A New Hope Arises




~ Well, that certainly was one hell of a surprise 'Dogboy's brother' gave you. You think it's all just a nice little dinner on the cruiser's diner, but the cruiser's crew had been ordered to set sail at midnight, right before you left. Now, you are stuck with 'the band' and your so-called friends are responding quiet differently than you would have thought. Shouldn't they be jumping for joy? Well, if they were supposed to, they are not following the script. 'Naive' is furious and yelling at the crew at the top of her lungs. And she used to be such a gentle girl... On the other hand 'revenge' is completely zoned out, numb to the core. She's currently sitting on the floor, staring ahead of her, yet seeing nothing. How are you going to snap her out of that stupor? And Shippo's still sleeping! How does he do it? You are envious, yes, but very relieved. Just imagine what a scene it would be if the boy found out... And so the day- the night- continues! ~

I sat in a chair holding Shippo while the band found out the arrangements- the whole time complaining about it. It seemed that, like everything else, we were given three rooms. Some one really wanted something to happen. Well, they'd be awfully disappointed.

Sango sat on the floor, staring ahead as she swayed with the motion of the cruiser. Ayame fumed, shoving one of the maintenance men in anger. She then proceeded to whine about this, that, and the other. I really was shocked at their response to this. I thought for sure Ayame would be hugging Kouga in pure glee and Sango would run off to the bathroom and shout in glee so that no one heard her.

I sighed. Picking Shippo up so that I could carry him, I walked over to the now growling singer. I tapped him on his shoulder and nearly fell backwards when he turned towards me, glaring.

"Nani!" He shouted, then stepped back wide eyed. "Oh, gomen. I-"

"Stop," I warned. "I am extremely tired and don't care to hear it, okay?" He shut his mouth and nodded. "I'll stay in a room with the kids. Do you know where the nearest one is?"

"Hai," he said, pointing to a nearby hallway. "The third on the right." He handed me the key. "I'll bring Rin in a moment."

"Fine by me," I sighed, walking to the appointed room with heavy eyes. I easily found the room and unlocked the door. Slipping inside, I fumbled around for the light switch. I found it and took a look around.

The room was small with a desk, dresser, two chairs-very comfortable looking-, and a bed. Two doors extended from the fore room, leading to a closet and washroom. There was one window and it gave a very nice view of the midnight sky. A few bags sat at the bed's side... My bags to be exact. Well, at least he was thorough about this unexpected trip. Sesshomaru may be mean, but he was considerate.

I set Shippo on the bed, tucking him in. Brushing the bangs out of his face, I gave him a small good night kiss on his forehead before I sat in one of the chairs. I watched him for awhile, wondering what I was going to tell my mom. Sure she'd love him, but she might not appreciate being left out of the decision.

I heard the door open quietly. I hooded my eyes so that I could see, yet not be seen watching- if you understand that at all. Inuyasha walked in, carrying Rin. He search around awhile before setting Rin next to Shippo and tucking her in. She whined and reached out before grabbing a hold of Shippo. Inuyasha chuckled and sat in the left over chair, watching his sister as I had Shippo. After a while, he closed his eyes and promptly fell asleep.

I sighed, stood up, and flipped the light switch before leaving the room. I was going to check on the others before going to sleep.

I found Kouga and Miroku in the diner, sitting at a table with some drinks.

"Yo, Kagome," Kouga called, waving me over.

I took a seat, beckoning the only waiter insane enough to be up so late, and asked for a Pepsi. I may be okay drinking Coke, but I didn't feel like it right then.

"So, what are the arrangements?"

"Well," Miroku began, sighing as he rubbed his temples, "Sango and Ayame will be sharing a room. Inuyasha told us that you would take care of the kids and we- the band-will take a room."

"Inuyasha's asleep with the kids right now," I informed them, taking the glass from the waiter. "Arigato. Well, anyway, I was wondering what the deal is. Where are we going?"

"Don't know," Kouga sighed. "All they'll tell us is that it is going to take a week to get there... This is so frustrating!" He slammed his fist on the table, causing me and Miroku to jump. "I really hate dogface's brother taking out everything on us."

"There's nothing we can do about it, though," Miroku said, leaning back. "So," he grinned perversely, "Inuyasha and you will be sharing a room, huh? I wonder-"

"Houshi," I growled. "Get those thoughts of yours out of the gutter. He's sleeping in a chair."

