Chapter 8
Kagome dangled her sock above Buyo's head and slightly raised it out of the cat's grasp when Buyo made a grab for it. Inuyasha laid beside her on the futon, snoring lightly. It was early morning, or at least earlier than the time Kagome usually woke up.
Buyo finally gave up on obtaining Kagome's sock and rolled towards Inuyasha, effectively turning his back to the girl and curling up next to the snoozing Inuhanyou. "Well, fine," Kagome muttered sourly before sticking her tongue out at Buyo. "It's not like I wanted to play with you anyway."
Inuyasha grumbled something indiscernible before shifting in his sleep and curling an arm around Kagome's waist. Kagome shot a smug look at Buyo. "See, he likes me better."
Inuyasha cracked an eye open and glared at Kagome. "Are you talking to yourself again?"
"No," Kagome swatted Inuyasha lightly across his head. "I was talking to my cat. Buyo thinks he's too good for me."
"You're insane."
"You rubbed off on me."
Inuyasha snorted and pulled Kagome closer to him, forcing her to lay down and rest her head on his pillow. "Go back to sleep, Kagome."
"Mou," Kagome rolled her eyes and reached up to scratch the closest ear. "You're as lazy as Buyo."
Said cat raised his head long enough to look at Kagome before 'meowing' and curling up beside Inuyasha once more. Kagome almost smirked when Inuyasha began purring. "I'm not lazy," Inuyasha said finally, yawning loudly. "Just tired."
"You slept on the train."
"I would hardly call that sleeping Kagome."
"What would you call it then?"
"Dozing."
"Dozing?"
"Dozing."
"You're insufferable."
"And you're despotically authoritative."
"Were you trying to read the dictionary again? I told you, you try to think and you're head will explode. Your brain is too small for such things as thinking."
Kagome squeaked when Inuyasha growled playfully and tickled her sides. "I think-"
"Oh no, don't sprain anything."
"-That you, little girl, are just trying to make me angry so that I don't notice you went in my suitcase and ate my chocolate bars."
Kagome glanced sheepishly at Inuyasha's suitcase before shrugging in helpless amusement. "How did you know I ate the chocolate?"
"Your breath smells like chocolate, which is noticeable considering you have the worst morning breath in the world."
"You're one to talk, dog-boy."
Inuyasha sighed and pulled Kagome back to his chest when the young girl tried to sit up. "Inuyasha?"
"Go back to sleep, Kagome. I don't want to get up just yet."
"Than don't get up. I'll go find us some breakfast."
"No."
"No?"
"No. If you go somewhere without me, I have no doubt that you will find some sort of trouble and then I will have to get up just to save you."
Kagome gave a sigh of annoyance, despite her small, pleased smile, and laid back down, resting her head on Inuyasha's chest and wrapping her arm around his waist. "Better, oh Great Lord Inuyasha?"
"Much better. But from now on, I believe you should call me 'Great Master and Lord Inuyasha.'"
"Maybe when a snowball forms in hell I'll consider it."
"You know, in some religions, hell is cold."
"Not in mine."
"No fun."
This time Kagome snorted. The pair was interrupted from further argumentation when a sleepy kitsune opened the door and proceeded to crawl under the blanket with them. "Morning, Shippou-chan," muttered Kagome, pulling the covers back just far enough so that they didn't cover Shippou's head.
Shippou mumbled a reply that sounded something like 'mornin' before yawning loudly and snuggling deeper under the blanket. He was asleep again in mere seconds. "See," Inuyasha pointed out, closing his eyes and wrapping his arm around both Kagome and Shippou. "He has the right idea."
Kagome sighed hopelessly before also closing her eyes. "The things I do to make you happy."
^_^
Miroku smiled brightly when Inuyasha, Kagome and a grumbling Shippou entered the kitchen. Sango glanced up when Kagome sat down beside her. "Did you sleep well, Kagome-chan?"
"Hmm," replied Kagome, rubbing her eyes before grabbing Miroku's plate as he walked past her.
Miroku frowned at his now empty hands before he attempted to retrieve his stolen meal, only to be thwarted by a warning growl from a very protective Inuhanyou. Miroku sighed helplessly before turning back to the counter to make himself another plate, or two. "Did you sleep at all?" asked Miroku with a small, perverted grin, which he hid by keeping his gaze on the breakfast he was fixing, even after the empty cup Inuyasha threw hit him on the head.
Inuyasha gave Miroku a very blurred thanks when the monk sat a plate of toast and eggs in front of him before taking his own seat next to Sango.
"Good Morning," Taijiya greeted them when he entered the kitchen. His greeting was answered by a line of grunts and Miroku's 'morning.' "Well at least one of you is half awake," observed Taijiya when he actually understood what Miroku had said. More grunts followed that comment.
Taijiya silently fixed himself breakfast before switching the TV onto International News and sitting down beside Inuyasha.
'In later news, Lord Inutashio's daughter Dai is said to makes a full recovery by tonight.' 'Well, Jill, I guess that youkai blood is good for something.' 'Yes, it certainly is Tom.'
"How 'bout we watch something with some substance?" Inuyasha asked between bites, though inwardly relieved at the news.
Shippou clapped gleefully from his spot in Kagome's lap before jumping to the counter to sit beside the food. "Did you hear that, Kagome? Dai is alright!"
"Yes, I heard," smiled Kagome, handing Shippou another piece of toast.
Taijiya watched them silently for a moment before turning back to the TV. 'High Queen Hisu will be addressing the nation tonight,' the female reporter continued. 'Her speech will begin at 5:30 p.m. by Korean time. What ever could she have to tell us, Tom?' The male reporter shrugged his shoulders before plastering a fake, goofy grin onto his face. 'Perhaps she will finally tell the nation about the cover up our government was involved in when aliens finally attempted to contact earth.' 'Yes, Tom, and maybe you were dropped on your head one too many times when you were a baby.'
