Fall Down Seven Times Stand up Eight

(…old Japanese proverb)

"I don't want to give any more," Hikaru moaned in his sleep small beads of sweat glistening on his brow despite the darkness of the very early hour. Kagome kneeled next to his futon in the darkness brushing the errant strands of hair off his face as small droplets of sweat formed on his brown.

Give what? Kagome wondered, her heart pounding with the possibility of a clue as to what had happened to him. Kagome had been awake, having tended to Izayoi, suddenly feeling the need to look upon Hikaru. He had been recovering nicely in the week he had arrived and he no longer walked with a limp.

"No Kengen," escaped from Hikaru's lips as Kagome held him in her arms trying to comfort him. She paused as she now had a name, a clue, to bring them closer to the Hikaru's history. But at the moment all she wanted to do was ease his pain. Suddenly his eyes flickered open looking up disoriented before choking out, "Kagome."

"It's all right dear," Kagome cooed hugging him close. "Kengen is not here." Hikaru scooted out of her arms and onto the futon, glaring at her fearfully.

"How do you know his name?" Hikaru spat out. "Is he here? Are you going to send me to him?"

"Hikaru," Kagome pleaded. Suddenly the boy bolted and began to run out of the small bedroom when Kagome encircled her arms around him. Still delirious from the dream and fearful at the thought of returning to Kengen Hikaru dug his claws into Kagome's arm.

Surprised by the pain Kagome let go and the child ran out of the room. Inuyasha, awakened by the commotion, ran out into the hallway to find Kagome clutching her arm blood dripping from it, a look of sadness on her face.

"What happened?" Inuyasha asked, worry knotting his face. Kagome looked at him, her voice barely audible, "Go after Hikaru. He had a nightmare."

All color drained from his face as he ran in the direction that Hikaru ran finding him outside running across the bridge over the koi pond in the moonlight. Hikaru paused on the bridge turning to face Inuyasha, panic fading from his features. Inuyasha approached Hikaru and knelt before him, "Hey, what is the matter?"

Panting slightly, Hikaru frowned and gazed at Inuyahsa. Tentatively he spoke, "Inuyasha."

"It's all right," Inuyasha calmly stated. "It was just a dream."

Hikaru nodded his breathing slowly returning to normal as Inuyasha crept closer to him and then took him into his arms, "Shh, it's okay."

Inuyasha picked up Hikaru producing a deep rumbling in his chest causing the child to relax in his arms and carried him into the house. Kagome, who had been hastily wrapping her arm in a makeshift bandage, quickly followed Inuyasha, "Is he alright?"

"Just a little spooked is all," Inuyasha replied as he set the boy on his futon.

"Oh thank goodness," Kagome replied. Hikaru sniffed a new coppery scent and noticing the bandage on Kagome arm and gasped, "I'm sorry."

"Oh don't worry about me," Kagome quickly stated. "It's just a scratch. What's important is you."

Hikaru's shoulders slumped, as he looked down at the colorful blankets on top of his futon certain he was going to be sent away or beaten for the injury he caused Kagome. He did not notice Inuyasha and Kagome exchange worried glances. Nor did he notice Inuyasha move in back of him until he felt his arms around him and that once again that gentle rumbling.

Instantly he began to feel his body relax, strangely feeling safe. These feelings had been growing in intensity during the past week telling him that he was safe, luring him outdoors and urging him to run through the forests. And once again Hikaru could feel that strange feeling, telling him Inuyasha would protect him.

"I think a nice cup of tea is what you need," Kagome offered scratching his ear and quietly standing up and leaving the room. Hikaru sat still looking down at his futon his ears drooping along with his shoulders all the while Inuyasha held him. He pulled the blankets up over the child's body and hugged him close and with a serious voice, "Hikaru, I will protect you, always."

Hikaru did not say anything, still thinking of the nightmare. He wanted so desperately to trust Inuyasha and Kagome, to listen to what his strange feelings were saying, but knew he would have to remember watch his every move to avoid facing the consequences of his actions just as he had when he was the ward of Kengen. But then he thought to all the little things he had done wrong, only to be gently corrected. In his confusion, Hikaru sighed.

