Chapter 16

Pride and Pressure

"Tell me what I'm hearing isn't true!"

Hojo fought the urge to cringe as his father's yell boomed through their home. It only ever made things worse.

"Tell me my own son didn't bring not one, not two, but three yokai into our village of his own free-will."

Hojo immediately looked to his feet, swallowing low as he waited for his father's temper to subside. He had no excuse, afterall.

"Why would you do this?" the furious elder demanded, nostrils flaring with barely contained anger. "Did you think of what it would mean for the village? For us?"

"Kagome reassured me—"

"Kagome?" Hojo's father chuffed indignantly, causing a reddening to warm Hojo's cheeks. "That girl….. She could talk you into any kind of foolishness as a child and apparently, can still do it even now."

"She claimed the yokai her friends," Hojo explained meekly.

"Of course! Because that happens every day!" the irritated elder crowed to the ceiling. "She could say the sky was dirt and you'd believe it."

"I didn't think it would—"

"No, you didn't," Hojo's father snarled, pushing his son into silence. "You just led them to our village, our people, like a sacrifice to be given to their claws. Did you even try to lead them away?"

Hojo swallowed low as shame hung like a stone about his neck. He thought he had done something to finally make his father proud of him when he volunteered to deliver the message for Kaede but, once again, he'd failed.

"Father, I—"

"And, now, they are staying here," the elder huffed as he started to pace with agitation about the room. "Honored guests. And, we have to sit and smile till they decide to strike and kill us all."

"Kaede said they meant us no harm," Hojo argued softly.

"What does she know?" his father barked in return. "This is why mikos should stick their own business. Healing wounds and cleansing evil spirits should be that old witch's concern."

"Father!" Hojo gasped, truly shocked his father, who had been respected for so long by the village would turn on his greatest supporter so easily.

"I mean it!" the elder pronounced. "She opens our doors to destruction on the word of an apprentice that has been gone for years. Who knows what she could have been exposed to, especially if she had been amongst that filth all this time."

Hojo pressed his lips firmly to keep himself from snapping at his father's tone. He didn't like the way he was talking about Kagome; like she had been tainted somehow. But, he couldn't argue when his father got like this. It wouldn't change his mind.

"We've welcomed our own destruction and after it all goes to disaster, which it will, who will the people look to when they need to put the pieces back together again?"

"They didn't seem evil to me," Hojo replied weakly.

"Of course, they didn't!" his father bellowed incredulously. "They never do! Why do you think they're so good at deceiving? Did Naraku appear threatening before Kagome let him in? Does any yokai when they're springing a trap? Use your head!"

As much as Hojo hated the logic, he couldn't fight it either. He had led yokai to their village, and put everyone at risk.

"This village is to be your responsibility one day," his father continued. "And, you constantly let yourself be swayed by the most foolish notions. Now, we have to pick up this mess. Starting with that trouble-maker, Kagome."

Immediately, panic gripped Hojo's chest as he grabbed hold of his father's arm, causing him to stop his agitated pacing.

"Wait!" he cried. "Let me talk to her. I mean, I'm sure she didn't realize what she had done. If I explain to her—"

"Explain what?" his father snarled as he jerked out of Hojo's hold. "That she'd already nearly killed us all out of the kindness of her heart and she's about to do it again? No, if she hasn't learned her lesson yet, she never will."

"She will, she will!" Hojo begged. "I can make her."

The promise caused the elder to freeze mid-step, and turn shrewd eyes on Hojo's desperate face.

"You?" he huffed. "How?"

"I…. I can talk to her, remind her that she's back now," Hojo offered, forcing his rapid breathing to calm. "I can…help her. Offer her a future."

Hojo knew it was a fool's errand. His father could barely stand the sight of Kagome when they were younger. He always thought she encouraged him to get into trouble, neglect his responsibilities. But, Hojo felt he had to try. If he could spare her a harsh punishment and remind her of the life she left… It would be worth it to Hojo.

"Offer, huh?"

The question snapped Hojo to the present, eyes widening in barely contained hope. Was that….consideration?

"And, you think yourself ready for that?" his father challenged, eyes narrowing as he took in Hojo's still form.

