Chapter 13 revised. (2.7.04) ^-^
Disclaimer: ::sighs::
____________________________
To Be With You Tomorrow
Part Five :: Human
Chapter Thirteen :: The Palace at Small Mountain
A few birds chirped overhead as Kagome glanced up at the sky. It was morning, and the sun was low in the sky, having come up over the horizon recently. Tama had transformed back to her normal self, and Inuyasha... well, he hadn't.
"This sucks," the hanyou snarled, looking at his nails which were short and dull. Miroku smiled sympathetically. "Inuyasha, it's not that devastating, is it?"
The hanyou turned his face and growled at the houshi, and he yelped. Kagome winced. "Well at least you haven't lost that..." she muttered.
Inuyasha turned back to the beautiful young witch who had condemned him to this fate. She was plucking herbs from her stock. Kagome had asked for them, in case something happened to the others.
Since the demon hybrids Kitsuko grew in her garden were stronger than some of the other herbs, they would be essential to Tama and Inuyasha. Shippou and Tanpopo didn't get into enough trouble for it, but it would be there for them too, if they needed it.
Inuyasha 'keh'ed. "Kitsuko, this really sucks," he repeated.
Kitsuko sighed as she brushed back some leaves and reached for one of the herbs farther back. "You'll just have to get over it, you brat. It'll be annoying, I know, and it could potentially even worse when you finally DO start changing back."
Inuyasha blinked. "What does that mean, wench?" Kitsuko sighed as she bagged the herbs, finishing up. "Well I have a theory.. it is JUST a theory, but I'm thinking that when your body does heal, and you start to change back, the changes will be rather gradual, even more so than usual. It may even take you an entire day just to return to normal."
"WHAT?~!" Inuyasha let a string of curses fly that startled even himself. From behind him, Tama, her hanyou self once again, smacked him. "Cut that out!"
"Ow~~ I'm still sick you know!!"
"If you are then act sick, you lowlife!"
Kagome smiled as she watched them argue. She'd missed that more than she'd realized. Having to put up with the twins' bickering was more preferable than having to deal with Tama moping and Inuyasha dying.
Oh, much, MUCH more preferable.
As they headed down the mountain, Kagome turned back and waved to Kitsuko. "Thank you again, Kitsuko-san!! For everything~!" The young witch waved back, a bright smile on her face. "Come back again if you guys get roughed up, okay?"
As they walked, Kagome edged up to Inuyasha. It was morning, and typically he was silver-haired once more. Yet his long hair was still black, his eyes brown. He noticed her staring and glared at her. "What already???"
"Are you feeling okay??" she asked, and he snorted, his typical reaction, which was proof for Kagome that he was probably fine. "I'm fine," he snarled, further evidence of his back-to-normalness, "I feel pretty good, actually. With the exception that I'm stuck like THIS for God only knows how long, I'm fine."
Kagome tried to stifle a laugh. He sounded so much like a spoiled brat that she couldn't help it. Inuyasha sombered and lowered his voice to the point where she could barely hear him. "It's not funny. I can't protect you when I'm like this."
She sighed, slipping her hand into his. "Of course you can. It'll be okay. Once your body has healed, you'll be a hanyou again."
"You mean I'll be myself again," he growled and she rubbed her face against his arm, "You'll be hanyou again; you're you either way and I'll take you anyway I can have you."
Inuyasha caught his breath. Kikyou had never said that to him, had she? Had she ever once told him that she wanted to be with him, no matter whether he was human or hanyou? No, she had only ever wanted him to be human.
It made his heart skip a beat, knowing that Kagome would stick with him through anything, even being as weak and helpless as he was. He raised his eyes to the sky and said vacantly, " 'Become human and live with me...'"
Kagome looked up at him. "What?"
"It's what Kikyou told me. She always said she refused to stay with me if I wasn't human. She said she couldn't." He nuzzled his cheek against her hair lovingly. "Kagome... thanks for staying with me."
She stared at the road ahead of them, her eyes wide in a bit of surprise at his display of affection. Then she nodded and replied softly, "No problem... I like being with you." They were quiet for a moment, and then Inuyasha said, "I hate this. No matter how much I want to, I can't show you how much I love you..."
Kagome nodded. "Yes you can. You're doing it now." He looked down at her, a bit puzzled, and she smiled, holding up their clasped hands. "Stay with me like this for a little longer. It's enough." Silently he nodded.