It wasn't long before Kagome returned with a steaming cup of sweet tea she gingerly placed in Hikaru's hands, "Here, drink this. It will make you feel better."

Hikaru just stared dully at the cup. Kagome was about to offer more words of encouragement when Inuyasha slowly shook his head. Meeting her husband eye to eye, Kagome was not sure where he was going but he seemed to understand the storm inside Hikaru's head and trusted his instincts.

After what seemed an eternity, Hikaru took a sip of the tea, which tasted as sweet as it smelled. He took a few more sips before he yawned his eyelids drooping. Kagome took the cup and remaining tea out of Hikaru's hands and soon the child was asleep snoring softly but all Kagome and Inuyasha could only gaze down at the child in sadness. After watching Hikaru shift in his sleep Inuyasha's eyes focused on Kagome's arm

"Let's get that cleaned up," he softly said leading Kagome out of the room.

"In his dream, he said some interesting things," Kagome began as she sat on the floor of the bathroom. Sitting cross-legged across from her, Inuyasha raised an eyebrow his interest piqued as he applied a pungent smelling unguent to Kagome's arm that stung slightly causing her to wince.

Kagome passed a square of gauze to Inuyasha and watched as he covered the deep scratches. Swallowing she spoke quietly, "He said 'I don't want to give any more.'"

"Give what," Inuyasha pondered aloud. "What could a hanyou child have that he could possibly give?"

"I don't know," Kagome whispered. She watched as Inuyasha wrapped the bandage around her arm, impressed with how well his first aid skills have improved. It was wound around her arm perfectly, not too tight nor too loose but there were more pressing matters than how well a bandage is tied. Meeting Inuyasha eye to eye she spoke, "He also said a name…Kengen."

"Kengen," Inuyasha hissed. "Who the hell is that?"

"I don't know," Kagome mused. Inuyasha, however, could not help but feel the excitement of a clue. With his voice barely above a whisper, Inuyasha spoke, "We'll figure this out."

Kagome nodded in agreement but could not help but notice that something appeared to be bothering Inuyasha as he stood up and opened a window, stealing a glance outside.

"Inuyasha," Kagome queried.

"I'm afraid," Inuyasha, uncharacteristically confessed, catching Kagome's immediate attention. "I have a whole day of teaching but I can't help to worry..."

"Inuyasha, you can ask Souta to cover for you today. Right now Hikaru comes first. I'm sure your students would understand." Inuyasha nodded his eyes looking lost in thought for a moment before a small smile spread across his lips, as he looked out the window at the clear starlit sky with barely a cloud visible. He could not smell any excess water in the air, musing that the coming day would be pleasant.

"Perhaps it is time to take Hikaru to the shrine," Inuyasha mused.

"That would be wonderful," Kagome proclaimed yawning. "He hasn't had a chance to stretch his legs yet and the fresh air will do him some good." Inuyasha nodded in agreement gazing at Kagome, always the optimist. But Inuyasha knew she was tired.

"You should get some rest," Inuyasha offered as Kagome yawned once more. Kagome could only nod in agreement as Inuyasha wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her to their bedroom.

It was not too hot but warm enough for a day outdoors with the sun shining brightly as if the kami had granted them this day. Inuyasha smiled as he carried Izayoi outside, the infant making happy cooing sounds in his arms.

"What are you smiling at," Inuyasha cooed at his daughter as she gripped one of his fingers. "Are you smiling at me? Are you?" Izayoi laughed bringing a smile to Inuyasha's face. His smile was not long lived as he soon noticed a change in the wind that carried a new familiar scent in the air and Inuyasha turned around, redness tingeing his cheeks.

"That was most interesting," Sesshomaru smirked, appearing to hold in his laughter. Frowning Inuyasha curtly replied, "What do you want?"

"Relax," Sesshomaru coolly replied. "Mayumi wanted to invite you and Kagome and the children for dinner." Inuyasha clutched Izayoi close to his chest, looked down at his feet, "I don't know if Hikaru is ready yet."

Sesshomaru eyed his brother, noticing how tense he looked as if he was conflicted. Quietly he spoke, "What troubles you?"

