Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and company...but I keep searching for him on E-bay. Maybe one day I will get lucky! (UGH! They lie... you can't find everything on E-bay. Grrrr... Oh, well, guess I just have to keep trying.)

Don't just flame… explain! But don't forget to let me know if I am doing something right. Please, I would love your reviews. Let me know what you think about the story so far. :)

Feedback ~ Reviews

Roh Talin ~ Thanks for the complement. I am glad you like the detail… I am trying to do my best. :)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The Whispers of a Well and The Fate of Them All

Chapter Eight ~ The Truth Behind Rest and Relaxation

Everyone gathered around the kitchen table discussing different topics. Even Kirara and Myouga have spots, although Myouga's is on the table and Kirara is the chair for the space being used by Myouga. Kagome helps her mother bring the plates to everyone while the discussions continue around the table.

Inuyasha is silent through it all, watching everyone else. 'They seem so happy right now. Mrs. Higurashi is correct, they need this to help remember what times where like before all the chaos.'

Looking over at him she notices him watching others. Kagome leans over towards him, "Is everything ok, Inuyasha."

"Hai" he glances over at her and notices her concern in her eyes. "I was just thinking that is all."

"Oh"

Noticing her still glancing over at him he replies softly for her ears alone, "I was just thinking that the group seems to be truly enjoying themselves for once. For a short time they are able to just be normal people and not worry about fighting Naraku or finding the next jewel shard."

Surprised that he is actually admitting what he is thinking, "Hai, but they needed this just as much as you do. Everyone has worried for so long with what has been going on. To be able to escape from it, even if it is just for a short time, when we don't know if our next fight will be our last. It takes a toll on a person after awhile."

"Your mother said as much as well, it helps to strengthen the bonds of the pack. To be able to laugh together is just as important as being able to fight together."

"Nani, my mother said that, although I am not surprised. She is pretty smart lady." Smiling at him she continues, "I am glad you and her are talking and getting along."

"Feh, why wouldn't I try to get along with her?" Giving her a questioning look.

"Actually, I don't think my mother would have it any other way. She can be quite persuasive. But I am still glad you all are here, having you all here, and enjoying yourselves, this is the least I can do." Frowning, "It sometimes feels like I am more of a hindrance then help. Especially when we are in a battle."

"Nani! Don't give me that, you have helped us out plenty of times, even against Naraku. Your arrows have saved me against my brother as well. And now with your power unlocked, your aim has gotten even better."

"Thank you Inuyasha. Coming from you, that means an awful lot to me," she smiles at him warmly.

He gives her a slight smirk, "I don't see why it would, I am just stating facts."

Placing her hand on Inuyasha's arm, "Because, I know you. And to complement someone even by stating facts is not something you do lightly. That and because what you think means a lot to me as well."

Blushing a bit, "Feh" and then goes back to eating, but quickly looks over to Sango when she lets out a gasp.

Sango suddenly grabs the monk's ear, and whispers something very sternly in it. The monk after getting his ear back raises his hands in an innocent gesture. "Why Lady Sango, I don't know what you mean. I was just trying to get your attention to pass the salt."

Kagome stifles a giggle. "Miroku-sama, that would work except the salt is right in front of you." Which received a laugh from all the adults (minus the grandfather who had a look of confusion.) and a roll of the eyes from Shippou.

"Well," Inuyasha says, "least she didn't smack him, although I think it is more entertaining when she does." Looking a bit mischievous he adds, "Although I could go get Hiraikotswu if she needs it."

Blushing Sango replies, "I don't think that will be necessary, I believe he got the point."

Laughing Kagome whispers to Inuyasha, "I would love to know exactly what she said." Nodding Inuyasha had to agree.

After a delightful dinner of getting to know each other the girls help Mrs. Higurashi clean up. Shippou and Souta run upstairs to go play, and Kaede and Mr. Higurashi go to check out what is on T.V. with Inuyasha and Miroku. After the dishes are done, Kagome goes into the living room and tells the guys that her and Sango are going upstairs to get ready, and will be down in a bit.

