I think I'm beginning to make a habit out of long chapters now. This one is
twice as long as my average chapter length. * sigh * Oh, well. I know some
people are happy, hopefully. Enjoy!
Chapter 53- Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Chiyo drifted in and out of sleep while she sat in her chair, staring at the scrolls stacked before her. Soon, Machiko would come to clear the table off and then the leaders of the Inuyoukai Packs would come to her table.
To say that she anticipated the coming engagement would be an understatement. All of her Uncle's descendents would be gathered in her home before her very eyes for the first time in what, to her, was an eternity of isolation from her own Clan.
Her head fell back against the arm of the chair and her eyes snapped open before drifting closed again. She could feel sleep coming and tried to fight it, but the pull of rest was much too strong.
Then, in the instant, she was wide-awake and looking towards the entrance of her cavern. Haebari's lone figure reflected in the candlelight and Chiyo waved a hand for him to enter.
Haebari made his way to her table slowly and sat down at the chair closest to Chiyo's own throne like seat. He was silent for a moment, measuring the Ancient hanyou, before he smiled slightly and spoke. "It won't be long now, will it?"
"The end is very near," Chiyo replied in a whisper.
"Are you afraid?"
"Of what?" she asked, confused.
"Of death."
She thought about it before answering honestly. "Yes. I have lived like this for so long, I cannot comprehend another existence. It is silly of me, however, for I could easily forfeit my impending doom."
"I was surprised to hear Inuyasha had performed such a spell," Haebari began, leaning back and closing his eyes in thought. "My first reaction was one of contemplating shock."
Chiyo smiled and prodded the old Inuyoukai to continue.
"Then, I realized that it wasn't so astonishing, considering the other feats such a young hanyou as him has accomplished. Lord Inutashio would indeed be proud of his hanyou son."
Chiyo nodded in agreement. "Have you met Inuyasha yet, Haebari?"
"No."
"I think you two will get along nicely."
"I don't know if I should be alarmed or glad."
"I guess we'll all find out eventually."
^_^
Kagome and Shippou laid side by side on the miko's futon, staring at the ceiling as Inuyasha sat against the wall, reading a scroll about the Inu Clans that had been written by Sesshomaru when he first assumed the position of Demon Lord of the Western Lands.
Shippou sighed before fiddling with a bouncy ball Kagome had given to him the last time she returned from her time. He hated to say it, but he was bored out of his mind.
Quite suddenly, Shippou threw the bouncy ball against the wall, which snapped back against impact before hitting the ceiling and shooting towards Inuyasha.
Inuyasha didn't even look up from the scroll as he caught the ball in his hand and tossed it back to Shippou. The kitsune was stunned that the hanyou could perform such a feat with so little thought.
Again, Shippou threw the ball at the wall, but this time he threw it much harder and it shot straight towards Inuyasha after hitting the wall.
And yet again, Inuyasha caught it in much the same form before tossing the ball back to Shippou. Kagome watched the scene with distant entertainment when Shippou tried a third time.
This time, however, Inuyasha bowed his head so the ball reflected against the wall behind him and shot straight towards Shippou and hit him square in the head.
"Ow," muttered the little kitsune, rubbing his nose where the ball had hit.
"Serves you right," replied Inuyasha, never looking up.
Kagome shook her head and sat up, picking up Shippou and cuddling him, kissing his nose where the ball at hit him before running her hands through his hair.
Shippou purred underneath Kagome's motherly ministrations and tried to find a comfortable position, but there was just no room left in her lap with her stomach swollen so largely.
"I hope they're born soon," grumbled Shippou, glaring at Kagome's extended belly.
Kagome giggled and lying down once again, tucking Shippou beside her. "Why?"
"They're taking up my spot."
Kagome's giggles bubbled over into a laugh as her frame shook with amusement. "You will have to learn to share," Kagome said finally. "You will have to take care of your little siblings."
Shippou smiled up at her brightly with the coming prospect. "Hai!" he chirped. "I'll be a good big brother!"
