JennyTheWhiteWolf: Hello everyone. Here is another chapter. I am determined to finish this one before allowing myself to go to my other story so as a way to not distract myself. I am already working on the next chapter as we speak. The summary of what I have planned for the chapter is written and now I just need my fingers to do the rest of the work. Anyway I hope that you enjoy and can comment afterwards.
Kagome, Miroku, and Shippo had spent a week in Kagome's time. One that seemed to speed by for all three of them though of course in different ways. Shippo loved spending time with both Souta and Riza when not with Kagome. Souta was similar to a big brother and the two would play games together whether that was video games or soccer. Souta felt similar towards Shippo and enjoyed being the older sibling for a change. Riza loved to shower Shippo with attention for to her it was like having a grandchild to dote on and Shippo just soaked that in. Miroku most of the time spent his time with Kagome's grandfather. They would often talk about the differences between the past and the present. The two were so vastly different that it was difficult to truly absorb so much information, especially since most seemed so abstract to him. Kagome helped him immensely when it came down to things he had difficulty grasping. An example would be the telephone. He could not understand how conversations could be had over such a long distance. It was only when Kagome made a call to Naomi and had placed the conversation on speaker did he truly believe. It is one thing to be told something and quite another to experience for oneself. Kagome understood that was what he needed and did so without really thinking about it at all. Riza enjoyed having Miroku around because he was always so helpful and polite. Souta liked him too and was far more accepting of maybe being a priest one day if it meant he would be like Miroku, though his heart was still set on being a famous soccer player one day. Kagome herself loved having the two with her in the present. It felt for the first time that she could truly have the best of both worlds. The family of both past and present together. It warmed her heart in ways she never expected and savored every moment she spent with them. Much of the time she was pouring herself over texts trying to absorb as much information as she possibly could. Both Miroku and Shippo helped as best they could and she truly appreciated it. Shippo would keep her company by resting in her lap and even go about and pick the things that would occasionally fall from the table or set aside the papers that she was finished with. Miroku would bring her tea and lunch since she developed the habit of forgetting to go get it. Though he was beginning to speculate that perhaps she began to do so on purpose after the first time that she forgot. He kept that bit to himself however and simply smiled as he would set the tray down beside her and the two would eat lunch together. Kagome had been getting so much done that she would call Akira early just so they could get more out of the way. It was nice too because Naomi would come over and sometimes she would bring her own work with her and the two would work together. She forgot how nice it was to have another working on school work since they could help each other. After the two would go out and do some archery. Miroku would usually watch or meditate at that time. Shippo would be away hidden with Souta since his demonic features were a little more difficult to hide than Inuyasha's. Akira would leave after finishing up with Kagome's tests so she could go and finish her own. According to Akira she would be done with her own in just about another week. After that she planned to take a little break from School. Kagome was just watching her leave after getting a lot done and finished explaining that she would need to postpone their next time they meet for a few days. The three had decided it would be a good idea to go back to the past to check and see if Inuyasha and Sango have returned yet or not; plus, it would be good to see Kaede again. Kagome was walking down the stairs in a pair of blue jeans, sneakers, and a blue short sleeve shirt. At the entrance a huge forest cammo bag lay loaded with provisions. She figured it was time to have a bag made of sturdier material and one that won't be such an eyesore either. The bag that was still in the past she supposed could be given to Kaede. Miroku was sitting at the table back in his monk's clothes with her mother and grandfather. Shippo was in the living room with Souta. The two looked her way as she entered the kitchen.
"Sorry that I took so long is everyone ready to go?" Miroku got up from the table with a thank you to both Riza and Kagome's grandfather. Shippo jumped from the couch and ran towards Kagome and jumped on her shoulder.
"You betcha." Shippo smiled broadly while waving his goodbyes to Kagome's family. Miroku nodded and went to open the door for her. Kagome said a quick goodbye to her family before they were off towards the well.
"I hope that you all enjoyed yourselves here. I know it can be quite a lot to take in at once and over all not as scenic or clean as it is in the past. You know if you don't count the battlefields filled with demonic appendages and blood that is. Still its home and it was nice to see my family."
"Well it does smell weird here, but you get used to it after a while. At least it doesn't make me dizzy anymore. Besides that it's a lot of fun here." Kagome smiled at Shippo.
"I can say that I enjoyed the time we spent here very much. It was nice to stay in such a safe place and you have a great family here who love you very much." Kagome turned her smile from Shippo towards Miroku.
