A/N: Yayy!!! I have more reviewers!!! This is so exciting! And even more
exciting is the face that my story stayed on page one for longer than an
hour! Yayy! So thank you, thank you, thank you all! Umm, just to let you
know, I probably won't update this regularly when school starts up. Just a
little forewarning.
Junichi, thank you for reviewing! You're right. I can't really see Kagome as an animal torturer either. About the monk, he'll be explained soon, as will Miroku. So you'll have to keep reading to find out!!! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!!! (Cough.) Sorry about that. Haha. Thanks again!
Thank you Keeko!!! You rule so much more than I do!!!! You are the greatest, most bestest! And you reviewed on the day I posted it, so I wouldn't say that was a long time! Thank you sooo, much. I'll make sure that Bob stays away from you!
Bob: (growls)
Haha... okay Bob.
Neko-Yuff16, I'm so glad that you read my story! Uh, like I said, Miroku and the Monk will be explained soon, so keep on reading!!!
Koneko8844- Thank you! I will keep up the good work! Or at least I'll try. If I'm not, just tell me and... well, I'll probably go cry, but after that I'll fix it!
And, finally, Quistis-the-lonely, Inuyasha is mean now, yes, but don't worry. He gets nicer as he gets to know Kagome. Inuyasha would never admit to himself that deep down he is really a sweet and caring guy with a good heart, so he puts on the bad-boy act. So, therefore, he's mean to Kagome and treats her like dirt when he first meets her but... well. AT LEAST HE DOESN'T ACT LIKE BOB!!!
Bob: (cracks knuckles)
Sorry Bob. I was joking, I swear.
Disclaimer: I no own. (Inuyasha) You no sue. (Me)
Anyway, now that that's through, Onward with the story!!!
...
"Inuyasha!" the hanyou looked up at the sound of the young man calling his name.
"Shippo?" he asked incredulously, black eyebrows going up into his hair.
The little kitsune grinned, running a hand through his shoulder length red hair, which hung loose around his shoulders. "Yep. It's me all right." For a few seconds Inuyasha could only gape.
Finally, he asked in a hesitant voice, "Ummm, where's your... tail? And claws, and feet?"
"Oh." With a sheepish smile, Shippo reached up and pulled off the rosary that hung around his neck. In an instant, he was back to his original, annoying, snickering form.
"Oy! Where'd you get that?" the half-demon demanded, attempting to snatch it from his young friend.
"Kaede made it for me. You can't have it. It's mine!"
Sango stifled a laugh as Inuyasha growled deep in his throat and pounced on the kitsune, attempting to take the rosary away so that he could inspect it. 'Or possibly steal it.' No, Inuyasha wouldn't do that.
Shippo's return had been the source of her good mood, as the hanyou had probably guessed by now. They hadn't seen their young friend in years, because he had been working for the circle. He was the part of the reason that information got passed from demon to demon so quickly. Nobody would suspect a young, human boy who looked to be sixteen. Well, at least he looked human when he had his rosary on. The elderly miko had outdone herself on that one. The change was amazing! You couldn't tell that he wasn't a human, ... unless, of course you were a demon.
She looked over at Inuyasha again, smiling fondly. If Inuyasha hadn't been there for her, she probably would have lost her mind. Losing Mikaro, then being unable to join him when her time came... it was too cruel to think about. Inuyasha had pulled her back from the brink, given her a reason to live, and even allowed himself to love her, in his own way.
"Give it to me runt!"
"No, never! Heyheyhey!!! Stop that!!!" she looked over at her dear friend, frowning in irritation. Poor Shippo's face was shoved in the ground, his right arm twisted behind his back, and Inuyasha's elbow pressed into the top of his spine.
"Don't make me break your arm runt!"
"You wouldn't!"
"Wanna bet?"
"Owowowowow!! Stop it!"
"Hand it over than!"
"Inuyasha!" she intervened, storming over and smacking his head. "Get off Shippo now."
"But Sango! He won't let me see it." She stifled a laugh at his whining tone, half expecting him to give her the beaten, puppy dog look. Inuyasha wouldn't do that though, unless he was drunk of course.
"I don't care if he won't let you see it! You get off of him now before I shove your face into the ground." Grumbling unhappily, he got to his feet, after grinding his elbow into Shippo's spine one last time. Glaring unhappily, the young kitsune got to his feet and turned to Sango with the pitiful look she had expected from Inuyasha.
