Rating - PG-13 (although may change at a later date to R...I don't know yet for.) for Inuyasha language (geeze, go figure) Fighting (now that is unusual for Inuyasha right?) and all that other stuffs.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and company...but I keep searching for him on E-bay. Maybe one day I will get lucky! (Geeze, I may just have to settle for an Inuyasha stuffed animal. :'( )
Like I said, tis my first time, so be gentle, that doesn't mean go easy, but it does mean, be sure to explain something if you don't like it. Don't just flame… explain! But don't forget to let me know if I am doing something right. :P
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Whispers of a Well and The Fate of Them All
Chapter Six ~ The Era of Change
After jumping out of the well, Miroku sets his staff by the other's weapons and they go join the others who have gathered outside the well house. Kagome, after collecting back all the shards, is giving a small tour of the grounds before taking them inside. They all can't get over the sights and sounds they hear, let alone the size of Kagome's home. "Actually we are lucky that we live here at the shrine. We have land and trees, most don't have that, and they live in homes that are stacked on top of each other."
"The shrine is quite impressive child, and I see the God Tree is also here at the shrine," states Kaede.
"Hai, I don't know how many times I had seen it here and just though of it as a large tree before I came to your time," Kagome smiles. "Although my grandfather was always trying to tell me of its history. Well, lets go in and introduce you to my family." With that she takes the group inside.
As soon as Kagome walks in the door she is tackled by Shippou, "Hey you all made it! Everyone is in the living room."
Everyone follows Kagome as they walk into the living room. Mrs. Higurashi looks up from the television as they enter, and stands up. "Welcome everyone. I see you all made it through the well. That is wonderful."
Souta, and Grandpa both stand up as well after turning of the T.V. Kagome starts the introductions. "Well, let me introduce everyone." Walking up to her mother she says, "This is my mother Mrs. Higurashi. My Grandpa, Mr. Higurashi, and my younger brother Souta."
Each give a small bow as introduced.
Kagome then proceeds walking over to Kaede, "This is Kaede-baachan. Sango-san with Kirara, and Miroku-sama."
Myouga (being the flea he is) jumps over to Mrs. Higurashi's cheek and starts sucking. Mrs. Higurashi smacks her cheek and the flattened flea flutters down to the ground. Kagome states with her eyes rolling, "And that is Myouga-jichan."
"It is an honor to meet you all," states the monk who bows deeply.
Sango in turn bows, "I am honored as well to meet the family of the one I call sister."
Mrs. Higurashi says, "Please come in and sit. It is great to finally meet you all face to face. We have heard so much about you all. I hope you will make yourselves at home here. Would anyone care for something to drink? Tea, coffee, or some soda?"
Kaede after sitting down on the couch replies, "Hai, tea would be fine." The others make their request as they go to sit.
"Alright, Kagome can help me get the drinks," smiles Mrs. Higurashi.
"May I be of some assistance?" asks Sango.
"Sure Sango, come on, I will show you the kitchen," replies Kagome.
With that the Mrs. Higurashi, Kagome with Shippou on her shoulder, and Sango with Kirara in her arms, go into the kitchen.
Souta then asks everyone, "What's it like in the feudal era? Do you guys fight a lot of evil demons?"
Miroku smiles, "Well, we certainly have fought our far share of them."
Souta looks at him and asks, "You have the curse in your hand, ni? I am sure you will kill that evil jerk before to long. My sister says it sucks up everything around. That is a handy attack. To bad it is a curse." He smiles as he adds the last of it with the fascination of one so young.
The ladies return with trays with everyone's drinks. Handing everyone their drinks they then sit down. Mama turns to look at Kaede and says, "I must thank you for taking such good care of my daughter after she fell through the well, and guiding her."
Kaede replies, "Kagome's presence in our time was a shock. The villages thought she was either youkai or spy. After the battle with the centipede I realized her purpose. I consider her something akin to family, like the rest of the group."
Shippou pipes in, "Like Inuyasha said, we are the world's most messed up pack!" And with that he falls down on the ground and starts laughing. Which causes Souta to giggle too.
Grandfather watching this all asks, "What exactly is this pack in which you speak?"
Myouga who had taken his spot on Inuyasha explains. "Well, since Inuyasha is a Inu Youkai, they think in terms of packs as a group banded together for a common goal. In this case the hunt for Naraku and the Shikon no Tama shards. Inuyasha-sama and Lady Kagome brought this group together so they are considered pack leaders. I think Inuyasha-sama's father would be quite pleased with his youngest sons choice in pack members."