For awhile the pair walked like that, their hands locked, enjoying just being in the other's company. Their moment was lost to the winds when Kagome flinched suddenly, snapping awake. "I feel a Shikon shard."
"Just one?" Tama asked, appearing from nowhere, and Sango's heart leapt to her throat. Kagome shook her head. "No, two."
Sango's heart sank. *It's... not Kohaku then...* She felt a hand on her shoulder then and looked up at Miroku. His eyes were sympathetic. "We'll find him, Sango," he said softly.
"Miroku-sama..."
"Kyaa~~!!" They all snapped up, and looked down the road, where a young girl was racing towards them. In hot pursuit behind her was some sort of youkai; it looked like a...
"I think that's a tree." Kagome mused blankly and Sango blinked, her stare as vacant as Kagome's. "Is that a youkai made of plants...??"
Inuyasha started forward, but felt the tug of Kagome at his wrist, and he turned. She shook her head, her eyes fearful, and Inuyasha turned back, grinding his teeth together in frustration as his sister raced ahead in his place.
"Dokka Tessou~!" Tama snatched the girl up in one arm and slashed the plant youkai with the other. She dropped to the ground effortlessly, and the girl, who was about 12 or 13, looked up at her gratefully. "Thanks~~ you saved me.."
"No problem kid. What the hell was that?" Tama asked, setting the kid on the ground and the girl dusted off her kimono. She looked up at them. "I dunno... They suddenly started appearing yesterday evening, when Koyama-jiisama returned from a trip."
"Koyama?" Sango wondered and the girl nodded. "Our village is on the land of the Koyama family, and we serve them. They're a very kind family, not like most daimyos or so I've heard; they take care of us peasants. Koyama Mugihito-jiisama is the head of the family. But Jiisama likes to travel, and when he is away, his son, Koyama Hideyuki-sama, is in charge."
"And when he returned yesterday this started?" Miroku asked and the girl nodded. "No one knows why. They think its a demon, because Jiisama was acting strange."
"Strange?" repeated Kagome and the little girl nodded again, vigorously. "See, Jiisama always brings back treasures for us children, like an interesting feather he found or a particularly round stone, and he always tells us stories of his travels before he returns to his palace. But yesterday, he came through without a word, and snapped at those who tried to bother him."
"So you're upset because you finally got on some old daimyo's nerves and he hates kids now?" Inuyasha wondered unsympathetically, and Kagome elbowed him. The girl slapped a fist into her palm, as if she had remembered something suddenly. "Oh yeah, and Jiisama had this tiny pink glowing shard with him."
They all snapped awake at that. Kagome leaned forward and put two fingers together, "Was it about this big?"
"Yep! How did you know?" The group exchanged knowing glances and then Kagome smiled to ease the girl's worry. "If we went to see the daimyo, would he let us in?"
"Sure!! Even if Jiisama doesn't wanna see anyone, Hana-himesama LOVES company!!"
~*~
"Mayo-chan!" Hana came forward and hugged the dirty little girl. "You said you would be here early this morning, were you delayed?"
Mayo, the little peasant girl, nodded. "Sorry, I was attacked by a youkai!" Hana looked worried. "My goodness, are you alright?! I hear those have become quite troublesome recently and I was unaware they were so close to our house. You were unhurt?"
Mayo nodded again. "I was saved by these people!" Hana looked up at the group. "Uhm... these people?" Inuyasha grimaced, biting back a spiteful remark at her distasteful skeptical expression, and Kagome gasped. *Why... do I feel the Shikon shard from this girl...??*
"Hana-himesama?" Miroku addressed and the 14 year old princess nodded. "Yes that's me, may I inquire who you people are?"
"I'm a monk," Miroku said, his wandering hand finding the princess' backside. The princess squealed. "Kyaa~!! What manner of monk are you!?!" she demanded, and while Sango had a go at Miroku with her boomerang, Kagome apologized to Hana for Miroku.
"His behavior is inexcusable I know, but please don't mind him... And we're demon exterminators." Kagome introduced and the young princess squealed.
"Wonderful!! We're having a bit of a problem with youkai right now as you know if you saved Mayo-chan! What luck to have you stop here!! Please come in!" She grabbed Kagome by the hand and yanked her into the palace.