"I don't want to hear anything from you. You were taunting him!" At his cocky grin, she had to look him over again. His green eyes twinkled mischievously, and his grin made his cheeks dimple becomingly. He was nicely built, though still kind of short, and his hair hanging wildly about his face emphasized the absence of the baby fat that used to grace it. All in all, he was a good-looking young man. He had aged a lot since they last met.
"You know me all to well, Sango." He suddenly pulled her into a quick hug, before pulling away and dashing into the house. "Come on!" He called over his shoulder. "Kaede's waiting!" Inuyasha was still pouting, so she had to grab his arm and drag him inside.
"Sango, Inuyasha. How are ye?" She had never understood why the miko insisted on saying "ye" instead of saying "you" like a normal person. She figured it was to create an air of importance, but she was never really sure.
"We're fine Kaede." Inuyasha 'kehed' and yanked his arm away from her so that he could cross it over his chest properly. The house was dim, which was another thing that Sango had never understood. Modern day lighting was extremely useful and very nice, but Kaede refused it. Instead, she insisted on lighting her home with non-scented candles and her fireplace. She was sure that if the old woman could, then she would be living in an old hut in the middle of no where, making her own medicines out of herbs that she had picked and cultivated herself. Odd woman.
"'S there anything to eat around here?" Shippo was rummaging through her cupboard, opening one box after another and creating a royal mess.
"Get out of there ye fiend." Shippo glanced up sheepishly preparing to rip another box open with his claws.
"Sorry Kaede. But I came all this way to see you, and now I'm absolutely famished."
"I'm sure you are runt! What, did paying your bus toll wear you out?" her eyes rolled heaven ward at Inuyasha's tone. Couldn't he be nice for once in his life? Was it so impossible for him to drop the bad-boy attitude?
"Why don't you wait, Shippo. After we're done here, we'll go out and grab something. Inuyasha can come along as well."
"Keh. Whatever Sango. If you want to take the runt out, that's your deal. I'm not going though." The hanyou leaned against the wall, turning to Kaede. "So, what news have you got for us today?"
"Inuyasha. Ye never change, do ye? Very well. Sesshomaru has disappeared again. Shippo has just returned from trying to find him, without luck. Kouga is in town. He wishes to speak to you." He growled darkly, baring his fangs. No wonder. Kaede had just named Inuyasha's two favorite people in the same breath. Ignoring Inuyasha, the old woman continued. "Jimono was killed the other day, by Isname, who has taken over control of the pack, and another demon hunter is in the making. Everyone else has been fairly quiet lately. Which might not be so good for ye."
Well, it could have been worse. She never had understood how Inuyasha had come to be the leader of the demons in this city. Sure, he was the most powerful, but he wasn't all that diplomatic. For some strange, elusive reason though, the demons trusted him, and he dealt swiftly with any of the problems that arose. Maybe his lack of diplomacy was what made him so perfect for the job.
"I'll be sure to pay everyone a visit next week. Especially Isname. Perhaps Kouga's people will be willing to keep an eye on this demon hunter." Moving away from the wall abruptly, Inuyasha moved towards the door, hands readjusting the hat on his head. "If that's all, I've got other stuff to do." He walked outside to wait for Sango as she had her little chat with the miko, followed by Shippo who was almost on his heels. There was something about guys and "girl" talk.
"Has Inuyasha been giving ye trouble?" the woman asked as soon as the door closed.
"No, Kaede. Inuyasha has been good. So, no. I don't need the subduing spell. You must realize that I've put up with him for a long time." She fell silent for a moment, thinking. "Inuyasha looks out for me, though he would never admit to it. He cares for me too much to really piss me off or cause me any trouble. And even if he was causing me trouble, I wouldn't do that to him. It's the least I can do in return."
"Very well then, child." That made her laugh. To think that Kaede, who hadn't lived half as long as she had, was calling her child.
"Thank you Kaede. And Shippo can stay with us while he's here. That'll keep him out of your hair for a while. Now, I guess I had better get going. Who knows what those two will get into if left alone together for too long." With a fond wave, she picked up her purse and exited.
...
"Kagome! There's nothing to eat here! I thought that women were supposed to keep their kitchens stocked. A mouse couldn't find anything to eat in here!" She stepped out of her bedroom with a sigh, running her fingers through her disheveled hair.
"Well, excuse me Miroku. But you should know by now that I don't eat at home!"
