Chapter 7
Sango watched her companions as they slept. Kirara had curled up next to Shippou and Buyo. Miroku had decided to take one of the beds the cabin offered. Inuyasha slept leaning against the cabin wall while Kagome had placed a pillow on his leg and fallen asleep across the seats, her head resting on Inuyasha.
The Demon Exterminator had been offered the other bed. However, once she lay down she found she could not slept. She did not know how she was going to explain things to her father. Everything had suddenly become quite unbelievable. The fates must have played their hand in this matter.
Sango shifted in the bed before finally giving up and closing her eyes, content to listen to the steady breathing around her.
^_^
Sesshomaru could not hold back a sigh of relief when the limo arrived to take them to the airport. Kaede had yet to arrive, though, so they could not yet leave. Rin looked up at him and gave him a small smile. "Everything will work out, right?" she asked quietly.
The Inuyoukai nodded and led her towards Inutashio and Ai. Sesshomaru visibly winced when he saw Dai. She was a pitiful site. Her hair had turned a dark brown color, much like Sesshomaru's, and her eyes were only half- open, but from what Sesshomaru could see, they were blood shot. Each breath she took was unsteady and followed by a painful gasp as she exhaled.
Rin unconsciously took Sesshomaru's hand and held it tightly. The Inuyoukai squeezed back in reassurance before looking up at his father. "There is a plane waiting to take us to the Capitol. Queen Hisu is waiting for us."
He could tell something was wrong with Ai was she made no response. Inutashio only held Dai tighter. Sesshomaru almost doubted his father had heard him. "Father?"
"Hai?" he replied quietly.
"The limo is right over there. Let's go wait for Kaede in the car away from the vultures," said Sesshomaru, referring to the reporters.
"Kaede?" repeated Ai, finally looking up.
"Yes. I called for Kaede. She is on her way."
"She is already here," replied an old voice. Sesshomaru's head shot up as he looked up to see Kaede standing before him, wearing her traditional miko robes and carrying a small bag.
Inutashio quite obviously was having a fight with his instincts when he allowed Kaede close enough to examine Dai.
Kaede looked over the Inuhanyou quickly before shaking her head. "Do not worry. I believe she will pull through."
"Good," sighed Sesshomaru. "In that case, you can treat her on the way to the Capitol."
Kaede raised an eyebrow as his tone before shaking her head sadly. "You're as bad as Inuyasha, Sesshomaru-sama."
"What's that suppose to mean?" he growled back.
Kaede gave a short laugh before waving the question away. "Come now, let's all get in the car."
Rin took Ai's arm and led her towards the limo while her eyes trailed over Sesshomaru and Kaede. She sighed and tried to ignore the wave of exhaustion that had taken hold of her body. When Ai was sitting next to Inutashio in the limo, Rin allowed herself to collapse into her seat.
Kaede looked over at her curiously before turning her attention back to Dai. Sesshomaru looked out the window as the limo pulled away from the huddled remains of the Mansion. The sun seemed late in rising.
^_^
Kohaku leaned against the car and absently kicked a stone lying by his foot. He had been waiting for an hour and there was still no sign of the train. His father stood beside him, unmoving. Kohaku sighed before walking back towards the tracks to wait for his sister at the platform.
Masahiro had summoned Sango without telling anyone why. He only hoped the news she offered would not put their father in a foul mood. Bad moods equaled harder practice. Kohaku had to contain his excitement when the train came into view. He moved back to stand by a bench and watched as the doors opened and the people began to file out.
Sango was the last to exit the train, carrying her bag in one hand while a kid with bright red hair hung onto her shoulder. "Sango?" said Kohaku, walking up to his sister. It was then that he noticed the other three adults that were in her company.
"Kohaku!" Sango yelled happily, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly.
"Sango, ah . . . who are your friends? Does this have something to do with why you were summoned?"
The Demon Exterminator cocked her head to the side and decided to ignore her brother's question. "Where is father?" she said instead.
"Waiting for you at the car," Kohaku replied after a moment, noting his sister's abrupt change in subject.
"Well, in that case I should go greet him."
Kohaku eyed Miroku wearily when he immediately followed Sango. Miroku just shrugged at the boy's look and with a lopsided grin continued after Sango. When Kohaku's glare was directed at Inuyasha, the hanyou returned it. Kohaku had to suppress the urge to shudder.
Kagome just shook her head sadly and elbowed Inuyasha in the ribs, giving him her own glare that clearly said 'cut it out.' Inuyasha snorted, sticking his nose in the air and folding his arms while mumbling something along the lines of 'he started it.'
Kohaku's confusion only intensified at Kagome's behavior and appearance. She didn't look much younger than Sango. Without a word, Kohaku turned to follow his sister's footsteps.
"Well I don't think he likes us very much," muttered Kagome sourly, bending down take Buyo in her arms.