Inuyasha smiled lightly, a small curl of his lips, before setting down the scroll and walking over to the pair. "It is time for dinner," he announced.
"Do I get to come?" asked Shippou, moving out of the way when Inuyasha helped Kagome stand.
Inuyasha nodded and allowed Shippou to climb to his shoulder. "Do you think the Clan will be upset I'm a kitsune?" he asked curiously, looking down at the hanyous to gauge their reactions.
"Why would they be upset?" Kagome asked, frowning slightly in confusion.
Inuyasha shook his head at Shippou's question before addressing Kagome. "I'll tell you later tonight."
Kagome growled slightly but nodded. There were more impending matters to attend to presently.
^_^
Haebari and Chiyo looked up when Sesshomaru entered the room, followed closely by Rin. "Haebari-San, Chiyo-sama, I am not interrupting?"
"No, of course not, Sesshomaru-San," replied Chiyo, lifting her arm to signal him to sit down.
Sesshomaru took a chair across from Haebari and Rin crawled into Sesshomaru's lap. Haebari looked at the human closely before glancing up at Sesshomaru.
"Who is this?" he asked.
"I'm Rin," she replied to Haebari's question. "Are you Inuyoukai too? Like Sesshomaru-sama? What's your name? Did you come with Hedo-sama and Moromi-sama? Do you know one of the youkai that came with Hedo-sama likes to play go? We played it and I won!"
Haebari interrupted when Rin took the time to breathe. "I am Haebari. And no, I didn't know one of Hedo's warriors likes to play go."
Sesshomaru placed a hand on top of Rin's head, telling her to be silent for a moment. "Rin is my charge."
Haebari lifted an eyebrow. Sesshomaru's reputation for despising humans was well known. Why would he take a human pup under his protection? "Will she attend the dinner tonight?" asked Haebari, looking for answers to his questions.
Sesshomaru looked down at Rin. "Could I go, Sesshomaru-sama? I promise I'll be good."
"Yes," Sesshomaru answered Haebari, looking up. "She will attend dinner."
Haebari nodded. "I just wonder how the rest of the Clan will take this mixing of races," he muttered, half concerned.
Sesshomaru's eyes lowered in thought. "Yes. I was concerned with it myself. I do not have to worry about Hedo and his Mate having prejudices against the humans, or their other youkai. Kouga-San quite unconsciously took care of any bigotry they had this afternoon, at least against the Wolf Clan. The Houshi even did his part to disengage any bias against humans."
"It is not Hedo-San I worry about," replied Haebari. "While I am sure they will follow you, nevertheless, there will be some resentment."
"Well," said Chiyo, deciding to put an end to the matter, "We will just have to take care of that."
^_^
Inuyasha watched as everyone filed into the cavern without a word. Kagome sat to his right, facing Miroku and Sango. Sesshomaru sat on the other side of Inuyasha, Rin beside him. Shippou was sitting next to Miroku, Aiko beside him and Kouga next to Kagome. The other Inuyoukai had filed down to the end of the table and sat quietly, taking in the sight.
Inuyasha recognized Yae and Ishigaki from Sesshomaru's descriptions. By process of elimination, he figured out who Kyoda and Takashima were. Haebari sat across from Rin. Machiko sat between Haebari and Sango, silently studying the new youkai.
Dinner had yet to be served. Chiyo growled, almost silently at the tense atmosphere before speaking. "I realize that many of you have been asked here with very little information to guide you, so why don't you ask any questions you may have?"
Yae immediately opened his mouth, but Ishigaki beat him to it. "I want to know how we're going to defeat a Kami."
Sesshomaru sighed at the lack of subtlety Ishigaki used. Chiyo looked amused. Everyone else kept their faces indifferent, excluding Yae who was upset at Ishigaki asking his question.
"You will not have to worry about defeating the Kami," replied Chiyo, still smiling.
"Then why are we here?" asked Yae.