"Thanks Miroku." The three jumped down the well and used the makeshift rope ladder Kagome placed after getting tired of using the vines. This time it was Kagome who went first since she didn't have to worry about Miroku seeing up her squirt. He followed her up and saw that she was waiting for him. The first thing Shippo did was take the biggest breath he could and exhaled in the most dramatic way that he could.
"I do like the air much more here." Both Kagome and Miroku laughed at Shippo who simply smiled and leaned his face to cradle it besides Kagome's. They didn't make it very far towards the village before there was a rustle in the bushes. Miroku stepped in front of Kagome protectively throwing his left hand out in a way to shield her and holding his staff with his right hand pointing towards the noise.
"Whoever or whatever you are make your presence known or we will perceive you to be hostile and we will act accordingly." Whatever Miroku was expecting it was not what stumbled out of those bushes. Kagome gasped and brought shaking hands to cover her mouth. The shock quickly wore off before she sprinted past Miroku to cradle the silver white haired girl with bright purple eyes.
"Shiori!?" Kagome held the child close as the shaking girl cried into her arms. It started as thick tears falling down a dirty unkempt face before turning into full blown hysterics. All Kagome could do was hold her and offer the much needed comfort. She wanted to ask her so very many questions, but knew it was not the time for her to be able to answer them. Miroku continued to survey the area to find no immediate threat and so turned his eyes back toward Kagome and the girl she held. It has been some time since they have laid eyes on her. From what he remembers of her she should be twelve now and she has certainly grown though still as fragile and small it seemed to him or perhaps it seemed that way because of the state she was in and all he could see in that moment was how fragile she was in both mind and body. He looked at Shippo who had jumped down when Kagome made her way towards Shiori. He had a conflicted look on his face. He seemed to be torn in wanting to help comfort Shiori and staying where he was because of just how upset she was. The two stayed still as sentinels watching over the two females as one comforted the other. After a time Shiori being as exhausted as she was from crying and traveling fell asleep within Kagome's arms. Kagome simply held her close for a moment before she used her right arm to sweep at the junction of her knees and lift her up to bring her close to her chest holding her bridle style. Miroku made a gesture for Kagome to hand him her bag and walk in front of him to which she gave a curt nod. The maneuvering of handing him the rather large bag was a bit awkward, but the two managed it without too much hassle. He then looked at Shippo and offered out his arm. Understanding the gesture Shippo jumped up and onto his shoulder. Once there he seemed to deflate some and simply watched the two in front of him. They made their way towards Kaede's hut a little more slowly so as to ease the travel for Shiori. Kaede met the four outside and after a brief explanation led them inside to tend to Shiori.
"Lady Kaede I will go around and ask about the village for spare clothing that could fit Shiori for her own are badly damaged." Kaede nodded towards Miroku as she handed a small bucket of water and a small bit of cloth towards Kagome who proceeded to try and clean Shiori's face and the worst of the grime on her. She would need to wait until she awoke so that she could take her to the local hot spring to get her properly cleaned.
"Do ye have any idea what might have happened child?" Kagome shook her head at Kaede's question.
"None. I don' t see why someone would want to hurt her so and I don't know the full extent either. We will all have to wait until she wakes up to find out anything. Sorry for imposing on you like this by the way. We are always burdening you it seems." Kaede smiled down at Kagome dismissing her concerns with a warm smile.
"Think nothing of it child. This one is happy to have you and to be of use in my old age. Though this one believes that now is as good a time to show you to the hut that the rest of the village had constructed for you and the others as a way for you to stay and recuperate while you are all here." Kagome looked at Kaede in surprise before a large smile came upon her face.