After heading upstairs the girls quickly decide to get ready. Kagome braids up Sango's hair and helps her into her clothes. After applying just a slight bit of make-up she then quickly goes and gets herself ready. Looking at the time she realizes the girls will be at the shrine in 10 minutes she decides it is time to show the boys their efforts.

Walking downstairs the girls find everyone watching television, Miroku, Myouga, Kaede, and Mr. Higurashi are in a conversation about the history of Japan and some discrepancies. Inuyasha looks board about the whole thing.

Kagome decides to break in, "Ahem, sorry about the interruption but the girls will be here shortly, and we need to get ready."

Inuyasha turns to look at her, happy for the interruption, but gawks at what he sees. Kagome is dressed in a low cut, black shirt that has long sleeves but barely covers he belly. It also shows her stomach whenever she moves which in turn reveals a small silver glittering band around her waist. Her hair is unbound except for one small braid on one side. The low cut black jeans hug her curves, and to complete the look she has around her neck the unfinished Shikon no Tama.

Miroku was quicker to recover then Inuyasha and gets up and grabs her hand, "Why Lady Kagome, you look wonderful."

Blushing slightly she says, "thanks Miroku-sama, but I do believe that Sango looks better then I do." And with that she steps aside and reveals a blushing and nervous Sango behind her.

Miroku gasps as he looks at her. Sango has her hair braided and is wearing a dark blue shirt with no collar and off the shoulder. Her blue jeans are a normal cut (even though Kagome tried to get her to wear the low cut) and has a large silver chain that acts like a belt around her. She is wearing a simple purple stone pendant around her neck. Sango shifts slightly under his constant gaze. Feeling a bit awkward she says, "Kagome suggested I wear this tonight."

Miroku suddenly coming to his senses, "Hai, Lady Kagome has excellent tastes. Lady Sango, you look absolutely stunning." His eyes not once turning from her or blinking, "It is as if those clothes where made specifically for you."

Blushing more and more she replies, "Thank you Houshi-domo."

Grabbing her hand he replies, "Please, since we are here, call me Miroku."

"Alright," she nods, "Miroku."

Kagome giggles and walks over to Inuyasha who's eyes haven't left the Miko, "Well, what do you think? Did I pick out the right outfit for Sango?"

Inuyasha stands up and blushes, "Well, she doesn't look like a demon slayer at the moment." Still looking at Kagome he thinks, 'then again, I haven't even looked at her.'

Smiling she grabs his arm and says, "Alright then, since I think we did alright. Lets get going. I told Shippou and Mama we were going already. Kaede-baachan, Myouga-jichan, will you be alright tonight?"

"Hai, child. We shall be fine, and I hope to look over some more scrolls." Kaede smiles at the young group.

"Hai, I must agree with Kaede-sama, we will be perfectly fine. Go enjoy yourselves." Comes a small voice on Kaede shoulder.

Smiling she replies, "Thanks everyone. We will be back in a few hours." Heading out to the door she slips on her shoes. Sango joins her as the guys stay back a bit waiting for them to finish putting on there shoes.

Miroku watches them and leans over quietly whispers to Inuyasha, "I truly enjoy this view, don't you. Especially since the girls went to all this trouble to look good for our benefit. We are truly blessed."

Gasping suddenly he remembers the whispering voices he overheard before:

"You know as nice of a view as it is… you can't stand here all day."

"Um, I, um, sorry… I couldn't help myself."

"That is ok dear, I was once young too. Now hurry up and go get those items so you can go get your friends."

"Hai, Mama."

Blushing he suddenly understands what Kagome was whispering to her mother when he went to put on his shoes. Watching Kagome he smirks, 'She enjoyed the view huh?'
Miroku seeing the smirk couldn't help but chuckle, "I see the meaning is not lost on you."