~*~
"It's very odd," Hana began as she lead them to the rooms she had ordered for them, "Since yesterday, it seems the plants in the area are coming to life and attacking people... Several people have already been injured."
"I see. Hana-himesama, don't worry, you can leave everything to us." Miroku said, and Hana smiled, keeping a good distance from the houshi. "I'm sure I can, and I appreciate it more than you can tell... I believe my beloved Sofu-ue has been worrying too much about this youkai business... He has become snippety to all who cross his path. It seems that only I am able to soothe him, because he will see neither the physician, nor even my father. If he asks for anyone, it is always I."
"Your grandfather... Koyama-jiisama?" mused Kagome and Hana nodded. "Yes, that is what he has all the villagers call him," she replied, "He loves all of them like they were his own family, as do most of us. Mayo-chan and I were raised together, in fact." she said, giving Mayo a smile, but then the smile faded and she sighed. "But since yesterday..."
"Do not fret, Hana-himesama. We will handle everything." Miroku eased over again and Sango bopped him in the head, noticing his twitching right hand. "Mi~ro~ku~sa~ma~~!!!"
"It's a reflex, a reflex!!" he wailed.
Hana grimaced, quickly stepping out of the way. "I'm sorry, but I have business to attend to now, please make yourselves comfortable." She and Mayo left, shutting the doors, and Shippou plopped down. "This is a rather nice house!" Tanpopo looked around before sitting in the corner of the room, folding her arms.
"I'll be back," Tama said, going to the door. She turned back to look at them. "I'm gonna go check things out."
"I'm coming too." Inuyasha said quickly, standing, and Tama shook her head. "Inuyasha, don't get mad or anything, but you're no good as a human. Without your canine senses you'd just slow me down."
Inuyasha looked insulted, but Kagome tugged on his hand. "Inuyasha, she's right; you're not able to do anything now."
The hanyou growled a curse under his breath and snatched his hand out of Kagome's, stomping to the other side of the room, and Kagome pressed her lips together, feeling guilty. Tama patted Kagome's shoulder. "Don't get down, Kagome-chan. He's just annoyed with himself." She opened the door, "I hafta go. I'll be back at dusk. Don't get into any trouble till then, okay?" She said the last teasingly, and shut the door behind her as she went.
They were silent for awhile before Kagome stood and headed for the door. Miroku looked up. "Kagome-sama??" Kagome turned to look at them.
"I'm going to go speak with Hana-himesama... she... has a shard of the Shikon no Tama." They gasped, and Miroku looked up at Kagome. "The princess does?"
"Yes… I'm not sure why, but maybe if I can talk to her, I'll figure something out." Immediately Inuyasha jumped up. "I'm coming too!" Kagome sighed. "Inuyasha~~"
"Dammit, I'm not going to sit around and do nothing, and YOU are not going anywhere by YOURSELF!" he said, his eyes smoldering. Kagome looked at him and he stared right back at her, not budging. Then she nodded, slinging her bow with a smile. "Alright, then let's go."
~*~
Koyama-jiisama leaned over one of the many plants in his room, petting the lush leaves on one of them. "My beautiful plants... I shall let no one harm you..."
The biggest plant looked to be an ivy of some sort, and several tiny violet buds were starting to bloom. Koyama's eyes glazed over as he stroked the ivy's leaves. "My beautiful...flowers..."
"Sofu-ue?" called an unsure voice.
"Who's there?!" the old man snapped angrily, coming to, and Hana pushed aside the half-open door with a creak. "Sofu-ue, it's just I, Hana..."
Koyama softened and beckoned to his little granddaughter. She stepped in uncertainly, walking to him and he patted her dark hair affectionately, "My Hana-chan, please come in. I apologize for snapping at you, I was unaware of who it was."
"Actually, Sofu-ue, it was just that about which I came to speak to you," Hana began softly, "My handmaiden Mayo-chan tells me you are sending away everyone... Not just the physician now but also... Chichi-ue, Haha-ue, Ani-ue... the servants who bring your food and clothing... and you have doubled the guard on your room. Sofu-ue, why do you send all away but not I?"
"Because," the old man began, patting her hair again, "My little lovely Hana, you give me strength." He tapped her chest, just at her collarbone, "Hana-chan, you still wear the pink jewel I gave you, do you not?"