"That's not healthy, Kagome. You have no idea how sanitary the person who prepared your food is, how long it's been sitting out, what they put in it. For all you know, that tasty spice could be rat poison!"
"Can it Miroku. You eat out as much as I do." She stepped into the kitchen, irritated to find Miroku shining with his utter perfection. Nobody should be that good looking this late at night, after taking a nap. Her eyes fell to the prayer beads and the slip of cloth that covered his right hand. She had always wondered about that. Miroku claimed it was a family tradition. Apparently, all the men wore the prayer beads until the day that they wed. If that were so, than Miroku would be wearing them till the day he died, because she couldn't see him settling down any time soon. Pulling the hem of her blue tank down over the waist band her jean shorts, she ran her fingers through her hair one last time before grabbing her purse.
"Come on. Let's go grab something to eat. There's an all night diner on the corner."
"Okay."
...
"Hey look! You can have eggs for dinner!" she raised her eyebrow at her friend.
"Stop being an idiot Miroku." He smiled charmingly across the table at her.
"Whatever you say, dear Kagome. I would do anything for you. I am your loyal servant."
"Shut up." She glanced down at her menu. Now that she thought about it, she was ravenous. It had been a stressful day after all. She decided that she was going to splurge a bit.
"Kagome!"
"Huh?" she glanced up and was surprised to see one of her younger brother's friends standing beside the table.
"Shippo? Is that really you?"
"Sure is. How's Souta?"
"He's doing great. Gosh, it's been a while. How are things going for you?" He was about to answer when he was interrupted by a gratingly familiar voice.
"Oy, runt. What do you think you're doing? Hurry up, I'm hungry!" she turned slowly in her seat, knowing already who she was going to see.
"You!!!"
...
A/N: Haha. I'm gonna leave it at that for a while. So Shippo knows Kagome? (Gasp) I didn't see it coming. Urgh, I have no idea how good this chapter is. It's three in the morning, but I wanted to update tonight because I won't be able to tomorrow. And I really wanted to get this out. So it's probably horrible and it probably doesn't make much sense. Ah, well. Tell me what you think! Which means REVIEW!!! Pretty please?
Bob: (glowers menacingly)
Ummmm.... I'm gonna interpret that as BOB WANTS YOU TO REVIEW TOO!!!! Which would probably be a good idea, if that's what he wants.
Bob: (growls)
It's okay Bob! Just calm down. Uh, better go. Bye! (runs)
Junichi, thank you for reviewing! You're right. I can't really see Kagome as an animal torturer either. About the monk, he'll be explained soon, as will Miroku. So you'll have to keep reading to find out!!! Mwahahahahahahahahaha!!! (Cough.) Sorry about that. Haha. Thanks again!
Thank you Keeko!!! You rule so much more than I do!!!! You are the greatest, most bestest! And you reviewed on the day I posted it, so I wouldn't say that was a long time! Thank you sooo, much. I'll make sure that Bob stays away from you!
Bob: (growls)
Haha... okay Bob.
Neko-Yuff16, I'm so glad that you read my story! Uh, like I said, Miroku and the Monk will be explained soon, so keep on reading!!!
Koneko8844- Thank you! I will keep up the good work! Or at least I'll try. If I'm not, just tell me and... well, I'll probably go cry, but after that I'll fix it!
And, finally, Quistis-the-lonely, Inuyasha is mean now, yes, but don't worry. He gets nicer as he gets to know Kagome. Inuyasha would never admit to himself that deep down he is really a sweet and caring guy with a good heart, so he puts on the bad-boy act. So, therefore, he's mean to Kagome and treats her like dirt when he first meets her but... well. AT LEAST HE DOESN'T ACT LIKE BOB!!!
Bob: (cracks knuckles)
Sorry Bob. I was joking, I swear.
Disclaimer: I no own. (Inuyasha) You no sue. (Me)
Anyway, now that that's through, Onward with the story!!!
...
"Inuyasha!" the hanyou looked up at the sound of the young man calling his name.
"Shippo?" he asked incredulously, black eyebrows going up into his hair.
The little kitsune grinned, running a hand through his shoulder length red hair, which hung loose around his shoulders. "Yep. It's me all right." For a few seconds Inuyasha could only gape.
Finally, he asked in a hesitant voice, "Ummm, where's your... tail? And claws, and feet?"
"Oh." With a sheepish smile, Shippo reached up and pulled off the rosary that hung around his neck. In an instant, he was back to his original, annoying, snickering form.