"Who cares?" replied Inuyasha, picking up Kagome's bags as well as his own before following Kohaku.
Kagome sighed and walked along side Inuyasha. "I for one would like to get along with Sango-chan's family."
Inuyasha snorted and glared down at the young girl. "Don't waste your time. We'll soon be gone and back on the road again in a few days."
"Can't you at least pretend to be pleasant while we are guests at Sango-chan's house?"
Inuyasha muttered something darkly under his breath before replying. "Fine! But just this once."
Kagome beamed and paused to lean up and kiss Inuyasha's cheek. "Thank you."
The hanyou covered up his blush with a 'Feh' of annoyance and continued walking. The couple easily spotted their friends in the parking, Shippou's bright orange hair sticking out like white on black.
Sango was having a conversation with her father in hushed whispers. Miroku leaned against the car truck, Shippou on his shoulder. Inuyasha approached the two after a glance at Sango's father. "So what's the deal?" the hanyou asked.
Miroku sighed in slight annoyance before answering. "Sango is trying to explain our 'situation' without revealing too much."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes before setting down his bags. He looked back when Sango's father muttered a curse and started towards them. He didn't say anything, only glared at Inuyasha and Miroku before looking at Kagome. "What's your name?" asked the older man.
Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha and then plastered a pleasant expression on her face. "I'm Sensho Kagome. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Kagome, huh?"
At the girl's nod Sango's father turned towards Inuyasha. "And what is your name?"
"Sensho Kaemon."
The elder man looked at Kagome before turning back to Inuyasha. "You two are related?"
"No. Married."
Kohaku was silently hoping that his new arch nemesis would display some discomfort with his father's interrogation, but no such luck. "Fine. Get in the car. Call me Taijiya. I don't bother with first names."
Inuyasha replied with a curt nod and rolled his eyes when Taijiya turned back to Sango. What a stiff. When Inuyasha turned to Miroku, the Houshi was staring at Sango intently. With a smirk, Inuyasha decided to tease his dear brother. "So, what do you think of having Taijiya as a father-in-law?"
Kagome had expected a goofy grin or for Miroku to just ignore Inuyasha's teasing all together. She had not expected Miroku to blush all the way to the tip of his ears. "What do ya know," she interrupted Inuyasha's teasing. "Miroku's in L-O-V-E, loove!"
Miroku shot an irritable look at Kagome before finding something fascinating to look at on the ground. "Aw this is perfect," continued Inuyasha. "Now I can pay you back for all the times you teased me about Kagome."
"When did he tease you about me?" Kagome asked, confused.
It was Inuyasha's turn to blush. Shippou shook his head in complete and utter bafflement before deciding to put an end to the blushing. "Come on you guys! Let's get in the car. I'm hungry. I want to eat. Let's go."
The constant whining of the kitsune had its wanted effect and everyone piled into the back of the car.
^_^
Rin smiled when Sesshomaru returned from his shower. Presently, they were all on a plane headed for the Capitol. There were two showers on the plane and since Rin and Lady Ai had been offered the showers first, Sesshomaru was the last to shower. "Feeling better?" asked Rin teasingly.
"Much," replied the Inuyoukai, taking a stack of papers out of a briefcase along with his cell phone.
"Who are you calling now?"
"Queen Hisu's lawyers."
"Lawyers?"
Sesshomaru smiled brightly. In reaction Rin raised an eyebrow. "I'm suing the news station."
"You can't be serious," muttered Rin in disbelief.
"Of course I am."
"And just what are you suing them for?"
"Why that's simple. Flying in restricted air space along with anything else I can come up with."
Rin sighed and leaned back against her seat. "And why are you suing?"
"Let's just say I have a long bitter history with reporters."
"Just leave me out of it. Wake me when we get there."
"Of course, Rin."
^_^
Sango rearranged the food on her plate for the second time in five minutes. Dinner continued to be excruciatingly quiet. No one had said a single word. Miroku sat across from her with Inuyasha on his right. Kagome was beside Sango and Kohaku beside her. Taijiya sat at the head of the table.
Taijiya finished his meal; setting his hashi down and looking up to glare at Inuyasha, then Miroku. "Alright, now how about you tell me your real names and we can straighten this whole mess out?"
Miroku looked at Inuyasha for his reaction only to find the hanyou looking right back at him. With a shrug, Inuyasha turned to glare at Taijiya. "Inuyasha."
"I thought as much."
Kohaku choked on his food before managing to swallow. "You're Lord Inuyasha? The son of The Demon Lord of the Western Lands? Brother of Lord Sesshomaru. Grandson of High Queen Hisu?"
"You know anyone else that goes by Inuyasha?" the hanyou replied rudely.
"I was not aware you were married," commented Taijiya, glaring Kohaku into silence.
When Inuyasha did not reply, Taijiya turned to Kagome. "And is your name truly Kagome?"
