she had to be careful, her one arm in the splint, and the other severely burned. When he didn't answer, she looked over to him, he was watching her, it must have looked strange the way she tried to clean herself.

"She was very generous to me." She blinked a few times. 'What an odd thing to say . . .' She thought.

"Where you and her close?" He looked away, but nodded to her. She smiled, glad he was talking a little. She looked to Jaken who was bug eyed. He shook his green head, coming into the conversation with,

"She wasn't by blood of course, she was human." He laughed as if that explained everything, but it only confused her a little further.

"You mean, you adopted her?" She waited for the man to reply, and he did. He looked at her, giving a small incline of his head, a yes. "Saved her life he did." Jaken added.

"That's very sweet! Just like me I suppose . . .My mother and father adopted me, and I think that it saved my life." Jaken's eyes were round, and he looked fascinated. She looked to the man, he had a strange look on his features. Like he was deep in thought. She thought about the lightening, and the fall from the tree.

"Do either of you happen to know of any Majo around here?" This seemed to strike a cord in Sickly, his head turned to her, but said nothing.

"Um, well Mistress, no one but you . . . ." Jaken seemed to be nervous talking about that.

"I am?" She asked lazily, her arms hanging out of both sides of the tub. She peeked over to Jaken.

"Jaken-san . . . " Her voice sweet like it was coated in honey." I have a job for you .. " She grinned, as he came over to her.

Ten minutes later she in real heaven, her kappa/imp like friend was washing her hair like a servant, she supposed he was one after all. She couldn't help but grin from it though. Something in her telling her that was how it should be, him listening to her bidding. She looked over to . . .she still didn't know his name.

"You know, I don't have your name? I've taken care of you for a while now, and still don't know it. . ." Jaken gasped, but she paid no attention to it. The man didn't answer, but he gave Jaken a death glare, to shut him up.

"If you don't tell me . . . .I will just have to name you myself!" She laughed playfully. She looked him in his dark lovely eyes,

"Alright." He rumbled, and even more out of odds for him, he returned her playful look. She was silenced immediately, watching him. She started to laugh again though.

"Hm . . . how about . . ." She seemed to think very hard. She wondered if she should give him an American name. .. "Tom?" She burst out into laughter, and Jaken made a questioning sound.

"What sort of name is that?" She only shrugged,

"A very common one from my home country." She had a mischievous look on her face suddenly.

"Or Darla . . . " She started out in fits of giggles; But then she put on a serious face.

"Hm, a fitting name for you . . ." She thought hard, kids in her classes . . . those were really the only names she knew in Japanese.

"How about Shou?" She looked around, and noted that she wasn't sure what kind of emotion was crossing over Jaken's face, but she shrugged, leaning back to rinse the soap out of her hair. It had come to her by two reasons, one was she had a tinkling feeling after she remembered it.

"Guess it fits . . ." She said smugly. She liked the name which was the second, it was the name of a boy who had helped her find her classes her first day of school. She looked to see the new Shou watching her, interest in his eyes. She was glad of that too, the dead no life look he always held was too depressing. She smiled at him, perhaps he would smile back. He turned his head away from her. Oh well.

She stood up abruptly, much to the horror and surprise of Jaken, who held out a kimono with hand and with his eyes covered by the other, his head turned as far to the other side as possible. She took it from him, but did not put it on. He shrieked when he peeked and discovered this too. Being naked wasn't a big deal to her. . . she wasn't sure why it was to him. She stood by the stove for a few minutes, drying off before putting the kimono on, she took a glance over to Shou, who wasn't even awake. She smiled at how sweet his face looked when he was sleeping. Tying the small cord she had, she went and finished setting up supper, Jaken helping her bringing it to Shou.

"Shou-san, you have to wake up and eat, you can go back to sleep when you are done, k?" She told him sweetly. His eyes barely rolled open, looking at her. At least he didn't not like his new name. Besides, it was his fault for not telling her his real one in the first place. It was actually starting to bother her. She picked to chop sticks up and grabbed up some rice and a piece of fish, she held it to his mouth, but he only looked at it.

"It isn't going to hop in there and chew itself you know. . . " She said earnestly. She was pleased when he ate it, she noted it looked hard for him to swallow, and was going to figure out how to make the good kind of brothy soup.

"How come you won't tell me your real name? Surely you don't want to be called Shou all the time . . ." He looked at her, a calm look on his face.

"It is my . . . real name." He said simply, waiting for her to bring him another bite. She stared at him though, her mouth hanging open, he moved his hand from under the covers, and snatched up a piece of fish, putting it in her mouth. She tried not to laugh while she chewed it as he fed himself.

"Wow, am I good guesser or what!" She smiled, and chuckled. She didn't pay any mind to Jaken who had a baffled look on his face.

It had nearly been a whole entire week since Inuyasha and his grumbling and clearly upset wife had begun to search for their missing daughter for the second occasion. He couldn't hardly take any more of his wife's mouth when they had finally got onto the right trail. It was a trail that Shippou had told them of a few days before. He had told them to find a creek, and follow it due west, until they came to a house. He had told them the house was really run down and would look like it wasn't being used, he also included the small detail of a large dug trench around the property of the house, and to be careful (Inuyasha) because it burnt unholy creatures. Inuyasha also had suspicions that the reason it took them so long to find it was that he had been hiding it. . .

He stopped, sniffing the air before looking along the ground. He saw ice and walked towards it before stomping on the ice. It was a thin top, and it revealed a creek. . . one running west. He smiled and looked at Kagome who looked a little more relived and a little less agitated.

"Oh thank the Gods! We finally found it. . .Sam we are almost there." She muttered to herself, however Inuyasha could clearly hear her. He tried not to roll his eyes, he knew their daughter, Himitsu, was just fine. He walked along the edge, his golden eyes watched in amazement that so many fish could survive such cold temperatures. He looked over at Kagome, who once would have been fascinated with the scenery, but was now tromping in the snow with a scolding look. He looked up into the sky, not really able to see much of it from all the tree branches and wondered how so much snow got through. That was when he stopped for a second time . . . he smelled the most interesting of smells for being in the middle of the forest. . .

"Kagome." She looked up at him.

"I smell smoke . . .as if someone's burnt food or something." She smiled, a light coming back in her eyes. He pulled her onto his back and they leaped forward, they would get there much faster now. It had taken them the rest of the day, the sun was almost setting when they finally came to a small clearing, a clearing that showed, much to the couples delight, an old run down house, and a stench of dead demons . . .from a circle of holy salt. . . And inside this house, Inuyasha could not only smell his daughter, but hear her yelling.

"She is in there." He grinned, missing his daughter, but his wife held a different look. A look that meant that she wasn't as happy to be here, a look that said she was all kinds of pissed with their daughter . . .The walked towards the circle, and once over it they made their way to the entrance of the old home.