A Change
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of these characters. The plot is mine and any new characters are mine as well. Please ask before taking, and I will probably let you use them. Also I am not making anything from this, so please do not sue! :)
DWC: Yeah! I got good reviews! I thought that last chapter might be a little intense or confusing. If that ever happens, please tell me, Nicely!
Inu:*Pfftt..* Anyone who's rude to you is good in my book!
DWC: Inu-chan! You're mean! I won't allow you near Kagome in this chapter!
Inu: *panicked* Uh..Uh...Dammit! G-g-gomen! Ya' dumb idiot!
DWC: It'll suffice *sigh*, any who. I got a review last time that I didn't like. This goes out to um, if you are still reading this, I know that Naraku isn't a Baboon Hanyou. If I didn't I wouldn't be writing Inuyasha fan fiction. I wrote it in my Summery that way because more people are likely to recognize Naraku by his Baboon pelt instead of any other major characteristics. I changed it anyway, but what really bugged me is that you were so rude about it. Don't only read until the Second Chapter and then flame my story because of the Summary, Dammit! It ticks me off. I'm up to constructive criticism, but not rude flames! *pant, pant* Okay, I'm done. Arigato for listening to my rant!
Okay this should fix my formatting problem. I didn't even know it was a problem and then I actually saw my last few chapters. So if this isn't better, please tell me!
*thoughts*
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Chapter 6: A Kitsune
Kagome hefted her pack on her shoulders and looked around suspiciously for Inuyasha to come tearing out of the trees to stop her from going home; but that wasn't going to happen. Inuyasha had left early that morning to look for a Kitsune pack to help teach Shippo. So here she stood with only Shippo and Sango to see her off for at least the next week. She knew she would be staying mostly in the past now and needed time to collect specific items she might find necessary for an extended stay in the past. Kagome sighed as she looked at the small bundle tucked under her shirt near her stomach.
"Shippo, you know you have to let go. I can't take you with me." Kagome patted the little ball under her shirt as it moved and a russet head peaked out.
"But Inuyasha's acting strange. He's acting like a teacher or a pack leader and it's weird! He's gonna make me learn!" There was such derision in that word that Kagome couldn't help but laugh.
"That's what I do Shippo. With all my books, is that I learn. I'll be learning with you too, okay? We'll try to make Inuyasha make this fun. And if you don't let me go I can't make it so I can stay here to be taught also and you'll have to deal with Inuyasha all by yourself. Besides Inuyasha won't be back for a little while anyway." Kagome set Shippo down on the ground and turned to Sango who was trying to smother her laughter.
"Hurry back Kagome. I can't deal with the perverted Houshi all by my self for long. You just may come back to find him horribly mangled." There was a smile in Sango's eyes as she said this and Kagome knew it was an idle threat. Kagome smiled broadly.
"Please keep him in one piece, I'll need some entertainment when I come back!" Kagome released a giggle and stepped on the lip of the well before looking back. "Take care Shippo, I'll bring you a present. And don't hurt the Monk too much Sango!" She called before jumping into the well in a blaze of blue-white light. Sango sighed.
"Well let's get going Shippo, we need to see what trouble the bozou has gotten into."
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Kagome sighed as she landed on her side of the well. She was glad to be home and breathed in to take in the-- *Ack! It smells putrid here! Is this what Inuyasha has to deal with every time he comes to my world?* Kagome's nose wrinkled as she snorted to get the smell out of her lungs. Kagome readjusted he backpack and jumped easily to the top of the well, not having to use the ladder that had been placed there. Kagome's ears twitched at all the sounds as she tried to pick up on the sounds of her family. It was early afternoon and Souta should have just arrived home from school, so they should have all been around the house. Kagome grinned as she heard the sounds of her little brother's game system and her Mother in the kitchen. Kagome headed toward the house slowly hesitant to see her family. *What if they freak out? What if they hate me now? I love being a hanyou, but I don't know if they will.* Kagome sighed heavily and then opened her front door entering the house.