"Hikaru," Inuyasha softly replied looking down at Izayoi who gazed upon her father. "He has not been well. I fear it may be too soon."

"Perhaps that is what he needs," Sesshomaru mused. "To be officially introduced to the family."

"Perhaps," Inuyasha replied pausing in deep thought. Perhaps his brother was right. An official debut into the family might be what the boy needed as a way of helping him feel more welcome and wanted. Looking at his brother, Inuyasha smiled "we'll be there."

"Very well," Sesshomaru curtly replied before disappearing into the trees. Adjusting Izayoi in his arms and carried her to the kitchen where Kagome was scurrying around the kitchen humming to herself as Hikaru sat on a stool next to the table in the middle of the kitchen watching Kagome pack rice into molds to create rice balls of various shapes and carefully arrange them into a lacquered three tier lunch box.

Hikaru was gazing at the embroidery on the collar of Kagome's casual white cotton kimono and the fine weave of her lightweight green hakama skirt and the elegant hairpins in her upswept hair. Everything in this house had elegance to it down to the engraved comb Kagome used to comb his hair and the little bottle that held the sweet scented oil she used to anoint his hair.

Even Inuyasha chose to adorn himself in exquisite silks making him appear even more enchanting. But it was the strange red garments that he wore today that had him fascinated the most. They were obviously of an old style but constructed of a fine fabric. Inuyasha stepped over to table and called out, "Oi, you ready to go yet?"

"Oh," Kagome gasped looking down at her work. "Oh yes! I'm just finishing up," she quickly said placing the last roll in the bento box and placing assembling all the tiers of the lunch box together wrapping it in a colorful handkerchief. Watching her work, Inuyasha tentatively added, "We are going to Sesshomaru's tonight."

"Tonight?" Kagome replied, concern written on her face.

"Sesshomaru thought it would help," Inuyasha mused, looking in Hikaru's direction. Kagome was quiet for a moment then nodded, "He may be right." She then placed the assembly in her backpack and ran from the kitchen, "Let me grab my socks first!"

Moments later Kagome ran back into the kitchen hopping on one foot while attempting to put a tabi sock on her other foot. Once the split toe sock was on, she stood up tall and smiled, "Now I'm ready!"

"Finally," Inuyasha smirked, still cradling Izayoi in his arms. Hikaru could not help but smile at that comment for a brief second. Kagome walked over to Inuyasha and helped him place Izayoi in her carrier and slipped the carrier on his back. The foursome left the house to be greeted by Souta in front of the large dojo.

"Don't worry about a thing Inuyasha," Souta said with a large grin on his face. "I'll make sure everything runs smoothly!"

He then kneeled down to his godson and smiled, "Are you going to have fun today?" Hikaru numbly nodded taking a half step back apprehension and uncertainty slowly creeping back into his mind. Souta looked up at Inuyasha and Kagome understanding the situation. He smiled and patted Hikaru on the shoulder before standing up.

"We are going to my brother's house tonight," Inuyasha explained. "You are welcome to come."

"Tonight," Souta mused resting his hand on the back of his head. "Yeah, I can make it."

"Hi Souta," three young women chirped as they walked towards the dojo. Souta smiled and replied, "Good morning ladies." Inuyasha and Kagome merely glared at Souta then at each other.

"Don't worry," Kagome reassured resting a hand on his shoulder as they began to leave the shrine. "I'm sure Souta will do a good job today."

"If he can keep his eyes off the ladies," Inuyasha mumbled. Kagome laughed at Inuyasha then smiled watching as the three young women encircled her brother, "I think its more a case of keeping the ladies off Souta."

"Feh," Inuyasha mumbled but could not help to smile as they made their way down the steps to the tree lined cobblestone street. Hikaru was in awe as he took in the scenery. He had rarely been outside before and never anyplace quite as unique as the village of Rinjihoshi. He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Kagome smiling down at him prodding him forward, "don't worry, there's more to see."

Quietly they walked through the center of Rinjihoshi Hikaru's curiosity piquing him. There were stands heavily laden with fruit and vegetables along the narrow alleys of traditional wooden buildings, shops that sold colorful kimono, exquisite silks, fine fabrics herbs, pottery, and a variety of other goods. And the crowd was clad in vibrant robes of impressive colors.