"Surely there's enough room for both of you."

I hit him once.

"I am sleeping in a different one, as far away from him as I possibly can, understand?"

"Why? I'm sure he'll keep to himself," he replied, grinning even more. "Or is it because you don't think you can stand being close to him and keep your hands away."

"I have a lot more control over that than you do and I don't have any intention of touching him," I said, glaring. I shook my head, clearing my thoughts which had journeyed back to the sleeping singer.

The air soon grew chilly and I shivered. Finishing of the rest of my soda, I stood and bade the men a good night. That whole thing had been totally, completely, and utterly pointless... Jeez...

I entered the darkened room and found my way around by the moon light that beamed into the tiny cabin from the only window. Two extra blankets rested at the end of the bed. Drawing one up from its spot, I draped it over Inuyasha before settling into my chair. I fell asleep, watching the rise and fall of his chest as the moon lit his face, creating a new meaning to love...

Anyone would understand the word if only they saw him...

******


"Okaasan," a voice whispered. "Wake up, okaasan," it commanded. "Onegai, wake up, okaasan."

I opened my eyes to come face to face with a small boy with rusty hair and cinnamon eyes. "I'm up, Shippo-chan," I said with a soft smile. I sat up straight, scanning the room as the sun lit it. The bed had been made and a blanket was folded and placed neatly at its foot.

"Okaasan, why are we still on the boat?" he asked. "Are we going home, now?"

"Iie, Shippo-chan. Do you remember Sesshomaru?" He nodded 'hai', looking around the room, and I continued. "Well, he decided to play a prank on Inuyasha-"

"Dogboy," he corrected, looking at me from the corner of his eyes. I giggled and ruffled his hair.

"Hai, hai. Dogboy. Well, he decided to play a prank on him and had the boat set sail before he got off. Dogboy tried to leave before us and we got stuck here to," I said, standing up to stretch.

"So, it's Dogboy's fault," he interpreted in a I-knew-it type of tone.

"Iie, it was Sesshomaru's fault. He shouldn't have done this and he knew Inuya-Dogboy, I mean- would leave before us," I told him, rummaging through my stuff to find my brush. "I think he did this to keep us with the group, to further annoy his brother."

"And us," added Shippo with a pout. I laughed. "Oh, San-san said to tell you that breakfast is going to be served soon."

"Arigato, Shippo-chan. Why don't you go play with Rin-chan. Just don't," I warned him, "anger Dogboy. Got it?"

"Hai," he squealed, scurrying from the room.

I found my brush and picked out an outfit. I changed, pulled my hair into a high ponytail, then placed my bags in the closet to deal with later... 'Oh, no...' Shippo didn't have any clothes.

Something told me not to worry about it, so I didn't. Instead, I left the room, not forgetting to grab the keys, and locked the door.

Sango, Miroku, Kouga, and Ayame sat at a table, chatting like everyday people while taking mouth fulls of their breakfast. Rin sat with Shippo at a nearby table, giggling about something. Inuyasha was no where in sight.

"Ohayo, Kagome-chan," Sango said cheerily, beckoning me over. "I didn't know what you wanted, so you'll have to order yourself. Gomen ne."

"That's okay, I'm not really hungry," I mumbled, looking around. There were a few people on board and most of them seemed in complete shock as if they hadn't been planning on a trip. That made sense after all. We hadn't been expecting one either.

"Inuyasha's talking to the captain," Miroku said, snapping my attention- well, half of it- to him.

"Eh?"

"Well, it seemed like you were looking for someone and I just thought..." his voice trailed off, leaving another grin on his face.

"Iie," I muttered calmly, scanning the place again. "I was just looking. It seems like the other people got stuck on board with us..."

"Oh, that," Ayame giggled. "Iie, they're a little shaken up. Inuyasha threw one of the crew members overboard earlier."

"Nani!? He did!?" I asked wide eyed. That surprised me a little more than it should have. "Why?"

"They are still refusing to tell him where we are going," Kouga explained, still chowing down on his breakfast.

I snorted and walked over to Shippo and Rin. I sat down and listened to the kids chatter endlessly about absolutely nothing. Just kid talk, ne?

A few moments of boredom passed before I stood to leave.

"It's on the top deck, you can't miss it," Miroku shouted. I looked at him in confusion. "The captains cabin, I mean."