"Feh, I didn't have a choice, Kaede-baba bound to Kagome with these beads, Shippou just followed us, Kagome asked Miroku and Sango to come with us in our hunt for Naraku."
"Even so Inuyasha-sama, you have a very strong pack none the less," replied the flea.
Kagome noticing Inuyasha's discomfort looks over at her mother and smiles. "Mama, how about we take everyone out for ice-cream. We can find everyone some clothes and then that way they can see more of my time."
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, dear. How does that sound to you all?"
Everyone nods in agreement, eager to see more of Kagome's time.
"I think Miroku can use some of father's old clothes. Inuyasha why don't you take him up to the guest room and help him select something. I will take Sango up to my room and find her something. Mama, can you help Kaede-baachan find some clothes? Shippou is already dressed so that won't be a problem. Alright, lets go get ready." With that she grabs Sango's arm and heads up to her room.
Sango looking around her bedroom sits on her bed. "This is where you sleep? It is very soft."
"Hai, this is the one thing I wish I could bring with me back to your time." she says with a giggle.
"I can see why," she says as she lies back on the bed.
After some looking around, Kagome decides to give Sango a pink sundress and a matching pink ribbon to tie back her hair. Finding her matching sandals for the outfit she gives them to Sango. She shows her how to put everything on and then leaves the room. She hears the others shuffling around getting dressed and then walks downstairs. Picking up all the cups she takes them into the kitchen and puts them into the sink. Going back upstairs she knocks on her bedroom door. "Everything ok in there?"
"Hai, almost ready."
Walking back downstairs she washes out the cups waiting for everyone to finish. Turning around she sees Inuyasha back in the outfit he was wearing earlier that day. "The Bouzu is almost ready, and should be down shortly."
"Sango said she was almost…"
Suddenly there is a voice upstairs, "Henti!" and a loud smack.
Laughing Kagome says, "Correction, I guess they are finished. Lets go check for damages."
"Feh, lecherous bouzu. You would think he would have learned not to do that by now."
"I think he does it because he likes her," she winks. And with that they head upstairs.
Sango meets them at the stairs. Giggling Kagome says, "I take it Miroku-sama liked your outfit."
Sango blushes, "Well he could have just said so, he didn't have to show me too." Then scowls.
Kaede and Mrs. Higurashi come to the stairs. "Well, I think he got the message now," laughs Mrs. Higurashi. With that the ladies head towards the front door, leaving the hanyou to collect the monk up off the floor.
"Since it is summer time you all can get away with wearing your shoes. Where are Kirara and Myouga?" Kagome asks.
"I think they might be outside with Shippou and Souta," replies her grandfather who comes to the front door.
Grabbing Sango's arm she replies, "Ok, we will go get them, and meet you by the steps of the shrine."
Walking outside and walking towards the God Tree where she hears the kids playing she says, "So what do you think?"
Sango looks over at the girl puzzled, "what do I think of what?"
Smiling shyly, "about how the guys are dressed?"
"The clothing is interesting to say the least," Sango replies.
"I picked out that shirt for Inuyasha when we went shopping the other day. I have to admit, I like him better in form fitting clothes then the red outfit he wears," blushing.
"Hai, I can see your point. Miroku-sama isn't to bad on the eye in his new clothes either. But he looses his charm with his actions."
Laughing at this Kagome can't help but agree. "You know, just between me and you, I think the guys are too good looking, we will have to be careful about the other girls in my time. The two guys would be considered a very good catch." She winks at her sister. "Three of my friends from school have already met Inuyasha and were practically drooling. Thank goodness we had his ears covered or else they would have been all over him trying to rub them." Which made Sango gasp and Kagome laugh. "In my time people don't fear demons, least ones who is eating ice-cream with their friend.
"I have to wonder if there are any demons in your time if they wouldn't know one by just looking at him," Sango states.
"Well, actually, it would be simple enough to explain his looks here. I think youkai and hanyou are here in my time. But they are either not evil or the general public just doesn't know about them."
"How different your time is."
"Hai, but in a way, that is good. It means that both races learned to live together peacefully."
"I guess so." Sango replies as they get to the God Tree.
Kagome calls to the boys, "Come on, the others are ready to go. Let's go get some ice-cream."
"YEAH!" cry both boys as Shippou jumps into Kagome's arms and Kirara jumps up into Sango's arms.
"Myouga are you here?" asks the Miko.
"Hai, my lady."
"Ok, just checking. No jumping onto anyone while we are out. Stay on Kirara or Inuyasha if you wish. I don't know how to explain you to someone in my time."
