The Tera Koya

"Got your sandals and your hat?" Inuyasha loudly announced as he entered the garden. It had rained the previous evening, coating the plants and bridge in a soft dew. Hikaru sat on his heels before the pond careful not to get the flowing blue hakama pants students were required to wear wet, his eyes fixated on the colorful fish.

He stood up and turned towards Inuyasha and nodded, the voluminous hakama pants softly swaying around him. He smiled and looked up at Inuyasha through the rim of his cone shaped bamboo hat as a small backpack was slung onto his shoulders.

Inuyasha gazed at him, admiring at how smart he looked in his gray kimono and blue hakama with his pristine white tabi socks and pale wood sandals, "You ready to go?"

"Uh huh," Hikaru nervously replied taking Inuyasha's hand and walking close to him for comfort. The pair quickly left the garden and passed through the gate and after crossing the courtyard made their way onto the street.

"Is the temple fun?"

"It's called Tera Koya," Inuyasha stated. "The temple where you will begin your studies."

Inuyasha inwardly smirked. His own experiences at the place where he learned to read, although brief, were not so pleasant. He was the only hanyou amongst human boys, a fact he had been constantly reminded of. Hikaru would be going to a place with other youkai and hanyou children and Inuyasha could only hope his experiences would be different.

"But will it be fun?" Hikaru queried, the familiar feeling of his instincts telling him to run home. But he was with Inuyasha, and Inuyasha would protect him. Inuyasha smiled at Hikaru's childlike devotion to play, oblivious to his explanation.

"Yes! It's where you get to play with other children and learn all sorts of things, like how to read and write. And some of your friends from the dojo will be there." Hikaru smiled slightly, hopeful that Aiko would be there.

Hikaru was quiet as they passed through the long cobblestone walkway under a canopy of lush trees that barely allowed sunlight to filter through. He watched as other children dressed in garments just like his scamper down the walkway. Feeling the butterflies in his stomach, Hikaru hitched his breath.

Inuyasha paused and let go of Hikaru's hand, rubbing his back in encouragement. Leaning down, he whispered, "It's okay to be nervous when embarking on a new adventure!"

Looking down at his feet, Hikaru traced the outline of a cobblestone with the edge of his wooden sandal. Inuyasha then kneeled in front of Hikaru and taking him by the shoulders offered more encouragement, "I have a secret to tell you."

"You do?"

Inuyasha nodded and grinned, "I get scared sometimes too. But I tell myself to be brave and the adventure is not really scary at all. Do you think you could be brave?"

Hikaru frowned and nodded, a bit of determination creeping onto his face. Inuyasha patted his shoulder reassuringly and smiled as he took Hikaru's hand, noticing the firmness in the grip and feeling a bit of pride at his son's bravery.

Up ahead, Inuyasha caught sight as a tall thin man walked towards them on the walkway. He recognized this man, a former student of the dojo, and a rising star in the Guard, the youkai assigned to protect Rinjihoshi for centuries. So cunning were their skill, Rinjihoshi has remained a secret to samurai, humans, and even to some youkai for centuries.

Frowning slightly, Inuyasha tensed as the tall youkai with delicate features and blonde hair tied atop his head approached him from the distance. He was clad in a fine gray kimono with auspicious characters engraved in the silk and his flowing dark blue hakama pants were tucked into his split toe socks-the uniform of the Guard. Attached to his waist was a single katana in a simple sheathe, a symbol of his low rank.

A katana is viewed as an extension of a warrior's soul. As one progresses through the Guard, the sheath slowly becomes more elaborate. Eventually the youkai is given the honor of a second sword, this one imbued with powerful magic.

As the youkai approached him, Inuyasha could see conflict draped across his face, "Ah Inuyasha, just the person I want to see."

"Is that so, Daiki" Inuyasha coolly replied as he eyed the man. While skilled in the dojo, he had found difficulty in proving himself in the guard. Consequently, he had sought out Inuyasha for guidance. Inuyasha, however, found him ill suited for the discipline required of the guard but merely dropped vague hints hoping the young man would find a more suitable occupation.

Crossing his arms, the man looked at Inuyasha with a now unreadable expression on his face, "Yes it is. I've been wanting to talk to you about your duty."

Raising an eyebrow, Inuyasha looked at him, "My duty?"