"They're both so stupid," Miroku observed with disbelief, his fork hanging halfway to his mouth.
"It must be like looking into a mirror for you," Inuyasha replied, finishing off the rest of his meal.
"Why would I need to look in a mirror when I can just look at you?" replied Miroku without glancing at Inuyasha.
Kagome sighed before shaking her head sadly. "Will you two wait until after breakfast before starting another argument, please?"
"Sure," Miroku and Inuyasha answered simultaneously.
^_^
Inutashio reviewed the final paper work on the Mansion's reconstruction as he walked towards Dai's room. Sesshomaru had done a good job organizing all of his affairs while Dai recovered. "Father?" came Sesshomaru's voice from the doorway to the library. "Hai?" "Hisu would like to speak to all of us." Inutashio nodded and followed his son back into the library. Ai was seated on a couch across from Hisu. Inutashio took his seat beside her and waited until Sesshomaru took his place beside Rin on a parallel couch before addressing Hisu. "What is it you wished to speak to us about?" Hisu smiled lightly before replying. "I have already notified Sesshomaru of my plans, but you also have the right to know. I assume you have heard of my scheduled address tonight?" Hisu waited until both Ai and Inutashio nodded. "Well, I am going to announce my heir." Ai sucked in a shaky breath and her hands clenched in her lap. "A-and who will your heir be?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. "Dai." Inutashio went very still, his breath caught in his throat. It was a long moment before he could collect enough words to speak. "Are you sure that is wise with her hanyou blood? The world will not accept her and she is-" "I have considered this for a long time, Inutashio," Hisu interrupted, her voice sad and meek. "I have seen the signs and discussed this with the Oracles. Dai . . . is my heir." "She's just a little kid," Rin said quietly. "I know," continued Hisu "But-" Everyone's head snapped up when a loud shrill pierced through the air. "KYHAAA!" "Who is it?" asked Ai, rushing out of the room right behind her husband. "It can't be," Inutashio muttered absently. In seconds Inutashio was in Dai's room. Kaede had a look of astonishment on her face when she turned to look at Inutashio and the others. Dai stood on her bed, her light pick kimono slightly ruffled from sleep, and her arms held high on the air as the little Inuhanyou smiled brightly and screamed at the top of her lungs. "What the fuck!?" muttered Sesshomaru, moving to stand in front of Dai. Dai's smile only widened. "Oi, Sesshomaru-niichan, I hungry, get me some chocolate please?" "You're . . . talking," Ai said unnecessarily. Dai nodded and leapt into her mother's arms. "Hai! I talk! But I hungry too. Niichan, where my chocolate?" "How did this happen?" asked Hisu, glancing first at Kaede before she fixed her stare at Dai. "I not know. I open my mouth, words came out," Dai replied, snuggling into Ai's arms. "It not bad thing?" "No," said Inutashio, taking his daughter into his arms. "It's not a bad thing, daughter." "Good. Now be a good time to tell you." "Tell us what, little one?" asked Kaede, raising an eyebrow. "Bad people. They after Inuyasha-niichan and Kagome-neechan." Ai frowned and wrapped her arms around herself. "There's nothing we can do about that, Dai. Inuyasha and Kagome are a long way from us. We don't even know where they are." "Grandpa does." Inutashio held Dai out far enough to look her in the eyes. "Masahiro knows where your brother is?" "Hai! Kagome-neechan met a demon exterminator named Sango. Sango is helping Inuyasha-niichan, but she also in trouble." "Also in trouble?" prodded Hisu, taking a seat at the end of the bed. "Yep. Miroku-niichan fell in love with her. She in trouble, BIG trouble, cause she fallin' in love too!" Inutashio tried to keep from laughing, he really did. Ai glared up at him when he couldn't hold back a laugh. "Really dear, don't you think this is a bit serious for you to be laughing?" "Sorry," Inutashio replied quietly, though his lips were still curled into a smile. "Now, Dai, are you going to explain to me how you know all this?" "Know all what?" asked the little Inuhanyou innocently. "Know how to find Inuyasha and the such?" Dai shrugged before her father sat her down on the bed next to Hisu and kneeled in front of her. Dai cocked her head to the side before glancing up at Sesshomaru to see if he knew what Inutashio was talking about, but Sesshomaru had the same expression. "I not know!" pouted Dai, folding her arms in front of her. "That's probably the only thing you don't know," Sesshomaru muttered darkly. "I smarter than you, Fluffy!" Dai stuck her tongue out at him and smiled in satisfaction when Rin busted out laughing. A faint blush broke out on Sesshomaru's face and he found something very interesting in the woodwork of the bed. "Dai," Ai warned lightly, despite her own smile. "He started it." "It doesn't matter," argued Inutashio, drawing the group back to the issue at hand. "What we need to know is how to keep these bad people from Inuyasha and Kagome." "I told you," Dai's pout reappeared. "Grandpa Masahiro. He know! He want it! But Kagome got it! Still, Kagome don't know she got it. Inuyasha suspects but he got no clue as to how she got it." "Kagome has the Shikon no Tama?" asked Hisu, her look darkening. "Sorta," replied