Disclaimer: I do not own any of the copyrighted/licensed/trademarked materials mentioned in this fanfiction (from InuYasha to my references to Nine Inch Nails or Harry Potter). They are the properties of their respective copyright holders and I in no way am insinuating that I own them. (Consider it free advertising.) I only own the storyline and any new characters that may crop up.
Chapter Sixteen: The Oregon Fox Demons
Megami asked for a table for seven (explaining that the rest of their party would be along) and their hostess seated them at a distant corner booth. The trio perused their menus and finally ordered two cups of coffee, a sampler platter, and a kid's meal for Shippo. Megami was stirring cream and sugar into her coffee when she saw Yukio walk in. She raised a hand and waived him to their booth. Yukio sat down cautiously, still in his work uniform. "So," he said in Japanese as Sesshomaru passed him a menu, "what's your story?"
Megami sipped her coffee and sat the cup down. She answered in Japanese, "We search for a way to destroy Naraku. Are we on the same side of the fight, Yukio?"
He looked to her intently, "Yes." There was no lie in his eyes.
Sesshomaru next spoke, "Are there any other fox demons in this region?"
"All I will say for now is yes. Are there anymore of you?"
Megami and Sesshomaru looked to each other. Megami answered for both of them, "Yes. My brothers, my father, and my grandparents. One of my brothers and two mortal allies are on their way here from Wallowa Lake. I also know of another group of fox demons willing to lend a hand."
"Other fox demons? Really? You bring us splendid news!" Yukio beamed. "I thought this little one was a big enough surprise." Shippo smiled at Yukio while drinking his soda through a straw. "What kind of demons are you two?"
Sesshomaru spoke quietly, "We are inu youkai. The last inu youkai."
"I never got your names," Yukio sighed.
Shippo immediately piped up, "I'm Shippo."
"I am Megami; great granddaughter of Tensuke the Great."
Sesshomaru took a deep breath before answering, "I am Sesshomaru, Lord of the Western Lands."
Yukio had to catch himself before making a scene. "The Lord Sesshomaru? Oh, Kami, and me in my filthy work clothes!"
Sesshomaru raised a hand. "No, Yukio. Don't worry about it. We are in this together. You are witnessing me in a rare form: a mortal disguise. It is an ingenious weapon of my dear Megami's."
"Brilliant, my lord," he inclined his head to Sesshomaru, "and lady," then to Megami, "When will your brother arrive, Lady Megami?"
She looked at her watch. "With how he drives, if he hasn't been pulled over, any minute now. In the mean time, tell me what you can about your tribe."
"We are few but we live quietly; blending in here as best as we can. A few of us hold down jobs in the area to help support the others."
"How long have you been at the tire store?" Megami asked.
"Oh, about two years. This is an easy place to blend in to. People aren't that nosy and are quite polite for the most part. It's isolated; which is a big bonus."
Megami swirled her coffee around the mug. "Is that what brought your tribe here?"
"Nothing exactly," Yukio answered, "My grandfather just kind of fell into it."
Sesshomaru noted Megami's subtle tactics in knowing more than what was being said. Megami gave Sesshomaru a quick glance. He knows much more than he says, but you must respect that he is only protecting his clan. "Your grandfather, huh? He's still with us, I hope."
"Indeed. He's too feisty to leave this world just yet." The waitress returned and Yukio ordered iced tea and a slice of pie.
They made idle chit chat until they saw Senkotsuke's truck tear into the parking lot. "Ah, here is my brother, Senkotsuke, and our friends Kagome and Sango."
"Why do those names sound familiar?" Yukio asked.
"If all goes well you will know why they do." Megami smirked as the others came into the restaurant and found the table. Megami and Sesshomaru scooted to make room for the other three.
"So," Senkotsuke chuckled in Japanese, "I see that you stumbled across a fox. Did you find him at the lake?"
"No, we ran into him when I had to get a boot replaced at the tire shop," Megami said, "Senkotsuke, this is Yukio. Yukio, this is Senkotsuke."