"Can it monk, I just happened to remember something someone said earlier, that's all." Blushing a bit being caught returning Kagome's action.

The girls done getting their shoes on look back at the boys, Kagome realizing what had just happened grabs Sango's arm. "Come on, let's let the guys get their shoes on. We will wait outside for the girls." And head outside quickly before Kagome's blush threatens to come back.

Once outside Sango realizes Kagome's blush and asks what's wrong.

Groaning she explains what happened earlier between her and her mother, and the fact that a certain hanyou must have overheard the whole thing. "I don't think I will ever be able to look him in the eye again." She places her face in her hands.

Sango smiles, "Well, isn't that a good sign though?"

Giving her a bit of a evil look, "Hai, and I am sure Miroku-sama was doing the same thing as well."

Sango gasps, "Oh, my!"

Suddenly three voices chime in "KAGOME!"

Turning around Kagome notices her girlfriends running up to them. "Eri, Yura, Arumi, hey you guys. I would like you to meet Sango."

"Greetings Sango," the girls smile.

"Greetings to you all," Sango gives a small smile. Suddenly a hand comes to rest on her shoulder. Looking behind her she sees Miroku.

"Greetings to you all," he replies with a bow.

Kagome giggles, "Miroku, I would like you to meet my friends Eri, Yura, and Arumi."

"The pleasure is mine," he replies.

"Feh, I bet," comes a gruff voice from behind Kagome.

Kagome turns around, nudges him in the stomach, and giggles, "Inuyasha, be nice."

He just smirks and shrugs his shoulders to her suggestion.

As Kagome and Inuyasha stare at each other a moment longer Sango yells out, "Henti" and a rather large slap is heard.

Looking back Miroku is rubbing a large handprint on his cheek and Sango is fuming. Kagome and Inuyasha laugh as the three girls look with wide eyes. Realizing they didn't know what was going on Kagome chuckles as she explains, "Don't mind them, it is a regular routine. When Miroku isn't trying to grope Sango is when we know something is wrong."

Yuri laughs, as the other two sort of chuckle. "Ah, I know the type, but it seems Sango has a firm dealings with him which is good," says Yuri.

"Well, he keeps us entertained," replied the hanyou. Nodding in agreement Kagome adds, "yes, especially Shippou."

Sighing the monk acting his part says in his holy man tone, "Tis good to see my experience is not wasted, and that some find a light heart in my pain."

"Monk, you bring it on yourself. How many times have you been hit trying that move? I am curious what is going to give out first. Hiraikotswu or your head," came the reply as he crosses his arms in front of him glaring at the monk.

Eri can't help but ask, "Why do you call him a monk?"

Groaning Kagome replies, "Ah, because Miroku is a monk. He is just a very, um, unique one."

Yuri replies laughing, "A lecherous monk? Well, this should be interesting."

Sango snorts, "I doubt it."

The rest of the group laughs some more as Kagome speaks up, "So, what movie shall we see tonight?"

Eri pipes up, "Well, there are a few good ones playing. 'The Medallion' for one, that is that Jackie Chan movie, about him getting transformed into an immortal warrior with special powers trying to discover something about an ancient medallion."

Kagome groans, "Um, I don't know."

Sango and Miroku shuffle around a bit before glancing at Inuyasha. Inuyasha on the other hand just snorts and replies, "Feh, whatever."

Smirking Kagome replies to her friends, "Um, that one is a bit to…" 'What do I say, close to home? Been there doing that?' Ugh!' "Any other good ones?"

Arumi asks, "Well, are you in the mood for a horror flick?"

Kagome quickly realizes that her friends wouldn't understand replies, "Well, I don't know. What would you guys think about blood, guts, and scary stuff that can't hurt you. Horror films are pretty big since people here don't, um, deal with scary things like youkai, evil beings, and the likes." Kagome giggles as the others give her a curious look, "Like I said, people don't deal with it here. Anyways, actually there is one movie I would like to see actually. It is that Pirates of the Caribbean. It looks pretty good from the ads I have seen."

