July 2

While Inuyasha and I were sitting in our hammock this evening watching Nico run around the yard, we had an unexpected visitor. I knew who it was as soon as I felt the familiar pinching on my neck.

Once I slapped it away, Myoga fell into my hand.

"Hi, Myoga!" I said happily.

"Hello, you two," Myoga said. "Your blood tastes so good. I can tell you've had a healthy pregnancy so far."

"That's good to know," Inuyasha said.

"I'm glad you're home. I came by last week to see you about something important but you weren't here. Miroku told me you were on a vacation."

"Sorry Myoga, we went out for our anniversary," I said.

"What did you want to see us for?" Inuyasha asked.

"There's an important task your father left for you to complete and it's about time for you to take care of it."

"I don't want to," Inuyasha immediately replied.

"You don't even know what it is yet!"

"Alright, fine. I'll hear you out."

"There is a sacred gemstone passed down to generation after generation of dog demons. Those who use the gem can harness its great power to become nearly invincible. Your father was given the sacred gem and for years used it to become stronger. At the peak of his power, he was nearly invincible."

"Go on."

"But as he became more powerful, he started to see the downfalls of the gemstone. He realized that having that kind of power can make someone mad and make them start to lose themselves in the process and he didn't want it anymore. He wanted to seal the jewel away back where it came from so that it can never fall into the hands of evil and so it can protect the spirits of the dog demons instead."

"But he didn't end up doing that?" I guessed.

"Unfortunately, no," Myoga continued. "He fully intended to but was up against many other foes at the time. So he left the gem with his trusted friend, the tree demon named Bokuseno. Lady Izayoi was pregnant with you at the time, Inuyasha, and your father told Bokuseno that if for any reason he doesn't get around to returning the gem it should be entrusted to you."

"Why can't Sesshomaru do it?" Inuyasha asked.

"Sesshomaru is not pure enough to handle the gem without being corrupted by its power," Myoga replied. "Your brother has continuously sought power and strength for years and years. After he feels what the gem can give him, he won't want to return it. You wouldn't be so easily swayed. Besides, you are the one who possesses the tetsusaiga with the barrier destroyer needed to get into the ancient temple where the gem needs to be stored."

Myoga made quite a compelling argument but Inuyasha wasn't quite convinced yet.

"Myoga, this really isn't a great time for this. Can't it be done after the baby is born?"

"The power within the gem is starting to become restless," Myoga said. "Any longer and it will implode, disturbing the spirits and causing chaos."

"If that's the case, why didn't you tell me this sooner?"

At that, Myoga hesitated. "Because...I forgot."

"You forgot?! What kind of excuse is that?!"

"Bokuseno reminded me the last time I saw him. That's not important. You really should go, this is very important."

"Maybe we should go, Yasha," I replied. "It does sound important."

"We can't put you and the baby at risk like that," Inuyasha protested.

"It shouldn't be a very treacherous journey," Myoga replied. "Besides, Kagome's spiritual powers could be useful."

"Alright, I'll go!" Inuyasha gave in. "We'll make this quick. This is the last mission we're going on before the baby comes, that's for sure."

"Oh good!" Myoga said happily. "Your father will be so proud!"

"Let's get one thing straight," Inuyasha said. "I'm not doing this for my old man. He should have done it himself when he had the chance instead of expecting me to. I'm just doing this so you'll get off my back."

Myoga sighed. "One day you'll learn to respect how great your father was. I only hope that day comes very soon."

Our plan is to leave in the morning. Myoga will come with us to show us how to get to Bokuseno. Hopefully, we don't run into any danger along the way otherwise I know he'll be gone in a second.

Inuyasha is still annoyed about the whole thing. For one thing, he still doesn't want to do something his father wanted him to do. For another, he's concerned about me. He tried to convince me to stay home and wait for him, but I refused. After all, what if he needs my help? Besides, I've been feeling great lately and I don't plan to overexert myself. I'm also kind of excited about it. I'm really curious to see what this gem is, to meet the demon tree Bokuseno, and to see the temple where the jewel is kept. I think this will be fun.

So I guess I'll write about all of it when we get home. I'm not sure how long it will take but I'm looking forward to writing about the experience later.