I know it has been a loooong time since I've upadated. I just couldn't get this chapter right in my mind so I gave up and posted it. I was hoping to make this an uberlong chapter with a fight scene but it wasn't flowing smoothly so I said "eff it!" Thank you for your patience and you will get a Kouga fix next chapter. Apparently I'm alternating his apparences between chapters. shrugs
As always, I do not own Inu Yasha. Thanks for reminding me. I have a papercut, you wanna rub some salt on it?
When Inu Yasha and the others returned to their room, they found Sango waiting for them. "Where have you been? I've been waiting forever!" Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Lady Sango if I had but known how anxiously you awaited my return, I would have been back long ago. It goes against all I believe in to leave a beautiful woman neglected. "Miroku captured her hands earnestly and affected what he hoped was a debonair air.
"What are you talking about?" Sango snatched her hands back, narrowly avoiding the urge to slap him. "I don't have time for this!"
"Oi wench, what's got you so happy?" Inu Yasha gazed suspiciously at Sango.
"The jewel shard Kagome sensed? Probably belongs to this demon the village has been having problems with. We've been asked to rid the village of it."
"Shouldn't be harder than dispersing the evil cloud that was lingering on this House." Miroku stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Ah, Miroku, you didn't disperse any evil cloud. 'Member? "Shippou innocently commented.
"Damn lying monk" Inu Yasha snorted.
"My lowly human hearing must have failed to pick up any complaints you voiced when I procured these rooms. I apologize for any offense given." Miroku sketched a sarcastic bow to Inu Yasha.
Sango clapped her hands. "Back to the demon slaying boys!" When she was satisfied she had everyone's attention she filled them in on what the Advisor had told her.
Inu Yasha cracked his knuckles, ears twitching in anticipation. "Okay; tomorrow Sango you go to have your weapons honed and looked at. See if you can get any information from the Blacksmith and stop by any weapon vendors you see as well. Miroku, you're in charge of securing supplies at the market as well as seeing the village Miko, if they have one. Don't forget a sleeping draught for Kagome. Shippou, keep your ears open for any information on the demon you can get. Help Miroku if he needs it. I'll take Kagome to the village outskirts and see if we can pick up a trial between my nose and her powers. "Inu Yasha noticed Miroku smiling at him. "What?"
"Nothing. Just still admiring the change, that's all."
"Feh." Inu Yasha blushed slightly. Sango, still feeling bad about before and knowing it wouldn't be appreciated if she brought it up, rescued him.
"I think we should turn in. We'll have a busy day tomorrow." She proceeded to settle herself into her futon. Miroku started blowing out the candles that a servant lit at dusk. He crawled to a futon and looked around for Shippou.
"Shippou? Why don't you sleep with Sango tonight? Kagome is exhausted and should be left alone for now. "The fox kit sighed; but, acknowledging the truth of the words, hopped over to the slayer's futon and snuggled in.
Inu Yasha walked the perimeter of the room, making sure all screens were closed and the room was as secure as it could be. Raking his eyes over the room's occupants, he narrowed his eyes at Kagome's sleeping form. He adjusted the covering over her before going to his own futon. Something was bothering her and she shouldn't keep secrets like that from her Alpha. Not truly comfortable around so many humans, especially when he was acting more inu like, Inu Yasha eased into a light dose, ears swiveling and twitching to catch any sounds that meant danger to his pack. Finding none, he allowed himself to slip further into dreamland.
In the morning, a slightly advanced hour
Over breakfast the plan for the day was run by Kagome. Finding no problem in it, it was agreed that no further time should be wasted. The group set about their appointed tasks in a relatively upbeat mood, excepting of course Kagome.
It's never been said Inu Yasha had a way with words. While he was indeed growing up and taking on more responsibility, he was still mostly a tongue tied hanyou unused to expressing himself. During their time searching the village border for clues, he found an increasing desire to shake Kagome and demand she tell him what was on her mind. The unease she was projecting in waves was making it hard for him to pick up anything else and it seemed she couldn't truly concentrate on the task at hand. He sighed again and wished harder for the words that would convince her to talk to him.
Kagome for her part could barely function. She heard Inu Yasha's numerous sighs and interpreted them to indicate his annoyance with her. How could she put into words what she was feeling? 'Um, Inu Yasha? I've been having dreams that scare the crap out of me. Latest one features a village like this one and a demon like the one described to us. It's really creeping me out and I really want it to stop so can we please leave this village without slaying the demon to go to my time and schedule me an appointment with a shrink?' Yeah. That would go over real well. Inu Yasha would laugh at her and tell her there was nothing wrong and did she just say she wanted to give up when they know for a fact there's a shard in the area?
"Alright, stop!" Inu Yasha crossed his arms across his chest and glared at Kagome.
"Stop what?"
"Stop this…hiding. If something's bothering you spit it out!" he mentally smacked himself. 'Way to go genius. Now she'll tell you everything!'
Kagome shifted uncomfortably. Inu Yasha waited. And waited. And hey, waited some more. When it became obvious to him that his smooth conversation opener hadn't made an impact, he rubbed a clawed hand at this temple.
"You know what? Never mind. Let's go find the others. You can concentrate on the shards with whatever bothering you and I can't concentrate while wondering what's bothering you. So let's just go." Inu Yasha turned around and started to go back into the center of the village. Kagome followed him a moment later, stunned.
'Did he just admit to worrying about me?'
With Miroku and Shippou
"Tell me again why I'm the one carrying all of this?" Shippou's muffled voice came from behind one of the many packages piled in his arms.