I just shook my head and walked away. "I'm going to call home, houshi," I told him, turning the corner of the hall to my room for the time being. I pulled the key from my pocket with a little trouble- my favorite pair of flares were a little tight, but not by much.

Entering the room, I flipped the light switch, tossed the keys on the dresser, and went through my purse for my cell phone. Pulling it out, I had the fleeting thought to call up Sesshomaru, but I knew it would do absolutely no good. So, I went along with my original plan and called home. No one answered.

'Baka, of course no one would answer,' I reprimanded myself. 'Mama is with Eri and Shiori on 'vacation' and jiichan is probably working in his 'souvenir shop'. I doubt Myouga-jiichan has had time to get Souta back, either... Oh well, it was worth a try.'

Sighing, I turned my attention to my bags and decided it best to put them away. Starting with the smallest bag, I pulled out the bottom drawer. Clothes... Small boy clothes were packed into the drawer with a note on top. The envelope had my name written across it.

I picked up the paper that was addressed to me, somewhat hesitantly.

"Dear Ms. Higurashi,

"I have taken the liberty of buying a few articles of clothing for your son, Shippo. I was given the size measurements by the doctor who cared for the nine year old. Onegai, take these clothes as an apology for those many years ago. Good luck and watch over that delinquent half-brother for me.

"Sesshomaru"

I reread the letter a few times. It seemed so out of character for him. Maybe Rin had said something. I mean, that was the only thing that made any sense when it came to him. I may not have known the man well, but I knew him well enough.

"What's that?"

I jumped at the question, startled that someone else had entered the room.

"Inuy- How'd you get in here?" I asked the man, standing.

"You didn't lock the door," he stated. "What are those?" he wondered, looking at the drawer of clothes, then to the letter in my hands.

"Sesshomaru took the liberty of buying Shippo-chan some clothing," I replied, setting the letter down. "I think Rin mentioned it to him..."

"Keh. That would make sense," he snorted, scanning the room. He frowned, then looked to me for some kind of answer.

"Nani?"

"Have you seen any extra bags around? Mine aren't in the right room, it seems," he mumbled, checking the closet.

"Iie. These are the only ones," I told him, pointing to my bags at the end of the bed. "I don't even see Rin's."

"She doesn't have any either. I'm sure they're in the top drawer or something," he mumbled, plopping down in the nearest chair. "Gomen. About last night, I mean. I didn't know it was you. I didn't mean to yell, ne?"

"It's okay. I was a little rude about it, too," I mumbled, pulling the top drawer out. Rin's clothes- just like he said. I sighed again. "At least he's considerate."

Inuyasha grumbled incoherently and leaned forward, resting his head in his hands with his elbows on his knees. I began to unpack my clothing and hang up what could be hung. I removed Shippo's clothes from the bottom drawer and placed them in the one above it. What was left over from my clothes was then stuffed in the now empty drawer.

I stood and dust myself off with a heart felt sigh. Scanning the room, my gaze landed on the singer. He had fallen asleep, sitting in the chair. I giggled at him. He must have slept less than I had to be that tired...

I walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hn?"

"If you want to, you can use the bed, baka," I told him with a humored smile. "It's a lot more comfortable." I walked over to the washroom and turned to find Inuyasha slowly making his way to the bed. "I'm going to take a shower, okay? Just in case anyone comes looking for me, ne? If it's Shippo-chan, tell him his clothes are in the second drawer. Can you do that?"

"Hai," he mumbled, falling to the bed as his eyes closed.

'What time did he wake up?' I wondered. Unless he woke up when I fell asleep, there was no reason to be that tired. I wasn't even that sleepy.

******


The day passed by slowly. Shippo and Rin ran around the boat, playing tag and hide-'n-seek, thoroughly annoying each and every passenger. That included me, but I was much more tolerant and didn't have anything to keep them occupied with at the moment, so I let them continue to annoy everyone. Inuyasha slept on and off that day, which was one of the only good things since Shippo would have long since been thrown overboard if he had been awake.

Sango and Miroku were getting along considerably well and Ayame and Kouga had been strolling around the cruiser with clasped hands. I was happy for them. They needed something like this. Sango had had only one boyfriend before and he was a snobby rich boy, whom none of us really liked. Ayame always had guys crawling in her wake, wishing they could be with her. Kouga was the only one she ever liked and he hadn't even noticed her until recently.