They bowed their heads to each other. Yukio took the initiative to speak, "Now that you are all here, I would like to say that the rest of the clan does want to meet face to face. I called to say that I had seen others and they are curious to meet you all; especially Shippo." Yukio smiled warmly at Shippo. "They would like to meet on neutral grounds. Are you familiar with Riverside Park?"
"Not really. We don't come here much," Megami said as Senkotsuke shrugged his shoulders.
"Would you object to following me to the park?" Yukio asked.
Megami turned to Sesshomaru, "My lord?"
Sesshomaru assessed Yukio, in much the same way that he gave Kintotsuke a visual shake down about donating a fang. He released a calming breath, "When you are ready, lead the way, Yukio."
"Excuse me for a moment, please," Yukio pulled out his cell phone and called his clan. The entire conversation was heard by the demons present. "Grandfather, they are willing to meet at the park. How long will it take everyone to get ready?"
"Oh, not long. Give us about a fifteen minute head start. That will give you all time to finish your drinks."
"We'll see you shortly then."
"Tell them we're looking forward to meeting them."
"Yes, Grandfather. See you soon," Yukio said and ended the call. "They are anxious to meet you."
"As are we," Sesshomaru said.
They pulled into the park besides a large, covered picnic area. Riverside Park was literally beside a tributary of the Grande Ronde River that ran beside LaGrande. It was a perfect blend of grassy slopes, playground equipment for little ones, and heavily wooded areas. Yukio looked around the parking lot. His eyes stopped on a minivan and an SUV. He sniffed gently, "They're over there." He pointed towards the trees beside the river.
With Yukio leading the way, they marched across the grass making their way to the trees. It was a tense, solemn trek for most of them were nervous; except Megami and Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru's thoughts were focused upon coming one step closer to placing Naraku's head on a pike and avenging his beloved Rin. Megami's thoughts trailed elsewhere. She thought of being free of the masks she must wear. They viewed this as a means to an end, not only a new alliance. As in all dealings, from political to military, the formalities and customs must be observed. The group soon entered the cover of the trees and Sango asked, "How much further?"
"Not far now, Miss. They are just ahead," Yukio said.
"I don't see them," Kagome said.
Shippo looked at her with his usual You're lame look that is usually reserved for InuYasha or Sesshomaru. "Kagome, they're fox demons. Of course they aren't going to be in the open … or at least they won't appear to be."
They reached a small clearing amongst the growth and Yukio sighed. A loud "POP!" bounced off the trees and Yukio stood in his demon form. He had strawberry blonde hair that reached his waist and his eyes were a twinkling, sapphire blue. "All right everyone. It's safe now," he said. Suddenly, it sounded like someone threw ten bags of popcorn into a campfire. POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! And eight fox demons of all ages burst from everywhere! There were three men, one boy, two women, and a small girl. Two of them were elderly and Yukio greeted them first. "Grandfather, Grandmother, I have brought the visitors."
The elder fox demons bowed in greeting. Yukio's Grandfather addressed them, "I am Hoshi. I would like you to meet my clan. This is my mate, Sakura," he then pointed to the grown fox demons, "my sons, Ryuji and Akimitsu," they bowed as they were introduced; "Ryuji is Yukio's father. These ladies are their mates. Yoko is Ryuji's mate," she bowed to everyone, "and Kazuko is Akimitsu's mate." Kazuko bowed as well. Hoshi waved his hands at the little fox demons, calling them forward. "These are my other grandchildren. Tajiro and Katama." The young foxes bowed.
Sesshomaru and everyone returned the bow with respect. "We are pleased to meet your clan, Hoshi. I am Lord Sesshomaru, son of Lord Inutaisho."
"At long last you have returned to us, my lord. The battle has been difficult without you," Hoshi said with a reverent bow.
Sesshomaru conducted the introductions, and when he came to Sango and Kagome, he heard Hoshi mutter to his wife, "Why have I heard their names before?"
"That will now be explained, Hoshi-san. Yukio expressed the same curiosity. You see I have not been in hiding these long years since the end of the Sengoku Jidai. Have you heard the legends that concern the Bone Eater's Well?"
