JennyTheWhiteWolf: Took a little bit longer to write then I wanted to. I got stuck on one area and just writing a couple sentences there took forever. Gonna be starting the next chapter. So please enjoy and another should be out soon; fingers crossed.
Isamu was walking beside Sango in what felt to be a surreal haze. It wasn't long ago that he regained his memories of that horrible night and only due to feeling another similar tragedy. What bothered him most was that if he perhaps had his memory before the attack on the small and caring family then perhaps he could have saved them. Then again if he had never met them in the first place they still might have lived. Not a guarantee, but still at least a chance. He shook his head at the thought knowing that going around in circles like this served no real purpose. He instead turned to survey his new and old companions. Inuyasha was walking up front with his hands crossed and tucked within his sleeves. He was wearing a rather neutral expression on his face and his ears would twitch at the slightest sound, being on full alert. He seemed to be rather gruff though he could see by watching how he interacts with Sango that he cares for his friends. He watches out for them and even when he seems not to be listening, the direction of his ears said otherwise. He was also very attentive to him. He suspected that until he proved himself indisputably to the half demon that his guard will always be up with him. Seeing Kirara again brought back childhood memories. She was always with Sango and Kohaku, though always had such a strong connection to Sango. Sango had spent much time explaining to him how that night of horror began and ended and all due to the villain Naraku. Though to be truly over Naraku would have to be dead. According to Sango Naraku was the source of much suffering. Sango had given him brief explanations of what he has done to the other companions she travels with not just Inuyasha. She gave just enough information to tell of what Naraku has done to each and that if he wished to know more to ask them himself for it was their story to tell if they wished to or not. He respected that and was curious of her other companions who waited at the village they were currently traveling back to. Looking at Sango now so strong and confident though knowing her and having always had eyes for her he could see the tragedy that lay behind her eyes. The sadness and pain that would appear when she thought that no one was looking. Still despite that, she smiled and held her head up for those around her. She had always had such strength even when they were children. He never had to hold back when they sparred, and she never won against him, not even once.
"Hey we're coming upon the village. I don't know why, but it smells like Shiori is here." Isamu looked confused at Inuyasha not knowing who Shiori is. He figured it was a friend of theirs from somewhere else and probably not close by if it was so unusual as to make a comment about it.
"Really I wonder why she's here." Inuyasha shrugged at that.
"Don't know, lets go find out." Inuyasha quickened his pace and heard that the other two had as well. It didn't take long to enter the village. He walked straight towards Kaede's hut and upon arriving with the other two behind him he encountered the same dusty old smell that made his nose twitch. Kaede was quietly grinding some herbs that made the smell in the room grow.
"Hello Inuyasha. I take it this is the first ye have come since arriving in the village?" Kaede gently set aside the herbs as she directed her full attention on the small group.
"Yeah, thought I'd stop by. Though why is only your scent here? Where are the others?"
"That would be because they are in the hut down the way. The villagers had constructed one for ye and your group to make things easier and that ye would have a place while the group are here." Inuyasha tilted his head at that.
"Did they now, huh." Inuyasha looked confused for a moment before he shrugged it off. Sango had a huge smile and thanked Kaede. Inuyasha walked out of the hut as Sango began to introduce Isamu to Kaede. Now walking alone, he made his way towards the scents of the others. It didn't take him long to find the place and the first thing that he discovered was Kagome reading a text book with Shiori and Shippo off to the side coloring and comparing each other's drawings. Upon his entrance Kagome looked up with both surprise and what he thought might have been unease?
'What the hell is up with her?' Kagome on the other hand was not quite prepared for the talk she knew that she needed to have with Inuyasha concerning her studies.
'Then again when are these sorts of talks with him ever so simple.'
"Hey Shiori, Shippo, how about the two of you go find Miroku and tell him the others have arrived. That and maybe find some flowers or something to help brighten the place up huh?" Shippo looked towards Inuyasha and Kagome before it clicked what Kagome was asking him. Not wanting to stick around to hear the argument about to take place he grabbed a hold of Shiori's hand and got out of the hut as quickly as possible while trying to explain to the taller Shiori that the two would need space. Inuyasha watched the two with a raised eyebrow and turned his gaze towards Kagome after the two of them were gone.
"Ok what the heck was that all about and why is Shiori even here?" Kagome sighed and put her book away.
"There is a lot to talk to you about and Shippo knows you're not going to be very happy about it. He doesn't want to be around for that and I don't blame him; after all you can be a bit violent with him." Inuyasha huffed and took a seat across from her sitting against the wall with his sword in his lap.