"Because we need someone to fight Shuri's minions," said Inuyasha with a light growl.
"I wasn't asking you, hanyou," said Yae.
Inuyasha growled violent and stood. Sesshomaru was on his feet next, Kouga following, who was also growling.
Kagome looked like she would have stood if it were not such a difficult feat. Hedo, who sat beside Yae, lifted the Inuyoukai by the neck and slammed him to the table, barring his teeth. Kouga stood beside him with a whip of air and raised his arm to strike Yae. He stopped at Inuyasha's sharp bark, but did not lower his arm.
"You really are a fool," said Haebari, shaking his head sadly in Yae's direction.
Chiyo shook her head and sighed. This was not going as planned. "Whether you wish to acknowledge it or not, pup," she said, addressing Yae. "Inuyasha-San is your better. Either deal with it or leave my home."
Hedo released his hold on Yae's throat and took a step back. Kouga lowered his arm and returned to his seat, though he did not sit down. Hedo barely remembered Kouga appearing at his side and filed away the observation of Kouga's speed for another time.
Yae stood slowly, noting the looks he was receiving. Ishigaki gave his head a small, pitying shake. Sesshomaru did not bother hiding the fact he was very upset with the loud growl he was giving.
Inuyasha looked indifferent before he gave Yae an arrogant smirk and said quite easily "You want me to kick your ass just to teach you a lesson?"
Yae growled in returned but quieted at the violent look he received from Sesshomaru.
Chiyo waited for everyone to sit down again before speaking. "Now, if you will all stop behaving like pups for the rest of the night, we can continue onto more important subjects."
Chiyo smothered a smile at Machiko's snort and continued. "Shuri will not be alone when he returns. He will know we mean to fight him, and he will return with forces, he will believe, are capable of breaking our defense."
"Will they be able to defeat us?" asked Sango.
Some of the Inuyoukai looked surprised when a human was allowed to speak but didn't comment on it when Hedo glared at them in warning.
"Shuri has a nasty habit of underestimating his opponents," replied Chiyo. "We'll use that to our advantage. Of course, it will be a simple matter if he decides to bring some of the lesser demons. Tetsusaiga could easily take care of them."
"Tetsusaiga?" asked Kyoda. "Then the rumors are true. The fang can slay a hundred demons in one stroke?"
"Hai," Chiyo answered absently. At Yae's look of disbelief Chiyo frowned before continuing on the same note. "If you think it so hard to believe, why don't we make an example out of Yae."
Kouga smiled broadly and Hedo smirked. They noticed the teasing in Chiyo's voice, and despite how much they would love for Inuyasha to really use Tetsusaiga on him, they both knew it wasn't going to happen.
When Yae looked down at his lap, Chiyo changed the subject and continued on. "Your job will be quite simple. You must battle with Shuri's minions while Shuri is taken care of."
"And who will take care of Shuri?" asked Takashima, Pack leader of the River youkai.
"You do not need to know that quite yet," Chiyo replied cryptically.
Haebari glanced at Inuyasha before looking back at Chiyo. What was she planning?
^_^
Shuri stood in front of the mortal before him with barely contained disgust. Such a revolting creature. "It's simple," continued Shuri. "All I want you to do is defeat the Inuyoukai so I can get to Inuyasha and his Pack and destroy them."
Naraku studied Shuri for a moment before replying. "As much as I would love to see that intolerable hanyou dead, I find a lack of pleasure in your plan. I would much rather kill Inuyasha myself."
Shuri glared at Naraku before making his point painstakingly clear. A dark blue mist began to collect around Shuri as he glared at Naraku.
When the mist touched Naraku's leg, he took a step back, stumbling. It was like his own miasma, only it affected him. Naraku could almost taste the dangers that blue mist contained. "Now you listen to me, you disgusting mortal," said Shuri, "You will do as I say, or I shall bind you to the fires of hell for the rest of this known eternity. Understood?"