Dai. "What do you mean 'sorta,'" asked Sesshomaru. "You don't get it. Kagome, she . . . the Shikon no Tama . . . it not really object. It use to be, but it not no more," Dai tried to explain. "What is it then?" asked Ai. "It was jewel. Uncle Yoshi, he had jewel. But then . . . jewel too dangerous for him to keep . . . so he made the jewel go bye-bye. But jewel came back, but it weren't jewel no more. Jewel was baby. And baby grew up, never knowin' it use to be jewel. The jewel person fell in love, and power that was dormant woke up, but power had nothin' to do so power leaked out of girl. Just tiny bit. Girl still jewel, jewel still very powerful, very dangerous. Girl can't use her power, she don't know how to use her strength." "Is Kagome this girl?" Ai asked quietly. "Kagome-neechan is girl," Dai said just as quietly. "And Inuyasha-niichan is protector of Shikon no Tama. She don't know what she be. I know. They told me." "Who told you?" asked Hisu. "Four souls told me. But there not four no more. There five. Kagome have fifth soul, but she gave her soul away." "Gave it away? To who?" asked Inutashio. "Inuyasha-niichan. He got her soul, and she got his. They bound, cannot be undone. Impossible. Kill all souls connected. They in love, that cannot be undone either. Girl not jewel no more. Girl be girl. But girl can't be girl. Girl got to be jewel too! Four souls not know what to do. They confuse, I confuse. They took my voice so they could talk. They told me, cause girl wouldn't listen. No one listen. When power woke up, power come talk to me. Jewel be shattered power. Everyone screaming. Not know what to do. It very crowded," Dai continued, looking down at her hands. "The jewel talked to you?" asked Sesshomaru. "Iie! Jewel not jewel no more, jewel girl. Four souls talk to me! They told me! But they confuse! Confuse me too. So much confusing. Confuse my voice too! Tied it up when they gave it back, took long time to untangle. But it okay, I forgave. They sorry. They need help. I said Inuyasha-niichan help. He love Kagome-neechan. Four souls say okay. Four souls wrapped their power 'round Inuyasha-niichan, can't be let go. He stay with Kagome-neechan and protect her, for ever and ever. No being undone. Tangle much too large! Kagome-neechan don't want be undone, keeps binding, keep tying. Inuyasha- niichan not fight. Don't want be untied." "This doesn't make any sense," muttered Ai, listening to her daughter's words. "You're saying Kagome is the Shikon no Tama incarnate and the souls of the jewel have bound Inuyasha to Kagome?" Dai sighed. She kept on having to repeat herself. Didn't they understand? "They sad, sad that girl couldn't listen no more. I could listen. The dormant power sang song in my head, and I stayed so quiet so I could listen. Kagome-neechan didn't want stay quiet. Kagome-neechan want to listen to her heart. Souls sang too, but they had to take my voice so they could sing. Something went wrong when souls woke up. So many voices. So many confusions. I suppose to help. I help Inuyasha realize he guardian, help Kagome remember to listen so souls won't be sad no more." "Alright," sighed Inutashio, standing up with Dai in his arms. "So I guess there is something to be done." "Hai," nodded Dai. "Sesshomaru-niichan still need to get my chocolate."
^_^
"Kohaku! KOHAKU!" Sango called, walking around her father's lands, trying to locate her little brother. Kirara mewed from her place on Sango's shoulder and tried to comfort the agitated demon exterminator. "Is something wrong?" asked Miroku, approaching Sango. "Your father sent me to fetch you and your brother." "I can't find Kohaku," replied Sango, frowning. "I haven't seen him all day." "Perhaps I can ask Inuyasha to track him," suggested Miroku. At Sango's slightly upset look he decided to restate his suggestion. "Inuyasha is Inuhanyou and has an exceptional sense of smell, better than any dog demon ever tested. If anyone can track Kohaku, it would be Inuyasha." "I would be . . . grateful," sighed Sango, some of her worry evaporating. "Arigrato, Houshi-sama." Miroku winced at the title as they started back towards the house. "Please, call me Miroku. I am not comfortable with such respect." Sango looked confused for a moment before nodding. "Hai. Are you more comfortable with Miroku-sama, then?" "How about just Miroku?" "I do not know you well enough to call you by that." Miroku shrugged but didn't get a chance to reply when he saw Inuyasha walking towards them. "Inuyasha," called Miroku. "Could you perhaps find Kohaku for us? He seems to have disappeared." "He's not over here," Inuyasha said, sniffing the air. "Go back to the house. I'll find him." "I think I should go with you," argued Sango. "I don't believe he likes any of you very much and-" "Don't worry 'bout it," Inuyasha cut her off. "I'll move faster without you. Just go back to the house and keep Kagome company while I find him." "Al-Alright," sighed Sango, bowing her head. Miroku glanced over at Inuyasha who just let out a breath of frustration. "Go on. I'm sure I'll find him in no time." "Don't take too long," Miroku said, taking Sango's arm and leading her back to the house. Inuyasha waited until they were out of site before taking to the air. Kohaku's scent wasn't far away. The first thing he would do is make sure the human pup got to the house before dealing with another scent his nose had picked up. Ookami.