I smiled, watching Miroku's eyebrows twitch with the effort of keeping to himself. I liked seeing him pay for the comments he made earlier. I know, I'm evil, so what? I'd just have to comment over dinner. Speaking of dinner...

It was getting awfully late and Inuyasha was still sleeping. He had woken up about four times, but always ended up going back to the room to sleep... Why was he using my room, anyway? Oh well. I didn't really mind all that much.

I sighed. Standing to leave for the tenth time that day, I strolled over to Sango and asked about dinner.

"Umm... Sometime soon, I think," she mumbled, watching Miroku who left at my intervention. "Where do you think he's going?" she asked suspiciously.

I grinned and responded, "to freshen up for ya. Sango-chan, if you haven't noticed, you are driving him absolutely mad when you're near." She looked at me in confusion. I shook my head in pity. It was so easy to notice, yet she didn't see it. "I'll explain at dinner."

"Okay... Where are you going?" she asked as I turned to leave.

"Going to wake up the King," I said, holding the key in view. "I'll be back in a minute."

I unlocked the door and stepped inside, not forgetting to lock it this time. Inuyasha was mumbling in his sleep, though I couldn't understand any of it. I giggled, listening as well as I could to the incoherent words. It was no use. None of it made sense. Oh well, it didn't really matter anyway.

I walked over to the bed and sat on the edge. "Inuyasha," I called, shaking his shoulder. "Inuyasha, you need to wake up..."

"Lefmelone," he grumbled.

"Iie, I won't leave you alone, now wake up," I ordered, shaking his shoulder a bit more. "It's almost dinner time."

"Get me when it is, then," he murmured, turning on his side.

"Get up, Inuyasha. Now."

"Alright, okaasan," he jeered, rubbing his eyes. I slapped him on the back of the head, lightly before standing up. "So, where is everyone?"

"Don't know," I said, searching for my brush once again. "Ah. I forgot. I went through Rin's clothes and found another note. It was for me, so don't think it was like that thing with Aya-chan, okay?"

"What are you taking about?" he asked, sitting up with a yawn.

"It says that your bags are under the bed. I moved them out," I told him. "They're in the closet, and iie, I did not go through them."

"I wasn't going to ask."

"Well, I told you," I said, locating my brush, which just so happened to be in the correct place. Perhaps that was why I didn't find it sooner... "Get cleaned up. It'll be dinner time soon, so hurry up."

"Okay, okaasan," he chuckled. "You really do sound like a mom, ne? Has Shippo heard you like that?"

"Hai."

"And?"

"He laughed. I told him to leave you be- and scolded him more than once. I don't think his parents did," I mumbled. "He seems to enjoy it, to tell the truth. Kinda strange, huh?"

"Hai... Well?"

"Well what?"

"You gonna leave so I can get ready?"

"Oh, hai! Gomen," I said, hiding my face that had become slightly reddened. I left the room, mumbling to hurry.

Outside, I searched for the children, having a rather difficult time, too. I bumped into Ayame and Kouga on the way and told them it was almost time for dinner. They left to join Sango at the diner... Miroku was another missing person on my list to find. How troublesome.

I found Rin, who was currently looking for Shippo as well. Shippo found us. We were searching down a deserted corridor when a small hand grabbed my wrist. "BOO!"

"Kya! Shippo-chan, you scared me!" I shouted, clutching my beating heart through my shirt in terror. "Sugoi, that was a good trick." He beemed in pride. "Shippo-chan?"

"Hai, okaasan?" he asked.

"Have you seen Miroku?" I implored, searching the deck.

"You mean the one San-san likes?" he wondered.

"Hai," I answered with a snicker.

"Iie," he responded.

"Oh.... Well," I smiled, "back to the diner! Supper time!"

The kids squealed and ran to the awaiting party. I followed, hoping the man had returned during my search. He had.

Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku and Rin sat at one table while Ayame and Kouga occupied another. Shippo and I took our own table and sat back to enjoy the dinner, which we did with no problem.

"Okaasan?"

"Hai, Shippo-chan?"

"Is Dogboy staying with us?" he wondered, pushing aside his plate.

"What do you mean?" I asked, slightly startled by the question. That wasn't something I expected him to ask.

"Is he staying in the same room like last night?"

"I don't know... Why?"

"I don't like him," he stated, glaring at Inuyasha from across the room. Shippo had insisted we sit away from everyone else, so we had. "He's annoying and a jerk."