"Of course!" Hana smiled, pulling out the necklace. It was a ceramic flower charm, and she opened it. The jewel was inside. "See? It's a beautiful gift from my beloved Sofu-ue! I will always treasure it!"
She looked at him seriously, "But Sofu-ue, you're ill, you know. I am glad that I give you strength, but the physician would surely be able to heal your ails better than I." She looked frightened. "And, there is a rumor of a youkai nearby, and it had scared me to no end. I have never seen a youkai before."
"There is no youkai, Hana-chan," Koyama said, "You need not fear."
"There IS a youkai, Mayo-chan and several others have been attacked by it! But the last you said is true! Youkai taiji-ya have come to rescue us! They stay in this very palace!"
Koyama looked irked. "Taiji-ya, hn?" Hana nodded, clasping her hands together. "They will surely exorcise the youkai; they have a houshi-sama with them --he is quite lecherous, but he seems to bear good intention-- and they look very strong!"
Koyama nodded, and faked a smile. "I see. Well, that puts MY fears to rest. Hopefully, my little Hana-chan, you will also be able to rest easy. Now go on and be good."
Hana nodded and scampered away. Koyama stood and looked at the ivy plant with the purple flowers. They would be full bloom by dusk. He went to the plant and snapped off some of the older blooms, and scattered them on the floor.
Instantly, the flowers began to radiate with a murderous energy, and each of them shot more vines and ivy leaves, until each of them were a large bundle of ivy vines. Koyama pointed to the door. "The taiji-ya. Kill them."
The clumps of vines scurried away, and Koyama sat at his desk again. *Taiji-ya, hn? I did not expect them. However, I have finally regained my strength. This body is mine now, and I will not let anyone take it.*
Behind Koyama's body, the ghostly figure of a woman appeared from the ivy, and she leaned forward, slipping her nonexistent arms around him. *As I gain more power by devouring this old body... I take one step closer to recovering my true form...*
~*~ To be continued ~*~
a/n :: ^-^
sofu-ue:: very polite way to say grandfather. (the same way chichi-ue is father, haha-ue is mother, ani-ue is big brother, ane-ue is big sister)
Koyama:: small mountain ;p They live in the mountains in Kouzuke, so~~
~*~ V^-^V ~*~
Tessen
Disclaimer: ::sighs::
____________________________
To Be With You Tomorrow
Part Five :: Human
Chapter Thirteen :: The Palace at Small Mountain
A few birds chirped overhead as Kagome glanced up at the sky. It was morning, and the sun was low in the sky, having come up over the horizon recently. Tama had transformed back to her normal self, and Inuyasha... well, he hadn't.
"This sucks," the hanyou snarled, looking at his nails which were short and dull. Miroku smiled sympathetically. "Inuyasha, it's not that devastating, is it?"
The hanyou turned his face and growled at the houshi, and he yelped. Kagome winced. "Well at least you haven't lost that..." she muttered.
Inuyasha turned back to the beautiful young witch who had condemned him to this fate. She was plucking herbs from her stock. Kagome had asked for them, in case something happened to the others.
Since the demon hybrids Kitsuko grew in her garden were stronger than some of the other herbs, they would be essential to Tama and Inuyasha. Shippou and Tanpopo didn't get into enough trouble for it, but it would be there for them too, if they needed it.
Inuyasha 'keh'ed. "Kitsuko, this really sucks," he repeated.
Kitsuko sighed as she brushed back some leaves and reached for one of the herbs farther back. "You'll just have to get over it, you brat. It'll be annoying, I know, and it could potentially even worse when you finally DO start changing back."
Inuyasha blinked. "What does that mean, wench?" Kitsuko sighed as she bagged the herbs, finishing up. "Well I have a theory.. it is JUST a theory, but I'm thinking that when your body does heal, and you start to change back, the changes will be rather gradual, even more so than usual. It may even take you an entire day just to return to normal."
"WHAT?~!" Inuyasha let a string of curses fly that startled even himself. From behind him, Tama, her hanyou self once again, smacked him. "Cut that out!"
"Ow~~ I'm still sick you know!!"
"If you are then act sick, you lowlife!"
Kagome smiled as she watched them argue. She'd missed that more than she'd realized. Having to put up with the twins' bickering was more preferable than having to deal with Tama moping and Inuyasha dying.
Oh, much, MUCH more preferable.