"Oy! Where'd you get that?" the half-demon demanded, attempting to snatch it from his young friend.
"Kaede made it for me. You can't have it. It's mine!"
Sango stifled a laugh as Inuyasha growled deep in his throat and pounced on the kitsune, attempting to take the rosary away so that he could inspect it. 'Or possibly steal it.' No, Inuyasha wouldn't do that.
Shippo's return had been the source of her good mood, as the hanyou had probably guessed by now. They hadn't seen their young friend in years, because he had been working for the circle. He was the part of the reason that information got passed from demon to demon so quickly. Nobody would suspect a young, human boy who looked to be sixteen. Well, at least he looked human when he had his rosary on. The elderly miko had outdone herself on that one. The change was amazing! You couldn't tell that he wasn't a human, ... unless, of course you were a demon.
She looked over at Inuyasha again, smiling fondly. If Inuyasha hadn't been there for her, she probably would have lost her mind. Losing Mikaro, then being unable to join him when her time came... it was too cruel to think about. Inuyasha had pulled her back from the brink, given her a reason to live, and even allowed himself to love her, in his own way.
"Give it to me runt!"
"No, never! Heyheyhey!!! Stop that!!!" she looked over at her dear friend, frowning in irritation. Poor Shippo's face was shoved in the ground, his right arm twisted behind his back, and Inuyasha's elbow pressed into the top of his spine.
"Don't make me break your arm runt!"
"You wouldn't!"
"Wanna bet?"
"Owowowowow!! Stop it!"
"Hand it over than!"
"Inuyasha!" she intervened, storming over and smacking his head. "Get off Shippo now."
"But Sango! He won't let me see it." She stifled a laugh at his whining tone, half expecting him to give her the beaten, puppy dog look. Inuyasha wouldn't do that though, unless he was drunk of course.
"I don't care if he won't let you see it! You get off of him now before I shove your face into the ground." Grumbling unhappily, he got to his feet, after grinding his elbow into Shippo's spine one last time. Glaring unhappily, the young kitsune got to his feet and turned to Sango with the pitiful look she had expected from Inuyasha.
"I don't want to hear anything from you. You were taunting him!" At his cocky grin, she had to look him over again. His green eyes twinkled mischievously, and his grin made his cheeks dimple becomingly. He was nicely built, though still kind of short, and his hair hanging wildly about his face emphasized the absence of the baby fat that used to grace it. All in all, he was a good-looking young man. He had aged a lot since they last met.
"You know me all to well, Sango." He suddenly pulled her into a quick hug, before pulling away and dashing into the house. "Come on!" He called over his shoulder. "Kaede's waiting!" Inuyasha was still pouting, so she had to grab his arm and drag him inside.
"Sango, Inuyasha. How are ye?" She had never understood why the miko insisted on saying "ye" instead of saying "you" like a normal person. She figured it was to create an air of importance, but she was never really sure.
"We're fine Kaede." Inuyasha 'kehed' and yanked his arm away from her so that he could cross it over his chest properly. The house was dim, which was another thing that Sango had never understood. Modern day lighting was extremely useful and very nice, but Kaede refused it. Instead, she insisted on lighting her home with non-scented candles and her fireplace. She was sure that if the old woman could, then she would be living in an old hut in the middle of no where, making her own medicines out of herbs that she had picked and cultivated herself. Odd woman.
"'S there anything to eat around here?" Shippo was rummaging through her cupboard, opening one box after another and creating a royal mess.
"Get out of there ye fiend." Shippo glanced up sheepishly preparing to rip another box open with his claws.
"Sorry Kaede. But I came all this way to see you, and now I'm absolutely famished."
"I'm sure you are runt! What, did paying your bus toll wear you out?" her eyes rolled heaven ward at Inuyasha's tone. Couldn't he be nice for once in his life? Was it so impossible for him to drop the bad-boy attitude?
"Why don't you wait, Shippo. After we're done here, we'll go out and grab something. Inuyasha can come along as well."
"Keh. Whatever Sango. If you want to take the runt out, that's your deal. I'm not going though." The hanyou leaned against the wall, turning to Kaede. "So, what news have you got for us today?"
"Inuyasha. Ye never change, do ye? Very well. Sesshomaru has disappeared again. Shippo has just returned from trying to find him, without luck. Kouga is in town. He wishes to speak to you." He growled darkly, baring his fangs. No wonder. Kaede had just named Inuyasha's two favorite people in the same breath. Ignoring Inuyasha, the old woman continued. "Jimono was killed the other day, by Isname, who has taken over control of the pack, and another demon hunter is in the making. Everyone else has been fairly quiet lately. Which might not be so good for ye."
