Chapter 29 Hisao's Hidden Home

Koga walked among the group now back behind Brent. The Wolf Demon wanted to keep his eyes on him after the events of last night. That strange weapon of his was slung across his back. Koga's eyes never left Brent, and Brent's eyes never left the ground.

Since that morning, once everyone had woken up, Brent had been quiet. He didn't greet anyone, respond to anyone, or even make eye contact. Once he had realized that everyone almost died at his hand, thanks to the Ugly Hag's influence, his terror at the thought and shame of his actions broke him down. He felt like the worst person in the world and that he didn't deserve their kindness.

Kagome and Shippo tried to their best to cheer him up. Talking to him, staying upbeat, Shippo even tried some of his Fox Magic to make amusing things appear. None of it worked unfortunately. The young man never gave any acknowledgement they were even there.

Miroku and Sango tried their best to reassure him that no one blamed him for his actions, and that they didn't trust him any less for it. However, those potentially healing words were immediately made worthless when Koga scoffed and had his say.

Inuyasha led the group through the mountains as he remained on high alert. He wasn't sure at all on how to help get his friend into better spirits. So he instead opted to keep an eye out for anyone or anything that might try to attack them during their search.

Their search hadn't started that long ago; the forest that was the group's temporary home was just below them some several hundred feet. Lush green landscape was replaced with stiff grays as the slightly larger group ventured through the mountains. Pebbles fell down the steep mountainside as they were kicked off with idle footsteps. Their only company was the birds that flew far above the mountains; their caws and chirps echoing about the area.

"So how do we know when we've found this Hisao? Don't you know where he is?" Koga had begun to grow impatient.

"None of us know exactly where he is. We only know he's in the mountains somewhere." Kagome responded.

"So what, are we gonna spend several MORE days just searching for this Demon? That's the last thing I need…" Koga rolled his eyes and looked into the distance.

"Nobody asked you to tag along Wolf! This isn't about you!" Inuyasha barked.

"Everyone needs to focus on the task at hand. Keep your eyes open for anything that might look suspicious." The Monk interjected before Koga could make his retort.

"Shippo, Sango, maybe you two could do some scouting for us!" Kagome suggested. "With you two flying around we could find him faster!"

"Good idea Kagome. Shippo, hop on!" Sango stepped aside as Kirara grew to full-size.

"We'll get high up and I'll use my Fox Magic to float around!" Shippo became filled with determination as he jumped onto the large feline's back. The three of them soared high into the air and out of sight past the peak of the portion of the mountain they were on.

"Well if they're going to run off and look around then so will I!" Koga sped off past the remainder of the group; a large wind gust blew by them as he zoomed up the trail.

"And the rest of us will keep Brent some company!" Shippo tried to be cheerful, but he frowned when he looked back to see his friend still staring at his feet as he walked.

Kagome appeared more determined than ever as she strode with purpose. "We're going to find Hisao and he'll help us figure out how we can get the Well to work again.

"Everything will work out in the end. Just keep your chin up Brent!" Miroku chimed, but Brent did anything but keep his chin up.

"Guys, it's best to just leave him be. He'll come around." Inuyasha said from up front.

Now with four different directions being searched the majority of the group grew optimistic. Sango rode around atop Kirara's back, Shippo changed into his large pink balloon form, Koga ran and jumped among the cliffs, and the remainder kept to the commonly used path. However, no one thought that the search would take so much of the day. While the mountain range they searched had indeed been expansive, they all surely believed the sun would not be starting to set in the middle of their expedition. One by one members of the party slowly returned.

Koga showed up first; his speed causing a gust to ruffle everyone's hair. "I couldn't find anything out of the ordinary. Figures…"

Sango showed up next, and everyone could tell by the look on her face what her news would be. "Sorry, but I didn't find anything." Kirara growled as if she was annoyed by it as well.

"Did either of you see Shippo?" Kagome asked.

"Nah. Haven't seen the little runt." Koga looked off annoyed.

"GUYS!" The tiny Fox Demon's voice echoed from above. A giant pink orb with great big eyes descended toward them. There was a puff of smoke as Shippo reverted to his original form. "I found a cave! And I think I saw some light coming from inside!"