"Mom! Souta! Grandpa! I'm home!" She called setting her pack down on the floor and waiting for her family to enter the hallway and see her for the first time. Her Mom was the first one to enter the hallway.
"Kagome dear I'm so glad that you're home early! How long are you--? Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi shouted as the cup she was cleaning crashed to the floor and her hands came to instinctively cover her mouth.
"Mom I can explain all this if you will just stay calm!" Kagome placed her hands in front of her soothingly and slowly approached her Mother who stood perfectly still stunned beyond belief as she looked at her daughter's new appearance. Mrs. Higurashi reached for her daughter and as she touched the skin that was now covered in a light layer of fur finally reacted.
"Well I guess you'll never have to worry about a moisturizer now that your skins going to be so soft all the time." She said smiling. Kagome let out a sound between a laugh and a sob, and tears of relief streamed down her cheeks.
"So you're not mad? You don't hate me now?" She questioned softly as if afraid that her Mother would pull away from her in disgust. Ms. Higurashi reacted by pulling Kagome into an embrace and rubbing her back.
"Of course not! Above all else you are my daughter, and while I am curious about how this happened, I would never hate you just because your appearance changed. I love you and besides, you look very beautiful like this." Kagome smiled through watery eyes and hugged her Mother fiercely.
"I love you too Mom." Kagome looked over her shoulder and saw Souta standing at the bottom of the stairs. "So what do you think squirt? Do I pass the test?" Souta walked quietly over and grabbed his sister's hands in his own. He proceeded to examine her claws and then excitedly exclaimed,
"This is so awesome! Are you powerful like Inu-ni-chan? Can you do all the stuff he can? Do you have a cool sword?" Kagome laughed as they moved passed their stairs and in to the living room.
"Don't have the sword yet squirt, but I can do some of the things Inuyasha does, or at least I will be able too." Kagome grinned in delight as her brother continued to hound her with questions and her Mother made tea and brought it into the living room for them. Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she settled into the armchair across from her daughter.
"Souta why don't you allow me to ask some questions of your sister before we get on to the other, interesting, items, Okay?" She looked at her son and he pouted, but nodded his head. Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "Good, now Kagome. Can you explain to me how you got this way, and why you came home early?"
Kagome smiled shyly at her Mother and nodded. She then went on to explain about the attack by Naraku on her and Inuyasha and how she had defended Inuyasha from Naraku's miasma stream. She told them about Astrid and how they had merged into one being so that Kagome could have the power to help defeat Naraku, and Astrid's soul could be put to rest. She related the tale of how Inuyasha had started courting her and was going to start teaching Shippo. She then related that the reason that she was home so soon was the fact that she needed to set up home schooling if possible. She could go to school any more looking like this and that she would need to stay in the past now while Inuyasha trained her. It was getting dark by the time Kagome finished her tale and she looked over at her Mother to gage her reaction to the new information. Mrs. Higurashi looked into her cup of tea and quietly sat contemplating what she had just been told.
"I can defiantly understand the need for Home School, and with how much you've been out I don't see how that will be a problem. But Kagome, don't you think that you should still be able to come here to visit? I don't want to lose you to the past just because you look like a hanyou now. You may be a hanyou and have to deal that all that comes with that, but you are still my daughter and I still want you around." Kagome's Mother questioned Kagome softly. She would miss her daughter if she had to go away for ever and she didn't want that to happen. She wasn't ready to let her daughter go. Kagome leaned forward toward her Mother.
"Oh Mom! I'm sure that won't happen! Inuyasha is not going to be able to keep me there forever! I still have the sit command and I can use that to come back if I really need to, but the thing is I can't really live here anymore. I could stay at the house and all, but when could I go out? Where could I go? I have claws and ears Mom! I'm not exactly normal anymore!" Kagome responded to her mother's worried look. It wasn't that she didn't want to stay here, but that she really couldn't any longer. Kagome sighed softly and reached out to hug her mother. "I promise that I'll come by every month and stay for a couple of days, but I have to train with Inuyasha now. I don't want to come home one day and accidentally rip off the door because I can't control my new strength, now do I?" Mrs. Higurashi's laughter filled the air as she pictured her daughter with the door in her hand.