^_^
Hisu was in her throne room when Masahiro arrived. The General waited patiently for Hisu to roll up her scrolls and stand to welcome him before saying anything. "Queen Hisu, you look marvelous," he said. Hisu studied him for a moment, noting the solid black color of his hair and the youthful look of his skin. He didn't look like he was two hundred years, but then, neither did she. "General Masahiro, welcome. I trust your ride here was a pleasant one." "Of course. I suppose your call has something to do with tonight's address." Hisu nodded while leading Masahiro over to a small table. A servant arrived with tea before hurrying out of the room, leaving Masahiro and Hisu alone. "That is one reason." "What is the other?" She sighed inwardly before changing the subject. "Have you seen our daughter yet? She is staying with me until the construction of her house is completed." "No, not yet. Her children are here as well, I take it." "Yes, of course." Masahiro smiled before pouring the tea, offering Hisu the first cup. "What is your address?" "I will be announce Dai as my heir tonight." Hisu studied Masahiro's profile as she said this. He seemed surprised, as well as a little shocked before he quickly covered it up. "That is quite a bit of news," he replied at last. "That's not all." "No?" "Of course not!" came Dai's voice as she entered the room, firmly closing the door behind her and running to her grandmother's side. Hisu lifted Dai off the ground and set her in her lap. Dai looked at Masahiro before tilting her head to the side and twitching her ears slightly, as if she were listening to someone. "Hiya," she said finally, waving her hand. "Greetings, granddaughter," replied Masahiro, nodding to the little Inuhanyou. "So what is all this about you being heir to the High Queen?" "I'm heir to the High Queen," Dai told him as if he didn't already know. "That is wonderful." "Is it?" replied Dai, raising an eyebrow. "Nana doesn't think so." "Nana?" "That's what my grandchildren call me, Masahiro-San," Hisu told him lightly. "Why isn't being High Queen wonderful?" Dai kept looking at Masahiro with her golden gaze, studying the human in front of her. Finally, she simply shrugged before reaching towards the table and grabbed a cookie. "It is good to hear your voice," observed Masahiro. "Hai. Ichi gave me voice back after Ni, San and Shi got it tangled up. Or at least that what he say. I think it be just Ichi and San got it tangled. Shi and Ni try untangle, but too big mess. I untangle it though." Masahiro looked at Hisu quizzically but she just shrugged. "Any who . . . Where Inuyasha-niichan?" asked Dai. Masahiro sputtered the tea he had been drinking. "What ever do you mean, Dai-chan?" Hisu rolled her eyes before catching Masahiro's eyes. "You know where he is. Don't deny it. Give us what information you have." "The last to hear of him was my son Akira. We have not seen him since we gave him the new identification." "Liar," Dai replied sweetly. Masahiro's eyes narrowed. "What makes you so sure?" Dai kept smiling, twitching her ears as she listened to a voice only she could hear. "Ichi say you lie. You kept an ookami on their tracks, though you confuse right now. Ookami don't know where to look. But he find trail soon enough. You sent him, picked him out of everyone. He named . . . he named . . . Kouga. Ayame likes Kouga. Sesshomaru-niichan teased her about Kouga." Masahiro's eye began to twitch as he listened to the little Inuhanyou chatter away. "If you know all this, why don't you simply use your abilities to find Inuyasha?" he asked. Dai simply stared at him like he had grown a second head. "So that you don't do nothin stupid," she replied. "You try to take what Inuyasha guard. Don't deny, I see it. Wheels in head turning, turning . . . trying to deny what is there but can't deny, you left the window open. I peaked inside, saw everything. You can't have the jewel. Jewel gone. No one left, moved away, left 'For Sale' sign." "You're making no sense," growled Masahiro. "Sense . . ." repeated Dai. "Yes, no sense. Everyone so confused. It got so very crowded so very quickly. Big tangles everywhere. Kouga . . . Kouga good guy at heart. He do what right. No worry. But you think to send someone else to replace ookami. I am telling you no." "You are telling me no?" repeated Masahiro skeptically, his tone telling Dai what he thought of that. "I am also telling you no," said Hisu. "If I discover from anyone that you involve yourself further in this matter, I will have your lands stripped from your holdings and your wealth distributed among the populous." Masahiro looked shocked before he recovered his expression and nodded. "Very well, my Queen. I am at your disposal." Dai and Hisu watched as Masahiro stood and left, shutting the door behind him. "That went well," Hisu muttered darkly. Dai giggled and grabbed another cookie. "He scared. See inside the window. Wheels are burning, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." "He was right when he said you make absolutely no sense." She sighed and shook her head. "I make sense. It everyone else that talk in riddles." "Who is Ichi and the others you were speaking about?" "Four souls. They be four souls. They moved out of jewel when plumbing and phone lines broke. Move into my head. So very crowded. Jewel need to fix itself, but there no jewel to fix. No plumber. Electrician won't come neither. It broken and no one there to fix it. Everything so broken."
^_^
"Kohaku?" Inuyasha said slowly, dropping into the clearing and approaching the boy. "What is it?" he replied, standing up from his kneeling position and turning to look at the hanyou. "Sango is looking for you." Kohaku nodded but made no more to leave. "I think you should go back to the house," Inuyasha said again, emphasizing his words and hoping he picked up on his meaning. "Why?" Inuyasha growled quietly before frowning at Kohaku. "Why are you so nosy?" "Why are you in such a hurry to get me to leave?" Stalemate. "How 'bout this," Inuyasha compromised. "You go back to the house now, and I'll tell you what is going on when I get back?" Kohaku raised an eyebrow but silently considered Inuyasha's proposal. "Fine." Inuyasha nodded to the boy when he walked past and waited until he was out of sight before turning back. "Alright, Kouga. You can come out now!" Kouga emerged from the trees before grinning widely at the Inuhanyou. "So, Inuyasha, I hear you're a married man now." The Inuhanyou grunted before dropping into a cross legged position and waiting for the ookami to do the same. Kouga sat across from Inuyasha and was still grinning widely when Inuyasha replied. "Maybe you should consider the married life yourself. It's not too bad." Kouga snorted before tucking his arms behind his head and lying down. "Please. You haven't even consummated the marriage, of course, it smells like you two are sleeping in the same bed now." Inuyasha blushed lightly before fixing Kouga with a scowl. "Feh. Wimpy wolf, don't you think Kagome's a little young for that." "In my opinion, no. The monk would agree with me, too." Kouga watch as Inuyasha's blush spread, taking enjoyment at how ruffled Inuyasha looked. "As much as I enjoy our conversations, Dog-breath, we have more important things to discuss. The quicker we can figure this mess out with the Shikon no Tama, the quicker we can go back to our normal lives. Besides, I was actually getting somewhere with Ayame before I had to track down your sorry ass." This time, Inuyasha grinned. "You and Ayame? Finally? What's it been, like three years?" Kouga snorted. "You've been with Kagome for over a decade and your just now making moves on her." "Kagome is barely sixteen. It wasn't legal for me to make moves on her for over decade. Actually, that's still debatable." "Whatever. I have some information you might find very interesting. This came directly from Ayame." Inuyasha's eyebrow raised in speculation. "About what?" "The Shikon no Tama."