"Yes, your duty to this community," the man calmly stated. Inuyasha's raised eyebrow turned into a frown, "You and I both know that the guard is more than capable of keeping Rinjihoshi safe!"

"But the guard could use your skill!" the man protested. Inuyasha took a step forward and growled, "I have trained and supported the guard for many years!"

"The guard could still use your sword skills!"

"Just why are you so concerned about this?" The man fidgeted on the cobblestones casting furtive glances around him before he whispered, "There are cracks. Things are not as secure as they seem. Someone with your skill is essential to keeping our village safe!"

"You fool!" Inuyasha hissed taking a step forward, tugging Hikaru forward. "Talking about something like this in the open and in front of my son, no less!"

"But!"

"Do you want to create a panic? Talking like a madman in public. Have you thought of who might hear your rambling on like this?" Inuyasha clenched his teeth as he growled at Daiki who gulped as he searched for the right words to say.

"No, I didn't…"

"Next time you have some concern like this, send me a notice and we'll meet somewhere more private!" Inuyasha slowly spoke through clenched teeth. Gulping, the man bowed low, "Forgive me sensei. I will seek a more appropriate time to discuss this."

Inuyasha grunted, firmly gripping Hikaru's hand as he led him quickly down the cobblestone pathway pausing for a moment as he called over his shoulder, "I will be waiting for that invitation."

"Yes sensei," the man quickly called out. As they walked briskly down the pathway Hikaru glanced up at Inuyasha, observing the tension in his father's face.

"Otousan," He quietly called out as he stumbled over his wooden sandals to keep up with Inuyasha's pace. Inuyasha stopped walking and closed his eyes, mentally cursing himself for allowing his emotions to get the better of him. He was angry with Daiki for behaving so brash, for having so little faith in the Guard, but he knew he should not have allowed Hikaru to see his anger.

"Otousan," Hikaru quietly murmured looking up at Inuyasha quizzically. Inuyasha looked down at Hikaru's worried face and quickly calmed down. Smiling as he ruffled Hikaru's hair gently he reassured him, "Do not worry about him. He doesn't know what he's talking about."

"Okay," Hikaru replied, satisfied with Inuyasha's answer. He was quiet as they neared the end of the walkway and a number of large buildings with swooping arched roofs whose tiles glistened in the morning sunlight.

"Oh," Hikaru stated slowing down once he saw the large wooden wall enclosing a tall building with shiny blue tiles decorating its roof.

"C'mon, we're almost there," Inuyasha, said squeezing the child's hand as they passed through the gate into the courtyard where the building came into view. But as they approached the building, Inuyasha noticed that Hikaru's steps were getting slower and he was gripping his hand tighter.

"What's wrong?" Inuyasha asked kneeling so he could be eye level with Hikaru.

"Nothing," the child mumbled looking over Inuyasha's shoulder and fidgeting under Inuyasha's fierce gaze. But Inuyasha seemed to sense what was going on.

"Hey," Inuyasha gently prodded placing his hands on Hikaru's shoulders. "It's okay to be nervous but if you be yourself everything will be fine, okay?"

"Okay," Hikaru replied after fidgeting under Inuyasha's gaze with a shy smile. He took Inuyasha's hand and quickly followed him into the elegant building, wary of the children running and laughing through the halls. A pair of frogs leapt down the pathway. Upon watching a couple of students a mere few years older than he pause and bow before Inuyasha offering a polite "Good morning, Sensei!" Hikaru gulped and hid behind Inuyasha's leg.

"Good morning," Inuyasha replied bowing back. After the pair had ran off, Inuyasha turned and smiled at Hikaru. But Hikaru's eyes had fallen onto a pair of small frogs hopping along the hallway. Noticing that Inuyasha was waiting for him, Hikaru relaxed and took Inuyasha's hand and followed him down the hallway careful not to step on any of the frogs that were hopping along the walkways.

"Looks like someone decided to release a bunch of frogs in the school," Inuyasha mused aloud, a list of potential culprits in his head one of them a blood relative.

Finally they paused at a small classroom, its shoji door slid open. Inuyasha led Hikaru inside where a kind woman smiled at them.

"Hikaru, this is Sensei Mori," Inuyasha introduced. The kind woman bowed at the introduction and Hikaru nervously looked up at Inuyasha who nodded before bowing low in return. Moving with uncertainty, Hikaru slid off his hat and set his bag on the floor. She then patted him on the shoulder, "why don't you play with the other children.