As they headed down the mountain, Kagome turned back and waved to Kitsuko. "Thank you again, Kitsuko-san!! For everything~!" The young witch waved back, a bright smile on her face. "Come back again if you guys get roughed up, okay?"
As they walked, Kagome edged up to Inuyasha. It was morning, and typically he was silver-haired once more. Yet his long hair was still black, his eyes brown. He noticed her staring and glared at her. "What already???"
"Are you feeling okay??" she asked, and he snorted, his typical reaction, which was proof for Kagome that he was probably fine. "I'm fine," he snarled, further evidence of his back-to-normalness, "I feel pretty good, actually. With the exception that I'm stuck like THIS for God only knows how long, I'm fine."
Kagome tried to stifle a laugh. He sounded so much like a spoiled brat that she couldn't help it. Inuyasha sombered and lowered his voice to the point where she could barely hear him. "It's not funny. I can't protect you when I'm like this."
She sighed, slipping her hand into his. "Of course you can. It'll be okay. Once your body has healed, you'll be a hanyou again."
"You mean I'll be myself again," he growled and she rubbed her face against his arm, "You'll be hanyou again; you're you either way and I'll take you anyway I can have you."
Inuyasha caught his breath. Kikyou had never said that to him, had she? Had she ever once told him that she wanted to be with him, no matter whether he was human or hanyou? No, she had only ever wanted him to be human.
It made his heart skip a beat, knowing that Kagome would stick with him through anything, even being as weak and helpless as he was. He raised his eyes to the sky and said vacantly, " 'Become human and live with me...'"
Kagome looked up at him. "What?"
"It's what Kikyou told me. She always said she refused to stay with me if I wasn't human. She said she couldn't." He nuzzled his cheek against her hair lovingly. "Kagome... thanks for staying with me."
She stared at the road ahead of them, her eyes wide in a bit of surprise at his display of affection. Then she nodded and replied softly, "No problem... I like being with you." They were quiet for a moment, and then Inuyasha said, "I hate this. No matter how much I want to, I can't show you how much I love you..."
Kagome nodded. "Yes you can. You're doing it now." He looked down at her, a bit puzzled, and she smiled, holding up their clasped hands. "Stay with me like this for a little longer. It's enough." Silently he nodded.
For awhile the pair walked like that, their hands locked, enjoying just being in the other's company. Their moment was lost to the winds when Kagome flinched suddenly, snapping awake. "I feel a Shikon shard."
"Just one?" Tama asked, appearing from nowhere, and Sango's heart leapt to her throat. Kagome shook her head. "No, two."
Sango's heart sank. *It's... not Kohaku then...* She felt a hand on her shoulder then and looked up at Miroku. His eyes were sympathetic. "We'll find him, Sango," he said softly.
"Miroku-sama..."
"Kyaa~~!!" They all snapped up, and looked down the road, where a young girl was racing towards them. In hot pursuit behind her was some sort of youkai; it looked like a...
"I think that's a tree." Kagome mused blankly and Sango blinked, her stare as vacant as Kagome's. "Is that a youkai made of plants...??"
Inuyasha started forward, but felt the tug of Kagome at his wrist, and he turned. She shook her head, her eyes fearful, and Inuyasha turned back, grinding his teeth together in frustration as his sister raced ahead in his place.
"Dokka Tessou~!" Tama snatched the girl up in one arm and slashed the plant youkai with the other. She dropped to the ground effortlessly, and the girl, who was about 12 or 13, looked up at her gratefully. "Thanks~~ you saved me.."
"No problem kid. What the hell was that?" Tama asked, setting the kid on the ground and the girl dusted off her kimono. She looked up at them. "I dunno... They suddenly started appearing yesterday evening, when Koyama-jiisama returned from a trip."
"Koyama?" Sango wondered and the girl nodded. "Our village is on the land of the Koyama family, and we serve them. They're a very kind family, not like most daimyos or so I've heard; they take care of us peasants. Koyama Mugihito-jiisama is the head of the family. But Jiisama likes to travel, and when he is away, his son, Koyama Hideyuki-sama, is in charge."
"And when he returned yesterday this started?" Miroku asked and the girl nodded. "No one knows why. They think its a demon, because Jiisama was acting strange."
"Strange?" repeated Kagome and the little girl nodded again, vigorously. "See, Jiisama always brings back treasures for us children, like an interesting feather he found or a particularly round stone, and he always tells us stories of his travels before he returns to his palace. But yesterday, he came through without a word, and snapped at those who tried to bother him."