^_^
Kagome dangled her sock above Buyo's head and slightly raised it out of the cat's grasp when Buyo made a grab for it. Inuyasha laid beside her on the futon, snoring lightly. It was early morning, or at least earlier than the time Kagome usually woke up.
Buyo finally gave up on obtaining Kagome's sock and rolled towards Inuyasha, effectively turning his back to the girl and curling up next to the snoozing Inuhanyou. "Well, fine," Kagome muttered sourly before sticking her tongue out at Buyo. "It's not like I wanted to play with you anyway."
Inuyasha grumbled something indiscernible before shifting in his sleep and curling an arm around Kagome's waist. Kagome shot a smug look at Buyo. "See, he likes me better."
Inuyasha cracked an eye open and glared at Kagome. "Are you talking to yourself again?"
"No," Kagome swatted Inuyasha lightly across his head. "I was talking to my cat. Buyo thinks he's too good for me."
"You're insane."
"You rubbed off on me."
Inuyasha snorted and pulled Kagome closer to him, forcing her to lay down and rest her head on his pillow. "Go back to sleep, Kagome."
"Mou," Kagome rolled her eyes and reached up to scratch the closest ear. "You're as lazy as Buyo."
Said cat raised his head long enough to look at Kagome before 'meowing' and curling up beside Inuyasha once more. Kagome almost smirked when Inuyasha began purring. "I'm not lazy," Inuyasha said finally, yawning loudly. "Just tired."
"You slept on the train."
"I would hardly call that sleeping Kagome."
"What would you call it then?"
"Dozing."
"Dozing?"
"Dozing."
"You're insufferable."
"And you're despotically authoritative."
"Were you trying to read the dictionary again? I told you, you try to think and you're head will explode. Your brain is too small for such things as thinking."
Kagome squeaked when Inuyasha growled playfully and tickled her sides. "I think-"
"Oh no, don't sprain anything."
"-That you, little girl, are just trying to make me angry so that I don't notice you went in my suitcase and ate my chocolate bars."
Kagome glanced sheepishly at Inuyasha's suitcase before shrugging in helpless amusement. "How did you know I ate the chocolate?"
"Your breath smells like chocolate, which is noticeable considering you have the worst morning breath in the world."
"You're one to talk, dog-boy."
Inuyasha sighed and pulled Kagome back to his chest when the young girl tried to sit up. "Inuyasha?"
"Go back to sleep, Kagome. I don't want to get up just yet."
"Than don't get up. I'll go find us some breakfast."
"No."
"No?"
"No. If you go somewhere without me, I have no doubt that you will find some sort of trouble and then I will have to get up just to save you."
Kagome gave a sigh of annoyance, despite her small, pleased smile, and laid back down, resting her head on Inuyasha's chest and wrapping her arm around his waist. "Better, oh Great Lord Inuyasha?"
"Much better. But from now on, I believe you should call me 'Great Master and Lord Inuyasha.'"
"Maybe when a snowball forms in hell I'll consider it."
"You know, in some religions, hell is cold."
"Not in mine."
"No fun."
This time Kagome snorted. The pair was interrupted from further argumentation when a sleepy kitsune opened the door and proceeded to crawl under the blanket with them. "Morning, Shippou-chan," muttered Kagome, pulling the covers back just far enough so that they didn't cover Shippou's head.
Shippou mumbled a reply that sounded something like 'mornin' before yawning loudly and snuggling deeper under the blanket. He was asleep again in mere seconds. "See," Inuyasha pointed out, closing his eyes and wrapping his arm around both Kagome and Shippou. "He has the right idea."
Kagome sighed hopelessly before also closing her eyes. "The things I do to make you happy."
^_^
Miroku smiled brightly when Inuyasha, Kagome and a grumbling Shippou entered the kitchen. Sango glanced up when Kagome sat down beside her. "Did you sleep well, Kagome-chan?"
"Hmm," replied Kagome, rubbing her eyes before grabbing Miroku's plate as he walked past her.
Miroku frowned at his now empty hands before he attempted to retrieve his stolen meal, only to be thwarted by a warning growl from a very protective Inuhanyou. Miroku sighed helplessly before turning back to the counter to make himself another plate, or two. "Did you sleep at all?" asked Miroku with a small, perverted grin, which he hid by keeping his gaze on the breakfast he was fixing, even after the empty cup Inuyasha threw hit him on the head.
Inuyasha gave Miroku a very blurred thanks when the monk sat a plate of toast and eggs in front of him before taking his own seat next to Sango.
"Good Morning," Taijiya greeted them when he entered the kitchen. His greeting was answered by a line of grunts and Miroku's 'morning.' "Well at least one of you is half awake," observed Taijiya when he actually understood what Miroku had said. More grunts followed that comment.
Taijiya silently fixed himself breakfast before switching the TV onto International News and sitting down beside Inuyasha.
'In later news, Lord Inutashio's daughter Dai is said to makes a full recovery by tonight.' 'Well, Jill, I guess that youkai blood is good for something.' 'Yes, it certainly is Tom.'
"How 'bout we watch something with some substance?" Inuyasha asked between bites, though inwardly relieved at the news.
Shippou clapped gleefully from his spot in Kagome's lap before jumping to the counter to sit beside the food. "Did you hear that, Kagome? Dai is alright!"
"Yes, I heard," smiled Kagome, handing Shippou another piece of toast.
Taijiya watched them silently for a moment before turning back to the TV. 'High Queen Hisu will be addressing the nation tonight,' the female reporter continued. 'Her speech will begin at 5:30 p.m. by Korean time. What ever could she have to tell us, Tom?' The male reporter shrugged his shoulders before plastering a fake, goofy grin onto his face. 'Perhaps she will finally tell the nation about the cover up our government was involved in when aliens finally attempted to contact earth.' 'Yes, Tom, and maybe you were dropped on your head one too many times when you were a baby.'