Hikaru slowly stepped further into the room and sat down on a cushion on the floor. He watched as Inuyasha exchanged a few words with his sensei then kneeled down next to him and patted him gently on the back, "Your mother will come by to pick you up this afternoon. Try to have fun today, okay?"

"Okay," Hikaru bravely whispered looking down at his lap. Inuyasha patted him on the back and left the room. He walked down the hallway then paused, wanting to turn around and take Hikaru in his arms and run home. But he knew he could not do that. Inuyasha lingered for a moment, kicking a small frog that had jumped onto foot, before sighing and slowly walking home.

Quietly Hikaru sat on the floor and eyed two girls calmly playing a game of janken, or paper, rock and scissors. Nearby a couple of boys were playing with a small ball on the floor. He looked down at his small claws, wanting nothing more than to run home if only he could remember the route…

"Hikaru!" Looking up, Hikaru grinned to see Aiko running towards him her clothing too large for her small frame. She sat down next to him with a big smile, "Are you coming here now?"

Hikaru nodded listening as Aiko excitedly began to talk, "You are going to have so much fun here! We play games, paint, play music, and learn dances. After lunch we take a nap. And we get to go outside to play."

"But I don't know anybody here," Hikaru softly whined. Aiko grabbed his and stood up leading Hikaru to a group of boys and girls playing with wooden tops on a low table.

"Hi guys," Aiko smiled. Everyone at the table smiled back at her. Pushing Hikaru to the table she announces, "This is Hikaru."

"You're in my class at the dojo! You can bend in half!" a boy with his long red-brown hair tied in a ponytail at the top of his head cried out. Hikaru shyly smiled and nodded.

"Is your otousan Sensei Taisho?" Another girl asked.

"Yes," Hikaru replied looking at his classmates uneasily, wondering what their reaction would be. The small group of children grew excited with the news and soon the barrage of questions began.

"What is it like to live at a dojo?"

"Do your parents let you play with swords?"

"What is Sensei Taisho like?"

"Is your mother human?"

Hikaru smiled at the eager faces and quickly rattled off each answer.

Inuyasha slowly returned to the house looking down at the ground as he slid the door open and quietly entered. Taking his time slipping off his geta, Inuyasha slowly walked down the hallway to the bedroom where he found Kagome reclining against some large pillows on the futon, nursing Izayoi. Wistfully, he gazed at his wife and daughter as he stood in the doorway.

"Oh, you're back!" Kagome smiled as she watched Inuyasha sit at small low table and nodded, absentmindedly playing with the scroll that had been resting on it. Adjusting Izayoi in her arms she whispered, "What is wrong?"

"Did I do the right thing? Leaving him there," Inuyasha sighed unrolling the scroll and looking at it but not reading it. "What if it is too soon?"

Kagome looked down at Izayoi and smiled as the infant had fallen asleep in her arms. Kagome stood up and placed Izayoi in her basket closing the front of her kimono and securing it with a sash around her waist. She quickly made her way to Inuyasha and hugged him from behind. Rubbing his back, Kagome whispered, "I think he'll be fine. It's just so hard to let go."

"I suppose," Inuyasha muttered looking down at the table. He sighed once again, "But I feel like a bad person."

"We did the right thing, even though it is difficult for him. He would have felt the same even if we had waited longer," Kagome explained. "Life is about the sweet and the sour. If you don't have sour, you can't enjoy the sweetness.

"You're right," Inuyasha smiled weakly. Kagome hugged him from behind, resting her head on his shoulder. She could feel the tenseness in his muscles and frowned, "You are so tense. Did something else happen?"

Slowly, Inuyasha nodded and paused for a few moments before speaking, "On the way to the Tera Koya, I exchanged a few words with Daiki."

"Eh," Kagome gasped as she squeezed Inuyasha. "Did he ask you to join the guard again?"

Inuyasha nodded. Closing her eyes Kagome calmly stated, "You know he just wants to recruit you to his squad and rely on you to make his squad look stronger."

"Are you sure?" Inuyasha protested. "He said there were cracks in the Guard. What if what he is saying is true. What if the guard needs my help?" Kagome sighed, "You can't let one man's insecurity shake you up."