Hojo straightened as he forced himself to remain perfectly calm. He wasn't a boy, any-longer. If his father was to take this seriously, Hojo needed to treat this like a man.

"I think it's time I quit putting it off," he replied calmly.

"And, Kagome is your choice?" his father muttered. "Well, it would explain your previous… disinterest."

"I know it seems rushed but—"

"No, it makes sense," Hojo heard his father pronounced. "In fact, it may be just what we need."

Hojo stared flabbergasted as a satisfied smile spread across his father's face.

"You? Approve?" he asked cautiously, not wanting to mistake the situation.

"I want you to go to Higurashi's house," his father ordered as he nodded in agreement. "Invite that old coot to visit tonight. I will talk with him."

Hojo could hardly believe it. This… was really happening.

"Of-of course, father," Hojo agreed as he rushed towards the door. The last thing he wanted was for his father to suddenly change his mind.

"And, Hojo," the elder called, causing his son to freeze before the door. "You're doing the right thing."

Hojo swallowed passed the lump in his throat as he nodded towards his father. With a reassured smile, he stepped out into the bright light of day.

SSS

Kagome wasn't sure how rare a sight she was getting at the moment. But, she was pretty sure not everyone got a view of an ookami Alpha, covered in a fine layer of dust, glaring directly at an old man seated across the room from him and returning the glare with one just as vehement.

The image would almost be terrifying if they didn't look like two stubborn children. Instead, Kagome was finding it was taking all her effort not to just burst into a fit of giggles.

It had taken her grandpa an embarrassing long amount of time to let Koga and the others into their home but, eventually he was greatly out-voted. Especially after Kagome's mother just acted as if he never said a word and warmly invited the dusty yokai through their threshold.

"All that sweeping for nothing," Kagome heard her grandpa mutter as he lifted his own bowl of food to his mouth and slurped it down with vigor.

"Well, if you hadn't covered us with this filth," Koga huffed in return, apparently still not having forgiven the older man his greeting.

The comment had Kagome's grandpa slamming his bowl down.

"And, I wouldn't need to purify my home, if you weren't—"

"I can't tell you enough how grateful we are to your protection of our Kagome," her mother quickly interjected as she placed Koga's servings in front of him. "I'm afraid we don't have much to thank you with but, you are more than welcome to any of it."

"The hell he is!" Kagome's grandpa squawked in horror but her mother just waved the outburst off.

"This may not be as grand as what you are used to, being an Alpha," Kagome's mother continued. "But, it is the best in the house."

Kagome didn't have the heart to tell her mother Koga would probably be just as happy with a slab of raw meat as much as her special stew. Ookami usually ate their food raw, since a fire wasn't always available. But, Koga just smiled and gave her mother a respectful nod before lifting the bowl to his mouth in a deep swallow.

The moment Koga tasted the food on his tongue, Kagome had to cover her mouth to keep her amusement from embarrassing him. He looked so confused, it was too good. Ginta and Hakkaku were no better, as they suddenly dove into their portions, eating like they hadn't in days.

The slurping and gulping was a little stomach-turning but Kagome was happy they were focusing on something other than the village's reaction to them.

"Mom, mom, mom!"

A high-pitched shout rang outside the house, causing Kagome to snap her gaze towards the open entrance. Without warning, a skinny body rushed into the bright opening, taller than she last remembered, and gripped the doorframe by shoulders shaking with excitement.

"Mom," the boy huffed. "You won't believe what they're saying in the village….."

The stunned expression on the boy's face had Kagome smiling from ear to ear. Count on her little brother to turn speechless on sight.

"Hey, Souta," Kagome greeted as she took a step towards her stupefied sibling.

"Sis?" Souta asked, blinking rapidly to grasp what was before him.

Kagome giggled in amusement. "Yep, it's me," she confirmed. "Come here, squirt."

The flash of irritation across her little brother's face had warmth bubbling in Kagome's chest. Souta always hated that little nickname of hers. Even when he was real little, he always wanted to be treated older than he was. Some things never changed, it seemed.