"Hai," replied the young girl with a small nod.
"And are you truly married to Inuyasha?"
"Hai."
"And you?" Taijiya turned to Miroku. "What is your name?"
"Houshi Miroku."
The elder man seemed surprised for half a moment before he regained his composure and reevaluated Miroku. "I met your grandfather once, more than twenty years ago. Good man."
"I suppose."
"And do you carry the same curse, Houshi Miroku?"
Miroku raised his right hand to display the prayer beads wrapped securely around his hand and forearm.
Taijiya stared at his arm for a moment before shaking his head sadly. "Do you plan to leave in the same fashion as your father and grandfather?"
"If that is my fate."
"But its not," interrupted Kagome, glaring at Miroku. "Naraku will be defeated before anything happens." "You sound so sure, little girl," observed Taijiya.
"And you sound pessimistic."
Inuyasha smiled at Kagome gently before addressing Taijiya. "So what
do you plan to do with us?"
"Well first of all, I would like to know just what the hell is going on and why the world thinks you're dead."
"Fair enough."
"Second, I'll help you get some decent concealing spells and a place to stay."
Inuyasha nodded in agreement. "Deal."
^_^
"Will she recover?"
Kaede looked up momentarily when Queen Hisu entered the room. Besides the sleeping hanyou Kaede was treating, she and Hisu were the only ones in the room. Inutashio had long ago taken Ai to bed, and Sesshomaru was elsewhere, straightening out the mess with the building contractors.
The elderly miko nodded, adjusting the blanket over Dai before taking a seat at the bedside. "I believe so, my friend," replied Kaede. "She inhaled quite a bit of dust and it took its toll on her lungs. I gave her some herbs to help her sleep and I believe with her hanyou healing she will be back to normal by tomorrow night."
"That is good," replied Hisu, taking one of the many vacated seats in the room. "Did you hear Sesshomaru's account of the incident?"
Kaede shook her head, but her eyes peaked in curiosity. Hisu sighed and glanced at her granddaughter. "Apparently, Dai-chan knew a danger was about to befall them, and so she helped Shippou-chan hide himself in Kagome- chan's suitcase so that he would be safe. Inuyasha has taken Kagome-chan into hiding, along with Miroku."
"So Dai was aware of the danger?" asked Kaede for confirmation.
"Yes. Tell me, Kaede. Would Shippou-chan have survived the explosion?"
Kaede was quiet for a moment before she shook her head. "I do not believe so. Despite Shippou-chan's full youkai blood, he is still very small and very young. The dust would have killed him. The only reason Dai survived is because she is her father's daughter and the female body is more resistant to damage despite its fragility."
"Dai-chan knew this," Hisu stated, staring intently at her granddaughter.
"But how?" Kaede voiced her question. "Is she a seer like Lady Ai? I had not sensed that power present in her."
"I don't believe so," Hisu said silently, trying to form her thoughts into words. "I believe it is something else."
Kaede huffed in frustration before folding her arms and glaring at the floor. "The mysteries surrounding this pup are becoming tangible."
Hisu gave a dry laugh before nodding her head in agreement. "Hai. However, we will not find any answers to our questions until she has awakened. Until then, I believe I have some legal matters to go over."
"Legal matters?" repeated Kaede, speculating what those 'matters' could be.
"Hai. I will have a important announcement to make to the nation tomorrow night, and with that announcement there will no doubt be a ball to celebrate."
"And what will that announcement be?"
"I have found my heir."
^_^
Sango leaned against the wall behind her futon, staring intently at the floor. In the space of forty-eight hours, the demon exterminator's life had been turned completely upside down. Not only were three of the most important people in the world sleeping on the floor above her head, but her father had agreed to help those three disappear into hiding.
The sun seemed to be a few hours from dawn, but Sango could no longer sleep. With a sigh of self disgust, she rose from her bedding and silently padded out of her room and down the hallway. The house was dark and the only sounds were that of the steady hum and the generator. Sango didn't need a light to find her way, however. Within minutes the demon exterminator found herself in the training arena set apart from the house. From here she could train until ready to drop.
Absently, Sango began warming up with a few katas. With her thoughts so scatter, she didn't realize when Miroku slipped into the room and sat not ten feet from her.
"Do you not sleep?"
Sango jumped at the sound of Miroku's voice, a scream working its way up her throat only to be smothered by a frustrated grunt. The end result was a very peculiar sound Miroku had never heard before. He merely grinned at the disgruntled Sango before tossing the young woman a bokken. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Sango glared at him, catching the wooden sword with ease. "What are you doing wandering in the middle of the night?" she asked, letting some of her anger sink into her voice.
"I could ask you the same thing," he replied, smiling.
"It's my house. I can wander if I want to," Sango growled.
Miroku's smile never dropped as he picked up another bokken and moved to stand across from Sango. "I assume you have experience in kendo," he asked.