"The little brat needs to man up. I'm just trying to prepare him for what's out there. Anyway this wasn't what you wanted to talk about so how about you spill whatever it is so we can get past it." Kagome nodded her ascent with slight reluctance as she knew this was going to be difficult.
"Ok I'm going to say it in one go so no interruptions ok?" After seeing him roll his eyes at her she crossed her arms in irritation.
"Ok?" Inuyasha crossed his arms in front of him not liking where this conversation was starting out.
"Yeah yeah whatever just say whatever it is already." Kagome nodded.
"To make a long story short I found a way to speed up my progress in school. I want to stress that this is very important to me and that back in my time this is a very important milestone that shapes our future there. While I am doing that I cannot go traveling and need to stay here. I believe that it would take about a months' time, but once this is all over I don't have to worry about having to go back. That way I can really focus and travel further when I'm here. I have thought about this a lot especially over the last week. I just really need you to be able to support me in this." After she finished there was nothing, but silence. Hesitantly she lifted her head, not remembering when she began to look down, to see Inuyasha looking at her intently.
"So when this school is done do you plan on staying here then?" Kagome stared at him in surprise, noting how serious he was and how calm. Puzzled by his reaction she couldn't help, but to stare.
"I know I plan to help with the defeat of Naraku and to restore the jewel. After that I'm not sure what my plans are. There are just too many unknown variables to be able to make a choice let alone a plan." Inuyasha took this in, all the while with Kagome staring at him, waiting for him to lose his composure. In the end he sighed and adjusted his spot against the wall.
"Ok then, just hurry it up so you can get back to helping us." Silence took place as Kagome's jaw practically hit the floor causing Inuyasha to raise a brow at her reaction.
"That's it? You're not gonna yell? Or argue how I can't stay away that long? Try to stop me? Nothing?" Inuyasha rolled his eyes at her.
"No, I'm not. I can tell that this has been eating at you to just try and tell me this. I thought that we have gotten past this. I may not always like the decisions you make, but as your friend I am here for you. If this is something you need to do then do it, but do so quickly because we all need you here."
"Thanks Inuyasha you have no idea just how much I was dreading on telling you, but hearing you say that you'll support me in this is just what I needed. Thank you Inuyasha." Kagome was so moved by his words she couldn't wipe the smile from her face. Inuyasha at this point was beginning to feel uncomfortable by the expression on Kagome's face and began to fidget slightly while looking out the window.
"Sure, whatever, anyway why is Shiori here and where's her mom? That's a long way to have made that kind of trip alone." Inuyasha watched as Kagome's smile began to turn down into a more somber expression.
"We really don't know. Miroku, Shippo, and I stumbled upon her as we were coming back from the well. Which as it turns out as long as you hold on to a piece of the tama, plus myself you can travel through to my side of the well. We haven't tested if it is only the jewel that is necessary though. Which as I told Miroku before has me very anxious if that's true. It was then that we found Shiori completely bloodied and travel worn. She had been attacked by what sounds like Hakudoshi. He was looking for something or someone there, but by the sound of it did not get what he was looking for. It is a good thing that Shiori made it here. Sadly her mother didn't." Inuyasha contemplated Kagome's words very carefully. It was very unsettling to know that about the well. He will have to keep a better watch on that in the future. Still it might also be a slight blessing. After all her time was far safer in terms of demons then it was here in this time. Then there was that bit about Hakudoshi.
"Seems like quite a bit happened to you too huh?" By the confused expression on Kagome's face he elaborated.
"Sango and I found a survivor of the slayer village massacre. Turns out this Isamu guy lost his memories until recently. We heard about him on the road though found him once we arrived at her village. By the look of it they've known each other a long time. Still I'm going to keep my eyes on him for a while until I know for sure he's the real deal. Right now they're talking to Kaede." Kagome was shocked to hear there was another survivor. Like Inuyasha she was skeptical, but also really happy for Sango.
"Now though we have to go after Hakudoshi. He's the only lead we have had on Naraku in a long time. I believe that you and the kids should go to your place and work on your studies where the lot of you will be safe while the others and I go look into what Hakudoshi is up to." Seeing the look of indecision on Kagome's face he continued.
"If we find out anything solid about Naraku we'll come back for you ok?"