Naraku swallowed before looking up. "I understand, Shuri-sama."
people are happy, hopefully. Enjoy!
Chapter 53- Don't Ask, Don't Tell
Chiyo drifted in and out of sleep while she sat in her chair, staring at the scrolls stacked before her. Soon, Machiko would come to clear the table off and then the leaders of the Inuyoukai Packs would come to her table.
To say that she anticipated the coming engagement would be an understatement. All of her Uncle's descendents would be gathered in her home before her very eyes for the first time in what, to her, was an eternity of isolation from her own Clan.
Her head fell back against the arm of the chair and her eyes snapped open before drifting closed again. She could feel sleep coming and tried to fight it, but the pull of rest was much too strong.
Then, in the instant, she was wide-awake and looking towards the entrance of her cavern. Haebari's lone figure reflected in the candlelight and Chiyo waved a hand for him to enter.
Haebari made his way to her table slowly and sat down at the chair closest to Chiyo's own throne like seat. He was silent for a moment, measuring the Ancient hanyou, before he smiled slightly and spoke. "It won't be long now, will it?"
"The end is very near," Chiyo replied in a whisper.
"Are you afraid?"
"Of what?" she asked, confused.
"Of death."
She thought about it before answering honestly. "Yes. I have lived like this for so long, I cannot comprehend another existence. It is silly of me, however, for I could easily forfeit my impending doom."
"I was surprised to hear Inuyasha had performed such a spell," Haebari began, leaning back and closing his eyes in thought. "My first reaction was one of contemplating shock."
Chiyo smiled and prodded the old Inuyoukai to continue.
"Then, I realized that it wasn't so astonishing, considering the other feats such a young hanyou as him has accomplished. Lord Inutashio would indeed be proud of his hanyou son."
Chiyo nodded in agreement. "Have you met Inuyasha yet, Haebari?"
"No."
"I think you two will get along nicely."
"I don't know if I should be alarmed or glad."
"I guess we'll all find out eventually."
^_^
Kagome and Shippou laid side by side on the miko's futon, staring at the ceiling as Inuyasha sat against the wall, reading a scroll about the Inu Clans that had been written by Sesshomaru when he first assumed the position of Demon Lord of the Western Lands.
Shippou sighed before fiddling with a bouncy ball Kagome had given to him the last time she returned from her time. He hated to say it, but he was bored out of his mind.
Quite suddenly, Shippou threw the bouncy ball against the wall, which snapped back against impact before hitting the ceiling and shooting towards Inuyasha.
Inuyasha didn't even look up from the scroll as he caught the ball in his hand and tossed it back to Shippou. The kitsune was stunned that the hanyou could perform such a feat with so little thought.
Again, Shippou threw the ball at the wall, but this time he threw it much harder and it shot straight towards Inuyasha after hitting the wall.
And yet again, Inuyasha caught it in much the same form before tossing the ball back to Shippou. Kagome watched the scene with distant entertainment when Shippou tried a third time.
This time, however, Inuyasha bowed his head so the ball reflected against the wall behind him and shot straight towards Shippou and hit him square in the head.
"Ow," muttered the little kitsune, rubbing his nose where the ball had hit.
"Serves you right," replied Inuyasha, never looking up.
Kagome shook her head and sat up, picking up Shippou and cuddling him, kissing his nose where the ball at hit him before running her hands through his hair.
Shippou purred underneath Kagome's motherly ministrations and tried to find a comfortable position, but there was just no room left in her lap with her stomach swollen so largely.
"I hope they're born soon," grumbled Shippou, glaring at Kagome's extended belly.
Kagome giggled and lying down once again, tucking Shippou beside her. "Why?"
"They're taking up my spot."
Kagome's giggles bubbled over into a laugh as her frame shook with amusement. "You will have to learn to share," Kagome said finally. "You will have to take care of your little siblings."
Shippou smiled up at her brightly with the coming prospect. "Hai!" he chirped. "I'll be a good big brother!"