"Of course," Sango replied tersely.
"Good. It has been awhile since I have had the opportunity to spare with a human. I find it difficult sparing with Inuyasha, since my dear brother has the habit of dropping me on my ass before I can even raise my sword."
"Is Inuyasha really your brother?" Sango asked, a bit confused.
"Hai. Not by blood, but brother nonetheless."
"How did you come to call him brother?" Sango bowed and dropped into a defensive position as Miroku took the offense.
"Lord Inutashio adopted me after my father died," replied Miroku, shooting forward and attacking Sango.
Sango easily warded the blow and delivered a light strike to Miroku's upper arm. They broke apart and started circling. "Lord Inutashio sounds like a very compassionate man," observed Sango.
"He is," confirmed Miroku. "But he has many secrets and many motives for each action he takes."
Sango darted to Miroku's right and delivered a series of attacks. Miroku struggled to defend from each attack before jumping back out of the demon exterminator's range. "So there was an alliterative motive in your adoption?" asked Sango.
"You could say that."
Sango lowered the bokken and looked at Miroku directly. "What was Lord Inutashio's motive?"
Miroku grinned. "Father simply wanted Inuyasha to have one more friend."
"One more friend?" Sango frowned in her confusion, placing the bokken back on the rack before sitting down on the mats.
"Kagome was Inuyasha's first friend," Miroku continued, sitting down across from Sango and placing the bokken at his feet. "And she was his only friend for a long time. Father, Lord Inutashio that is, wanted Inuyasha to have a friend other than little Kagome. This isn't to say that Lord Inutashio didn't like Kagome, on the contrary, Father loves Kagome like a daughter. Kagome is the reason Mother wanted to have another child after Inuyasha."
"Why did Lord Inutashio want Inuyasha to befriend you?" Sango asked directly.
"Father believed that when the time came for Inuyasha to realize Kagome is his mate that he would need someone to, hmm . . . advise him, I suppose you could say. Inuyasha does not always use his head when he talks, and so he needs someone to explain to him what he has done to upset whoever he has offended, which is usually Kagome."
"Kagome and Inuyasha must be very close," Sango said quietly with a small, wistful smile.
"Inconceivably so," validated Miroku with a roll of his eyes. "Of course, until yesterday, or I guess it would be the day before yesterday," Miroku corrected himself with a look out the window "Inuyasha and Kagome had never even kissed."
"But on the train-" Sango began to argue, a slight blush hinting her cheeks.
"I know," he replied. "Believe me when I say I was surprised."
"But they're married," Sango pointed out.
"In a sense."
"In a sense . . .?" she repeated.
"I was the one to marry them, since I am a monk," Miroku informed her. "I don't know if the ceremony would hold up in court however."
"Why wouldn't it?"
"Besides the only witness being Shippou and Kagome's cat, plus no marriage license, nothing."
"Oh."
Miroku grinned at Sango's thoughtful expression before rolling to his feet. "I see I have given you quite enough to digest for one night, dear Sango."
"No," she waved off his suspicion. "I am just a bit surprised, I guess."
"And we haven't even gotten to the complicated stuff," grinned Miroku.
Sango's eyebrows rose in disbelief before she pouted and stood. "Well I suppose that can wait until sunrise."
"Yes," agreed Miroku, observing the young woman as she turned to leave. "Good night, Lady Sango," he called behind her.
Sango's head turned just slightly as she left. "Good night, Sir Monk."
^_^
Sesshomaru was in the library when Queen Hisu came across him. "Sesshomaru, have you sorted everything out?"
The Inuyoukai looked up and nodded. "Hai. The contractors will start removing the damaged portion of the house tomorrow before they begin the repairs."
"Will you return to the Western Lands to see to the repairs?"
Sesshomaru shook his head before stacking the papers he had been previously reviewing. "No. Father will return tomorrow. Dai had recovered enough for his instincts to calm down."
"That is good." Queen Hisu sat down across from Sesshomaru and studied the Inuyoukai silently before speaking again. "I have made a decision."
"About what?" Sesshomaru's eyes filled with curiosity.
"About an heir."
"Dai." It wasn't a question. Hisu nodded to confirmed Sesshomaru's statement before preceding to explain her choice.
"She is a very special girl. With a bit of training, she could harness her powers a become more powerful than even I."
"But will the world accept her?" asked Sesshomaru, staring down at the floor sadly. "She is hanyou. It is because of Inuyasha and Dai's hanyou blood that we lived isolated from human and youkai alike. Neither race will accept their blood and so they are accepted into neither race."
Hisu sighed. "I know of that. But my decision still stands. It will be many years before she will take my position, Sesshomaru. That is time enough for the world to accept her."
"They won't."
"They have to. Their lives may depend on it."