Hikaru paused in awe of the sights, sounds, and scents before him. Tokyo had been a monolith of bright lights and loud sounds and strange scents whose inhabitants always seemed to be in a hurry. Here, there was serenity, calmness and beauty to life. He sniffed, inhaling the variety of scents attempting to identify them.

"Hikaru," Kagome gently called. He turned to gaze at her and saw her at a fruit stand smiling, "What kind of fruit do you want?" He just stood there unsure of what to say and shrugged. Kagome turned to the vendor and placed her order before calling out to Hikaru once again, "C'mon Hikaru lets go."

He quickly ran after Inuyasha and Kagome as they slowly made their way out of the center of town. Two boys stopped before them with long flowing hair rushing to straighten their disheveled kimono and hakama pants and bowed deeply, "Good morning sensei."

Hikaru hid behind Inuyasha's leg peering at the boys tentatively as Inuyasha and Kagome politely bowed back. Inuyasha felt Hikaru's arms wrap around his leg as the two boys scampered off and twisted around to look down at Hikaru scratching his son's ears gently, "It's okay. C'mon let's get going."

Inuyasha smiled as Hikaru let go of his leg and followed them out of the center of the town and down a simple walkway, the dense forest visible on each side. Soon they found themselves facing a steep hill lined with numerous steps. A red gate graced the steps halfway up the hill and at the top of the hill was a beautiful Shinto shrine.

This was the same shrine that Kagome and Inuyasha had been looking for when they took a wrong turn and got a flat tire, soon finding themselves in a beautiful village occupied with inu youkai. And it was Kagome who delicately laced her fingers in Inuyasha's and looked up into his eyes, her own reflecting all sorts of possibilities. And it was Inuyasha who did not pull back. It was here on these very steps where Inuyasha had kissed her, for the second time.

"That's a lot of steps," Hikaru finally said after staring at the hill for a long time.

"That sure is a lot," Inuyasha whispered as he knelt next to Hikaru, "but it won't take long to climb."

"Are you sure? It's a lot of steps," Hikaru pointed out. Inuyasha smiled at Kagome, pleased that Hikaru was finally speaking his thoughts. She smiled back and nodded, thinking the same thoughts.

"Don't worry, Hikaru," Kagome added. "We've done it before. We'll even count the steps!"

"Okay," Hikaru replied with childlike glee as he followed Inuyasha and Kagome up the stone steps. "One, two, three…"

Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other and smiled. They followed Hikaru up the steps and paused when he did before the red gate that stood before every Shinto shrine. "What's that?"

"That's a torii," Kagome quietly explained. "Once we pass through we are on sacred ground." Hikaru nodded and whispered "okay."

Hikaru continued his counting albeit quieter but paused five steps from the top looking confused.

"What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked. Hikaru turned to look at Inuyasha his eyebrows knotted in confusion, "I forgot what number I was on."

"Don't worry," Inuyasha whispered kneeling next to him. "You're on step number twenty seven."

"Okay!" Hikaru responded with a bit more glee and quickly bounded up the steps, "twenty eight, twenty nine, thirty, thirty one, and thirty two." The boy turned around to see Inuyasha and Kagome laughing at him.

"See, that wasn't too bad," Kagome praised kneeling next to Hikaru. "Have you ever been to a shrine before?" Hikaru slowly shook his head, noticing that the air felt lighter here.

"First you wash your hands then rinse your mouth with some water to make yourself all clean for the kami."

"The kami?" Hikaru asked with wide eyes, remembering what Inuyasha had told him the other night as they gazed up at the stars.

"Okay," the child said as he watched Kagome scoop out a cup of water out of a large stone basin with a bamboo ladle and hold it in front of him. Hikaru held out his hands and rubbed them together under the cold water, giggling slightly. He turned to watch Inuyasha take a bamboo ladle and pour the cold water over his hands then replace it in the water. Inuyasha then rubbed his hands together and then take the ladle again and sip some of the water.

"Hikaru," Kagome whispered placing a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find her holding the ladle out for him. He took it in his hands and took a sip.