"I shall ride with Inuyasha-sama so I may be able to see more," replies the flea.
And with that they go back to meet up with the rest of the group by the shrine steps.
Myouga jumps up to his normal spot on Inuyasha, and they head out. Sango suddenly asks Kagome, "What about Kirara's extra tail?"
"Just so long as she doesn't change into her larger self, people will just think she is a normal cat with an extra tail," Kagome says while looking over at the cat.
Shippou jumps down and joins Souta in front. Mrs. Higurashi and Kaede, dressed in a skirt and simple white blouse, walk after them, as she answers any questions the older Miko may have.
Miroku, Sango, Inuyasha and Kagome walk together. Miroku, dressed in a plain black collar shirt with long sleeves to hid his arm being bound in beads and black slacks, can't keep from looking at all the girls in their outfits. He has seen Kagome's clothes and realizes that it is a common thing for girls to show as much leg as they do. 'There is a definite bonus to living in this time.' he thinks.
Kagome on the other hand can't help but notice where his eyes are and says, "Don't you dare ask any of them to bare you a heir. I don't think I could explain to the police that you are from the past and that is your normal self."
"Why Lady Kagome I would dream of it. Who are these 'po-lice' that you speak of?"
"They are the peace keepers here. They enforce the laws and keep the area safe."
"Ah, I see," he replies simply.
Myouga notices cars driving down the street and asks, "Lady Kagome, what are those carriages and where are the horses?"
"They are called automobiles, or cars. The larger ones are called trucks. There are no horses pulling them. They are moved by something called an engine, but the engine power is called horsepower because of the fact that horses where once used. The engine is hard to explain as how it works. If you look up you can see a plane flying overhead. An engine powers it but the engine is much, much larger. They are used to transport many people over long distances in a much shorter time."
"People can fly in the air?" ask an astonished Sango.
"Hai, we have been doing so for many years now. We even have the ability to travel to the moon. But only a select few have actually done so. They have trained to explore space and the moon."
"Truly amazing indeed," replies the monk.
Laughing Kagome says, "Remind me to take you to a sci-fi movie one of these days."
"Feh, what is a 'mo-vie'?" Inuyasha asks looking at her.
"A movie is like our T.V. only much bigger. Many people sit down in a theater and watch the screen as the movie plays. It is considered great entertainment."
"Dear, I had an idea." Mrs. Higurashi looking back at them continues. "Your friends called while you where getting your friends. They wanted to know if you could go to the movies with them tonight. How about after dinner you younger ones go so your girlfriends can get to know your friends. I am sure Kaede-sama and I can keep ourselves occupied." Looking over at the older Miko who nods. "Besides, from what I hear, you don't know when you will be able to relax again, so you might as well enjoy what little time you have."
"Would you all like to see a movie tonight before we go back?" Kagome asks everyone?
The group nods yes, and Souta replies, "Ugh, I think I will stay home and play on my computer. I know better to get involved with those girls."
Shippou comes over and jumps into Kagome's arms, "Can I stay with Souta? I like playing on his computer."
Nodding yes, "Hai, Shippou-chan dear, you certainly can. I am glad you and Souta are getting along so well. I know it can't be easy for you traveling around without anyone your own age."
"That is ok, I like being with you. Inuyasha is boring and doesn't like to play when you are gone. But Kirara and I play a lot, she is a lot of fun to play with."
"Well, I am glad," she says while giving him a big hug.
"Feh, I am not boring. You are just annoying." Inuyasha states while glaring down at the kitsune snuggled in Kagome's arms.
Sticking out his tongue at the hanyou, "Hai, you are. And you are mean to me. Kagome is nice to me. She likes me better."
Twitching his eyebrow, "No, she just feels sorry for you, runt."
Laughing Kagome decides to stop them before Inuyasha forgets his promise to not bopping the little guy. "Ok, enough you two. The way you are acting you would think you where actually brothers. You two sound like me and Souta sometimes, geeze."
"Feh, like I would want to be related to that twerp." Grumbling the hanyou crosses his arms and looking away.
"Same goes for me dog boy!" Shippou too crosses his arms and looks the other way.
The others of course notice this and start laughing. "You two are just too much!" Kagome starts laughing even harder and hugs the little one.
"Feh!" Looking back at Kagome wondering what she meant by that and notices the poise the similar poise the kitsune has taken he blushes, looks away, and uncrosses his arms.
With that they come to the ice-cream shop and enter. After getting a chocolate cone for Shippou, Souta, and Inuyasha. A strawberry cone for Sango and Kagome, a dish of vanilla for Kirara (with a spoon), and a vanilla cone for the rest, they go and sit down.
