Chapter 3: Quiet Welcome
Oh, and I don't own Inuyasha. Simple and to the point, because a vague disclaimer is nobody's friend.......
The villagers carefully observed the hanyous following Kagome to Lady Kaede's hut. Generally, they were an accepting people, but surely this sort of demon (or half-demon, as the case may be) infestation would set even the most open-minded tongues wagging. They wondered how these newcomers would affect their lives. The shard hunting group, plus two, quickly made their way through the village, ignoring the indiscreet murmurings of the crowd.
Kaede looked up from her bucket of herbs as the reed door was pushed aside to let everyone enter. She stared at the two new comers, who were dressed strangely and dragging strange packs. Once they were all seated around the warm hearth in Kaede's hut, the sisters began regaling Kaede with their tale of adventure, and eventually asked about living in the village.
"...so that is how Pagan and I came to be here. Please let us stay! We promise to help out around the village and not cause any trouble. We just want to live normal lives without being tormented for our mere existence. We can't help the way we were born." Her sister nodded in agreement. "We're not looking for hand-outs or anything like that. We can work and do...stuff...that's...helpful." Running out of things to say, Angel glanced at her sister - signaling her to interject something that would convince the old lady to let them stay.
"And we have candy." She added helpfully while her sister covered her eyes.
'Why me?' Angel thought to herself. 'Other girls have sisters who are smart and gifted... or at least act their own age. But ooohhh nnnoooo! I have to have a sister who, when our futures hang in the balance, states that we have CANDY! That is seriously the most helpful thing she could come up with?? Ugh, JACKASS!!! She is so de...'
"Candy!" Shippo yelled happily, jumping up and down with joy. He had just finished eating the candy bar Kagome had given him before the sisters arrived, and was ready for another fix.
"It's in the third trunk. I'll get you some." Pagan stood up, almost knocking her sister over with her wings. Flipping open the lid, she revealed a veritable treasure trove of confectionary delights.
Shippo followed Pagan over to the large trunk and peeked inside. What he saw set his little heart aflutter and his round eyes bursting practically out of his head. "It's full of candy and food! Kami, I've never seen anything more beautiful...."
"She has more candy in her pockets. Can't live without it. Also, she's got this entire cookbook full of sweets and desserts recipes. The thing is massive, yet we must schlep it everywhere we go – you know, just in case there's some sort of crisis and we need to have an emergency bake-off. Damn thing's like a diabetic nightmare!" Angel quipped, wondering why her sister always thought that candy was the cure to all problems.
Pagan graced her scowling sister with a rather caustic glare of her own before turning her attention to the trunk's contents. "C'mon Shippo, check out my stash! Mmmm... candy corn candy bars....pops...gum...gumdrops...chocolate bars...sour balls...butterscotch..." The little fox thought he'd died and gone to Heaven as Pagan handed him a sample of each candy she had in that glorious trunk of dreams. "More cookies...canned stew...soda...canned vegetables and fruit...Ramen...Sake" Then her ears stilled, finally picking up the sounds she had been waiting for. 'Yes! I knew that would do the trick....food is the best way to get into anyone's good graces, and judging from the rumblies in their tumblies they're hungry now. Thank you Mr. Pavlov!
Pagan looked over her shoulder at the group and quickly turned back, hiding a smirk at their eager expressions. 'Mission accomplished – they're practically salivating over there! Okay, now remember to look innocent and not like this was all part of your ingenious plot...' .
"Say, are you guys hungry? We could make dinner - our treat. We have soda and stew. Or we can have Ramen noodles..."
"Oi."
"That sounds wonderful." Kagome smiled. She had felt a little guilty up until now since she hadn't exactly returned from her time loaded with treats for everyone. She had needed the room in her large yellow backpack for her textbooks so she could get some studying done in between shard hunts, and wasn't able to bring everything. Poor Shippo and Inuyasha had looked so sad when she told them chocolate and Ramen provisions were low.
"I got every flavor of Ramen they had at the store and three different kinds of stew and lots of this canned stuff. What do you guys want? But before you choose, I should warn you that I, personally, don't have a favorite, but my dear sister over there will bite your hand off if you attempt to take any of the creamy chicken flavor Ramen, so proceed with caution."
"Ah, yes", Angel interjected. "Choose wisely my young padawans, and remember to use the fo..."
"ANGEL! Do you think maybe someday, we could get through a whole entire day without a Star Wars reference??" Pagan questioned her sister, who shot her a scathing look and replied, "No. And stupid is that question!"
Things in Kaede's little hut suddenly got very tense, as the occupants began bracing themselves for an impromptu catfight. However, much to their relief the two siblings engaged in a brief staring contest, but after the narrowed eyes and rumbling growls, they both seemed to come to a silent agreement, and Pagan at last turned her attentions back to the meal. She began to happily pass around the food and drinks, as the group of friends looked at each other and shrugged.
