Hojou's Heritage
Hojou stood speechless as Kagome cuddled with the beaten boy in front of him.
The girls gathered around the trio afraid to get too close to Hojou.
Kagome spoke softly while rubbing her fingers through the white hair that fell across the strange boy's face.
"Hojou…" One of the girls spoke, "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
The question caught Kagome's attention; she wanted to know that answer too. Hojou had always seemed so gentle.
Hojou blushed and rubbed the back of his head with his hand. "Well…" He started.
Kagome's hand, which had been resting upon Inu-Yasha's head, felt his ears twitch then return to an alert position. Kagome glanced back to see Inu-Yasha's eyes wide and ears at the alert. It was obvious that Inu-Yasha also wanted to know how Hojou could fight like that, like …a demon.
"My family has been learning to fight ever since the Warring States Era maybe sooner."
It hit Kagome like a ton of bricks. They had run into Hojou's ancestor. Even though he wasn't too good of a swordsman he was very determined and if he passed on some secrets to his children about fighting demons then…
"My grandfather tells wild stories about our ancestors fighting demons. They're just stories but we all must learn the skills. It's part of our heritage. I'd rather learn medicine so that the next time Kagome falls ill I could tend to her."
Inu-Yasha started to growl.
"Inu-Yasha…" Kagome whispered.
Inu-Yasha stopped growling. He knew what she meant. Her friends were stumbling closer to their little secret. One wrong move and this would blow up in their faces.
"What else did your grandfather tell you?" Kagome interrogated.
"Demons are powerful and don't like humans. They think humans are weak, but demons disappeared from the face of the Earth when the Warring Era ended."
"Did he say why they disappeared?"
"No, but he did say to be careful because the powerful ones can disguise themselves as humans. Though they have not expressed their dominance in a long time that does not mean that they've been wiped from existence. I think the old man is just paranoid. However… He did say one more thing."
Hojou spoke softly staring sternly at Inu-Yasha. "…You'll know them by their glowing red eyes and pointed ears."
Inu-Yasha shrunk back a little. The boy had Inu-Yasha pinned as a demon and Kagome's little tips had confirmed the boy's suspicions.
"If Kagome trusts you…"
"Kagome… Oh I didn't know you still had company. I've made food. Why don't you all stay?"
"Thank you." Hojou answered. "But I really must be running along."
"Come inside Inu-Yasha." Kagome's mother insisted.
Kagome and her friends were already heading for the door.