"Now you bow twice," Kagome explained bowing with him. She then took the thick rope dangling from the large bell and placed it in Hikaru's hands, "Now it is time to wake the kami. Ring the bell."

The rope was too thick to wrap both of his fingers around so Hikaru wrapped his arms around the rope and pulled on it causing the bell to ring loudly. He stepped back and laughed at the noise. Kagome smiled and clapped twice, which Inuyasha and Hikaru followed suit. She then led them outside, "Okay now we say a prayer."

"Prayer?" Hikaru questioned.

"When you say a prayer, you are talking to the kami. You can ask the kami anything you want."

Hikaru nodded and stepped forward closed his eyes, bowing his head in deep concentration, in his mind saying what he wanted to tell the spirits. When he finished he turned around and saw Inuyasha and Kagome smiling down at him.

"All done?" Kagome asked. Hikaru nodded, expecting to be asked about what he told the kami but was surprised by their smiles. He paused as he sensed a new scent and turned to look in the direction it came from, frowning at an old man in priests robes.

"And who is this handsome young man?" The old man asked. Smiling Kagome replied, "Abe-sama, this is Hikaru, our new son we adopted." The priest could not help but smile, recalling when he first met the pair; they were late due to a flat tire. Kagome was the warm and outgoing one while Inuyasha was quiet but had a fighting spirit. But they were amongst the kindest beings he had ever met.

"I think a blessing is in order," the priest kindly said bowing to Hikaru who tentatively repeated the movement. Kagome eagerly agreed directing Hikaru to follow the priest to the interior of the shrine, the beautiful wood structure smelling faintly of incense. Hikaru watched wide eyed as the priest produced a wooden wand with paper tassels hanging from it and waved it in the air over them. Uncertain, he looked over at Inuyasha who nodded that everything was fine before facing the priest again.

The group was then led to the alter area where the priest read a few prayers. Kneeling down to Hikaru's level, the priest spoke gently, "may good fortune fall on you Hikaru and may the kami always be on your side."

Hikaru finally smiled at the priest, relaxing considerably. He could feel that strange sensation within him yet it was much stronger. It was as if someone or something was caressing his cheek, calling out to him. He looked outside up at the sky and he understood what that meant as he grinned at the clouds.

Inuyasha found a nice clearing that overlooked a large pond once they left the shrine. Kagome laid a blanket on the grass under the shade of tall tree and set her bag on it. It was a warm day and Hikaru wiped his brow with his sleeve and walked over to the lake. Inuyasha watched as he knelt down to sniff the water carefully before dipping his hand into the cool water and sipping it.

Inuyasha smiled, a feeling of pride in his chest as he watched Hikaru learn to use his nose and to trust his instincts. A small breeze blew through the clearing making the infant on his back squeal in joy.

"Are you hot Hikaru?" Kagome asked removing her geta and socks. He turned around and nodded, a small smile on his lips. She looked at Inuyasha and simply said, "Why don't you teach him how to swim?"

"That's not a bad idea," Inuyasha agreed wiping the sweat off his brow. Removing Izayoi from the carrier on his back, he quickly shed his clothing and waded into the lake pausing to turn around and calling out to Hikaru, "C'mon! It'll be fine. I'll protect you!"

Kagome smiled at that comment for Inuyasha was always one to do the protecting, even if he was sometimes too embarrassed to admit it. Helping Hikaru out of his clothing she offered words of encouragement, "Don't worry, Inuyasha won't let anything happen to you."

Hikaru followed Inuyasha into the stream, his heart beating wildly in his chest. He smiled as the water felt cool against his body and the sand squished softly beneath his toes. He watched as Inuyasha waded towards the center of the water where it got deeper.

"Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to you." Inuyasha floated in the center of the stream treading water, nodding at Hikaru. The child felt something strange arise in him and pushed off the sandy bottom with his feet and glided along the water's surface. As he slowed, he felt some instinct within him was guiding him and he began to frog kick and extend his arms over his head and push downwards against the water.

Hikaru's heart was beating wildly not out of fear but of joy. The cool water glided easily over his skin and the movement of his body felt natural.

"Good job," Inuyasha whispered as he wrapped an arm around Hikaru and brought him to the center of the stream. "I knew you could do it."