"They're both so stupid," Miroku observed with disbelief, his fork hanging halfway to his mouth.
"It must be like looking into a mirror for you," Inuyasha replied, finishing off the rest of his meal.
"Why would I need to look in a mirror when I can just look at you?" replied Miroku without glancing at Inuyasha.
Kagome sighed before shaking her head sadly. "Will you two wait until after breakfast before starting another argument, please?"
"Sure," Miroku and Inuyasha answered simultaneously.
^_^
Inutashio reviewed the final paper work on the Mansion's reconstruction as he walked towards Dai's room. Sesshomaru had done a good job organizing all of his affairs while Dai recovered. "Father?" came Sesshomaru's voice from the doorway to the library. "Hai?" "Hisu would like to speak to all of us." Inutashio nodded and followed his son back into the library. Ai was seated on a couch across from Hisu. Inutashio took his seat beside her and waited until Sesshomaru took his place beside Rin on a parallel couch before addressing Hisu. "What is it you wished to speak to us about?" Hisu smiled lightly before replying. "I have already notified Sesshomaru of my plans, but you also have the right to know. I assume you have heard of my scheduled address tonight?" Hisu waited until both Ai and Inutashio nodded. "Well, I am going to announce my heir." Ai sucked in a shaky breath and her hands clenched in her lap. "A-and who will your heir be?" she asked, though she already knew the answer. "Dai." Inutashio went very still, his breath caught in his throat. It was a long moment before he could collect enough words to speak. "Are you sure that is wise with her hanyou blood? The world will not accept her and she is-" "I have considered this for a long time, Inutashio," Hisu interrupted, her voice sad and meek. "I have seen the signs and discussed this with the Oracles. Dai . . . is my heir." "She's just a little kid," Rin said quietly. "I know," continued Hisu "But-" Everyone's head snapped up when a loud shrill pierced through the air. "KYHAAA!" "Who is it?" asked Ai, rushing out of the room right behind her husband. "It can't be," Inutashio muttered absently. In seconds Inutashio was in Dai's room. Kaede had a look of astonishment on her face when she turned to look at Inutashio and the others. Dai stood on her bed, her light pick kimono slightly ruffled from sleep, and her arms held high on the air as the little Inuhanyou smiled brightly and screamed at the top of her lungs. "What the fuck!?" muttered Sesshomaru, moving to stand in front of Dai. Dai's smile only widened. "Oi, Sesshomaru-niichan, I hungry, get me some chocolate please?" "You're . . . talking," Ai said unnecessarily. Dai nodded and leapt into her mother's arms. "Hai! I talk! But I hungry too. Niichan, where my chocolate?" "How did this happen?" asked Hisu, glancing first at Kaede before she fixed her stare at Dai. "I not know. I open my mouth, words came out," Dai replied, snuggling into Ai's arms. "It not bad thing?" "No," said Inutashio, taking his daughter into his arms. "It's not a bad thing, daughter." "Good. Now be a good time to tell you." "Tell us what, little one?" asked Kaede, raising an eyebrow. "Bad people. They after Inuyasha-niichan and Kagome-neechan." Ai frowned and wrapped her arms around herself. "There's nothing we can do about that, Dai. Inuyasha and Kagome are a long way from us. We don't even know where they are." "Grandpa does." Inutashio held Dai out far enough to look her in the eyes. "Masahiro knows where your brother is?" "Hai! Kagome-neechan met a demon exterminator named Sango. Sango is helping Inuyasha-niichan, but she also in trouble." "Also in trouble?" prodded Hisu, taking a seat at the end of the bed. "Yep. Miroku-niichan fell in love with her. She in trouble, BIG trouble, cause she fallin' in love too!" Inutashio tried to keep from laughing, he really did. Ai glared up at him when he couldn't hold back a laugh. "Really dear, don't you think this is a bit serious for you to be laughing?" "Sorry," Inutashio replied quietly, though his lips were still curled into a smile. "Now, Dai, are you going to explain to me how you know all this?" "Know all what?" asked the little Inuhanyou innocently. "Know how to find Inuyasha and the such?" Dai shrugged before her father sat her down on the bed next to Hisu and kneeled in front of her. Dai cocked her head to the side before glancing up at Sesshomaru to see if he knew what Inutashio was talking about, but Sesshomaru had the same expression. "I not know!" pouted Dai, folding her arms in front of her. "That's probably the only thing you don't know," Sesshomaru muttered darkly. "I smarter than you, Fluffy!" Dai stuck her tongue out at him and smiled in satisfaction when Rin busted out laughing. A faint blush broke out on Sesshomaru's face and he found something very interesting in the woodwork of the bed. "Dai," Ai warned lightly, despite her own smile. "He started it." "It doesn't matter," argued Inutashio, drawing the group back to the issue at hand. "What we need to know is how to keep these bad people from Inuyasha and Kagome." "I told you," Dai's pout reappeared. "Grandpa Masahiro. He know! He want it! But Kagome got it! Still, Kagome don't know she got it. Inuyasha suspects but he got no clue as to how she got it." "Kagome has the Shikon no Tama?" asked Hisu, her look darkening. "Sorta," replied Dai. "What