"Yeah ok." A comfortable silence stretched between the two. Inuyasha began to rummage through Kagome's bag until he found a bag of potato chips and began to munch on them all while contemplating all that he learned from Kagome. Kagome was also thinking of Isamu and what the repercussions could mean if he wasn't who he says he is or perhaps even a trap set up by Naraku. After all it wouldn't be a first time that he's used someone Sango loves against her. Then that leaves what their relationship before the tragedy and what it could be now. Kagome was preparing a meal already having some ingredients that were gathered earlier on in the day. It was then that everyone began showing up one right after another. First it was Miroku with Shippo and Shiori, and then followed up by Sango and Isamu. Sango had immediately begun to introduce Isamu to the group who seemed to be at ease at Sango's side. He did not say much simply content to be a part of the group. Kagome gave Inuyasha a glance at one point towards Isamu and nodded in response. He got up and asked Isamu if he could help with gathering some firewood for the place since they were running low. It was once he was out of hearing range did Kagome explain to Sango about the well and Hakudoshi. She also explained to both her and Miroku what Inuyasha's plans were. Sango looked troubled as she took the news in and watched how subdued Shiori was when her part was told.
"We will have to be very careful about the well from now on. Who knows what horrors could be unleashed from this side into yours with this sort of knowledge." Kagome bit her lip not wanting to say it, but also knowing that it needed to be said.
"I agree with that which is why until I know for sure I can't trust him with this. I really don't want Isamu to know. Not yet at least." Sango nodded her consent.
"I understand. I am hoping that all is as it seems, but that has never been my luck. I want to believe that my childhood best friend is back and that I can trust him, but how could I with all that has happened with Kohaku alone? I am just really grateful that I have you all here to support me and to watch out for me." Miroku sensing the melancholy mood of the room sat between the two women and with both hands placed them on the young woman's backside and tenderly massaging the area.
"Now now no need to worry yourselves. I'm sure that everything will work just fine in the end." A vein seemed to appear on Sango's temple as she brought forth her hand to slap the monk leaving a massive hand print on his cheek and knocking him down; while Kagome anticipating Sango's reaction took pity on the poor monk and took the hand that was still somehow placed on her own back side to place it upon his chest. Miroku simply laid there seeing stars above his head. Sango got up and headed out of the hut, but not before chuckling at the monk and his predicament on the floor. Kagome gave her a smile and a small wave with the other hand still unknowingly holding Miroku's to his chest.
"You know I really do believe you are a slight masochist." Already his free hand had found her backside once more and she chuckled with a sweat drop and with her free hand grasped his and now had both of his hands on his chest pinning them there; not trusting them to be left to their own devises.
"If I wasn't so worried that you might both enjoy it and lose even more brain cells then you have left, I might have to start smacking you too. That or maybe get you a pair of beads to match Inuyasha's." Miroku's eyes shot open to stare at Kagome in both shock and horror.
"You wouldn't?" There was uncertainty in Miroku's voice as he stared up at Kagome who was still leaning over him. Kagome chuckled and released his hands with a wink.
"Nah, but you should have seen the look on your face." Miroku sat up with relief and slight disappointment. He chuckled as he saw Kagome laughing to herself or more like laughing at him. It was then that both of them who completely forgot that both Shippo and Shiori were still in the room with them turned their heads at their laughter. When Kagome looked at the two they were hard at work with crayons in their hands.
"and done." Shippo held up his piece of paper proudly as Kagome flushed seeing a cat version of herself pinning the hands a fox like version of Miroku with a far closer proximity than what she recalled as having happened; right? Their faces were so close… Shippo was laughing at her expression.
"It did look like you were gonna kiss him for a second there." Shippo the ever mischievous little fox kit couldn't help, but to tease them especially when they make it so easy. Shiori having finished hers held it up for Kagome who saw that it was a picture with Miroku's dreamy expression and Sango's bright red hand print on the side of his face.
"You know Shippo this is very good. Do you mind if I keep this one?" Shippo smiled brightly loving how his art was being appreciated and handed it to Miroku proudly, but not before signing the bottom as Kagome taught him. Shiori hesitantly held hers up to Kagome who smiled encouragingly at her.
"I love it Shiori, just don't forget to sign it." Shiori quickly grabbed a purple crayon before signing her name on the bottom and handing it back to Kagome. Shiori really was a good artist. She caught his expression perfectly. Walking over to her bag she placed it in the bindings of one of her books to keep it safe. From the corner of her eye she saw Miroku roll the piece of paper and tie it with what looked like string before placing it in what must have been a pocket of some sort on the inside of his robes.
"So when are we gonna go to your place Kagome?" Kagome was about to answer Shippo's question, but Inuyasha who happened to walk in beat her to it.