"Really," Hikaru replied wide-eyed.

"Really," Inuyasha firmly stated. Hikaru nodded, his heart once again beating wildly but there was a large smile on his face. "Do you want to see what's under the water?"

"I do," Hikaru croaked. He wanted to, but a part of him still held fear. Yet Inuyasha had not let any harm come to him yet. "Okay pinch your nose and hold your breath. The child obliged and closed his eyes. Inuyasha took him under the water for a few seconds before resurfacing. "How was that?"

"Okay," Hikaru replied wiping the water from his eyes. Inuyasha smiled gripping the child firmly, "We're going down a little longer okay?"

Hikaru nodded and felt Inuyasha dive into the water. This time he opened his eyes and smiled as he looked at the fish swim around the water plants and rocks. Then all too soon, they resurfaced. Inuyasha smiled at Hikaru and quickly asked him, "Did you like that?"

The child grinned widely and smiled. He then looked down at the scenery below the surface then up at Inuyasha once again. "I want to swim on my own," Hikaru whispered.

"Okay," Inuyasha whispered back slowly letting go of the child. Hikaru felt himself slip under then as if his body knew what to do, began to rhythmically move his arms and kick his feet. Smiling, Hikaru sucked in some air and dived below the surface.

"You see that Kagome!" Inuyasha called from the water. "Instinct. It was the same way for me too." Kagome laughed at Inuyasha's excitement while diverting Izayoi from her newfound interest in her hair ornaments as Hikaru swam to the surface. Cradling Izayoi in her arms she waded into the water and sat on a rock, calling out excitedly, "Very good Hikaru! I knew you could do it!"

Smiling, Hikaru perched atop a rock and peered down below the surface of the water. Spying a fish below the surface he quickly but quietly dove below the surface his hands closing around a fish as he neared the bottom and swam to the surface grinning widely. Yet he was not expecting the fish to be so slippery and hopelessly watched as the fish squirmed out of his hands and into the water quickly swimming away.

On the rock nearby Kagome could see the disappointment on his face, "Don't worry Hikaru, you'll catch another one." Determination formed on the boy's face as he treaded water. Inuyasha swam up to him and added, "Don't ever give up. Remember if you fall down seven times you stand up eight."

Hikaru turned and looked at Inuyasha quizzically his arms and legs furiously treading water. Noticing the confusion in his eyes, Inuyasha explained, "Just do what your mother said and not give up."

Nodding, Hikaru looked into the water and spotting his target gracefully dove below the surface this time narrowly missing the fish. Determined not to let this one get away he swam after it. But this fish was clever and hid in a crevice beneath the rock. Suddenly he felt strong arms wrap around him and soon he found himself surfacing.

"Are you okay?" Hikaru nodded his ears drooping slightly looking down at the water, "He got away?" Chuckling slightly Inuyasha explained, "Yeah, they are good at getting away."

"Can I try again?" Hikaru queried. Inuyasha smiled leaning closer, "You can try but I think they are onto you. But there is so much more to see down there than just fish." Slowly Inuyasha relinquished his hold on Hikaru who suddenly had a mischievous glint in his eyes. Suddenly the child dove under the water and glided across the bottom.

Perched on her rock, Kagome smiled impressed with Hikaru's progress. Inuyasha had once spoken about how he learned to leap thru the trees. He was running through the forest when he felt the urge to jump into the very trees he ran past. Smiling she called out to Inuyasha, "Is this how you learned to swim?"

Lazily treading water Inuyasha thoughtfully watched as Hikaru surfaced clinging to a large rock looking down at the water and nodded, "Yeah, pretty much. It was a hot day and I went out to play by the large pond near my home when I decided to jump in."

Laughing slightly Inuyasha added with a wistful look on his face, "I jumped in, kimono and all. My mother was furious that I ruined my kimono."

"What did your mother do?" Kagome asked tickling Izayoi.

Inuyasha smiled fondly recalling the memory, "She made me stay inside and practice calligraphy the whole day." Kagome smiled, knowing how much Inuyasha disliked being confined indoors.