Tilting his head downward and closing his eyes, Inuyasha could not shake Daiki's warning from his head. He had a family to protect now and he had to make sure they would be safe. Opening his eyes, Inuyasha muttered his next course of action, "I am going to meet with the Sensei of the Guard. I need to make sure."

"That's a good idea," Kagome agreed. "Just to be sure everything is fine." Turning to gaze at Kagome, Inuyasha could not cease to wonder about the optimism she always seemed to possess. Yearning for peace and security in their home, he soon found himself believing in her words.

"You're right, Kagome. I shouldn't let someone like Daiki get the best of me. I just wish Hikaru had not seen me get upset."

Kagome rested her hands on his shoulder and smiled reassuringly, "I bet Hikaru will have forgotten all about that by this afternoon. Don't worry about it. Every parent makes mistakes once in a while."

A small blush appeared across Inuyasha's cheeks as he nodded at Kagome, grateful for her words yet the vestiges of his old insecurities still holding as he mumbled out a quiet, "thank you."

Inuyasha smiled as he kissed Kagome on the cheek, watching as she picked up Izayoi and settled down for a nap on the futon. He sat there gazing upon his girls, amazed at how Kagome could always make him feel better. As she lay there, a long lock of hair crossing her face, Kagome had no idea of the influence she had on Inuyasha. But Inuyasha knew. Every decision, every struggle, every achievement had been done with her in mind. Without her, he would be nothing.

Kagome opened her eyes and gazed at Inuyasha, smiling at him, "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing," Inuyasha softly replied. A small smile spread across his lips, "Get some rest."

By early afternoon, renewed and in good spirits, Inuyasha led a small group of senior students through the wild terrain just around the dojo. In pairs, the students practiced combat with wooden swords over the rough terrain careful not to loose their balance. A soft sound of dried leaves crunching underfoot diverted his attention from his students.

With a look of pride in his eyes, Inuyasha grinned at Kagome who was carefully approaching him with Izayoi bundled on her back. She took a stern glance at the students, frowned for a second, then looked at Inuyasha, "They are doing very well."

"I've barely had to correct them," Inuyasha added as he played with Izayoi's ears, the infant squealing with joy. Izayoi reached out and grasped one of Inuyasha's fingers with her hand. Kagome focused on one of the student pairs sparring, "Protect your thigh Urasenke!"

Like a hawk, Kagome watched as the pair continued to spar, noting that Urasenke was positioning his body better. "That's better!"

Turning her head slightly, Kagome laughed at Inuyasha who was engaged in a small game of tug of war with Izayoi. Inuyasha paused and looked at Kagome sheepishly as he suddenly realized he had her attention.

"I guess I should be getting back to teaching my class," Inuyasha stated reluctantly removing his finger from Izayoi's small claws. With a serious look on her face, Kagome added, "I'm going to get Hikaru now. Do you still want him to assist in the ceremony this afternoon."

"Of course!" Inuyasha smiled. Kagome nodded, and hiked back to the dojo and quickly made her way to the Tera Koya. Kagome smiled as she found Hikaru playing with Aiko in the classroom, oblivious to her arrival. She walked further into the classroom and called out, "Hikaru,"

"Okasan!" Hikaru cried out. Laughing Kagome held out her hand for him, "Ready to go?" As he nodded, Kagome added, "Where's your bag?"

Hikaru quickly ran to grab his bag, waved goodbye to Aiko and quickly led Kagome and his sister out of the school. Trailing behind him, Kagome called out, "Wait for me!" Smiling Hikaru slowed his pace, but only just slightly.

"Did you have fun today?" Kagome asked, knowing full well the answer.

"Yep," Hikaru chirped. "We learned a dance, we played music, we painted, and we went outside to play."

Smiling, Kagome added, "Did you make a lot of friends today?" Hikaru nodded as he excitedly spoke, "Everyone was asking all these questions about the dojo and you and otousan.

"Oh really," Kagome inquired as they made their way down the tree covered walkway. Their children would be seen as the children of dojo, not as hated hanyou. And this thought made Kagome feel warm inside. Although there would come a day when her children's heritage would be questioned, she knew that Inuyasha and she would be there to guide them through it.