^_^
Sango watched her companions as they slept. Kirara had curled up next to Shippou and Buyo. Miroku had decided to take one of the beds the cabin offered. Inuyasha slept leaning against the cabin wall while Kagome had placed a pillow on his leg and fallen asleep across the seats, her head resting on Inuyasha.
The Demon Exterminator had been offered the other bed. However, once she lay down she found she could not slept. She did not know how she was going to explain things to her father. Everything had suddenly become quite unbelievable. The fates must have played their hand in this matter.
Sango shifted in the bed before finally giving up and closing her eyes, content to listen to the steady breathing around her.
^_^
Sesshomaru could not hold back a sigh of relief when the limo arrived to take them to the airport. Kaede had yet to arrive, though, so they could not yet leave. Rin looked up at him and gave him a small smile. "Everything will work out, right?" she asked quietly.
The Inuyoukai nodded and led her towards Inutashio and Ai. Sesshomaru visibly winced when he saw Dai. She was a pitiful site. Her hair had turned a dark brown color, much like Sesshomaru's, and her eyes were only half- open, but from what Sesshomaru could see, they were blood shot. Each breath she took was unsteady and followed by a painful gasp as she exhaled.
Rin unconsciously took Sesshomaru's hand and held it tightly. The Inuyoukai squeezed back in reassurance before looking up at his father. "There is a plane waiting to take us to the Capitol. Queen Hisu is waiting for us."
He could tell something was wrong with Ai was she made no response. Inutashio only held Dai tighter. Sesshomaru almost doubted his father had heard him. "Father?"
"Hai?" he replied quietly.
"The limo is right over there. Let's go wait for Kaede in the car away from the vultures," said Sesshomaru, referring to the reporters.
"Kaede?" repeated Ai, finally looking up.
"Yes. I called for Kaede. She is on her way."
"She is already here," replied an old voice. Sesshomaru's head shot up as he looked up to see Kaede standing before him, wearing her traditional miko robes and carrying a small bag.
Inutashio quite obviously was having a fight with his instincts when he allowed Kaede close enough to examine Dai.
Kaede looked over the Inuhanyou quickly before shaking her head. "Do not worry. I believe she will pull through."
"Good," sighed Sesshomaru. "In that case, you can treat her on the way to the Capitol."
Kaede raised an eyebrow as his tone before shaking her head sadly. "You're as bad as Inuyasha, Sesshomaru-sama."
"What's that suppose to mean?" he growled back.
Kaede gave a short laugh before waving the question away. "Come now, let's all get in the car."
Rin took Ai's arm and led her towards the limo while her eyes trailed over Sesshomaru and Kaede. She sighed and tried to ignore the wave of exhaustion that had taken hold of her body. When Ai was sitting next to Inutashio in the limo, Rin allowed herself to collapse into her seat.
Kaede looked over at her curiously before turning her attention back to Dai. Sesshomaru looked out the window as the limo pulled away from the huddled remains of the Mansion. The sun seemed late in rising.
^_^
Kohaku leaned against the car and absently kicked a stone lying by his foot. He had been waiting for an hour and there was still no sign of the train. His father stood beside him, unmoving. Kohaku sighed before walking back towards the tracks to wait for his sister at the platform.
Masahiro had summoned Sango without telling anyone why. He only hoped the news she offered would not put their father in a foul mood. Bad moods equaled harder practice. Kohaku had to contain his excitement when the train came into view. He moved back to stand by a bench and watched as the doors opened and the people began to file out.
Sango was the last to exit the train, carrying her bag in one hand while a kid with bright red hair hung onto her shoulder. "Sango?" said Kohaku, walking up to his sister. It was then that he noticed the other three adults that were in her company.
"Kohaku!" Sango yelled happily, throwing her arms around him and hugging him tightly.
"Sango, ah . . . who are your friends? Does this have something to do with why you were summoned?"
The Demon Exterminator cocked her head to the side and decided to ignore her brother's question. "Where is father?" she said instead.
"Waiting for you at the car," Kohaku replied after a moment, noting his sister's abrupt change in subject.
"Well, in that case I should go greet him."
Kohaku eyed Miroku wearily when he immediately followed Sango. Miroku just shrugged at the boy's look and with a lopsided grin continued after Sango. When Kohaku's glare was directed at Inuyasha, the hanyou returned it. Kohaku had to suppress the urge to shudder.
Kagome just shook her head sadly and elbowed Inuyasha in the ribs, giving him her own glare that clearly said 'cut it out.' Inuyasha snorted, sticking his nose in the air and folding his arms while mumbling something along the lines of 'he started it.'
Kohaku's confusion only intensified at Kagome's behavior and appearance. She didn't look much younger than Sango. Without a word, Kohaku turned to follow his sister's footsteps.
"Well I don't think he likes us very much," muttered Kagome sourly, bending down take Buyo in her arms.