"So you're upset because you finally got on some old daimyo's nerves and he hates kids now?" Inuyasha wondered unsympathetically, and Kagome elbowed him. The girl slapped a fist into her palm, as if she had remembered something suddenly. "Oh yeah, and Jiisama had this tiny pink glowing shard with him."
They all snapped awake at that. Kagome leaned forward and put two fingers together, "Was it about this big?"
"Yep! How did you know?" The group exchanged knowing glances and then Kagome smiled to ease the girl's worry. "If we went to see the daimyo, would he let us in?"
"Sure!! Even if Jiisama doesn't wanna see anyone, Hana-himesama LOVES company!!"
~*~
"Mayo-chan!" Hana came forward and hugged the dirty little girl. "You said you would be here early this morning, were you delayed?"
Mayo, the little peasant girl, nodded. "Sorry, I was attacked by a youkai!" Hana looked worried. "My goodness, are you alright?! I hear those have become quite troublesome recently and I was unaware they were so close to our house. You were unhurt?"
Mayo nodded again. "I was saved by these people!" Hana looked up at the group. "Uhm... these people?" Inuyasha grimaced, biting back a spiteful remark at her distasteful skeptical expression, and Kagome gasped. *Why... do I feel the Shikon shard from this girl...??*
"Hana-himesama?" Miroku addressed and the 14 year old princess nodded. "Yes that's me, may I inquire who you people are?"
"I'm a monk," Miroku said, his wandering hand finding the princess' backside. The princess squealed. "Kyaa~!! What manner of monk are you!?!" she demanded, and while Sango had a go at Miroku with her boomerang, Kagome apologized to Hana for Miroku.
"His behavior is inexcusable I know, but please don't mind him... And we're demon exterminators." Kagome introduced and the young princess squealed.
"Wonderful!! We're having a bit of a problem with youkai right now as you know if you saved Mayo-chan! What luck to have you stop here!! Please come in!" She grabbed Kagome by the hand and yanked her into the palace.
~*~
"It's very odd," Hana began as she lead them to the rooms she had ordered for them, "Since yesterday, it seems the plants in the area are coming to life and attacking people... Several people have already been injured."
"I see. Hana-himesama, don't worry, you can leave everything to us." Miroku said, and Hana smiled, keeping a good distance from the houshi. "I'm sure I can, and I appreciate it more than you can tell... I believe my beloved Sofu-ue has been worrying too much about this youkai business... He has become snippety to all who cross his path. It seems that only I am able to soothe him, because he will see neither the physician, nor even my father. If he asks for anyone, it is always I."
"Your grandfather... Koyama-jiisama?" mused Kagome and Hana nodded. "Yes, that is what he has all the villagers call him," she replied, "He loves all of them like they were his own family, as do most of us. Mayo-chan and I were raised together, in fact." she said, giving Mayo a smile, but then the smile faded and she sighed. "But since yesterday..."
"Do not fret, Hana-himesama. We will handle everything." Miroku eased over again and Sango bopped him in the head, noticing his twitching right hand. "Mi~ro~ku~sa~ma~~!!!"
"It's a reflex, a reflex!!" he wailed.
Hana grimaced, quickly stepping out of the way. "I'm sorry, but I have business to attend to now, please make yourselves comfortable." She and Mayo left, shutting the doors, and Shippou plopped down. "This is a rather nice house!" Tanpopo looked around before sitting in the corner of the room, folding her arms.
"I'll be back," Tama said, going to the door. She turned back to look at them. "I'm gonna go check things out."
"I'm coming too." Inuyasha said quickly, standing, and Tama shook her head. "Inuyasha, don't get mad or anything, but you're no good as a human. Without your canine senses you'd just slow me down."
Inuyasha looked insulted, but Kagome tugged on his hand. "Inuyasha, she's right; you're not able to do anything now."
The hanyou growled a curse under his breath and snatched his hand out of Kagome's, stomping to the other side of the room, and Kagome pressed her lips together, feeling guilty. Tama patted Kagome's shoulder. "Don't get down, Kagome-chan. He's just annoyed with himself." She opened the door, "I hafta go. I'll be back at dusk. Don't get into any trouble till then, okay?" She said the last teasingly, and shut the door behind her as she went.