After dinner was digested, and everyone was full and in a good mood, Kagome thought it best to finish talking to the sisters about staying in the village.
"...You must understand, it's a totally different world here in this time. It's more dangerous here and you don't have all of the modern luxuries that you are used to. "
"I think that I understand what you are trying to say, but please hear us out." Angel begged. "We have spent our whole lives seeing everything through bars. Always on the move, insulted and cursed; we have been run out of small towns, shot at, not given food for days and everything that has happened to us has been because of what we are. I don't know if you can understand what it's like to be hated because you're considered only half human. You seem accepted here. We didn't see anyone mistreating you when we walked into the village. Please just give us a chance."
By this time, both girls had lost the battle with their tears. As Inuyasha watched the salty drops making tracks on their cheeks, he felt something stirring deep within him – memories of a lifetime spent on the outside looking in. He wasn't quite sure how to identify the feelings this aroused, and frankly didn't care to, but he immediately knew what had to be done.
"They stay." He said in a tone that brooked no argument, then stood and left the hut.
The discussion lasted all day long and into the night until it was finally settled. The girls would stay in the old hut at the edge of the village as long as they met with a few conditions. They had to promise to behave and help out around the village, follow the town's rules and listen to Lady Kaede. Inuyasha promised to beat them to a pulp if they couldn't live peacefully and up to expectations. Most importantly, if they caused any trouble or stole or killed anyone they would be permanently exiled from the village.
"It's late and you seem tired from your journey. Follow me children, I will show you to your new home" said Kaede as she led the sisters out of the hut.
"I don't know if this is a good idea." Miroku said after they had left.
Sango picked up a nearby Kirara and appeared to think deeply for a moment before replying, "I understand your concern, Houshi-sama, and it's true that I do not yet know what type of youkai they descend from, but they seem harmless enough. I think we can trust them not to cause any trouble."
"Kagome? They are from your country. Do you think it was wise for Lady Kaede to let them stay?"
"Well, I'm not entirely convinced. But we certainly can't send them back to the circus. I saw how they were treated there and it was horrible. Besides, how much trouble can they really cause?"
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The next morning, the sisters had a very rude awakening when they awoke to a world lacking in modern conveniences. It took no time at all for them to wake half the village with their special brand of complaining.
After a few hours of that, Angel decided nothing would be accomplished with all that blood in her caffeine system, and Pagan agreed a sugar rush was in order as well.
"Lets go find Lady Kaede. We can bring some of our food and soda and share it like we did yesterday." Pagan said cheerfully.
Angel set down her hair brush. "Ok. But don't give Shippo anymore of MY pocky."
Sitting around in Kaede's hut, they ate the canned fruit and food that the old miko had made. Kagome told the sisters about how she first went through the well, the shard quest and Naraku. Shippo told them about how he met Kagome and Inuyasha.
"I have to check on Miku. She was feeling poorly yesterday." Said Kaede.
"Yeah, we should get going, too. We need to clean our new hut, buy a dresser and put our stuff away. Can you direct us to the store, Kagome?"
"Ah...we need to talk about that and then I'll give you a tour of the village."
"WHAT???!! No food stores or clubs or cigarettes or malls or..."
"Strip clubs or candy stores? This is almost as bad as the cage! I mean, I've heard a "one Starbucks town"...but a NO Starbucks town??!!! That's just crazy talk! We wanted to be part of all the fun stuff and now that we are free to do those things they don't even have them. Oh please tell me they have shampoo?"
Kagome shook her head remembering when she first came to this time and how she dealt with everything. "You get used to it after awhile and it's not so bad. Don't worry I'll be sure to bring you back some shampoo. You know you can go back through the well if you need anything. I promise to tell my mom about you two so she will help you out."
"And not be able to return back to this time? No thank you. I'll deal with the loss of modern stuff." Pagan said following Kagome around the village. The sisters smiled at the villagers they passed. "Huk this is Pagan and Angel they will be staying in the village. Huk is the village blacksmith."
While Kagome showed the sisters around the village, Shippo decided to explore their trunks. 'They were so nice yesterday. They won't mind if I have one...two more pieces of candy...and I'll make sure no one touches their stuff.'
Shippo quietly opened the first trunk. Ugh, just clothes!! He stealthily tip-toed over to the second trunk, looked around to make sure no one had crept into the hut, then quietly opened it. 'Yes candy!' Candy and cans and boxes stared up at him as he drooled. Shippo wiped away his drool and reached in to grab a box of strawberry Pocky when a hand grabbed his tail and lifted him in the air.
"Oi, Shippo. What are you doing?" Inuyasha did not look happy. His frown and dark brows drawn together in annoyance meant trouble for the kit.
'I need to think of something quick so Inuyasha won't hit me' Shippo thought. He looked at the trunk of food. "Inuyasha...look at all the Ramen in the trunk."
The inuhanyou dropped Shippo and looked into the trunk. Ramen of every kind seemed to smile up at him. His stomach growled loudly.