Brent looked up for the first time the whole day, but his hallowed expression didn't change.

"It's the only lead we have. We have to chance it. Shippo? Care to take us there?" Miroku's staff jingled as he stepped forward.

"Sure! Can I ride on Kirara? I'm kinda tired."

"Just don't fall asleep on us!" Sango smiled as he jumped up on the Feline's back.

"Koga? Would you mind carrying Brent?" Kagome asked. She knew that she would have to be the one to ask. Otherwise, Koga wouldn't cooperate.

"Ugh, fine. But you hold onto that weapon of his. I don't want him suddenly killing me with it." The Wolf Demon scoffed.

"Koga…"

"Either he gives it up, or he waits here." Koga crossed his arms.

"Brent you don't-" Kagome stopped as Brent silently handed Tanny to her. The metal never released its brilliant glow as he only held the strap. She took it from him and slung it over her own shoulder with an uneasy look.

Koga knelt down on one knee. "Get on my back. Let's make this quick."

Kagome hopped on Inuyasha's back as Brent gave a wary look to Koga. Somewhat reluctant, Brent got onto the Wolf's back.

"Lead the way Shippo!" Inuyasha called out as Kirara rose into the air with the remaining three members.

Inuyasha and Koga began their ascent up the cliff's side, and Brent had not expected the sudden leap. He had almost lost his grip on Koga's shoulders as gravity tried to pull him back toward the stone below. Koga focused mostly on his footing and making sure he made each leap; Brent appeared second on his priority list.

In the distance the sun had only begun to dip below the horizon. Fortunately for the group they would reach the cave entrance that Shippo had been so eager to tell everyone about. The little Fox gently hopped up and down as his tiny finger pointed toward the gaping hole in the mountainside.

"That's it that's it!"

"I'm definitely picking up the scent of a Demon. It smells…strange…and old." A strange look appeared on Inuyasha's face as he covered his nose. Koga did the same as he voiced his disgust.

Once the group landed on the ridge in front of the cave opening, Brent was the one to first approach it; but not enter it. He stared into dizzying darkness as if the answer to his journey was going to pop out at him. Dimly lit torches lined the walls along the entire tunnel, but only provided minimal light. A hand gently found a place on Brent's shoulder.

"Come on. Let's find out how to get you and Kagome home." Inuyasha's voice came off as calm.

Brent gently nodded as his half-demon friend took point. Kagome walked up beside him and held his hand. He was met with a warm and glowing smile from her. "This will all be over soon. Cheer up OK?"

For the first time that day, Kagome saw the tiniest smile appear on his face. That alone lifted her spirits higher than she could imagine.

"Just think! Hisao is somewhere in here!" The little Fox said optimistically.

"Normally I would say otherwise, but these torches seem to prove he's here." Miroku looked around at the low burning wood-made lighting.

Sango tightened her grip on her Hiraikotsu. "I'm not convinced…this could be a trap set by Naraku or Setsuko."

"Sango has a point. Setsuko can somehow hide her scent. We need to stay on guard." Inuyasha had his claws ready.

"So that's why I didn't get her scent. I thought I just couldn't smell for a moment." Koga added.

A bright glow lit up more of the dim passageway as Brent got his weapon back from Kagome. He held onto it tightly; ready to fight again.

The torches along path eventually stopped as they reached a larger area inside the mountain; and were met with a strange sight. Behind two standing torches there was a lone hut that seemed incredibly well built.

"This is definitely odd." The Monk stared at the small building with an air of doubt.

"It's just small enough to fit in here…but why build it inside a cave?" Koga was perplexed.

"Let's find out. I'll have a look." Inuyasha walked up the few steps then slowly slides the door open.

Inside, there were lit candles all over the place that provided sufficient light. They revealed what clearly appeared to be a Demon sitting in the middle of the room. He had his back to Inuyasha and sat in front of a small shrine. The Demon did not turn as it spoke with a quiet yet ragged voice.

"I see that I have been found again."