Hikaru had been watching from the rock watching Inuyasha and Kagome talk. He lazily swam over to Inuyasha's side and slowly treaded water. Inuyasha looked down at him and whispered, "Are you hungry?"

Nodding the child followed Inuyasha out of the water a large grin on his face. Inuyasha turned to him and patted him on the shoulder praising him, "You did good. You'll get better at catching fish in no time."

"You think so?" Hikaru smiled looking up at Inuyasha. Looking down at him with a serious look on his face Inuyasha added, "I do."

Soon Hikaru found himself wrapped in a warm towel dried off and dressed back in his cotton kimono and hakama pants. He shivered as a cool breeze chilled his skin. Inuyasha placed his red hitoe over his shoulders. As Hikaru examined the smooth cloth Inuyasha explained, "It is made of the fur of the fire rat. It will protect you from fire and has protected your mother on countless occasions."

Inuyasha had used that term a lot of the past few days and Hikaru wondered what "mother" actually meant as he chewed on a flavorful rice ball. Kagome had bathed him, cooked amazing meals for him, and played with him. He wondered if that was what a mother did.

"Are you okay?" Kagome asked pouring a cup of tea for him. He nodded accepting the tea as he watched Inuyasha pick up a fried shrimp with a pair of chopsticks. Licking his lips he grabbed a pair from the cotton cloth they had been wrapped in and moved his hand over the tray they lay in. Carefully he maneuvered the utensils and successfully picked up a piece of fried shrimp only to have it slip and fall into the tray.

"Good, you're getting better," Inuyasha encouraged. A small smile formed on his lips as he tried again this time raising the chopsticks a bit higher before the shrimp slipped from his grasp. Grinning he snatched the shrimp with his fingers and ate it. He tried once again with one of the smaller sushi rolls, successfully carrying towards his mouth before it fell halfway there. But with his other hand, Hikaru quickly caught it and ate it.

Kagome grinned at Inuyasha as Hikaru happily eat the delicacies she prepared this morning. Inuyasha was gracefully stuffing a large rice ball into his mouth. Looking up at her he quickly swallowed and sheepishly grinned, "The rice balls came out really good. Hikaru seems to think so."

Hikaru had eaten more than he normally did was helping himself to another rice ball and grinned nodding as he took a bite. He quickly finished it and sipped at the rest of his tea. Kagome pulled his small ball out of her bag and held it in front of her, "Do you want to play?"

With his belly full, Hikaru wandered happy to feel the cool grass under his toes. He had invented a game the day before of tossing the ball high in the air and leaping after it. Soon Inuyasha joined in the game, tossing the ball so that Hikaru could catch it. And as Kagome began to pack up to head home Inuyasha commented, "I think you are ready to begin training with the sword."

"Really?" Hikaru questioned gripping his ball, his face beaming. Inuyasha leaned down and ruffled Hikaru's hair, "Yes, very shortly."

Hikaru's reverie was short lived, however, as they made their way thru the town. As he clung to Kagome's hand, Hikaru could not help but notice the unique inhabitants of this village. But as unique as they were, no one other than Inuyasha and Izayoi looked quite like him. And that left him anxious, worried that his unique features would make him vulnerable. He chewed his lip as he watched a group of children chase a ball around the open-air market.

Once they made it back to their house, both Inuyasha and Kagome noticed a change in Hikaru's demeanor as his shoulders suddenly slumped and he cast his eyes to the floor.

Once in the bath Kagome asked him why he was so glum. Hikaru merely replied, "nothing."

"Then why so quiet?" Kagome pried scratching one of his causing a bit of distress on the boy's face.

"What's wrong dear? Is it your ears?" Kagome asked with worry on her face, concerned that he may have an ear infection. "Is something wrong with them?"

"How come in the village no one else has ears like me?"

"That's because you are a jewel," Kagome explained. "You are half human and half youkai, something so beautiful it is as rare as a jewel."

"But everyone just stares at them."

"Your father, Inuyasha, has ears like yours," Kagome proudly stated. "And he is one of the most respected people in Rinjihoshi." Hikaru nodded but refused to look her in the eye, not entirely convinced of Kagome's words. And all Kagome could do was sigh, concerned for how the evening at Sesshomaru's house would turn out.