"If you don't tell Kagome that I took some candy then I won't tell her you took some Ninja Food."
Inuyasha nodded and handed Shippo three small boxes and three cups of Ramen. Smiling conspiratorially at each other, they turned and came face to face with Miroku. The monk smiled at the thieving pair, his violet eyes lighting up at the prospect of teasing the two.
"Inuyasha!" Miroku shook his head and frowned at them while concealing his tell-tale smirk. Shippo was thinking of Kagome's reaction and looked guilty. Inuyasha was thinking of Kagome's reaction and looked scared. Miroku knew that the young Miko would "sit" Inuyasha into oblivion if she learned of this.
Shippo knew he had to think fast. 'Well, worth a try. It worked with Inuyasha, maybe it will work for Miroku, too.' Shippo walked to the trunk and pointed at the candy. "There's candy for you too, Miroku. Don't tell Kagome. PLEASE."
"Feh!" Inuyasha tossed Miroku a bottle of Sake, then pushed the monk out of his way and left the hut with Shippo trailing behind. Miroku just shrugged and disposed of the evidence, er....shut the trunk and followed his cohorts into the forest to enjoy their treats.
Kagome and the hanyou sisters spent the day touring the village and introducing themselves to the villagers. They explained why they were in the village, and answered any and all questions the people had about the girl hanyous. By nightfall, the girls were all tired from their mid-morning jaunt, unpacking and the strenuous task of giving the hut a much-needed makeover.
"Ha! Take that Ty Pennington!" Angel yelled jovially.
"Thank you for helping us out Kagome." The sisters said at the same time. The three girls were sitting around an unlit fire. Hot and tired, they looked every bit as worn out as they felt. "I am so hungry. Angel give me your lighter so I can cook something."
"Kaede is cooking some fish that Inuyasha caught." Kagome happily offered, standing and walking to the reed door. "What's wrong?" Neither girl had moved.
"Uh, I hate fish. I can't eat it. I'll just die from grossness, I swear I will! Fish is absolutely the most FOUL thing on God's green and verdant Earth! Seriously Kagome, I can't eat anything that swims!" Angel's tail and hand waved erratically in the air as she spoke.
Kagome had noticed that both girls spoke with their hands and tails. It made it very, very, very hard to ignore them. "Okay then, why don't you bring some of your food?"
"The baka won't be mad?" Pagan asked, before she noticed the shocked faces of her companions.
"What?!?!"
"Don't call Kaede a baka!" Kagome said angrily.
"But...Inuyasha kept calling her a baka last night."
"Do you even know what it means, Pagan?" 'Once again I say, HOW is it that I can be related to her??!' Angel wondered.
"...No...I thought it meant lady.....What?"
While Angel helpfully fell to the ground laughing, Kagome began thinking back on all the trouble she had in her English class, and her expression softened. Obviously Pagan hadn't intended to be rude.
"It means stupid."
"Oh. HEY!!! That's what Inuyasha called me yesterday. No wonder him and Shippo started laughing when I started to answer to baka!" More laughter from both girls. "That asshole."
"Well. Now you know not to fall for that again. Oh, if you could, please forgive Inuyasha long enough to bring him some of your Ramen." Kagome stood. "I didn't have enough room in my bag to bring everything I wanted to. Inuyasha pouted like my brother Souta does when Mom forgets his favorite candy. He looks so cute when he does that. I just want to hug hi...oh." Kagome blushed. 'I can't believe I said that out loud.'
But only one sister heard that accidental admission, as the other was distracted by more important matters. "HEY...Someone's been eating our food!!!!! What kind of asshole eats someone else's food? Morons, Evil, evil but-sniffers."
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The group sat around eating dinner, though no one did much talking. Angel and Pagan kept glaring at the men, wondering which of them was the culprit (or culprits, more likely) responsible for the grievous theft of their very valuable Pocky supply. If they were the ones who dared to go through someone's things and EAT their Pocky and candy bars and Ramen...oh you can bet there'd be a rumble! 'Those sneaky bastards!' The sisters frowned at everyone.
Kagome knew who had eaten the sisters' food, but made the wise decision not to tell them. She would deal with the guilty parties later. For now, she let them think that all was well and no one knew anything.
After everyone finished their food and went to bed, the sounds of the night were all that could be heard. Nothing seemed to be stirring until suddenly the one word Inuyasha hated most rang out and destroyed the peaceful tranquility of the night. "Osuwari!!" Inuyasha began yelling and snarling even before he crashed head first into the ground.
"Bitch!" he growled as he looked at Kagome through dirt. 'She found out about the Ramen.'
"I can't believe that you made Shippo take candy to not tell on you. Don't you dare take Angel and Pagan's food without asking, or anyone else's food for that matter. Inuyasha!! You are setting a bad example for Shippo. DON'T even say anything because I truly do not want to hear it!! Just don't do it again." Kagome stormed away leaving Inuyasha plotting revenge on a certain fox brat.