"Indeed."
"During a horrific battle with Naraku seven of our comrades were killed. Among them were my ward and my brother. The four of us fled for our lives, and during our flight we descended the Bone Eater's Well. Its mystical powers brought us to this era. Only about three months have passed for us. Kagome is the priestess who fought Naraku hundreds of years ago. Sango is the slayer who fought beside her. Megami and Senkotsuke stumbled across us in Tokyo."
The foxes were too stunned to speak. Hoshi finally came to his senses, "We must return to the den for this."
Ryuji spoke up, "Father, why?"
"Silence, my son. We must all go back to the den, now. Resume your disguise and go to the car!" He turned to Sesshomaru and bowed, "Please, Lord Sesshomaru, you must come to our home. I have vital information for you."
"Very well, Hoshi. We will follow you," Sesshomaru said.
Everyone piled into their respective vehicles and drove out into the country. They followed the fox demons for a few miles until they arrived at a large, old-style farmhouse. Everyone went inside and the guests were given the best seats. Shippo took on is usual fox form as soon as he was seated. Upon a polite request, Yoko and Kazuko brought warm, soapy washcloths to Megami, Sesshomaru, and Senkotsuke with a bow. Each nodded their head in thanks before washing off their sutras. All three let out relieved sighs as they morphed back into demon form. Hoshi took a seat across from the three dog demons and composed himself. "I am assuming that your plan is to destroy Naraku; as is the plan of every free demon in this world."
"Precisely," Sesshomaru answered.
"To accomplish this you will need the remaining three shards of the Shikon no Tama."
"Yes. We were following leads about the shards today."
"My lord, you are most definitely on the right track. Now that you have told me your tale I hope that you will listen to mine. I have never told anyone this. My sons do not even know why we live here. They simply obey their father's wishes." Hoshi took a deep breath and plunged into his story. "It happened almost a hundred years ago, when this place was still young to Americans. Sakura and I came here simply to enjoy the mountains and while here we stumbled across the humble town of LaGrande. I passed myself off as a Japanese ambassador sent to the area on retreat with my wife. The townsfolk told Sakura and me that we should see the resort on Hot Lake while visiting the area; that it was a wonderful place to relax and get a feel for the Oregon scenery. They also told us of an upcoming gala event to honor a newly appointed judge and were formally invited since I claimed to be an ambassador. We had decided to stay at the resort to get a feel for these new surroundings and the people of the area. During the gala an unexpected thing happened. When the judge introduced us to his wife I noted that she wore an odd pendant. I asked her what kind of stone was in her jewelry. She simply said that it had been a family heirloom. She didn't really know anything about it but I could tell that it was a long lost shard of the Jewel of Four Souls. I planned to sneak to their room later and use my skills to steal the gem. It would then be pinned on a member of the staff. Soon Sakura and I had decided to retire for the night, and that's when I caught His scent."
"Naraku," Sesshomaru said calmly.
"Yes, but not quite. I told Sakura to go to our room and be on guard. If anything strange began she was to run into the woods until I could find her. I went back down into the ballroom and scouted out the scent. It was Naraku's scent, but from the best I could tell it was merely an incarnation; a new incarnation. He was disguised as a waiter. I had to protect the jewel shard because another piece meant more power for Naraku. I kept my eye on him trying not to draw attention to myself at the same time. However, when the time came I couldn't keep up with him. He suddenly charged the judge's wife and took her hostage. Five deputies pulled their guns and I drew my sword. The incarnation demanded that we lower our weapons, and the judge shouted for us to do as he said. It didn't matter," Hoshi took a shivering breath before continuing, "He slit her throat and broke the chain holding her pendant. He took the jewel and ran. The deputies and I ran after him as the judge wept over his dying wife. The incarnation was running for the steaming lake. He dove in the lake and I followed. I fought him beneath the water. Being as we can hold our breath much longer than mortals without harm, the deputies thought we had drowned and returned to the hotel. But we battled fiercely and he dropped the pendant in the water. We came back onto the shore and it took its true, hideous form. Luckily, I was able to finish him with my Foxfire and Fox magic. I tossed his charred body into the waters and returned to explain what had happened. And so there the shard has remained for these years. Some time after the death of the judge's wife, the hotel shut down, and it was converted into a mental institution. It, too, was shut down and I set up simple booby traps with fox magic to make any trespassers think that the place was haunted. I knew I needed to protect that shard until the others resurfaced, or someone came along with the strength and resources to defeat Naraku for good. I believe that you have both, my lord."