As they approached their house, Kagome stopped. Hikaru paused and looked at Kagome quizzically. Smiling reassuringly at Hikaru, Kagome softly explained, "Your father needs you for a very important task this afternoon. I need you to be very serious, and do everything he says. Do you think you can do that?"

Hikaru nodded, pursing his lips together in concentration. He quietly followed Kagome into the dojo to the small room in the back. Tentatively, Hikaru stepped into the room and looked around noticing a small low table and a young adolescent kneeling dressed in the uniform of the dojo with the dark outer kimono that indicated his higher rank. Seated behind him were a man and a woman, whom Hikaru assumed to be their parents.

Inuyasha smiled and kneeled next to Hikaru, stroking his hair reassuringly, "How was the tera koya today?"

"It was fun," Hikaru smiled. Smiling, Inuyasha added, "I'm glad. I just need for you to do a few things for me, okay?"

Nodding, Hikaru followed Inuyasha to a table. Inuyasha gently placed a small tray with a sharp blade resting on it onto his arms and whispered, "Stay here until I call for you."

"Okay," Hikaru whispered back. Inuyasha kneeled opposite the student and bowed slightly as he unrolled a large sheet of rice paper with elegant Japanese characters written across it. Hikaru fidgeted as he watched Inuyasha explain the basic principles of those who represented the dojo and the way of the sword.

"You must be truthful," Inuyasha softly spoke. "You must carry yourself with discretion, you must not argue or fight, be respectful, avoid places of evil, and most importantly you will not engage in any battles until deemed qualified. If you do not keep to this oath, you may be at the mercy of the kami of the temple."

"Yes sir," the student quietly responded. Inuyasha presented him with a small calligraphy brush and the student signed his name in exquisite calligraphy on the bottom of the paper. Turning to Hikaru who was twitching with boredom, Inuyasha nodded. Quickly Hikaru brought the tray to Inuyasha who took it from his arms and placed it on the table.

"Take the blade and make a cut here," Inuyasha motioned indicating the tip of the student's pointer finger. The student obliged and let a drop of blood fall onto his signature, thus completing the blood oath. Inuyasha took the knife set it on the tray. Looking at him expectantly, the student's eyes grew large as Inuyasha opened a small box and removed a scroll. Gently he placed it into the hands of his student, "Learn the teachings of this scroll. These teachings are a privilege you have earned."

"Thank you," the student gasped bowing to Inuyahsa. With the blood oath ceremony essentially over, Inuyasha motioned for Hikaru to stand by his mother.

"You did good," Kagome whispered to Hikaru as she led him out of the room. Gripping her hand, Hikaru followed Kagome out of the dojo, "Why did the man cut himself?"

"He made an oath, a promise, to the dojo and used his blood to show how important it is to him," Kagome tried to explain. "It was a very important promise."

Hikaru bit his lip, looking a bit confused, "But why did he have to use blood?"

Kagome sighed as she tried to explain, "He wanted to show that he was serious about his promise."

"Oh," Hikaru replied still not convinced. Kagome suspected that Hikaru would not understand the reasons behind the ceremony, so she offered a distraction, "Lets go home and take a nap."

"But I'm not tired," Hikaru stated. Leading him through the gate to their garden, Kagome offered, "How about a snack and then maybe a nap?"

"How about a snack only," Hikaru smiled.

"Sure," Kagome replied knowing that he would soon feel sleepy.

By early evening, the round paper lanterns of Rinjihoshi began to be lit and soon as the last rays of sunlight began to fade, the narrow cobblestone lined streets and alleys of the village were lit by the glow of these colorful lights.

Hikaru was practically skipping as he held onto Inyuryuko's hand, for he had rarely ventured into the main square of the village and never at night. The village was rather exotic at night, with women on high wooden shoes carefully holding the trailing hems of their elaborate kimono above the ground as they walked and men clad in elegant kimono and hakama. The air was fragrant with the scent of and incense and the pleasant aromas emanating from various restaurants.

Their party stopped at an elegant two-story building with a slanted tile roof and swooping awnings. The sound of chatter, food being served, and music could be heard coming from the building while the aroma of various dishes being prepared permeated the air.

"What is this place?" Hikaru blurted out. Inuyasha could not help but grin at Hikaru's abruptness all the while ignoring the odd look Kagome was giving him.