Well, it could have been worse. She never had understood how Inuyasha had come to be the leader of the demons in this city. Sure, he was the most powerful, but he wasn't all that diplomatic. For some strange, elusive reason though, the demons trusted him, and he dealt swiftly with any of the problems that arose. Maybe his lack of diplomacy was what made him so perfect for the job.
"I'll be sure to pay everyone a visit next week. Especially Isname. Perhaps Kouga's people will be willing to keep an eye on this demon hunter." Moving away from the wall abruptly, Inuyasha moved towards the door, hands readjusting the hat on his head. "If that's all, I've got other stuff to do." He walked outside to wait for Sango as she had her little chat with the miko, followed by Shippo who was almost on his heels. There was something about guys and "girl" talk.
"Has Inuyasha been giving ye trouble?" the woman asked as soon as the door closed.
"No, Kaede. Inuyasha has been good. So, no. I don't need the subduing spell. You must realize that I've put up with him for a long time." She fell silent for a moment, thinking. "Inuyasha looks out for me, though he would never admit to it. He cares for me too much to really piss me off or cause me any trouble. And even if he was causing me trouble, I wouldn't do that to him. It's the least I can do in return."
"Very well then, child." That made her laugh. To think that Kaede, who hadn't lived half as long as she had, was calling her child.
"Thank you Kaede. And Shippo can stay with us while he's here. That'll keep him out of your hair for a while. Now, I guess I had better get going. Who knows what those two will get into if left alone together for too long." With a fond wave, she picked up her purse and exited.
...
"Kagome! There's nothing to eat here! I thought that women were supposed to keep their kitchens stocked. A mouse couldn't find anything to eat in here!" She stepped out of her bedroom with a sigh, running her fingers through her disheveled hair.
"Well, excuse me Miroku. But you should know by now that I don't eat at home!"
"That's not healthy, Kagome. You have no idea how sanitary the person who prepared your food is, how long it's been sitting out, what they put in it. For all you know, that tasty spice could be rat poison!"
"Can it Miroku. You eat out as much as I do." She stepped into the kitchen, irritated to find Miroku shining with his utter perfection. Nobody should be that good looking this late at night, after taking a nap. Her eyes fell to the prayer beads and the slip of cloth that covered his right hand. She had always wondered about that. Miroku claimed it was a family tradition. Apparently, all the men wore the prayer beads until the day that they wed. If that were so, than Miroku would be wearing them till the day he died, because she couldn't see him settling down any time soon. Pulling the hem of her blue tank down over the waist band her jean shorts, she ran her fingers through her hair one last time before grabbing her purse.
"Come on. Let's go grab something to eat. There's an all night diner on the corner."
"Okay."
...
"Hey look! You can have eggs for dinner!" she raised her eyebrow at her friend.
"Stop being an idiot Miroku." He smiled charmingly across the table at her.
"Whatever you say, dear Kagome. I would do anything for you. I am your loyal servant."
"Shut up." She glanced down at her menu. Now that she thought about it, she was ravenous. It had been a stressful day after all. She decided that she was going to splurge a bit.
"Kagome!"
"Huh?" she glanced up and was surprised to see one of her younger brother's friends standing beside the table.
"Shippo? Is that really you?"
"Sure is. How's Souta?"
"He's doing great. Gosh, it's been a while. How are things going for you?" He was about to answer when he was interrupted by a gratingly familiar voice.
"Oy, runt. What do you think you're doing? Hurry up, I'm hungry!" she turned slowly in her seat, knowing already who she was going to see.
"You!!!"
...
A/N: Haha. I'm gonna leave it at that for a while. So Shippo knows Kagome? (Gasp) I didn't see it coming. Urgh, I have no idea how good this chapter is. It's three in the morning, but I wanted to update tonight because I won't be able to tomorrow. And I really wanted to get this out. So it's probably horrible and it probably doesn't make much sense. Ah, well. Tell me what you think! Which means REVIEW!!! Pretty please?
Bob: (glowers menacingly)
Ummmm.... I'm gonna interpret that as BOB WANTS YOU TO REVIEW TOO!!!! Which would probably be a good idea, if that's what he wants.
Bob: (growls)
It's okay Bob! Just calm down. Uh, better go. Bye! (runs)