Sango asks, "What is it about? No youkai I hope."

Laughing Kagome replies, "I don't think so, but there it does have something about a curse and skeletons. It is about a pirate and a blacksmith who go after a kidnapped girl from an evil captain and his crew who are neither alive nor dead cause of the curse. It sounded interesting," she shrugged.

Yura nods vigorously, "and besides, Johnny Depp is too cute for his own good. I know I wouldn't mind seeing it!"

Eri and Arumi both nod their heads in agreement. Miroku speaks up, "Ah a damsel in distress, sounds most interesting."

Kagome looks at Sango, "So what do you think?"

Smiling Sango replies, "It does sound interesting. I would like to see this one."

Giving a big grin Kagome says, "good, then it is settled. Lets get going then shall we? We have to find out when the movie will start."

Eri speaks up, "don't worry about that. I have it covered." As she pulls out her cell phone, "never leave home without it." She quickly makes a call and finds the time for the movie. After hanging up and putting the phone away she replies, "ok, the movie starts at 7:00 so we have an hour to do stuff. Any ideas?"

Arumi suggests, "How about we go to that coffee house across the street from the theater. That way we can get to know one another before the movie starts."

Everyone nods in agreement to this idea as they head out. Miroku offers Sango his arm and Sango looks at it like it is a snake about to strike. Kagome notices it and giggles, saying, "Go ahead Sango, at least this way you will know where his hand is at."

Sango blushes and nods before accepting his arm.

Miroku gives her a smile before turning to Kagome, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I am a monk."

Rolling her eyes she replies, "you may be a monk, but I have known you to long to try to get away with that one."

Inuyasha snorts as Sango giggles and Miroku tries to look hurt. Sighing Miroku replies, "I am so misunderstood."

That got everyone laughing harder, even the other girls who have realized just how much of a lech he must be.

The girls talk of little things before they get to the coffee house. Once everyone picks out what they want, which was not as hard as Kagome thought, they head off to a back corner that has a big table and lots of privacy. Everyone sits down at the semi-circle booth and Yuri decides to find out more about her friend. Looking at Kagome she finally decides to ask the question, "So, you told me how you and Inuyasha meet. How did you meet the others?"

Eri and Arumi gasp, "Oi, you going to tell us how you met Inuyasha, too?"

Yuri looks at Kagome and replies, "come on Kagome, we all have been friends since childhood. I think we can keep any secrets you may have, as you have kept ours." Looking directly at Inuyasha she continues, "seeing as things are not always what they appear to try to be."

Kagome gasps, "Nani? Yuri, what…"

Yuri laughs, "Kagome, do not worry. I totally understand your reasoning for it. But you have to understand, there are others out there, and that you are not alone."

Eri and Arumi curious about what has transpired so far can't help but to ask, "Yuri, what's going on?"

Yuri replies to the two girls, "What is said here is never to leave this group. Do you understand? Many lives are at risk when someone reveals their true selves to someone who is not the same. Do you swear to remain silent to what will be discussed?"

The girls not sure what is going on but Arumin replies, "Yuri, we have been best friends for how long now. Surely you know we will not do something so shameful," as Eri nods in agreement.

"I understand and I know you wouldn't, but I just had to impress upon you how important this was," smiles Yura to her friends to try to release the tension.

Miroku, Sango, and Inuyasha watch the girl carefully as she asks this to the other girls. Not sure what to expect from her now. Inuyasha looks at Kagome due to the fact he can tell by her sent is more nervous then afraid.