Inuyasha smiled lightly, a small curl of his lips, before setting down the scroll and walking over to the pair. "It is time for dinner," he announced.
"Do I get to come?" asked Shippou, moving out of the way when Inuyasha helped Kagome stand.
Inuyasha nodded and allowed Shippou to climb to his shoulder. "Do you think the Clan will be upset I'm a kitsune?" he asked curiously, looking down at the hanyous to gauge their reactions.
"Why would they be upset?" Kagome asked, frowning slightly in confusion.
Inuyasha shook his head at Shippou's question before addressing Kagome. "I'll tell you later tonight."
Kagome growled slightly but nodded. There were more impending matters to attend to presently.
^_^
Haebari and Chiyo looked up when Sesshomaru entered the room, followed closely by Rin. "Haebari-San, Chiyo-sama, I am not interrupting?"
"No, of course not, Sesshomaru-San," replied Chiyo, lifting her arm to signal him to sit down.
Sesshomaru took a chair across from Haebari and Rin crawled into Sesshomaru's lap. Haebari looked at the human closely before glancing up at Sesshomaru.
"Who is this?" he asked.
"I'm Rin," she replied to Haebari's question. "Are you Inuyoukai too? Like Sesshomaru-sama? What's your name? Did you come with Hedo-sama and Moromi-sama? Do you know one of the youkai that came with Hedo-sama likes to play go? We played it and I won!"
Haebari interrupted when Rin took the time to breathe. "I am Haebari. And no, I didn't know one of Hedo's warriors likes to play go."
Sesshomaru placed a hand on top of Rin's head, telling her to be silent for a moment. "Rin is my charge."
Haebari lifted an eyebrow. Sesshomaru's reputation for despising humans was well known. Why would he take a human pup under his protection? "Will she attend the dinner tonight?" asked Haebari, looking for answers to his questions.
Sesshomaru looked down at Rin. "Could I go, Sesshomaru-sama? I promise I'll be good."
"Yes," Sesshomaru answered Haebari, looking up. "She will attend dinner."
Haebari nodded. "I just wonder how the rest of the Clan will take this mixing of races," he muttered, half concerned.
Sesshomaru's eyes lowered in thought. "Yes. I was concerned with it myself. I do not have to worry about Hedo and his Mate having prejudices against the humans, or their other youkai. Kouga-San quite unconsciously took care of any bigotry they had this afternoon, at least against the Wolf Clan. The Houshi even did his part to disengage any bias against humans."
"It is not Hedo-San I worry about," replied Haebari. "While I am sure they will follow you, nevertheless, there will be some resentment."
"Well," said Chiyo, deciding to put an end to the matter, "We will just have to take care of that."
^_^
Inuyasha watched as everyone filed into the cavern without a word. Kagome sat to his right, facing Miroku and Sango. Sesshomaru sat on the other side of Inuyasha, Rin beside him. Shippou was sitting next to Miroku, Aiko beside him and Kouga next to Kagome. The other Inuyoukai had filed down to the end of the table and sat quietly, taking in the sight.
Inuyasha recognized Yae and Ishigaki from Sesshomaru's descriptions. By process of elimination, he figured out who Kyoda and Takashima were. Haebari sat across from Rin. Machiko sat between Haebari and Sango, silently studying the new youkai.
Dinner had yet to be served. Chiyo growled, almost silently at the tense atmosphere before speaking. "I realize that many of you have been asked here with very little information to guide you, so why don't you ask any questions you may have?"
Yae immediately opened his mouth, but Ishigaki beat him to it. "I want to know how we're going to defeat a Kami."
Sesshomaru sighed at the lack of subtlety Ishigaki used. Chiyo looked amused. Everyone else kept their faces indifferent, excluding Yae who was upset at Ishigaki asking his question.
"You will not have to worry about defeating the Kami," replied Chiyo, still smiling.
"Then why are we here?" asked Yae.