"Right now. Isamu is being distracted by Sango now. We bumped into her on our way back. Figured this would be a good time as any to slip away quietly. Monk you should stay here and head them off if they come this way." Kagome nodded and with Miroku's help she was able to pack her things up in her new bag rather quickly. After she smiled at Miroku and gave him a quick hug causing Inuyasha to raise an eyebrow at the odd gesture.
"Thanks Miroku and try and survive the journey back, you know between your masochistic ways and the dark clouds I'm sure you'll see in your future."
"When am I anything, but careful my dear Kagome?" Kagome put a finger to the side of her chin as she pretended to ponder the question.
"How about when any beautiful woman is involved." Miroku laughed.
"Touché." Kagome shook her head.
"Just make sure she doesn't have sharp teeth or claws first." Miroku scratched the back of his head with a chuckle.
"I'll try and good luck with your tests. Tell Akira and Naomi that I say hello." Kagome smiled and nodded while Inuyasha rolled his eyes.
"Its not like you're not going to see each other again. Besides I'm here so the stupid monk will be fine. Besides when have the two of you been all chummy?" Kagome tilted her head to the side.
"What do you mean? I thought we always acted like this? He flirts with all the girls. Unless you're asking about me? If so I don't see any harm in light flirting amongst friends." Inuyasha quirked a brow.
"You don't act like that with me?" Kagome burst out laughing at this point.
"You flirt? That's a good one. If you ever did I don't think I'd believe it. It's just not who you are and that's not a bad thing. Besides we have a different understanding between us. You're my best friend and after me having loved you romantically at one point it'd just be weird. Then again maybe one day you'll find the right girl that brings that out in you. Gotta say that would be a very interesting kind of day." Kagome had Inuyasha look away feeling happy that she called him her best friend and also embarrassed that she said she loved him the way she did or perhaps it was the thought of some girl causing him to flirt. He could see that ending horribly in so many ways. Quickly he shook his head to rid the thought and stepped outside. Kagome laughed at his back as she turned back towards Miroku.
"Well this is goodbye for now it seems." Miroku quickly closed the distance and grabbed both of her hands in his before lifting them to his lips where he placed a soft kiss on the back of one of hers.
"If this is light flirting what would you consider heavy flirting?" Miroku said this with a wiggle of the eyebrows. Kagome laughed and took her hands out of his as she bent down to pick up Shippo who was only silently watching the whole exchange.
"Not sure, but I think that's dating." Kagome held out her hand for Shiori to take and Miroku watched the three of them leave. Kagome smiled as she met up with Inuyasha by the well. He shook his head as he watched the three jump inside the well following directly behind them. Kagome had spoken with Shiori about what she would encounter when on this side of the well and how important it was that she not speak to anyone other than her family about demons or time travel. She had also stressed the point not to tell anyone back in the feudal era about the well either. It was a lot for Shiori to take in, but she understood. When the four exited the well they made it straight to the house. Inuyasha walked behind them marveling at the fact that both Shiori and Shippo were there as well. It is one thing to be told and another to witness as the saying goes.
"Hey everyone I'm home and I have Inuyasha here too." Souta was the first to round the corner at the mention of Inuyasha.
"Hey sis. Mom is prepping dinner at the moment and gramps went to go see a friend of his for a couple days." Souta had both hands locked behind his head giving off a more laid back disposition.
"Hey Souta, you of course know Inuyasha and Shippo however, this here is Shiori. She went through a hard time recently so be nice ok?" Souta tilted to the side not knowing who it was that she was talking about until he saw the silver white of Shiori's hair that was hiding behind Kagome. In comparison Shiori was about a head shorter than Souta was. The moment his eyes met hers a small blush crept up on his cheeks. To avoid getting caught staring he laughed it off and went over and held out a hand for her to shake.
"Hi its nice to meet you Shiori, I'm Souta." Hesitantly Shiori stepped out from behind Kagome and reached out to shake Souta's hand. Souta smiled and held the small hand in his own.
"Come on you got to meet my mom." Before getting a response from Shiori, Souta proceeded to drag a startled Shiori into the kitchen after him. Kagome smiled at the exchange before shaking her head and setting Shippo down who ran after the two knowing how Riza would give him a snack or treat if he asked her.
"Well it seems you're gonna have a handful keeping up with all of them plus your own work." Kagome groaned knowing just how true that statement really was.
"Hey seriously be careful while you're over there ok. No daring heroics like storming Naraku's castle without me ok?" Inuyasha nodded.