"They did? I don't know what to say except thank you and how very kind that was. I know the others will appreciate the gesture as much as I do." Kaede nodded and led Kagome out who gently picked Shiori back up and followed after her. It wasn't very far from Kaede's own hut which made the way there quick and easy. The hut itself was rather spacious and had a cooking pot placed in the middle very much in the way that Kaede's hut had. It didn't have any real furnishings though not that it mattered all that much. She was sure they could furnish it themselves with their travels and she might even bring some things from her time. It did have some sleeping mats stacked to one side of the room though in which Kaede helped by setting one up so that Kagome could gently set Shiori on top of. Afterwards she bade her goodbyes to Kagome and made her way back towards her own hut, but not before letting Kagome know that should she need anything that she was not far away. With not much else to do besides watching Shiori sleep Kagome began to scrutinize her condition. She could tell that she had been injured due to the blood, but was unsure if it was all her own or not since even half demons had extraordinary healing capabilities due to watching and caring for Inuyasha. She took note of how thin she was so she must have been traveling for a while with very little provisions if any. She picked up Shiori's small hand and turned it ever so slightly to see the underside of the small claws upon her dainty fingers. What she saw made her cringe for there was compact dirt under them as if she had been dragged across the ground and she tried to claw at the it to try stop herself. She placed the hand back down as gently as she could with concern. She then brought her hand to sweep the bangs from her face. Sighing she tried to distract herself with looking out the window. It was there that she saw Miroku slowly making his way towards her with new clothing and her bag with Shippo perched on his shoulder. For whatever reason it made her think of those old sit coms where the husband would come home after a long day and say the classic honey I'm home. It made her laugh to think of him ever saying something like that. Maybe it was the word honey, because she could easily see him making that goofy smile just for her as he entered the room. It made her smile and so decided to lighten the mood. She laughed to herself as she pictured what his reaction would be as he walked through the doorway.
"Welcome home dear." Miroku stopped dead in his tracks as he stared confused at Kagome's smiling face. His heart did a little flip at the word of endearment and how warm it was to welcomed home; something he has not had for a very long time. Then there was the fact that it was just the two of them with two children. It was enough to get his mind racing and heart pounding. Kagome's laugh brought him out of his musings as he made his way further into the hut.
"Sorry I couldn't help myself I was trying to lighten the mood in here and I saw you through the window. It was probably in poor taste, but I am glad you're here." Miroku shook his head and smiled back at her.
"Not at all, I understand though it was nice to be welcomed home dear." Kagome chuckled at him calling her dear. Noticing the clothing in his hands she was happy to see that he was successful. Now all she needed was Shiori to wake up so that she can be properly cleaned before wearing them.
"What do you think happened to her?" Shippo sat beside Kagome and looked worriedly at Shiori." Kagome brought Shippo into her arms to console him.
"I don't know, but we're going to be here for her and help her as best as we can." Shippo nodded and lay his head against her chest. Miroku watched on both concerned with what happened to Shiori and fond of just how motherly she was towards Shippo. It was then that Shiori stirred and all attention was drawn to her. She sat up slowly and shakily taking in her surroundings tense as a board. It was when she landed her eyes on Kagome did she relax somewhat.
"I'm so glad I found you. I was looking for so long." Tears once again began to gather in her eyes. Shippo moved towards Miroku so that Shiori could be by Kagome.
"I know that this may be hard, but what happened Shiori." Shiori having expected to answer this question since the moment that she left her small little village by the coast shifted her head down in an attempt to keep the tears at bay so that she could talk.
"My village was attacked by a boy. I thought he was strange and that maybe we were the same because he too had purple eyes only a lighter shade. His hair was a very light shade of purple too. He had a weapon in his hand that was way longer than he was with a blade on the end. I remember him looking around at first and that was when he grabbed someone and before everyone he began to change. It was like his outer appearance melted away and one of the bat demons from before emerged. The boy just looked at him before tossing him away. He seemed angry and before anyone knew what was happening he killed him. Everyone began to run and scream to get away, but he chased them and killed them too. I was so scared I just stood there. That was when mother… that was when mother stepped in front of me to protect me. I remember the weapon sticking out of her and how it hit my shoulder pinning us both to the ground. I blacked out and when I woke up he was gone and everyone around me dead. All I knew was that I had to travel east to find this village so that I could find you." After Shiori said her peace she finally allowed herself to cry fully in Kagome's arms who simply held her while whispering words of comfort. Miroku took all this in and nodded his head when Kagome gathered both the bathing supplies and the first aid kit in case of any lingering damage and informed him that the two were going to get cleaned up. The two shared a mutual look that they would talk after they get back. Shippo decided that he wanted to come along too saying he wanted to be there to help keep them safe. When all three left his line of sight did Miroku sigh and set about walking along the village to think. This was not the time to even think of peeping on Kagome and besides the two little ones were with her. His thoughts drifted to that of Hakudoshi for it was no question that it was he who attacked the village, but the question was why; why now and why them? It can't have been for that single disguised demon. After all, Shiori said he looked angry after and killed him and to kill the thing that he came there to get supposedly? Still all that did was leave him with questions without answers and until Inuyasha and Sango got back they were not likely to get any.
