Chapter 58

Shiori came up to Kagome and the two hugged each other.

"Shiori, I'm surprised to see you. What brings you all the way over here?"

"My mother died and I no longer desired to stay in the village without my mother. I started traveling and I met your raccoon-dog friend Hachi. He told me about your village and I thought I would come here to see you, if you don't mind."

"Mind? Of course not. Where is Hachi? I didn't see him with you."

"I don't know. Something spooked him at the castle town and he took off. He said he'd rather stay away from humans."

"That sounds like Hachi. Oh, this here is my son, Kazuo. He's my youngest. He just turned 2."

"He's adorable. May I hold him?"

"Certainly.", Kagome said, as she handed Kazuo over to Shiori, "Come along inside and have some lunch. I'll introduce you to the rest of my family."

"That sounds great. Thank you, Kagome."

They entered the house and Shiori followed Kagome into the cooking area. As Shiori sat down and played with Kazuo, Kagome began slicing vegetables that she had brought up earlier in the root cellar. Uncovering the meat, she cubed it and placed it all in a pot to stew. As the smell wafted through the air, the house began to fill with hungry half-demons. As the entered, Kagome introduced them to Shiori. Kohana, Jasmine, Kaori and Hiroshi all came in to eat. Eventually, Inuyasha and Yasha came in. As Kagome introduced Yasha to Shiori, she noticed Yasha's eyes widen. The smile he flashed Shiori spoke volumes to his mother.

Inuyasha was surprised as well to see Shiori, but glad inside that she had sought them out after her mother's death. He knew all that Shiori had been through and knew she'd be safe here.

After lunch, Shiori asked if they needed any help around the village. Kagome told her she could help out the girls with their chores and stay in their bedroom. Kohana and Kaori showed Shiori where to put her stuff. After the girls left, Yasha asked his father about Shiori. His father told him about Shiori and how her blood red coral crystal strengthened the Tessaiga. After learning all about Shiori, Yasha commented,

"She sure is pretty."

As winter fell, the days found Yasha out hunting in the morning. Still being new to hunting, his catches were relegated to fish, rabbit and the occasional duck, but he always proudly presented them to Shiori. He was thrilled when Shiori would accept his kill and prepare their lunch from it. Shiori was impressed with Yasha's hunting skills for his age and told Kagome this. Kagome explained to her why he presented her with his kills. Shiori said to Kagome,

"I'm flattered. I never had a boy hunt for me before."

"Well, you two have a long time. Dog demons take about 100 years preparing their chosen for mating. Hunting for you is one step. He also vow to protect you. Eventually, you two will be old enough to decide if you want to mate."

"We're half-demons. We have plenty of time.", Shiori giggled, then she whispered to Kagome, "Yasha sure is cute."

Kagome smiled at Shiori. She believed there was someone for everyone and that Yasha had possibly found his match in Shiori. Later that night, she told Inuyasha about Shiori and Yasha,

"Yea, I know. He's begging me to show him more advanced tracking skills so he can hunt bigger game. I told him he has plenty of time.", Inuyasha said.

"So what do you think of Shiori and Yasha mating?", Kagome asked as she wrapped her arms around her mate.

Kissing her forehead as he wrapped his arms around her, Inuyasha whispered, "I think it's a good match."

"And what about Kaori and Shippou?", Kagome teased.

"If Shippou thinks he's gonna lay a finger on my little girl he's gonna find himself swimming with the fishes.", Inuyasha said, defensively.

"Now. Now. Kaori will be 13 this year. She's not so little anymore. I know it will be about 50 years or so till she matures a bit, but she has every right to start thinking about a mate. And she and Shippou make a cute couple."

"If I have my way, Kaori won't mate until she's about 600 years old. And that goes for Kohana and Jasmine too."

"Ahhhh ... my my. The overprotective father.", Kagome said, as she snuggled in his arms.

"Do me a favor, Kagome. The next time we have a kid, make sure it's a boy, will ya. This raising girls is for the birds."

"Uhhhh ... I told you before, dear, that's YOUR department. I have no decision on whether it's a girl or a boy."

"Fine. No more kids. Six is plenty."

"Whatever you say, my darling.", Kagome smiled to herself. She knew she drove Inuyasha crazy when she was fertile. If she ever wanted another one, he would be putty in her hands. Right now, though, she agreed. Six was plenty.

Spring arrived and Cho and Mirai married their suitors. News arrived from the castle that Lady Aya was expecting her first baby in the early autumn. Miroku and Sango happily welcomed the news of their first grandchild.

Spring turned into summer and the little inn flourished with visitors. Sango ran the teahouse with her daughters and Yasha and Shiori ran a small petting farm. One hot and humid day found Inuyasha relaxing in the hammock with Kagome and 3 year old Kazuo, swaying gently in the breeze. As the insects hummed around them, the trio was lost in their own happy thoughts. It shocked Kagome, then, when Inuyasha started to sit upright in the hammock, swinging it wildly.

"What's the matter, Inuyasha?", asked Kagome.

"I don't know. Something's not right."

As Inuyasha looked around, almost in a daze, he saw two colored lights floating down towards him. Getting off of the hammock, Inuyasha stood as the lights landed. He gasped,

"Kikyou's shikigami."

As the two girls materialized completely, one said,

"Lady Kikyou awaits."

"Lady Kikyou wants to see you.", said the other.

Inuyasha stared at the girls then looked at Kagome, who was holding Kazuo in her arms.

"Go, Inuyasha.", Kagome urged, "It must be important."

Inuyasha came over to Kagome and wrapped his arms around her. Kissing her forehead and then the top of his son's head, he started to say,

"I'll be right back ..."

"No.", said the one shikigami

"Lady Kagome must come also."

"Huh?", said a shocked Kagome, 'Kikyou wants to see me AND Inuyasha?', she thought. Taking Kazuo to Kaori, she told her and Yasha that she and papa would be back shortly. After climbing on Inuyasha's back, he raced after the lights.

'What is it you want from us, Kikyou?', Inuyasha thought as he raced through the forest.