do you mean 'sorta,'" asked Sesshomaru. "You don't get it. Kagome, she . . . the Shikon no Tama . . . it not really object. It use to be, but it not no more," Dai tried to explain. "What is it then?" asked Ai. "It was jewel. Uncle Yoshi, he had jewel. But then . . . jewel too dangerous for him to keep . . . so he made the jewel go bye-bye. But jewel came back, but it weren't jewel no more. Jewel was baby. And baby grew up, never knowin' it use to be jewel. The jewel person fell in love, and power that was dormant woke up, but power had nothin' to do so power leaked out of girl. Just tiny bit. Girl still jewel, jewel still very powerful, very dangerous. Girl can't use her power, she don't know how to use her strength." "Is Kagome this girl?" Ai asked quietly. "Kagome-neechan is girl," Dai said just as quietly. "And Inuyasha-niichan is protector of Shikon no Tama. She don't know what she be. I know. They told me." "Who told you?" asked Hisu. "Four souls told me. But there not four no more. There five. Kagome have fifth soul, but she gave her soul away." "Gave it away? To who?" asked Inutashio. "Inuyasha-niichan. He got her soul, and she got his. They bound, cannot be undone. Impossible. Kill all souls connected. They in love, that cannot be undone either. Girl not jewel no more. Girl be girl. But girl can't be girl. Girl got to be jewel too! Four souls not know what to do. They confuse, I confuse. They took my voice so they could talk. They told me, cause girl wouldn't listen. No one listen. When power woke up, power come talk to me. Jewel be shattered power. Everyone screaming. Not know what to do. It very crowded," Dai continued, looking down at her hands. "The jewel talked to you?" asked Sesshomaru. "Iie! Jewel not jewel no more, jewel girl. Four souls talk to me! They told me! But they confuse! Confuse me too. So much confusing. Confuse my voice too! Tied it up when they gave it back, took long time to untangle. But it okay, I forgave. They sorry. They need help. I said Inuyasha-niichan help. He love Kagome-neechan. Four souls say okay. Four souls wrapped their power 'round Inuyasha-niichan, can't be let go. He stay with Kagome-neechan and protect her, for ever and ever. No being undone. Tangle much too large! Kagome-neechan don't want be undone, keeps binding, keep tying. Inuyasha- niichan not fight. Don't want be untied." "This doesn't make any sense," muttered Ai, listening to her daughter's words. "You're saying Kagome is the Shikon no Tama incarnate and the souls of the jewel have bound Inuyasha to Kagome?" Dai sighed. She kept on having to repeat herself. Didn't they understand? "They sad, sad that girl couldn't listen no more. I could listen. The dormant power sang song in my head, and I stayed so quiet so I could listen. Kagome-neechan didn't want stay quiet. Kagome-neechan want to listen to her heart. Souls sang too, but they had to take my voice so they could sing. Something went wrong when souls woke up. So many voices. So many confusions. I suppose to help. I help Inuyasha realize he guardian, help Kagome remember to listen so souls won't be sad no more." "Alright," sighed Inutashio, standing up with Dai in his arms. "So I guess there is something to be done." "Hai," nodded Dai. "Sesshomaru-niichan still need to get my chocolate."
^_^
"Kohaku! KOHAKU!" Sango called, walking around her father's lands, trying to locate her little brother. Kirara mewed from her place on Sango's shoulder and tried to comfort the agitated demon exterminator. "Is something wrong?" asked Miroku, approaching Sango. "Your father sent me to fetch you and your brother." "I can't find Kohaku," replied Sango, frowning. "I haven't seen him all day." "Perhaps I can ask Inuyasha to track him," suggested Miroku. At Sango's slightly upset look he decided to restate his suggestion. "Inuyasha is Inuhanyou and has an exceptional sense of smell, better than any dog demon ever tested. If anyone can track Kohaku, it would be Inuyasha." "I would be . . . grateful," sighed Sango, some of her worry evaporating. "Arigrato, Houshi-sama." Miroku winced at the title as they started back towards the house. "Please, call me Miroku. I am not comfortable with such respect." Sango looked confused for a moment before nodding. "Hai. Are you more comfortable with Miroku-sama, then?" "How about just Miroku?" "I do not know you well enough to call you by that." Miroku shrugged but didn't get a chance to reply when he saw Inuyasha walking towards them. "Inuyasha," called Miroku. "Could you perhaps find Kohaku for us? He seems to have disappeared." "He's not over here," Inuyasha said, sniffing the air. "Go back to the house. I'll find him." "I think I should go with you," argued Sango. "I don't believe he likes any of you very much and-" "Don't worry 'bout it," Inuyasha cut her off. "I'll move faster without you. Just go back to the house and keep Kagome company while I find him." "Al-Alright," sighed Sango, bowing her head. Miroku glanced over at Inuyasha who just let out a breath of frustration. "Go on. I'm sure I'll find him in no time." "Don't take too long," Miroku said, taking Sango's arm and leading her back to the house. Inuyasha waited until they were out of site before taking to the air. Kohaku's scent wasn't far away. The first thing he would do is make sure the human pup got to the house before dealing with another scent his nose had picked up. Ookami.