"Who cares?" replied Inuyasha, picking up Kagome's bags as well as his own before following Kohaku.
Kagome sighed and walked along side Inuyasha. "I for one would like to get along with Sango-chan's family."
Inuyasha snorted and glared down at the young girl. "Don't waste your time. We'll soon be gone and back on the road again in a few days."
"Can't you at least pretend to be pleasant while we are guests at Sango-chan's house?"
Inuyasha muttered something darkly under his breath before replying. "Fine! But just this once."
Kagome beamed and paused to lean up and kiss Inuyasha's cheek. "Thank you."
The hanyou covered up his blush with a 'Feh' of annoyance and continued walking. The couple easily spotted their friends in the parking, Shippou's bright orange hair sticking out like white on black.
Sango was having a conversation with her father in hushed whispers. Miroku leaned against the car truck, Shippou on his shoulder. Inuyasha approached the two after a glance at Sango's father. "So what's the deal?" the hanyou asked.
Miroku sighed in slight annoyance before answering. "Sango is trying to explain our 'situation' without revealing too much."
Inuyasha rolled his eyes before setting down his bags. He looked back when Sango's father muttered a curse and started towards them. He didn't say anything, only glared at Inuyasha and Miroku before looking at Kagome. "What's your name?" asked the older man.
Kagome glanced over at Inuyasha and then plastered a pleasant expression on her face. "I'm Sensho Kagome. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Kagome, huh?"
At the girl's nod Sango's father turned towards Inuyasha. "And what is your name?"
"Sensho Kaemon."
The elder man looked at Kagome before turning back to Inuyasha. "You two are related?"
"No. Married."
Kohaku was silently hoping that his new arch nemesis would display some discomfort with his father's interrogation, but no such luck. "Fine. Get in the car. Call me Taijiya. I don't bother with first names."
Inuyasha replied with a curt nod and rolled his eyes when Taijiya turned back to Sango. What a stiff. When Inuyasha turned to Miroku, the Houshi was staring at Sango intently. With a smirk, Inuyasha decided to tease his dear brother. "So, what do you think of having Taijiya as a father-in-law?"
Kagome had expected a goofy grin or for Miroku to just ignore Inuyasha's teasing all together. She had not expected Miroku to blush all the way to the tip of his ears. "What do ya know," she interrupted Inuyasha's teasing. "Miroku's in L-O-V-E, loove!"
Miroku shot an irritable look at Kagome before finding something fascinating to look at on the ground. "Aw this is perfect," continued Inuyasha. "Now I can pay you back for all the times you teased me about Kagome."
"When did he tease you about me?" Kagome asked, confused.
It was Inuyasha's turn to blush. Shippou shook his head in complete and utter bafflement before deciding to put an end to the blushing. "Come on you guys! Let's get in the car. I'm hungry. I want to eat. Let's go."
The constant whining of the kitsune had its wanted effect and everyone piled into the back of the car.
^_^
Rin smiled when Sesshomaru returned from his shower. Presently, they were all on a plane headed for the Capitol. There were two showers on the plane and since Rin and Lady Ai had been offered the showers first, Sesshomaru was the last to shower. "Feeling better?" asked Rin teasingly.
"Much," replied the Inuyoukai, taking a stack of papers out of a briefcase along with his cell phone.
"Who are you calling now?"
"Queen Hisu's lawyers."
"Lawyers?"
Sesshomaru smiled brightly. In reaction Rin raised an eyebrow. "I'm suing the news station."
"You can't be serious," muttered Rin in disbelief.
"Of course I am."
"And just what are you suing them for?"
"Why that's simple. Flying in restricted air space along with anything else I can come up with."
Rin sighed and leaned back against her seat. "And why are you suing?"
"Let's just say I have a long bitter history with reporters."
"Just leave me out of it. Wake me when we get there."
"Of course, Rin."
^_^
Sango rearranged the food on her plate for the second time in five minutes. Dinner continued to be excruciatingly quiet. No one had said a single word. Miroku sat across from her with Inuyasha on his right. Kagome was beside Sango and Kohaku beside her. Taijiya sat at the head of the table.
Taijiya finished his meal; setting his hashi down and looking up to glare at Inuyasha, then Miroku. "Alright, now how about you tell me your real names and we can straighten this whole mess out?"
Miroku looked at Inuyasha for his reaction only to find the hanyou looking right back at him. With a shrug, Inuyasha turned to glare at Taijiya. "Inuyasha."
"I thought as much."
Kohaku choked on his food before managing to swallow. "You're Lord Inuyasha? The son of The Demon Lord of the Western Lands? Brother of Lord Sesshomaru. Grandson of High Queen Hisu?"
"You know anyone else that goes by Inuyasha?" the hanyou replied rudely.
"I was not aware you were married," commented Taijiya, glaring Kohaku into silence.