Souta and Inuyasha start on their cones right away. Sango, Shippou, Miroku, and Kaede watch the others eat theirs and taste theirs. Kagome takes a spoonful of Kirara's and puts it in a little bowl with a little spoon (that Mrs. Higurashi brought from her old china doll set), and sets it down for Myouga.
"It was a good idea to bring that Mama."
"Hai, I thought so. I am just glad that it is the right size for you Myouga. At least I know I will have a full service for you for dinner."
"My thanks to you Mrs. Higurashi-sama." Replies the flea as he digs into his ice cream.
"This is simply incredible. What is it exactly?" asks Miroku.
"Frozen milk with sugar and other ingredients to make the flavor you want." Mrs. Higurashi states. "It is quite a big hit with people in our time. Especially during the summer months."
"I can see why," he replies.
"I am glad you like it. My father isn't too fond of ice cream though. That is why he stayed home. Besides, he had to watch over the shrine incase anyone stopped by."
After some more small talk everyone finishes their ice cream and head back out to return to the shrine. Walking past a man dressed in a business suit the older Miko, Monk, and demons give him a sharp look. With a smile and a nod the man continues walking passed them.
"What was that about?" asks Kagome's mother.
"Did ye not notice he was a youkai?" Kaede replies.
"He was? How can you tell?"
"His energy was defiantly that of a youkai. But none of it was evil."
"But he looked human to me," Mrs. Higurashi says with a puzzled look on her face.
"Hai, he did. I believe maybe the youkai here learned how to hide their demon form like Shippou does with his tail. In order to fit in," answered the monk.
"That explains it then," Kagome with a relieved look.
Kaede looks over at her and asks, "Explains what child?"
Kagome looks over at her, "I have had really odd feelings about people when I pass by them. Even more so after I had started going back in time. They felt like youkai or hanyou, but they didn't look like them. I always thought it was odd, now I understand. It is a relief actually. I thought I was going insane for a while."
Inuyasha looking at her, "How often do you feel like that?"
"Actually a lot. I have a couple of teachers who are, and quite a few students. Now I feel better. I don't mind going to school with them, I just didn't like the feeling and not being able to understand why. Now that I know it will be easier," she said with a smile.
'Demon children with human children, tis truly a different time indeed,' thinks the older Miko.
Laughing suddenly Kagome quickly apologizes. "Sorry, I just realized why my history teacher has been pestering me about my 'sickness' as of late. I guess since he is a youkai he knew I wasn't sick."
Mrs. Higurashi looks at her daughter, "Perhaps I can help with that dear. I can tell him you are going through Miko training and that it takes you out of school, and also ask him to keep it quite since Miko's aren't trained as often as they once where. I am sure I can convince him to inform the other youkai what is going on and to keep the 'secrete' as well. I think if your energy has increased, that would be a good cover story."
"Hai, thanks mama."
"No problem dear. If anyone has any problems afterwards, please let me know. I will try to take care of it as soon as possible."
"I will mama."
Everyone walks up the steps and enter the house. Mrs. Higurashi looks at everyone; "I think it would be better if everyone remained in his or her clothes right now, until it is time to go. Just incase someone stops by. It will be easier that way."
They all nod, and proceed into the living room with her.
Kagome on the other hand heads to the phone with Inuyasha behind her. "I am going to call the girls and tell them I am inviting friends with us to the movies," she gives him a wink.
"Feh" he walks into the kitchen to get a soda, but only as an excuse to listen in on the conversation on the phone. He found out earlier that he could hear both the person speaking and the one on the other end.
Dialing Yura's number she gets her friend on the phone.
"Oi, girl. Ok, spill it. Who is he, and where on earth did you find him?"
Laughing she replies, "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."
"Try me!" come the answer from the phone.
Deciding on something close to the truth she continues, "About a year ago I went for a walk in a forest, and I got lost. I found him leaning up against a tree. Granted our first meeting was anything but pleasant. He didn't like me to much."
Listening in the hanyou had to smirk, 'If wanting to kill someone is considered not liking someone to much then I would have to agree.'
"So how did you end up eating ice cream at the mall?"
"Well, after spending time together we became good friends."
"So I guess he is the one you where talking about earlier when we where trying to hook you up with Hojo? The selfish, baka I believe you called him."
"That was a long time ago, and yes, it was. Something was going on, and he didn't want me to come home. He didn't think tests where more important then what we where doing. He still doesn't."
'Damn straight I don't' he frowns.
"What was going on? What could be more important then tests? Is this why you are missing school so much?"