"Yeah yeah wouldn't want to kill the bastard without ya; wouldn't feel like a complete victory if you weren't there." Kagome smiled as she began to walk Inuyasha out. However, as the two made it outside she was surprised to see Naomi making it to the top of the steps of the shrine and waving at them. Her mind blanked trying to come up with a solution to hide Inuyasha's ears as she saw her run the last few feet separating them. Inuyasha not paying any attention to Kagome's mini panic attack just stared as a strange girl he'd never seen before run over out of no where towards them. Judging by her response he figured that she was one of Kagome's friends. Already knowing how Kagome would freak he took out a red bandana out from the inside of his robe and secured it around his head to hide his ears from view. It was terribly uncomfortable, and he hated to where the damn thing like that, but he did it anyway and just in time before Naomi saw.
"Hey Kagome I was in the area and thought that maybe we could practice archery before I have to go home. If not that's cool we can always do it a different time. By the way my name is Naomi, what's yours?" The last bit was directed at Inuyasha. Kagome seeing the bandana on Inuyasha brought her back to reality and was never more grateful that he had kept one on his person.
"Hey Naomi yeah that sounds like fun. This is Inuyasha. He was just visiting and heading back home when you showed up." Naomi smile turned into a playful pout.
"Does he have to? Maybe stay just a bit longer?" Kagome turned to Inuyasha who shrugged. Its not like he could just waltz into the well house with her watching him now.
"I guess I can stay a little while." Naomi gave a little shout and sported a little victory pose. Afterwards she laughed at her own antics and began to lead the two towards the archery range.
"You know I have to say this. I absolutely love your hair. The color combined with how shiny and silky it looks. I'm absolutely jealous and let me guess you don't do a damn thing to keep it that way huh?" Inuyasha shrugged.
"No not really. How much do you really need to do to it?" Naomi laughed.
"Typical guy response. Girls kill to have hair like that. Ok maybe not kill, but they sure do spend a lot of time and money." Once the three came upon the range Inuyasha leaned up against one of the trees with his arms crossed and a single leg propped up.
"Sounds like a waste to me." Naomi shrugged and began to pick up one of the bows and securing arrows to her back.
"To some it does, but having a makeover done to change ones' hair and maybe some make up really can lighten anothers mood. Sometimes when someone can't fix or change a problem in their life they turn to one of the things they can. Do you know what I mean?" Naomi took the time that Inuyasha was contemplating to fire off a couple shots at the targets that were placed. Once hitting her mark she turned to give Inuyasha a thumbs up and to step aside so that Kagome could take her own shots and compare.
"Yeah people deal with things differently that's for sure. Still you're not about to see me doing anything like that just because I'm having a hard day." Naomi chuckled at that.
"Not that you need to." Kagome watched the exchange with a smile. Naomi really was an easy going girl and very likable. They spent their time shooting arrows until the sun started to set.
"Well looks like I better be heading off or Akira would get worried. Thanks for practicing with me Kagome and it was nice to meet you Inuyasha. We should all hang out some time, maybe go to the park or a movie or something." Inuyasha watched her leave before turning towards Kagome.
"I better get going before anything else happens. By the way looks like you've become a better shot. Didn't know you were practicing here." Kagome smiled.
"Thanks and yeah this is new. Naomi was the one to bring it from winning an archery contest apparently, but yeah you're right if you don't leave now who knows what can happen. Maybe my brother will come down and beg to go with you." Inuyasha paled at that.
"Yeah I'm off." Inuyasha made for the well, but not before waving goodbye to Kagome who smiled fondly in return. After she began to make her way back to the house. Inuyasha quickly jumped through the well and out of it to return to his side of the well. When he landed on the lush grass of the feudal era he was surprised to see Isamu walk into the clearing. Where were Sango and Miroku? Hell, even Kirara at this point? And here of all places. It didn't add up.
"Hey where are the others?" Inuyasha was surprised to see Isamu look rather embarrassed.
"Well I was supposed to go gather some more water, but I got lost and was too embarrassed to go back empty handed. I happened to see this well here and hoped that it had water and then you just jumped out of it. Why was that?" Inuyasha thinking fast made up an excuse.
"I just dropped something and went to go get it." Inuyasha held out the bandana that he used just a moment ago.
"Kagome will get irritated if she has to go get another one for me." Isamu nodded at that.
"I see then could you help me towards where I can get water. I really don't want to go back empty handed especially after looking for as long as I have." Inuyasha still a little suspicious began to lead Isamu towards the river not far from them. Isamu stared blankly at the well a moment before he snapped too and began to follow Inuyasha out of the clearing.
JennyTheWhiteWolf: Hey I hoped that you all enjoyed the chapter and that you tell me what you think. Reviews help out a lot and I would love to hear from you :)