When Inuyasha did not reply, Taijiya turned to Kagome. "And is your name truly Kagome?"
"Hai," replied the young girl with a small nod.
"And are you truly married to Inuyasha?"
"Hai."
"And you?" Taijiya turned to Miroku. "What is your name?"
"Houshi Miroku."
The elder man seemed surprised for half a moment before he regained his composure and reevaluated Miroku. "I met your grandfather once, more than twenty years ago. Good man."
"I suppose."
"And do you carry the same curse, Houshi Miroku?"
Miroku raised his right hand to display the prayer beads wrapped securely around his hand and forearm.
Taijiya stared at his arm for a moment before shaking his head sadly. "Do you plan to leave in the same fashion as your father and grandfather?"
"If that is my fate."
"But its not," interrupted Kagome, glaring at Miroku. "Naraku will be defeated before anything happens." "You sound so sure, little girl," observed Taijiya.
"And you sound pessimistic."
Inuyasha smiled at Kagome gently before addressing Taijiya. "So what
do you plan to do with us?"
"Well first of all, I would like to know just what the hell is going on and why the world thinks you're dead."
"Fair enough."
"Second, I'll help you get some decent concealing spells and a place to stay."
Inuyasha nodded in agreement. "Deal."
^_^
"Will she recover?"
Kaede looked up momentarily when Queen Hisu entered the room. Besides the sleeping hanyou Kaede was treating, she and Hisu were the only ones in the room. Inutashio had long ago taken Ai to bed, and Sesshomaru was elsewhere, straightening out the mess with the building contractors.
The elderly miko nodded, adjusting the blanket over Dai before taking a seat at the bedside. "I believe so, my friend," replied Kaede. "She inhaled quite a bit of dust and it took its toll on her lungs. I gave her some herbs to help her sleep and I believe with her hanyou healing she will be back to normal by tomorrow night."
"That is good," replied Hisu, taking one of the many vacated seats in the room. "Did you hear Sesshomaru's account of the incident?"
Kaede shook her head, but her eyes peaked in curiosity. Hisu sighed and glanced at her granddaughter. "Apparently, Dai-chan knew a danger was about to befall them, and so she helped Shippou-chan hide himself in Kagome- chan's suitcase so that he would be safe. Inuyasha has taken Kagome-chan into hiding, along with Miroku."
"So Dai was aware of the danger?" asked Kaede for confirmation.
"Yes. Tell me, Kaede. Would Shippou-chan have survived the explosion?"
Kaede was quiet for a moment before she shook her head. "I do not believe so. Despite Shippou-chan's full youkai blood, he is still very small and very young. The dust would have killed him. The only reason Dai survived is because she is her father's daughter and the female body is more resistant to damage despite its fragility."
"Dai-chan knew this," Hisu stated, staring intently at her granddaughter.
"But how?" Kaede voiced her question. "Is she a seer like Lady Ai? I had not sensed that power present in her."
"I don't believe so," Hisu said silently, trying to form her thoughts into words. "I believe it is something else."
Kaede huffed in frustration before folding her arms and glaring at the floor. "The mysteries surrounding this pup are becoming tangible."
Hisu gave a dry laugh before nodding her head in agreement. "Hai. However, we will not find any answers to our questions until she has awakened. Until then, I believe I have some legal matters to go over."
"Legal matters?" repeated Kaede, speculating what those 'matters' could be.
"Hai. I will have a important announcement to make to the nation tomorrow night, and with that announcement there will no doubt be a ball to celebrate."
"And what will that announcement be?"
"I have found my heir."
^_^
Sango leaned against the wall behind her futon, staring intently at the floor. In the space of forty-eight hours, the demon exterminator's life had been turned completely upside down. Not only were three of the most important people in the world sleeping on the floor above her head, but her father had agreed to help those three disappear into hiding.
The sun seemed to be a few hours from dawn, but Sango could no longer sleep. With a sigh of self disgust, she rose from her bedding and silently padded out of her room and down the hallway. The house was dark and the only sounds were that of the steady hum and the generator. Sango didn't need a light to find her way, however. Within minutes the demon exterminator found herself in the training arena set apart from the house. From here she could train until ready to drop.
Absently, Sango began warming up with a few katas. With her thoughts so scatter, she didn't realize when Miroku slipped into the room and sat not ten feet from her.
"Do you not sleep?"
Sango jumped at the sound of Miroku's voice, a scream working its way up her throat only to be smothered by a frustrated grunt. The end result was a very peculiar sound Miroku had never heard before. He merely grinned at the disgruntled Sango before tossing the young woman a bokken. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Sango glared at him, catching the wooden sword with ease. "What are you doing wandering in the middle of the night?" she asked, letting some of her anger sink into her voice.
"I could ask you the same thing," he replied, smiling.
"It's my house. I can wander if I want to," Sango growled.