Yura looks at Kagome and replies, "Kagome, relax, I know you are nervous for your friends, but trust me, I have more to fear from the hanyou than he of me. His aura is most powerful for one so young."
At the word hanyou everyone but Inuyasha gasps, as he growls slightly, Kagome grasps his arm and looks at Yura. "Yura, you are my friend, I have known you for some time now. I also know there is something you have been hiding from all of us for sometime now. Will you please explain to them so they understand."

Yura raises an eyebrow, "explain to them? What about to you as well."

Shrugging her shoulders she replies, "I have many friends who are both youkai, hanyou, and human. You being a neko hanyou does not surprise me. Actually it explains a lot," she replies giggling.

Laughing Yura replies, "Hai, so you really have become a powerful Miko. I always suspected as much when we first met. I am glad to see you have made so many friends as well." Looking at the others she explains, "Kagome is correct though, I am a neko hanyou. We have been friends for a long time, and since you know Kagome, I am sure you can understand why. She has a good heart and soul, and one can not help but be drawn to it."

The monk and taiji nod their head in agreement, as Inuyasha glares at Yura. She notices it and replies, "Fear not, Inuyasha. I mean Kagome no harm. I have been around her to long and protect her as my friend as you do. Please, I wish us all to be friends."

Eri and Arumi not sure what is going look puzzled. Eri the first to speak replies, "Um, I thought youkai and hanyou where long gone. I didn't think they where still around anymore."

Kagome raises an eyebrow to this, "you said, long gone and not a myth. So you believe they where real?"

Eri replies, "Hai, my family is a direct descendants from a youkai taiji. Our family has many, um, mementos from that. So it is hard not to believe."

Arumi replies, "Hai, I have seen them. It would be hard to believe otherwise."

Eri giggles, "A hanyou being friends with a descendant taiji youkai. Who would of guessed that."

Sango and Miroku both cough under their hands as Kagome blushes, "Ahem, well." Scratching her head she continues, "I would, along with the rest of our group."

Yura looks at her intently as Kagome continues, "Um, as you know Miroku is a monk. I myself am a Miko in training, and Inuyasha is a hanyou. Well, he is an inu hanyou to be exact. What you don't know is the rest of our group or as we call it, our pack." Looking over at Sango, "Sango is a youkai taiji, one of the best too I might add. With her is Kirara, a fire cat youkai. Then there is Shippou, an orphaned kitsune, Kaede-sama who is a Miko, and Myouga who is Inuyasha's flea retainer."
Eri and Arumi look wide-eyed as Yura just nods, "it is as I though. I will tell you this, I am glad to have met you all, and hope we can all be friends."

Kagome nods and smiles, "I already am your friend, Yura."

Eri and Arumi sit back. Eri giggles as suddenly Arumi joins her. Getting quizzical looks from the rest of the group Eri gasps out, "Sorry, I just can't help it. Yura is a neko who wants to be friends with a inu." Laughing even harder she replies, "Does anyone else see the irony?"

Yura laughs out loud, and Sango tries to hide her laugh behind her smile. Miroku tries to just smile, but a couple of smirks and a suspicious sound can be heard. Kagome just lightly chuckles a bit and puts her arm around Inuyasha's to try to release his tension. Inuyasha just glares at Eri.

~ TBC ~

Banshee ~ Sorry folks for the delay in posting, I didn't think it would take this long. I had a devil of a time typing out the chapter to the other story so I tried to get this one done asap. Also, I wasn't going to actually stop the story here, but I figured with Hojo about to make his appearance I wanted to have a fresh chapter. Ah, Hojo, it is really a crime when a guy who is suppose to be that good looking has no brains behind it. I gave him a more twisted personality in my other story, which is turning out quite well too.

Also, I am sorry… I wanted to add my touch, I have trouble with the fact that in the Inuyasha world, demons went poof. It was just too hard to believe if you ask me. So yeah, I sort of added a touch of showing that they really don't… cause if they live for so darn long like Inuyasha said, then what the heck happened to them?

Anyways, let me know what you think of the story so far. TTFN!