"Because we need someone to fight Shuri's minions," said Inuyasha with a light growl.
"I wasn't asking you, hanyou," said Yae.
Inuyasha growled violent and stood. Sesshomaru was on his feet next, Kouga following, who was also growling.
Kagome looked like she would have stood if it were not such a difficult feat. Hedo, who sat beside Yae, lifted the Inuyoukai by the neck and slammed him to the table, barring his teeth. Kouga stood beside him with a whip of air and raised his arm to strike Yae. He stopped at Inuyasha's sharp bark, but did not lower his arm.
"You really are a fool," said Haebari, shaking his head sadly in Yae's direction.
Chiyo shook her head and sighed. This was not going as planned. "Whether you wish to acknowledge it or not, pup," she said, addressing Yae. "Inuyasha-San is your better. Either deal with it or leave my home."
Hedo released his hold on Yae's throat and took a step back. Kouga lowered his arm and returned to his seat, though he did not sit down. Hedo barely remembered Kouga appearing at his side and filed away the observation of Kouga's speed for another time.
Yae stood slowly, noting the looks he was receiving. Ishigaki gave his head a small, pitying shake. Sesshomaru did not bother hiding the fact he was very upset with the loud growl he was giving.
Inuyasha looked indifferent before he gave Yae an arrogant smirk and said quite easily "You want me to kick your ass just to teach you a lesson?"
Yae growled in returned but quieted at the violent look he received from Sesshomaru.
Chiyo waited for everyone to sit down again before speaking. "Now, if you will all stop behaving like pups for the rest of the night, we can continue onto more important subjects."
Chiyo smothered a smile at Machiko's snort and continued. "Shuri will not be alone when he returns. He will know we mean to fight him, and he will return with forces, he will believe, are capable of breaking our defense."
"Will they be able to defeat us?" asked Sango.
Some of the Inuyoukai looked surprised when a human was allowed to speak but didn't comment on it when Hedo glared at them in warning.
"Shuri has a nasty habit of underestimating his opponents," replied Chiyo. "We'll use that to our advantage. Of course, it will be a simple matter if he decides to bring some of the lesser demons. Tetsusaiga could easily take care of them."
"Tetsusaiga?" asked Kyoda. "Then the rumors are true. The fang can slay a hundred demons in one stroke?"
"Hai," Chiyo answered absently. At Yae's look of disbelief Chiyo frowned before continuing on the same note. "If you think it so hard to believe, why don't we make an example out of Yae."
Kouga smiled broadly and Hedo smirked. They noticed the teasing in Chiyo's voice, and despite how much they would love for Inuyasha to really use Tetsusaiga on him, they both knew it wasn't going to happen.
When Yae looked down at his lap, Chiyo changed the subject and continued on. "Your job will be quite simple. You must battle with Shuri's minions while Shuri is taken care of."
"And who will take care of Shuri?" asked Takashima, Pack leader of the River youkai.
"You do not need to know that quite yet," Chiyo replied cryptically.
Haebari glanced at Inuyasha before looking back at Chiyo. What was she planning?
^_^
Shuri stood in front of the mortal before him with barely contained disgust. Such a revolting creature. "It's simple," continued Shuri. "All I want you to do is defeat the Inuyoukai so I can get to Inuyasha and his Pack and destroy them."
Naraku studied Shuri for a moment before replying. "As much as I would love to see that intolerable hanyou dead, I find a lack of pleasure in your plan. I would much rather kill Inuyasha myself."
Shuri glared at Naraku before making his point painstakingly clear. A dark blue mist began to collect around Shuri as he glared at Naraku.
When the mist touched Naraku's leg, he took a step back, stumbling. It was like his own miasma, only it affected him. Naraku could almost taste the dangers that blue mist contained. "Now you listen to me, you disgusting mortal," said Shuri, "You will do as I say, or I shall bind you to the fires of hell for the rest of this known eternity. Understood?"
Naraku swallowed before looking up. "I understand, Shuri-sama."