They were silent for awhile before Kagome stood and headed for the door. Miroku looked up. "Kagome-sama??" Kagome turned to look at them.
"I'm going to go speak with Hana-himesama... she... has a shard of the Shikon no Tama." They gasped, and Miroku looked up at Kagome. "The princess does?"
"Yes… I'm not sure why, but maybe if I can talk to her, I'll figure something out." Immediately Inuyasha jumped up. "I'm coming too!" Kagome sighed. "Inuyasha~~"
"Dammit, I'm not going to sit around and do nothing, and YOU are not going anywhere by YOURSELF!" he said, his eyes smoldering. Kagome looked at him and he stared right back at her, not budging. Then she nodded, slinging her bow with a smile. "Alright, then let's go."
~*~
Koyama-jiisama leaned over one of the many plants in his room, petting the lush leaves on one of them. "My beautiful plants... I shall let no one harm you..."
The biggest plant looked to be an ivy of some sort, and several tiny violet buds were starting to bloom. Koyama's eyes glazed over as he stroked the ivy's leaves. "My beautiful...flowers..."
"Sofu-ue?" called an unsure voice.
"Who's there?!" the old man snapped angrily, coming to, and Hana pushed aside the half-open door with a creak. "Sofu-ue, it's just I, Hana..."
Koyama softened and beckoned to his little granddaughter. She stepped in uncertainly, walking to him and he patted her dark hair affectionately, "My Hana-chan, please come in. I apologize for snapping at you, I was unaware of who it was."
"Actually, Sofu-ue, it was just that about which I came to speak to you," Hana began softly, "My handmaiden Mayo-chan tells me you are sending away everyone... Not just the physician now but also... Chichi-ue, Haha-ue, Ani-ue... the servants who bring your food and clothing... and you have doubled the guard on your room. Sofu-ue, why do you send all away but not I?"
"Because," the old man began, patting her hair again, "My little lovely Hana, you give me strength." He tapped her chest, just at her collarbone, "Hana-chan, you still wear the pink jewel I gave you, do you not?"
"Of course!" Hana smiled, pulling out the necklace. It was a ceramic flower charm, and she opened it. The jewel was inside. "See? It's a beautiful gift from my beloved Sofu-ue! I will always treasure it!"
She looked at him seriously, "But Sofu-ue, you're ill, you know. I am glad that I give you strength, but the physician would surely be able to heal your ails better than I." She looked frightened. "And, there is a rumor of a youkai nearby, and it had scared me to no end. I have never seen a youkai before."
"There is no youkai, Hana-chan," Koyama said, "You need not fear."
"There IS a youkai, Mayo-chan and several others have been attacked by it! But the last you said is true! Youkai taiji-ya have come to rescue us! They stay in this very palace!"
Koyama looked irked. "Taiji-ya, hn?" Hana nodded, clasping her hands together. "They will surely exorcise the youkai; they have a houshi-sama with them --he is quite lecherous, but he seems to bear good intention-- and they look very strong!"
Koyama nodded, and faked a smile. "I see. Well, that puts MY fears to rest. Hopefully, my little Hana-chan, you will also be able to rest easy. Now go on and be good."
Hana nodded and scampered away. Koyama stood and looked at the ivy plant with the purple flowers. They would be full bloom by dusk. He went to the plant and snapped off some of the older blooms, and scattered them on the floor.
Instantly, the flowers began to radiate with a murderous energy, and each of them shot more vines and ivy leaves, until each of them were a large bundle of ivy vines. Koyama pointed to the door. "The taiji-ya. Kill them."
The clumps of vines scurried away, and Koyama sat at his desk again. *Taiji-ya, hn? I did not expect them. However, I have finally regained my strength. This body is mine now, and I will not let anyone take it.*
Behind Koyama's body, the ghostly figure of a woman appeared from the ivy, and she leaned forward, slipping her nonexistent arms around him. *As I gain more power by devouring this old body... I take one step closer to recovering my true form...*
~*~ To be continued ~*~
a/n :: ^-^
sofu-ue:: very polite way to say grandfather. (the same way chichi-ue is father, haha-ue is mother, ani-ue is big brother, ane-ue is big sister)
Koyama:: small mountain ;p They live in the mountains in Kouzuke, so~~
~*~ V^-^V ~*~
Tessen