"No, I don't guess we do. Okay, I agree that you need to start staying in the past for extended periods of time. Tomorrow's Friday so I'll call into work sick and then call the school about a home program. We can leave here about 11 to start shopping for some essentials since it's too late to go now. What do you think?" Kagome blinked in surprise at how her mother was handling this.
"I think that's a wonderful idea Mom. We can start getting bulk supplies that I'll need and I can also pick up presents for the others. But what are we going to do about my claws and ears?" Kagome's brow scrunched up in worry and her mother laughed again at how adorable her oldest looked. Mrs. Higurashi leaned forward to scratch the base of Kagome's ears and grinned when she leaned into her touch.
"Oh I think we can find a sun hat for you to wear over your ears, and your claws just look like some one did a really good job on there manicure." Mrs. Higurashi grinned unrepentantly at her daughter and then swatted at her. "Now why don't you go unpack while I start dinner? Your grandfather should be home soon and this should give you some time to recuperate before you tell your story again."
"Thanks Mom! I'll do just that. Hey squirt! Why don't you come hound me with questions as a reward for being so good while we talked?" Kagome said turning to face her brother who had remained quite during her explanation.
"Yeah! Awesome! Can you also tell me some stories about your adventures? Hun! Hun!" Souta yelled as he raced up the stairs ahead of his sister.
"Of course! What would you like to hear?" Kagome's voice faded into background noise as she closed her bedroom door. Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she realized that it wasn't going to be so bad after all, and turned to make dinner for her starving children.
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Inuyasha ran a hand over his forehead to wipe the sweat away. It was unbearably hot in the desert and he had been here for the past three days chasing down a pack of Kitsune. He had found only one other group of Kitsune on this trip and when he had finally caught up with them and told then his situation they had replied that it was none of their business and that they didn't take in orphans anyway, so he could just bugger off. They had told him though of a pack of desert Kitsune who relied on both strength and magic, and took in orphans easily. He could probably get some of them to help him if he was really desperate. But they had sent a warning with it, if he actually found this band of foxes they may not let him leave again. Inuyasha had decided he would take his chances with the desert Kitsune instead of dealing with Shippo himself. He knew nothing about fox growing rituals and he didn't want to fuck the brat up any more than he already was. *Now if I can just find these fucking foxes I would actually feel like I was doing something besides wandering around the freaking desert!* Growled Inuyasha to himself. He stuck his nose into the wind and inhaled deeply. He didn't really expect to find anything, just like the last three days. *Dirt, dust, brush, more dirt...Wait! There! A whiff of fox! Yes!* Inuyasha tore off in the direction of the scent and kept his nose in the air. The smell steadily grew stronger as he raced forward over the terrain, keeping one eye to the ground and the other scanning for any sign of a fox. He was so preoccupied looking though that he almost went over the edge of a ravine as he skidded to a stop. *Holy Shit! That would have hurt!* Inuyasha sat on his haunches and looked into the wide ravine that the Kitsune's scent had lead him too. He was surprised by what he saw.
At the bottom of the crevice there was not just more dirt and dust, but a lush valley. The floor was covered by grass and trees; he could smell wild life that ran free, and a river that meandered through the valley itself. It looked like a small paradise. And there, at the end closest to him was a permanent camp. Houses and huts sat arranged near to the wall of the canyon and he could pick out individual Kitsune that ran back and forth doing different jobs. Inuyasha grinned; this was it, the pack he had been looking for. Inuyasha looked around the top of the crevice and found a small path leading down the side of the hill and directly into the Kitsune village. He decided it was best to take the most open a direct route, because he could already feel several pairs of eyes watching him curiously. Inuyasha started to walk toward the path and brought his hands out in front of him away from his sword.