"I will tell you this, but you MUST keep it to yourself. Do you promise?"
"Hai"
"Ok, well the truth of the fact is no, I have not been sick. I have been going through Miko training. It is very important because I was born with Miko abilities and need to be able to control them so people don't get hurt." 'Mama idea about training is a good one. It is close to the truth.'
"A Miko! I didn't think there where any around anymore!" Yura gasps.
"Hai, there are a few around. My family thought it would be better to tell people I was sick so they wouldn't be afraid of me."
"Ah, I see. Well, don't you think you could of at least told your best friend?"
"Well, I wanted to wait until I was ready. I didn't think you would mind, but I was afraid of others thinking I was something they should shun. You know how people treat those they think as odd. Besides, not only that, but the friends of those they consider odd are also treated differently, and I didn't want you all to go through it."
"Well, I don't care what others think. You're my friend and that is all that matters. I am glad you told me though."
"Hai, I am glad I told you too. It feels better to know I can talk to someone about it here. Normally I just have my family that I can talk to about it. Or the friends I train with. Speaking of which, they have come by for a visit with my family. I head you asked to go to the movies tonight. Well, I was wondering if I could bring Inuyasha, Miroku, and Sango."
"Sure, the more the merrier I always say. I would love to meet your friends."
"Thanks, by the way, just to let you know. Miroku is already taken so don't get any idea. Well, he isn't actually truly spoken for. Sango hasn't admitted her feelings for him, but I know she likes him. Miroku on the other hand likes her but won't admit to it either."
"Ah, sounds interesting."
"Actually it is quite interesting to watch." Kagome giggles.
"So, have you admitted your feelings to Inuyasha yet?"
She gasps, "Ni!"
Suddenly looking over towards where the girl is talking on the phone, he to repeats the Miko, 'Ni!'
Laughing Yura continues, "Oh, please, don't act shocked. It doesn't take a genius to understand why you weren't interested in Hojo. Heck, if I had a friend like Inuyasha look my way I sure as heck wouldn't be interested in Hojo either."
"Well, it isn't like that. Actually I never really had time for a boyfriend what with my 'training' and schoolwork to catch up on."
'What is a boyfriend? They wanted this Hojo person to become her boyfriend?' bringing a scowl to his face. 'I don't know what it is, but for some reason I don't like it.'
"And besides, he is already promised to someone else. So any feelings I may have are not an issue," the Miko continues. 'Geeze, I hope Inuyasha can't hear this. I would never be able to look him straight in the eyes again!'
(Of course he is listening) 'She has feelings for me?' he blushes.
"Ah, so you do like him."
"I repeat, he has someone, so my feelings for him are not an issue," she starts blushing.
"Ah, a one-sided love, ni?"
"You don't give up do you?"
"Nope, and I won't until you admit it."
Sighing she replies quietly, "Alright! You know it is a good thing we are friends, Yura. Yes, I do. I have the longest time. But since he has someone else, I have settled for his friendship. And that is enough."
'She loves me?!?' an astonished hanyou gasps. 'She loves me but has settled for my friendship because of my commitment.' Suddenly he remembers what his voice told him before. "Think hard before you complete your promise. For many lives will be changed if that promise comes to pass." 'The voice knew she had feelings for me. I can't believe she loves me, I am a hanyou.'
Shaking his head, 'but isn't it her who said she was honored to know me. She acts like being a hanyou doesn't mean that which I have always been reminded of growing up. That being a hanyou I had no place in the world of youkai or human. I just don't understand. She was the first person to accept me the way I am. She was the one who helped me when I was human, hanyou, and youkai. She was the one who said she just wanted to be by my side, and has done so no matter what form I have been. Even Kikyou tried to make me choose one. Kagome on the other hand just accepts me for me. Why?'
Yura sighs, "Girl you are hopeless."
Continuing in a hushed voice, "I know."
"Alright, well, I will tell the others, what time do you want to meet?"
Realizing the conversation is about to end he heads into the living room with the others who are chatting away. But still thinking hard on all that he had heard.
Thinking Kagome suggests, "How about 6:00?"
"Sounds good."
"Ok, see you then."
"Hai" Yura replies then hangs up.
And with that Kagome hangs up the phone and joins the rest of the group in the living room.
*To be continued*
Banshee ~ *sigh* Ah well, I am still a goober. I guess I am going to be having a few chapters per day for the gang. I can't help it cause it's just too much fun having everyone interact as much as they do. Please excuse me... I am trying to keep them to 12 pages, but this chapter went a little bit longer. Hope you don't mind.