^_^
Hisu was in her throne room when Masahiro arrived. The General waited patiently for Hisu to roll up her scrolls and stand to welcome him before saying anything. "Queen Hisu, you look marvelous," he said. Hisu studied him for a moment, noting the solid black color of his hair and the youthful look of his skin. He didn't look like he was two hundred years, but then, neither did she. "General Masahiro, welcome. I trust your ride here was a pleasant one." "Of course. I suppose your call has something to do with tonight's address." Hisu nodded while leading Masahiro over to a small table. A servant arrived with tea before hurrying out of the room, leaving Masahiro and Hisu alone. "That is one reason." "What is the other?" She sighed inwardly before changing the subject. "Have you seen our daughter yet? She is staying with me until the construction of her house is completed." "No, not yet. Her children are here as well, I take it." "Yes, of course." Masahiro smiled before pouring the tea, offering Hisu the first cup. "What is your address?" "I will be announce Dai as my heir tonight." Hisu studied Masahiro's profile as she said this. He seemed surprised, as well as a little shocked before he quickly covered it up. "That is quite a bit of news," he replied at last. "That's not all." "No?" "Of course not!" came Dai's voice as she entered the room, firmly closing the door behind her and running to her grandmother's side. Hisu lifted Dai off the ground and set her in her lap. Dai looked at Masahiro before tilting her head to the side and twitching her ears slightly, as if she were listening to someone. "Hiya," she said finally, waving her hand. "Greetings, granddaughter," replied Masahiro, nodding to the little Inuhanyou. "So what is all this about you being heir to the High Queen?" "I'm heir to the High Queen," Dai told him as if he didn't already know. "That is wonderful." "Is it?" replied Dai, raising an eyebrow. "Nana doesn't think so." "Nana?" "That's what my grandchildren call me, Masahiro-San," Hisu told him lightly. "Why isn't being High Queen wonderful?" Dai kept looking at Masahiro with her golden gaze, studying the human in front of her. Finally, she simply shrugged before reaching towards the table and grabbed a cookie. "It is good to hear your voice," observed Masahiro. "Hai. Ichi gave me voice back after Ni, San and Shi got it tangled up. Or at least that what he say. I think it be just Ichi and San got it tangled. Shi and Ni try untangle, but too big mess. I untangle it though." Masahiro looked at Hisu quizzically but she just shrugged. "Any who . . . Where Inuyasha-niichan?" asked Dai. Masahiro sputtered the tea he had been drinking. "What ever do you mean, Dai-chan?" Hisu rolled her eyes before catching Masahiro's eyes. "You know where he is. Don't deny it. Give us what information you have." "The last to hear of him was my son Akira. We have not seen him since we gave him the new identification." "Liar," Dai replied sweetly. Masahiro's eyes narrowed. "What makes you so sure?" Dai kept smiling, twitching her ears as she listened to a voice only she could hear. "Ichi say you lie. You kept an ookami on their tracks, though you confuse right now. Ookami don't know where to look. But he find trail soon enough. You sent him, picked him out of everyone. He named . . . he named . . . Kouga. Ayame likes Kouga. Sesshomaru-niichan teased her about Kouga." Masahiro's eye began to twitch as he listened to the little Inuhanyou chatter away. "If you know all this, why don't you simply use your abilities to find Inuyasha?" he asked. Dai simply stared at him like he had grown a second head. "So that you don't do nothin stupid," she replied. "You try to take what Inuyasha guard. Don't deny, I see it. Wheels in head turning, turning . . . trying to deny what is there but can't deny, you left the window open. I peaked inside, saw everything. You can't have the jewel. Jewel gone. No one left, moved away, left 'For Sale' sign." "You're making no sense," growled Masahiro. "Sense . . ." repeated Dai. "Yes, no sense. Everyone so confused. It got so very crowded so very quickly. Big tangles everywhere. Kouga . . . Kouga good guy at heart. He do what right. No worry. But you think to send someone else to replace ookami. I am telling you no." "You are telling me no?" repeated Masahiro skeptically, his tone telling Dai what he thought of that. "I am also telling you no," said Hisu. "If I discover from anyone that you involve yourself further in this matter, I will have your lands stripped from your holdings and your wealth distributed among the populous." Masahiro looked shocked before he recovered his expression and nodded. "Very well, my Queen. I am at your disposal." Dai and Hisu watched as Masahiro stood and left, shutting the door behind him. "That went well," Hisu muttered darkly. Dai giggled and grabbed another cookie. "He scared. See inside the window. Wheels are burning, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." "He was right when he said you make absolutely no sense." She sighed and shook her head. "I make sense. It everyone else that talk in riddles." "Who is Ichi and the others you were speaking about?" "Four souls. They be four souls. They moved out of jewel when plumbing and phone lines broke. Move into my head. So very crowded. Jewel need to fix itself, but there no jewel to fix. No plumber. Electrician won't come neither. It broken and no one there to fix it. Everything so broken."
^_^
"Kohaku?" Inuyasha said slowly, dropping into the clearing and approaching the boy. "What is it?" he replied, standing up from his kneeling position and turning to look at the hanyou. "Sango is looking for you." Kohaku nodded but made no more to leave. "I think you should go back to the house," Inuyasha said again, emphasizing his words and hoping he picked up on his meaning. "Why?" Inuyasha growled quietly before frowning at Kohaku. "Why are you so nosy?" "Why are you in such a hurry to get me to leave?" Stalemate. "How 'bout this," Inuyasha compromised. "You go back to the house now, and I'll tell you what is going on when I get back?" Kohaku raised an eyebrow but silently considered Inuyasha's proposal. "Fine." Inuyasha nodded to the boy when he walked past and waited until he was out of sight before turning back. "Alright, Kouga. You can come out now!" Kouga emerged from the trees before grinning widely at the Inuhanyou. "So, Inuyasha, I hear you're a married man now." The Inuhanyou grunted before dropping into a cross legged position and waiting for the ookami to do the same. Kouga sat across from Inuyasha and was still grinning widely when Inuyasha replied. "Maybe you should consider the married life yourself. It's not too bad." Kouga snorted before tucking his arms behind his head and lying down. "Please. You haven't even consummated the marriage, of course, it smells like you two are sleeping in the same bed now." Inuyasha blushed lightly before fixing Kouga with a scowl. "Feh. Wimpy wolf, don't you think Kagome's a little young for that." "In my opinion, no. The monk would agree with me, too." Kouga watch as Inuyasha's blush spread, taking enjoyment at how ruffled Inuyasha looked. "As much as I enjoy our conversations, Dog-breath, we have more important things to discuss. The quicker we can figure this mess out with the Shikon no Tama, the quicker we can go back to our normal lives. Besides, I was actually getting somewhere with Ayame before I had to track down your sorry ass." This time, Inuyasha grinned. "You and Ayame? Finally? What's it been, like three years?" Kouga snorted. "You've been with Kagome for over a decade and your just now making moves on her." "Kagome is barely sixteen. It wasn't legal for me to make moves on her for over decade. Actually, that's still debatable." "Whatever. I have some information you might find very interesting. This came directly from Ayame." Inuyasha's eyebrow raised in speculation. "About what?" "The Shikon no Tama."
^_^