"I mean no harm to this village. I only want to speak with the leader about an orphaned Kitsune I have taken in. I have gone to other packs and they told me it was none of their business, but that you might be willing to help. I'm just going to go down this path and into your village, ask my questions and hopefully receive answers. I mean no harm." With that said to the foxes watching him, Inuyasha proceeded down the ravine path, and into the village.
About 45 minutes later Inuyasha arrived at the entrance to the Kitsune village and the Kitsune's that had been escorting him seemed to melt out of the rocks and forests to walk with him the rest of the way. There were ten in all ranging from about 16 to well over 600 years of age, many could have been older, but it didn't really make a difference as they were seen as still young to youkai. One of the oldest nodded a reassurance to Inuyasha as he led the way to the middle of the village. The other Kitsune were all out to watch this strange occurrence of an Inu-hanyou walking in the middle of their secluded village. Nothing was said to Inuyasha and he didn't try to start a conversation, as they reached the middle of the village there were six very old fox youkai waiting for him. It was the oldest female who greeted him.
"Hello stranger. It has been said that you come seeking aid for an orphaned kit, but you did not bring him with you. Why?" Inuyasha braced himself and replied calmly.
"My soon-to-be Mate and I found him in our travels for a sacred jewel. His parents had been killed by the Thunder Brothers and they were going to kill him too. My Mate has a soft spot for little children and after we saved him and collected the jewels from the Brothers, she adopted him into our pack. Shippo, the kit, has adopted us as well and we would like to keep him with us. I come looking for a teacher for him, one who is willing to give the growing lessons, and help train him, but do that at our home, not here. That is why I did not bring the Kit. There is no reason to bring him if we are just going to be returning to our home anyway. His is in the care of other members of our pack and is well looked after. I promised to begin his training when I returned."
The Kitsune seemed to consider this as she looked at the other five sitting with her. There had been no formalities and for this Inuyasha was grateful, as he had not had that training either. Besides formalities took up time he didn't have. The Kitsune seemed to make up her mind as her head lifted. "I have one question for you before I decide anything. This Kitsune is reaching his growth period. Will you allow him to take a Mate for himself at the same time as is our custom?" Inuyasha contemplated this.
"I will allow for females to be brought for him to pick a Mate from, if and only if it is explained to him what is going on. He needs to know, and it will be his decision to make on whether or not he wants to take a Mate at this time." Inuyasha replied easily. The head Kitsune smiled softly as she looked at the Inu-hanyou that stood in there midst. She nodded her head.
"I agree to those terms. You are lucky, we have been looking for a place to expand our tribe too, and this will give us a chance to look for one while we travel with you. I will send a teacher, a few of our warriors, and a group of our villagers who are willing to set up another place for a pack, but we need time to collect people a supplies. We are willing to offer you food and shelter if you will give us a few days to collect what will be needed."
Inuyasha looked at the Matriarch, as he had started to call her in his head. "I need to leave soon, as I do not have much time. I will allow for three days, and then I am leaving with what is ready. I am sorry but I can't wait any longer. I have already spent too much time away from my pack." The Matriarch nodded.
"Three days will be sufficient. Sunfire if you will show our guest to one of the huts we may get started on the preparations. Food will be brought to you."
Inuyasha again nodded and followed a Kitsune male with bright red and orange fur. As the Kitsune showed him to his room, Inuyasha thanked him and collapsed on the futon there. He had exhausted his reserves looking for this group and he missed Kagome terribly, but now he was going to be headed home, and he would need to rest for the next three days to regain all of his strength. Inuyasha pulled out a piece of cloth from his haori. It was one of the bandages that Kagome had wrapped his wounds with and it still smelled faintly like her. Inuyasha sighed and smiled as his eyes closed in sleep. *I'm coming home Kagome, don't you worry. I'll be back to get you soon.*
TBC.........