"It's the Araki Restaurant," Inuryoku smiled, a happy look on his face. "It's really good." Hungry, the two cousins quickly hurried up the steps, but were soon startled by a loud growl.

"Boys, you will wait for us," Sesshomaru sternly warned. Both Inuryoku and Hikaru gulped and nodded. They eagerly watched as their parents congregate on the porch of the restaurant. Finally, after waiting what appeared to be an eternity, the party entered the restaurant and was seated at a large table.

"Hikaru, I will read the list of food you can get and you get to choose whichever one you want."

"Really," Hikaru replied excited. Kagome nodded and calmly read the list to him. Hikaru frowned at all the choices before finally deciding on what he wanted, "I want the eel."

"Good choice," Inuyasha smiled ruffling his son's hair. Hikaru laughed pushing Inuyasha's hand out of his hair.

"And how was school today?" Inuyasha asked. A large grin spread across Hikaru's face, "It was fun! Everyone was asking all these questions about you and the dojo."

"Me?" Inuyasha reacted. "What about me?" Sesshomaru laughed at Inuyasha's confusion as numerous thoughts entered his head. Inuyasha turned and glared at his brother, "And what is so funny?"

"Relax Inuyasha," Kagome smiled. "The children look forward to learning how to use a sword that they can't help but ask questions." Inuyasha looked thoughtfully down at the table and nodded in understanding. But it still did not explain his brother's bemusement. Turning to Sesshomaru, Inuyasha growled, "And just what were you thinking?"

"You are so amusing sometimes," Sesshomaru dryly retorted.

"Otousan," Hikaru spoke up. "Why did that man cut himself today?" Inuyasha froze, unsure of how to explain the ceremony. Taking a sip of tea, Inuyasha swallowed slowly and tried, "Well when an adult member of the dojo learns enough kata, he or she can join the dojo. This person will pledge their loyalty to the dojo and promise to follow special rules by giving a drop of their blood. The blood shows how serious the bond between the student and the dojo is. Does that make sense?"

Hikaru nodded as he began to understand the importance of the ritual and the pledge the student made to the dojo. But his attention to the subject was short lived as a full tray was set on the table, laden with various cuts of succulent chicken skewered and grilled to perfection. Small bowls of dipping sauce were placed in front of everyone on the table. Hikaru spied a piece of skin and looked over to Inuyasha who nodded approvingly. Giggling he reached for the meat and took a bite.

"Try dipping it in the sauce," Kagome offered. Carefully Hikaru dipped a small portion of the meat into the sauce tentatively taking a bite. Deciding that he liked the flavor, Hikaru dipped more into the sauce and quickly ate the rest.

"Here, have a piece of cartilage," Sesshomaru offered placing the skewered meat on Inuyasha's plate. Grinning, Inuyasha dipped the skewer into the sauce and chewed slowly enjoying the taste and texture.

"Now that's the good stuff," Inuyasha replied. He reached for another piece and offered it to Hikaru, who copied Inuyasha grinning as he enjoyed the flavor. Spying another piece, Hikaru reached for it but it was quickly taken by Mika from across the table.

"Hey!" Hikaru cried out as he stood up.

"Hikaru," Kagome warned in a stern voice. Looking a little lost, Hikaru pleaded, "But she took the piece I was about to." A low growl came from Inuyasha who spoke softly, "She grabbed the piece first. It is hers."

"Yes sir," Hikaru quietly replied. Kagome rubbed his back as he sat down, "Relax, and there are more." Quietly, Hikaru nibbled on a few more pieces. His mood improved considerably, however, when a lacquered tray of food separated by small compartments was set before him, Hikaru's mood brightened considerably.

Leaning down next to him, Inuyasha asked, "Is it good?"

"Uh huh," Hikaru replied eagerly digging in with his chopsticks. Sesshomaru poured some sake into a cup and set it before Inuyasha, "You must celebrate!"

"That's right," Inuyasha agreed. "Several students advanced today, and Hikaru started school today." With that statement, Inuyasha and Sesshomaru downed the contents of their cups. Their cups were soon full of warm sake again and soon the ceramic jar of sake was nearly empty. His stomach full, his mind fuzzy from the sake, Inuyasha leaned back and grinned contentedly for everything seemed right with the world.

Sorry for the long delay! I was in Italy for a month then I moved and did not have internet connection for month after that. But I'm back and hope to update soon.