Finally, the slayer village was in sight. It seemed that it took forever to get this far. Besides his annoyance at how long the journey it was to get there, his pace and demeaner was rather calm and collected. Sango would steal a glance fully expecting for Inuyasha to comment on that fact; so, when he did not she was rather curious. She was definitely happy with such an outcome, but did not at all expect it. It was only when he stopped that she gave him her full attention. He was scenting the air and his face turned both cautious and curious.
"We're not alone and by the smell of it, appears human." Sango was immediately put on alert as she unholstered hiraikotsu and prepared to throw should there be a threat. As she entered her eyes began to search the area thoroughly looking for the stranger in her home. It did not take her long before they landed on a young man in blue taijiya armor kneeling by the graves she dug. She could tell that he placed fresh flowers by the grave as well as burning fresh incense. She watched him transfixed as he finished a prayer and stood. He had short choppy chestnut colored hair and as he turned towards her his shocked stormy grey eyes that held hints of blue met her equally shocked chocolate brown colored ones.
"Isamu?" "Sango?" Both spoke at once and both just stared in surprise and shock, neither believing what they were seeing. It was Sango who broke out of her stupor first. Shakily she took a step forward and raised an equally shaky hand toward him.
"How is it that you are still alive? What has happened to you all this time." Isamu looked down at the graves with a mix of sadness and shame. It was only when Sango stood fully in front of him and placed her outstretched hand upon his cheek and brought his face to fully face hers. Inuyasha stood in the background with his arms crossed over his chest and watching intently should anything amiss or foul take place.
"For the longest time I did not remember who I was. I awoke in a hut injured without knowing how or why. There was a family there that helped nurse and take care of me. They were small and did not have much themselves, but still they took care of me. It took a long time for me to heal, but my memory was still gone. I think perhaps it was because I did not want to remember that day. I had failed to protect our home after you and the others left to that castle. We were overwhelmed and overtaken. It was only when a demon came and killed the family that was sheltering me that forced me to remember. After avenging their deaths I began to travel killing demons along the way until I found myself here and seeing the graves and thinking that I should be one of them." Sango shook her head sadly at his words.
"No Isamu it is good that you are alive. It makes me so very happy to see you. I used to feel the same way before I found friends to keep me going. Friends to share my pain and heartbreak as well as be there for me when I needed them most. I was lost in grief and suffering before they saved me from that. It is the fact that you are no longer alone and have the chance to live that is most important. I am here for you as long as you allow me to be." Silent tears were falling down Isamu's face as his gaze held Sango's.
"Do you really mean that?" Sango nodded.
"Of course I mean it." Isamu brought Sango in for a tight embrace. Being taller than she, he placed his tear stained face into her shoulder crying freely and holding her tightly to himself afraid that if he were to let her go she would fade from the world. They stood like that for a while. Eventually Isamu brought his face back up to look at Sango with a smile.
"I am really happy to see you too Sango." It was then that Inuyasha decided to make his presence known. He could handle being overlooked for only so long.
"Now that we got the whole reunion bit out of the way, how about we do the things we set out to do so we can head on back. I don't like being split up like this for too long. Who knows what can happen. Our luck isn't always the greatest." Isamu stepped back from Sango as he stared at Inuyasha a moment before his eyes drifted to the fluffy appendages on top of his head.
"You are a half demon?" Inuyasha scoffed at him and stared him down with a scowl.
"Yeah what's it to ya?" Isamu shook his hid with a sad smile.
"Nothing only that the family that took me in, Hana with her husband and daughter was also a half demon. She was very kind and she too had ears similar to yours though hers were just a bit larger and more cat like." Inuyasha once more scoffed ,but his face softened.
"Alright, but just to let you know we do plan to leave in a few days so the two of you better be ready to go by then." At that Inuyasha turned and jumped away towards the forested area. Isamu could only stare after him in a shocked and somewhat dumbfounded way.
"Did he mean me? He wants me to come with you? Where to and why? He just met me." Left with many questions he looked to Sango who was smiling at his confusion.
"That is Inuyasha for you. He may be gruff, but underneath it all he has a good heart. He knew that it would make me happy to have you around as well as you the chance to help avenge our comrades and family from Naraku." Isamu still held that confused look as he searched Sango for the answers.
"Who is Naraku?" Sango sighed, and made a gesture towards the most intact hut.
"How about we head inside so that I can explain. We have a lot to catch up on." Isamu nodded and followed his way after Sango.