Yeah! Another one finished, and with no cliff hanger! And this ones out faster than the last! Please leave reviews as they make me write faster! :) Gomen!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of these characters. The plot is mine and any new characters are mine as well. Please ask before taking, and I will probably let you use them. Also I am not making anything from this, so please do not sue! :)
DWC: Yeah! I got good reviews! I thought that last chapter might be a little intense or confusing. If that ever happens, please tell me, Nicely!
Inu:*Pfftt..* Anyone who's rude to you is good in my book!
DWC: Inu-chan! You're mean! I won't allow you near Kagome in this chapter!
Inu: *panicked* Uh..Uh...Dammit! G-g-gomen! Ya' dumb idiot!
DWC: It'll suffice *sigh*, any who. I got a review last time that I didn't like. This goes out to um, if you are still reading this, I know that Naraku isn't a Baboon Hanyou. If I didn't I wouldn't be writing Inuyasha fan fiction. I wrote it in my Summery that way because more people are likely to recognize Naraku by his Baboon pelt instead of any other major characteristics. I changed it anyway, but what really bugged me is that you were so rude about it. Don't only read until the Second Chapter and then flame my story because of the Summary, Dammit! It ticks me off. I'm up to constructive criticism, but not rude flames! *pant, pant* Okay, I'm done. Arigato for listening to my rant!
Okay this should fix my formatting problem. I didn't even know it was a problem and then I actually saw my last few chapters. So if this isn't better, please tell me!
*thoughts*
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Chapter 6: A Kitsune
Kagome hefted her pack on her shoulders and looked around suspiciously for Inuyasha to come tearing out of the trees to stop her from going home; but that wasn't going to happen. Inuyasha had left early that morning to look for a Kitsune pack to help teach Shippo. So here she stood with only Shippo and Sango to see her off for at least the next week. She knew she would be staying mostly in the past now and needed time to collect specific items she might find necessary for an extended stay in the past. Kagome sighed as she looked at the small bundle tucked under her shirt near her stomach.
"Shippo, you know you have to let go. I can't take you with me." Kagome patted the little ball under her shirt as it moved and a russet head peaked out.
"But Inuyasha's acting strange. He's acting like a teacher or a pack leader and it's weird! He's gonna make me learn!" There was such derision in that word that Kagome couldn't help but laugh.
"That's what I do Shippo. With all my books, is that I learn. I'll be learning with you too, okay? We'll try to make Inuyasha make this fun. And if you don't let me go I can't make it so I can stay here to be taught also and you'll have to deal with Inuyasha all by yourself. Besides Inuyasha won't be back for a little while anyway." Kagome set Shippo down on the ground and turned to Sango who was trying to smother her laughter.
"Hurry back Kagome. I can't deal with the perverted Houshi all by my self for long. You just may come back to find him horribly mangled." There was a smile in Sango's eyes as she said this and Kagome knew it was an idle threat. Kagome smiled broadly.
"Please keep him in one piece, I'll need some entertainment when I come back!" Kagome released a giggle and stepped on the lip of the well before looking back. "Take care Shippo, I'll bring you a present. And don't hurt the Monk too much Sango!" She called before jumping into the well in a blaze of blue-white light. Sango sighed.
"Well let's get going Shippo, we need to see what trouble the bozou has gotten into."
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Kagome sighed as she landed on her side of the well. She was glad to be home and breathed in to take in the-- *Ack! It smells putrid here! Is this what Inuyasha has to deal with every time he comes to my world?* Kagome's nose wrinkled as she snorted to get the smell out of her lungs. Kagome readjusted he backpack and jumped easily to the top of the well, not having to use the ladder that had been placed there. Kagome's ears twitched at all the sounds as she tried to pick up on the sounds of her family. It was early afternoon and Souta should have just arrived home from school, so they should have all been around the house. Kagome grinned as she heard the sounds of her little brother's game system and her Mother in the kitchen. Kagome headed toward the house slowly hesitant to see her family. *What if they freak out? What if they hate me now? I love being a hanyou, but I don't know if they will.* Kagome sighed heavily and then opened her front door entering the house.