"Are you Hisao?" Inuyasha asked bluntly.

"Indeed I am. What question have you come with?"

Hisao turned around and revealed himself. Squinted eyes, yellowed skin, no nose and a small mouth. Completely bald with small holes in the sides of his head in place of ears. Even though the small building he resided in was nice; the clothes on his back were old and tattered with colors so faded no one could determine the original color.

"I'm not the one with the question. Guys. It's him. Come in here."

One by one the rest of the group entered and stepped to the sides to allow for more room. Brent entered last as his weapon's glow died down. This caught Hisao's attention as he hummed curiously.

"Quite the search party you have here Half-Demon. All this just to find a hermit such as myself?" Hisao's eyes lazily glazed over to Inuyasha.

"Don't worry. We just need to know a few things concerning him." The Half-Demon nodded toward Brent, who put his weapon on his back.

"I see…A foreigner eh? You seem to be in the wrong place…and time." Hisao's eyes widened a little as he took a closer look at the young man.

To Brent, that seemed to be more than just an educated guess. There was a strange feeling that he couldn't quite place. It only grew the longer he looked at the Demon. "You're more right than you know…"

"I know I am. You are unlike any other human who has ever sought my insight."

"Hisao. We came here to ask-" Miroku started.

"Oh yes I know. I know. You wish to learn how you can send your friend back to his own time, and why he ended up here in the first place." Hisao interjected. He didn't sound annoyed, but rather a tad tired.

"Yes! How did you know?" Sango was impressed by this.

"You see, there is a reason for my name, The All-Seeing Demon. All I need do is to make eye contact with an individual, and I can see their thoughts, wishes, dreams, and their heart's desires. I looked into each and everyone one of you as you entered and I must say…you are the most colorful group to have ever graced me." Hisao smiled for the first time since they entered.

"Wow…so…you already know everything about us?" Shippo looked up at Hisao as though he were a God.

"Not everything, but I did manage to see the questions first. Those were at the forefront of everyone's minds…except for the Wolf's…he was wondering how much longer he had to be around Inuyasha's 'stench'."

Before it even happened, everyone knew their Half-Demon ally was going to glare and growl at his rival.

"Thanks for outing me…lousy bald-" Koga fell into a mumble.

"Whatever answers you have for us would be greatly appreciated!" Kagome smiled.

"Ah yes. Well then young man. If you would step closer, my eyes aren't as young as they were. Now, stare directly into my eyes. Do not break away." Hisao commanded .

Brent did as he was asked and stared into the old sullen eyes before him. There was that feeling again…Only this time it seemed to never go away. This feeling had to be from Hisao literally looking into him.

Every few seconds the Demon would hum, nod, or narrow his eyes. Not a word escaped him as he looked deep into Brent with his unblinking eyes. It was as though nothing surprised the Demon; like he had seen everything there was to see.

"Alright. You may break eye contact." Hisao closed his enlarged eyes and sat down.

"Well? You know the questions! Give us the answers!" Inuyasha said rather impatiently.

"Will you calm down? You don't know what kind of strain that puts on him!" Kagome defended.

"Oh do not worry my dear. There is no strain. Now before I answer…I must ask…" Hisao kept his eyes closed.

Everyone gave their undivided attention to the Demon.

"Young man. Do you know who are?" Hisao asked.

"Ummmm…Yeah…Brent Miller. United States Citizen. Twenty-one years old…Why-"

"No no no. You…are so much more…" Hisao chuckled very lightly as though he was pleased with his discovery. "Kagome…you are not the only person who is a reincarnation of someone..."

There was a collective 'what?!' among the group.

"Are you saying Brent is a reincarnation of someone?!" Miroku looked utterly shocked.

"Yes. He is the reincarnation of someone…in this very room…" Hisao smiled, his eyes still shut.

"Who is it!?" Shippo was on his feet. He couldn't stand the tension anymore.

Everyone's hair was on end as they waited for the answer. Hisao stood up and finally opened up his eyes. "Tell me. How does it feel to be formally introduced to your reincarnation-" The Demon looked to his right. "-Inuyasha?"