Barely a step into the hug, however, Souta's wide eyes locked to those seated at the table. Swiftly spinning on his heel he immediately dropped himself into the spot next to Koga, staring up with curious wonder.

Kagome stood no more than a few seconds before realization roared through her. Had she just been given the brush off?!

Spinning sharply, Kagome zeroed in on her younger sibling, fists planted firmly on her hips. So much for a warm reunion. Apparently, her 'New' had worn off.

"Are you really a yokai lord?" Souta asked Koga with open admiration.

Koga quirked a brow at the question, eyes darting towards Kagome as if to ask permission. Shaking her head at her brother's antics, she could only give him a slight smile. Whatever he wanted to tell Souta was fine with her.

"I'm an ookami Alpha," Koga answered with a cocky grin. "They're stronger."

"Really?" Souta asked.

Koga nodded, obviously pleased with the attention.

"You must be a great warrior to be the Alpha," Souta mused.

"The best," Hakkaku informed without hesitation.

"And, the fiercest," added Ginta.

"Wow," Souta breathed, eyes sparking with excited admiration. "I want to be a great warrior, too."

"Don't even think about it," Grandpa suddenly snapped across the table. "You are a monk's apprentice and don't you forget it!"

As if suddenly reminded of those who also inhabited the room, Souta looked at Grandpa as if he was trying to decipher some puzzle.

"Really? Who?" he asked in genuine confusion.

Grandpa, however, looked like he'd just been slapped across his face.

"Me, you little fool!" he bellowed across the table. "You're apprenticed to me!"

"But, you're not a monk, Grandpa," Souta informed helpfully.

Unfortunately, Grandpa didn't seem to be taking the advice in stride.

"You ungrateful, little wretch!" he squawked indignantly. "We Higurashi's are a long line of monks and mikos. Where do you think Kagome's abilities come from?"

"I thought the Jewel did that," Souta replied.

And, that was all Grandpa needed to snap himself to his feet. Without precedence, he marched over to his little grandson and grabbed him smartly by the ear.

"I see we have to up your training," Grandpa muttered as he started to drag Souta towards the door.

"Ow, Grandpa, wait!" Souta cried as he struggled to keep up with the older man's legs.

Kagome cringed in sympathy. If she could remember anything from her childhood, it was the thorough training her Grandpa put her through. If it was now Souta's turn…..she pitied the little brat.

"And, if you think you're running off to become some yokai warrior, you got another thing coming," Grandpa snarled as a finishing touch as they disappeared out the door.

"Awww, Grandpa!"

Kagome didn't know whether to laugh or cry over the display. She missed her family, had for years. But, apparently, years apart didn't mean they still couldn't embarrass the crap out of her. And, in front of Koga and the others, no-less!

"As you can see, Dad is quite devout in his duties," Kagome heard her mother reply easily as she took her own seat at the table. "He helped train Kagome. And, now, Souta."

Koga nodded. "He's a proud male."

Kagome blinked in surprise as she sat back down at the table beside him. Did Koga just…..try to be nice?

"Kagome," her mother called, snapping Kagome from her stupor. "Perhaps you would like to show our guests around the village."

Kagome nodded dumbly as she stood to lead the guys out. Sango and Miroku were currently swapping information with Kaede, wanting to give Kagome the chance to be with her family before they got down to business.

But, what did she show Koga? What was there in this little village that he would even care to see?

Stepping out into the quiet edge of the village, Kagome had to smile at the warm sunlight hitting her face. It really was a good day.

"There any place you wish to go?" Koga asked as he fell in step beside her.

He looked so trusting, so willing to follow her lead, Kagome couldn't help but flush at the sincerity. Koga was definitely out of his element yet, here he was, waiting for her to take the lead. The concept was almost thrilling.

The disgusted wrinkling of the Alpha's nose, followed by a sharp smack/pat across his shoulder showed he was also not used to being this kind of dirty. Poor guy. Even if the ookami didn't bathe all the time, they still weren't used to being covered in dust. If only they could—

Realization brightened Kagome's eyes as she quickly tugged Koga's arm towards the trees.

"Come on," she ordered brightly. "I have the perfect thing to show you."