After cleaning Shiori and making sure that there were no untreated wounds on her person did she let herself be immersed with the water and allow her thoughts drift. Somehow without her realizing they drifted to a very unlikely person; Kikyou. Not that she never crossed her thoughts ever only that they have not been so focused on her all that much.
'What is she doing? Is she lonely? Does she still think of Inuyasha? Does Inuyasha still think of her?' Even though she herself was no longer in love with Inuyasha did not mean that she did not care for him. She wanted him to be happy and live and she would think of how the two of them have been robbed of their chance at love and happiness with the other. Still Kikyou was not of this world and would one day have to leave it. They all knew it; it was merely the matter of when. Surprisingly her heart ached over that fact. Kikyou was good and fought all of her life only for it to end so cruelly. Sure, the two of them have had their differences, but deep down she wanted to see Kikyou smile. She supposes it was because she knew how very little she smiled in life and had little to smile over now. Bringing herself out of her thoughts she turned to Shiori who has been lost in thought all the while. Getting out the two dressed in clean clothing though Kagome put the same clothes on as before since they were still clean. Shiori though had to have her previous clothes set aside so that they might be repaired and washed thoroughly. Now she wore a simple light pink kimono with purple markings all along it. Shippo stood guard the entire time and she made sure to tell him that he did a good job and he puffed up in pride and smiled at her. They made their way back to the hut at a leisurely pace not in any real hurry. Once inside Kagome went about preparing food for them. Leaving the two inside for a bit she went about trading some currency she had saved up here for some ingredients for a stew. When she came back to prep them she asked if Shippo could go fetch some water for her. It didn't take too long before the meal was underway and simmering over the flame. Shiori still being rather put out began to sleep once more. Shippo took out some paper and began to color. As for Kagome she figured that this was as good a time to put more work in with her studies. This was how Miroku found them when he returned. Looking up from answering her question she smiled and made a gesture for him to sit beside her. Shippo was still coloring already having two completed works beside him. Quietly so as not to wake Shiori Miroku sat beside Kagome just beneath the window. Smelling the air appreciatively. He glanced at the pot in the middle of the hut.
"Smells good what are you cooking."
"Ah it's a stew made from the ingredients I got from around the village. Shippo helped out to by fetching me some water." Shippo glanced up at the mention of his name and smiled before returning to his drawing.
"I see. I can't wait until its done then." It wasn't too much longer that Kagome was dishing out portions and placed them in collapsible bowls she brought from her time. Once done she woke Shiori long enough so that she could eat something. Everyone had second helpings enjoying their meal. After both Shiori and Shippo went to sleep after Miroku set up another mat for Shippo. However, he wouldn't go to sleep until he knew that Kagome would join him when she too went to sleep. Smiling at his antics she made to tuck him in and as he was slowly falling asleep him mumbled his goodnights without really thinking of them.
"Night momma…" His voice drifted of into soft breathing and Kagome's heart burst with love for the little kit. She bent over and tenderly placed a kiss on his forehead after sweeping his bangs back.
"Goodnight my sweet." Going back to her spot beside Miroku. Her face turned more serious and thoughtful.
"I don't know what to do Miroku. This may be the lead on Naraku that we have been waiting for, but I was serious when I said that I need to stay and finish my studies. What do I do?" Kagome looked at Miroku hoping that he could take the decision out of her hands so that she was not forced to decide herself.
"As troubling as what happened is, does not in anyway guarantee that Hakudoshi is still in the area and could have easily have moved on from there. Still it does warrant an investigation. We will have to wait for the others to get back and then I do believe you should stay and finish your studies. Do what you set out to do and we will be here to support you. If anything were to be found concerning Naraku that needs your attention we will send for you straight away. Until then we will continue as we have and brace ourselves for when we finally have to tell Inuyasha your decision." Kagome cringed at the end thinking of the headache she knew that lay in wait for her upon his return. Still Miroku had help ease her mind with her decision and she was very grateful for that.
"Thanks Miroku." Kagome smiled and made her way towards Shippo who curled towards Kagome as she made herself comfortable besides him. Miroku watched the three holding on to his monks' staff against the wall underneath the window, deciding to keep watch over them for the time being. Without meaning to he fell asleep there with his chin resting upon his chest.
JennyTheWhiteWolf: Another chapter done and another underway. I hope to hear your comments and thoughts on the piece. I also want to take a moment to thank to those who have reviewed in the past.
Radiance13
Lightning-Tenshi-29
Thank you very much and hope to hear from you guys soon.