"Mom! Souta! Grandpa! I'm home!" She called setting her pack down on the floor and waiting for her family to enter the hallway and see her for the first time. Her Mom was the first one to enter the hallway.
"Kagome dear I'm so glad that you're home early! How long are you--? Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi shouted as the cup she was cleaning crashed to the floor and her hands came to instinctively cover her mouth.
"Mom I can explain all this if you will just stay calm!" Kagome placed her hands in front of her soothingly and slowly approached her Mother who stood perfectly still stunned beyond belief as she looked at her daughter's new appearance. Mrs. Higurashi reached for her daughter and as she touched the skin that was now covered in a light layer of fur finally reacted.
"Well I guess you'll never have to worry about a moisturizer now that your skins going to be so soft all the time." She said smiling. Kagome let out a sound between a laugh and a sob, and tears of relief streamed down her cheeks.
"So you're not mad? You don't hate me now?" She questioned softly as if afraid that her Mother would pull away from her in disgust. Ms. Higurashi reacted by pulling Kagome into an embrace and rubbing her back.
"Of course not! Above all else you are my daughter, and while I am curious about how this happened, I would never hate you just because your appearance changed. I love you and besides, you look very beautiful like this." Kagome smiled through watery eyes and hugged her Mother fiercely.
"I love you too Mom." Kagome looked over her shoulder and saw Souta standing at the bottom of the stairs. "So what do you think squirt? Do I pass the test?" Souta walked quietly over and grabbed his sister's hands in his own. He proceeded to examine her claws and then excitedly exclaimed,
"This is so awesome! Are you powerful like Inu-ni-chan? Can you do all the stuff he can? Do you have a cool sword?" Kagome laughed as they moved passed their stairs and in to the living room.
"Don't have the sword yet squirt, but I can do some of the things Inuyasha does, or at least I will be able too." Kagome grinned in delight as her brother continued to hound her with questions and her Mother made tea and brought it into the living room for them. Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she settled into the armchair across from her daughter.
"Souta why don't you allow me to ask some questions of your sister before we get on to the other, interesting, items, Okay?" She looked at her son and he pouted, but nodded his head. Mrs. Higurashi smiled, "Good, now Kagome. Can you explain to me how you got this way, and why you came home early?"
Kagome smiled shyly at her Mother and nodded. She then went on to explain about the attack by Naraku on her and Inuyasha and how she had defended Inuyasha from Naraku's miasma stream. She told them about Astrid and how they had merged into one being so that Kagome could have the power to help defeat Naraku, and Astrid's soul could be put to rest. She related the tale of how Inuyasha had started courting her and was going to start teaching Shippo. She then related that the reason that she was home so soon was the fact that she needed to set up home schooling if possible. She could go to school any more looking like this and that she would need to stay in the past now while Inuyasha trained her. It was getting dark by the time Kagome finished her tale and she looked over at her Mother to gage her reaction to the new information. Mrs. Higurashi looked into her cup of tea and quietly sat contemplating what she had just been told.
"I can defiantly understand the need for Home School, and with how much you've been out I don't see how that will be a problem. But Kagome, don't you think that you should still be able to come here to visit? I don't want to lose you to the past just because you look like a hanyou now. You may be a hanyou and have to deal that all that comes with that, but you are still my daughter and I still want you around." Kagome's Mother questioned Kagome softly. She would miss her daughter if she had to go away for ever and she didn't want that to happen. She wasn't ready to let her daughter go. Kagome leaned forward toward her Mother.
"Oh Mom! I'm sure that won't happen! Inuyasha is not going to be able to keep me there forever! I still have the sit command and I can use that to come back if I really need to, but the thing is I can't really live here anymore. I could stay at the house and all, but when could I go out? Where could I go? I have claws and ears Mom! I'm not exactly normal anymore!" Kagome responded to her mother's worried look. It wasn't that she didn't want to stay here, but that she really couldn't any longer. Kagome sighed softly and reached out to hug her mother. "I promise that I'll come by every month and stay for a couple of days, but I have to train with Inuyasha now. I don't want to come home one day and accidentally rip off the door because I can't control my new strength, now do I?" Mrs. Higurashi's laughter filled the air as she pictured her daughter with the door in her hand.