The six companions were stunned, along with the younger members of the Fox clan. Sesshomaru thought long and hard before answering Hoshi. And so this day trip pays off after all. The missing shard was being guarded by this old crafty fox. By ingeniously disguising this place as haunted, he has kept mortals away, and most demons wouldn't think to look in such an isolated region. It's a sheer stroke of luck that Megami needed the truck repaired. And now the question is how much do I tell this old fox? He has trusted to meet us, invited us into his home, and reveals something he guarded even from his offspring. But the location of our two shards is crucial to say the least. I know I clued Megami and Senkotsuke in immediately, but they didn't know as much as this … Just enough information to be courteous. "Hoshi, this is great news indeed. This puts us very close to our mutual objective. How far is Hot Lake from here?"
Yukio answered, "About five miles past town."
"Close indeed," Megami said.
"And the shard is merely in the lake?" Sesshomaru asked.
"I have a few enchantments around it that can be removed," Hoshi answered.
Sesshomaru turned to the others. "What do you think?"
No one wanted to speak first. They looked to one another awkwardly until Kagome finally spoke, "Let's go."
"Tonight?" Senkotsuke asked.
"Why not?" she said.
"No, Kagome," Sesshomaru said, "We need to rest, prepare, and set up a strategy."
"Well then tomorrow. We're getting that shard and we're going to destroy Naraku!"
"You will be staying where it's safe while we get the shard," Sesshomaru said bluntly.
"What!"
"You heard me. I will not allow you to endanger the child. Even InuYasha would tell you to stay behind," and that's all he needed to say. Kagome was angry about it, but realized that it would be foolish to go along.
Hoshi stood, "Tomorrow it is. I insist that you stay here this evening. There is no sense in wasting all that gas to drive back home. Shall we prepare rooms for you?"
Sesshomaru arose as well. "No, Hoshi, that won't be necessary. We appreciate your hospitality, but we will all need to be rested for tomorrow. There is no need to displace your family from their beds when we brought all kinds of camping gear."
They broke bread with the Fox demons that night and had quite a few hands to help set up the tents. The entire clan praised Sango's new weapon (it's hard to not notice a giant boomerang when you're helping unload a truck bed). It was late after the three two-person tents were erected and everyone retired for the night. Sango did not object to sharing a tent with Senkotsuke; in fact, she was once again blushing. Kagome and Shippo kipped together in a tent. Megami and Sesshomaru crawled into the last tent together; they intertwined their bodies and soon fell into a peaceful slumber.
As Sango began to drift into a dream, she felt Senkotsuke's hand on her shoulder.
"Sango?" he asked softly.
"Hmm?" she answered.
"Would you turn to face me, please," he spoke cautiously.
Sango slowly turned over, coming face to face with him again. "What is it, Senkotsuke?"
"I just have a bad feeling about tomorrow. I just wanted to tell you that," he sighed, "That I want you to be extra careful. In fact I was hoping that you would stay with Kagome."
"Senkotsuke, I absolutely will not. I know that you care about me and want to keep me safe, but I won't back down from this. I will help however I can; even if all I have to do is stand by the shore and watch for the cops."
Senkotsuke smiled at her. "It was worth a shot, wasn't it?"
Sango smiled back. "I appreciate the concern."
"I know," he whispered. Senkotsuke slowly inched his face closer to hers, and found that Sango was meeting him halfway. Their lips met gently, lovingly, lastingly. And as their lips parted they gently whispered in unison, "Goodnight." Senkotsuke wrapped his arms around her and they both drifted into a deep sleep.