Miroku's smile never dropped as he picked up another bokken and moved to stand across from Sango. "I assume you have experience in kendo," he asked.
"Of course," Sango replied tersely.
"Good. It has been awhile since I have had the opportunity to spare with a human. I find it difficult sparing with Inuyasha, since my dear brother has the habit of dropping me on my ass before I can even raise my sword."
"Is Inuyasha really your brother?" Sango asked, a bit confused.
"Hai. Not by blood, but brother nonetheless."
"How did you come to call him brother?" Sango bowed and dropped into a defensive position as Miroku took the offense.
"Lord Inutashio adopted me after my father died," replied Miroku, shooting forward and attacking Sango.
Sango easily warded the blow and delivered a light strike to Miroku's upper arm. They broke apart and started circling. "Lord Inutashio sounds like a very compassionate man," observed Sango.
"He is," confirmed Miroku. "But he has many secrets and many motives for each action he takes."
Sango darted to Miroku's right and delivered a series of attacks. Miroku struggled to defend from each attack before jumping back out of the demon exterminator's range. "So there was an alliterative motive in your adoption?" asked Sango.
"You could say that."
Sango lowered the bokken and looked at Miroku directly. "What was Lord Inutashio's motive?"
Miroku grinned. "Father simply wanted Inuyasha to have one more friend."
"One more friend?" Sango frowned in her confusion, placing the bokken back on the rack before sitting down on the mats.
"Kagome was Inuyasha's first friend," Miroku continued, sitting down across from Sango and placing the bokken at his feet. "And she was his only friend for a long time. Father, Lord Inutashio that is, wanted Inuyasha to have a friend other than little Kagome. This isn't to say that Lord Inutashio didn't like Kagome, on the contrary, Father loves Kagome like a daughter. Kagome is the reason Mother wanted to have another child after Inuyasha."
"Why did Lord Inutashio want Inuyasha to befriend you?" Sango asked directly.
"Father believed that when the time came for Inuyasha to realize Kagome is his mate that he would need someone to, hmm . . . advise him, I suppose you could say. Inuyasha does not always use his head when he talks, and so he needs someone to explain to him what he has done to upset whoever he has offended, which is usually Kagome."
"Kagome and Inuyasha must be very close," Sango said quietly with a small, wistful smile.
"Inconceivably so," validated Miroku with a roll of his eyes. "Of course, until yesterday, or I guess it would be the day before yesterday," Miroku corrected himself with a look out the window "Inuyasha and Kagome had never even kissed."
"But on the train-" Sango began to argue, a slight blush hinting her cheeks.
"I know," he replied. "Believe me when I say I was surprised."
"But they're married," Sango pointed out.
"In a sense."
"In a sense . . .?" she repeated.
"I was the one to marry them, since I am a monk," Miroku informed her. "I don't know if the ceremony would hold up in court however."
"Why wouldn't it?"
"Besides the only witness being Shippou and Kagome's cat, plus no marriage license, nothing."
"Oh."
Miroku grinned at Sango's thoughtful expression before rolling to his feet. "I see I have given you quite enough to digest for one night, dear Sango."
"No," she waved off his suspicion. "I am just a bit surprised, I guess."
"And we haven't even gotten to the complicated stuff," grinned Miroku.
Sango's eyebrows rose in disbelief before she pouted and stood. "Well I suppose that can wait until sunrise."
"Yes," agreed Miroku, observing the young woman as she turned to leave. "Good night, Lady Sango," he called behind her.
Sango's head turned just slightly as she left. "Good night, Sir Monk."
^_^
Sesshomaru was in the library when Queen Hisu came across him. "Sesshomaru, have you sorted everything out?"
The Inuyoukai looked up and nodded. "Hai. The contractors will start removing the damaged portion of the house tomorrow before they begin the repairs."
"Will you return to the Western Lands to see to the repairs?"
Sesshomaru shook his head before stacking the papers he had been previously reviewing. "No. Father will return tomorrow. Dai had recovered enough for his instincts to calm down."
"That is good." Queen Hisu sat down across from Sesshomaru and studied the Inuyoukai silently before speaking again. "I have made a decision."
"About what?" Sesshomaru's eyes filled with curiosity.
"About an heir."
"Dai." It wasn't a question. Hisu nodded to confirmed Sesshomaru's statement before preceding to explain her choice.
"She is a very special girl. With a bit of training, she could harness her powers a become more powerful than even I."
"But will the world accept her?" asked Sesshomaru, staring down at the floor sadly. "She is hanyou. It is because of Inuyasha and Dai's hanyou blood that we lived isolated from human and youkai alike. Neither race will accept their blood and so they are accepted into neither race."
Hisu sighed. "I know of that. But my decision still stands. It will be many years before she will take my position, Sesshomaru. That is time enough for the world to accept her."
"They won't."
"They have to. Their lives may depend on it."
^_^