"No, I don't guess we do. Okay, I agree that you need to start staying in the past for extended periods of time. Tomorrow's Friday so I'll call into work sick and then call the school about a home program. We can leave here about 11 to start shopping for some essentials since it's too late to go now. What do you think?" Kagome blinked in surprise at how her mother was handling this.
"I think that's a wonderful idea Mom. We can start getting bulk supplies that I'll need and I can also pick up presents for the others. But what are we going to do about my claws and ears?" Kagome's brow scrunched up in worry and her mother laughed again at how adorable her oldest looked. Mrs. Higurashi leaned forward to scratch the base of Kagome's ears and grinned when she leaned into her touch.
"Oh I think we can find a sun hat for you to wear over your ears, and your claws just look like some one did a really good job on there manicure." Mrs. Higurashi grinned unrepentantly at her daughter and then swatted at her. "Now why don't you go unpack while I start dinner? Your grandfather should be home soon and this should give you some time to recuperate before you tell your story again."
"Thanks Mom! I'll do just that. Hey squirt! Why don't you come hound me with questions as a reward for being so good while we talked?" Kagome said turning to face her brother who had remained quite during her explanation.
"Yeah! Awesome! Can you also tell me some stories about your adventures? Hun! Hun!" Souta yelled as he raced up the stairs ahead of his sister.
"Of course! What would you like to hear?" Kagome's voice faded into background noise as she closed her bedroom door. Mrs. Higurashi smiled as she realized that it wasn't going to be so bad after all, and turned to make dinner for her starving children.
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Inuyasha ran a hand over his forehead to wipe the sweat away. It was unbearably hot in the desert and he had been here for the past three days chasing down a pack of Kitsune. He had found only one other group of Kitsune on this trip and when he had finally caught up with them and told then his situation they had replied that it was none of their business and that they didn't take in orphans anyway, so he could just bugger off. They had told him though of a pack of desert Kitsune who relied on both strength and magic, and took in orphans easily. He could probably get some of them to help him if he was really desperate. But they had sent a warning with it, if he actually found this band of foxes they may not let him leave again. Inuyasha had decided he would take his chances with the desert Kitsune instead of dealing with Shippo himself. He knew nothing about fox growing rituals and he didn't want to fuck the brat up any more than he already was. *Now if I can just find these fucking foxes I would actually feel like I was doing something besides wandering around the freaking desert!* Growled Inuyasha to himself. He stuck his nose into the wind and inhaled deeply. He didn't really expect to find anything, just like the last three days. *Dirt, dust, brush, more dirt...Wait! There! A whiff of fox! Yes!* Inuyasha tore off in the direction of the scent and kept his nose in the air. The smell steadily grew stronger as he raced forward over the terrain, keeping one eye to the ground and the other scanning for any sign of a fox. He was so preoccupied looking though that he almost went over the edge of a ravine as he skidded to a stop. *Holy Shit! That would have hurt!* Inuyasha sat on his haunches and looked into the wide ravine that the Kitsune's scent had lead him too. He was surprised by what he saw.
At the bottom of the crevice there was not just more dirt and dust, but a lush valley. The floor was covered by grass and trees; he could smell wild life that ran free, and a river that meandered through the valley itself. It looked like a small paradise. And there, at the end closest to him was a permanent camp. Houses and huts sat arranged near to the wall of the canyon and he could pick out individual Kitsune that ran back and forth doing different jobs. Inuyasha grinned; this was it, the pack he had been looking for. Inuyasha looked around the top of the crevice and found a small path leading down the side of the hill and directly into the Kitsune village. He decided it was best to take the most open a direct route, because he could already feel several pairs of eyes watching him curiously. Inuyasha started to walk toward the path and brought his hands out in front of him away from his sword.