I giggled and looked over to the man that was being measured up by a nine year old boy. It actually looked like Shippo was ready to pummel Inuyasha for no apparent reason.

"Shippo-chan, don't start anything," I said, watching Inuyasha with some distant interest. He was watching his sister balance a spoon on the tip of her nose with a loving smile... 'Oh, to dream of such things directed towards me... It's just too cruel.'

I slapped myself mentally and turned back to my adopted son. "Plus, I don't have any say in it. His sister is staying with us after all and he doesn't exactly trust me."

"I don't trust him either," he huffed, glaring at the table top.

"Why not?" I asked, genuinely curious.

He looked at me from the corner of his eye, "because he's..."

"Nani?"

"Never mind..." He stood up and walked to Rin, sulkily. 'I wonder what's wrong with him...'

Rin leapt from her chair and proceeded to chase Shippo about the boat, both giggling. Sugoi, his attitude changed fast.

"Ah," I mumbled, rising from my seat. I almost forgot... Revenge is soooo sweet! ^-^

I walked over to Sango's table and took the empty seat, looking to the sky. "So, Miroku, you composed yourself again, huh?"

"Nani?" the drummer muttered, looking to me uncertainly.

"I mean, the whole must-not-touch thing. I know it had to take some time to get that repeating in your head again, after being so close to San-" and just for added revenge on my so-called friend "-san and all. You looked like you were about ready to grope every woman on this boat ten times over."

The whole time I talked, my gaze never wandered from the star speckled sky.

"Na-nani?" Sango stammered.

"Ne, I thought it was I that was supposed to have such a small amount of control," I said, placing a thoughtful look on. "I've been near Dogboy more than half the day, but I didn't do anything... I wonder..." I stood up and made my way to Miroku. "Would you like to dance?"

The sudden change of direction in my tirade made the drummer even more confused so he nodded numbly.

"With San-san?"

He froze, wide eyed. Sango and Inuyasha looked back and forth between us, both stumped as to what any of my statements meant. Miroku gulped, then looked to Sango with a weak smile. She stood and walked to us, taking Miroku's hand and walking to the dance floor.

"I'll talk to you later," Sango hissed, "Kagome- chan."

I sighed and shook my head.

"I'll be sure to fall asleep before then," I mumbled, plopping back down in my seat.

"Umm... What was that about?" Inuyasha mused.

"Watch," I giggled.

Miroku and Sango got on the dance floor and got into position. Miroku's hand rested on her hip while his other was clasped with hers. Miroku's self control crumbled almost instantly, but not without giving me the satisfaction of seeing his jaw clench and brows twitch.

His hand lowered slowly, but it didn't reach its target. Sango surprised us all by moving closer and resting her cheek on his shoulder. Her hand slipped from his as both of her arms curled around his neck. She was playing at the game, too. Damn!

Miroku was lost. Completely and utterly lost. He may have been happy, but he seemed more frightened than any thing. A few minutes passed by. Bit by bit, his expression changed. It softened slightly and his arms found respectable areas to rest at. He looked across the room to me, mouthing a 'thank you'. He didn't have to know it wasn't me that did it, so I nodded.

"Umm..." Inuyasha hummed.

"Iie," I huffed, glaring at Sango who smirked, "that was not meant to happen. Sango just so happened to catch on sooner than I thought. Damn!"

"Okaasan!" Shippo yipped in disbelief. "You cursed..." He turned on the singer, glaring. "It's your fault! You shouldn't say that stuff. Okaasan's around you too much."

"And?" Inuyasha snorted.

"Stay away from her," Shippo hissed, squaring his shoulders.

Inuyasha stood and looped an arm around my shoulders. I stiffened. What the hell did he think he was doing?!

"Make me," he mocked, bopping the fuming boy on the head. I stared at him. What the hell was I supposed to do, now?

"Inu-chan, do you like oneechan?" Rin asked, cocking her head to the side in innocence. "Rin thinks you are good together."

"Keh," he snorted. "Why would I like her?"

"Well, anyone would assume that, Dogboy," I hissed, hiding my eyes with my bangs, "since your arm is STILL AROUND ME!" I shouted, pushing him over the table. "That's for hitting Shippo-chan!"

With that, I stormed away.

I was a little disappointed with his reply... Yet... hopeful... After all, he didn't deny it. My mind didn't take time to ponder that thought as it raced for a way to get revenge on the self-infatuated man. He was going to pay for that!