"I mean no harm to this village. I only want to speak with the leader about an orphaned Kitsune I have taken in. I have gone to other packs and they told me it was none of their business, but that you might be willing to help. I'm just going to go down this path and into your village, ask my questions and hopefully receive answers. I mean no harm." With that said to the foxes watching him, Inuyasha proceeded down the ravine path, and into the village.
About 45 minutes later Inuyasha arrived at the entrance to the Kitsune village and the Kitsune's that had been escorting him seemed to melt out of the rocks and forests to walk with him the rest of the way. There were ten in all ranging from about 16 to well over 600 years of age, many could have been older, but it didn't really make a difference as they were seen as still young to youkai. One of the oldest nodded a reassurance to Inuyasha as he led the way to the middle of the village. The other Kitsune were all out to watch this strange occurrence of an Inu-hanyou walking in the middle of their secluded village. Nothing was said to Inuyasha and he didn't try to start a conversation, as they reached the middle of the village there were six very old fox youkai waiting for him. It was the oldest female who greeted him.
"Hello stranger. It has been said that you come seeking aid for an orphaned kit, but you did not bring him with you. Why?" Inuyasha braced himself and replied calmly.
"My soon-to-be Mate and I found him in our travels for a sacred jewel. His parents had been killed by the Thunder Brothers and they were going to kill him too. My Mate has a soft spot for little children and after we saved him and collected the jewels from the Brothers, she adopted him into our pack. Shippo, the kit, has adopted us as well and we would like to keep him with us. I come looking for a teacher for him, one who is willing to give the growing lessons, and help train him, but do that at our home, not here. That is why I did not bring the Kit. There is no reason to bring him if we are just going to be returning to our home anyway. His is in the care of other members of our pack and is well looked after. I promised to begin his training when I returned."
The Kitsune seemed to consider this as she looked at the other five sitting with her. There had been no formalities and for this Inuyasha was grateful, as he had not had that training either. Besides formalities took up time he didn't have. The Kitsune seemed to make up her mind as her head lifted. "I have one question for you before I decide anything. This Kitsune is reaching his growth period. Will you allow him to take a Mate for himself at the same time as is our custom?" Inuyasha contemplated this.
"I will allow for females to be brought for him to pick a Mate from, if and only if it is explained to him what is going on. He needs to know, and it will be his decision to make on whether or not he wants to take a Mate at this time." Inuyasha replied easily. The head Kitsune smiled softly as she looked at the Inu-hanyou that stood in there midst. She nodded her head.
"I agree to those terms. You are lucky, we have been looking for a place to expand our tribe too, and this will give us a chance to look for one while we travel with you. I will send a teacher, a few of our warriors, and a group of our villagers who are willing to set up another place for a pack, but we need time to collect people a supplies. We are willing to offer you food and shelter if you will give us a few days to collect what will be needed."
Inuyasha looked at the Matriarch, as he had started to call her in his head. "I need to leave soon, as I do not have much time. I will allow for three days, and then I am leaving with what is ready. I am sorry but I can't wait any longer. I have already spent too much time away from my pack." The Matriarch nodded.
"Three days will be sufficient. Sunfire if you will show our guest to one of the huts we may get started on the preparations. Food will be brought to you."
Inuyasha again nodded and followed a Kitsune male with bright red and orange fur. As the Kitsune showed him to his room, Inuyasha thanked him and collapsed on the futon there. He had exhausted his reserves looking for this group and he missed Kagome terribly, but now he was going to be headed home, and he would need to rest for the next three days to regain all of his strength. Inuyasha pulled out a piece of cloth from his haori. It was one of the bandages that Kagome had wrapped his wounds with and it still smelled faintly like her. Inuyasha sighed and smiled as his eyes closed in sleep. *I'm coming home Kagome, don't you worry. I'll be back to get you soon.*
TBC.........
Yeah! Another one finished, and with no cliff hanger! And this ones out faster than the last! Please leave reviews as they make me write faster! :) Gomen!