Miroku didn't even look up from a vendor stall housing dried herbs. "Because my dear friend, I am but a lowly human and your demon strength and stamina allows you to carry those without tiring as fast as I and my humble human arms would. "
"You aren't worried at all that I'm a child? That some woman may see us and decide you wouldn't be a good father if you're overburdening a child while you carry nothing?" Miroku's eyes widened and his head snapped around to look around the market where, sure enough, a pretty little thing selling pottery was glaring at him.
With a speed that would make a demon envious, Miroku snatched the packages from Shippou and settled them into his own arms. Busy juggling the many purchases, he didn't see the smirk on Shippou's face.
"Cheer up Miroku. I'm sure some woman will notice the strength in your 'humble human arms' and think you grand."
"Oh shut up."
"Don't tell him to shut up, you should feel ashamed for making him carry anything in the first place!" Sango tugged Miroku's little ponytail.
"Back so soon from the blacksmith? Ouch!"
"Yes." Sango leaned forward to whisper in Miroku's ear "and my boomerang is in better condition than ever."
"The better to smite me with?" Miroku murmured; turning his head as far as Sango's grip allowed towards Sango's oh so melodious voice.
"Exactly" Satisfied she was understood, Sango let go of the ponytail.
"Can you guys flirt later? I'm hungry!" Shippou rolled his eyes at the adults before him.
"Why don't you take the supplies back to the Manor? We can eat and catch up on what we found out." Kagome walked up behind Shippou and glanced bemusedly at Sango and Miroku. "Inu Yasha's already there."
The four friends walked up the path towards the home they were residing in. Kagome was walking hand in hand with Shippou and was listening absently to his chatter. Not so distracted, Miroku and Sango were unfortunate enough to catch whispers surely not meant for their ears.
"Did you see that girl?"
"Which one?"
"The one with the indecent kimono." Miroku nodded his head towards Sango, indicating that she should move to the side of the path. Sango did so, glaring death at the villagers who were still gossiping about Kagome. She was now out of the line of hearing but distinctly heard the word 'whore' and longed to go over there and bash some narrow minded heads together.
"Sango" Miroku got her attention. "Can you reach into the front of my robe?"
"WHAT?" Sango pulled her arm back and was about to let Miroku have it.
He furiously shook his head. "No, no! In the front, a little below my heart is where I have my money bag sewn into my robe. Can you pull it out of the pocket?" He held his laden down arms away from his body so she could reach.
"Oh. Why didn't you say so?" She reached into his robe and found said pocket, removing the money bag, blushing slightly. She looked at him in confusion. "Now what?"
"Can you go back to the Weaver's stall? They had kimonos for sale. Get one for Lady Kagome." Sango looked at Miroku in amazement.
"You actually want to cover her up? You?"
"While it is against my nature to wish a maiden's charms to be hidden, oh and what maidenly charms Lady Kagome has…" Miroku noticed Sango's thunderous expression and hastily continued "This isn't the first time we've heard talk like this concerning her. We should stop it now, before her, or worse, Inu Yasha hears this talk."
Sango's eyes widened. "Inu Yasha would kill them."
"And that's just for talking. What will happen if one day someone actually propositions Lady Kagome?"
"Inu Yasha would kill everyone."
"Exactly. Go buy her the kimono and we'll find a way to give it to her without making her aware of why we bought it."
"I won't have her hurt by that kind of talk!" Sango balled a fist. How dare these gossiping villagers talk about her sister like that? It would hurt Kagome to know what was being said about her. As her friend and sister by fate, if not blood, it was her responsibility to prevent that kind of pain from touching Kagome. She nodded at Miroku and took a step towards the weaver's stall before half turning to face Miroku again. "Why didn't you ask me to hold the packages while you got the money out?"
"Because then my beautiful Sango, I wouldn't have the pleasure of your slim, strong hands in my robe." Miroku grinned cheekily at her before walking back towards the home, leaving a gape mouthed red faced Sango behind.
A little while later, the group was eating in their room and discussing the afternoon's events. Sadly, they picked up no more useful information concerning the demon. Just exaggeration: "He was taller than the trees" Sango snorted. It wouldn't have been able to hide in the forest then would it? "It's eaten half the village!" The village has sure made up the missing numbers quickly hadn't it?
On the upside, all of the weapons had been tended, excepting of course, Inu Yasha's sword. All bandages, healing herbs, potions, and food was restocked. Fraying water container straps replaced, new polishing cloth for weapons acquired. Clothing freshly laundered. Sleeping draught for Kagome tucked into Miroku's robe, and enough money left over to tide them back to Kaede's village, barring emergencies. Although, the sooner they collected a fee for disposing of some demons or blessings, the better.
It was quickly decided that the group would stay here for a little while longer. Until the demon attacked and was defeated. Which would be soon, if it truly did have a jewel shard. It wouldn't be able to resist the call of the Shards Kagome wore.
The miko gathered her bathing things. "I'm going to take a bath. Are you coming Sango?" The slayer nodded in the affirmative and Kagome headed out the door. "I'll meet you there then."
Miroku handed the package with the kimono to Sango. "Keep it for now. We'll be going to bed once we come back." She said, grabbing her own sleep gear.
Miroku's eyes widened. He looked out the window to the late afternoon sun. "Why?"
"We don't know when the demon will attack but it sometimes does at night. I'd rather sleep now and patrol at night." The slayer explained.
"Good thinking. If we don't encounter it by tomorrow morning, we'll discuss whether or not to go on the offensive and seek it out." Inu Yasha said.
All eyes went to the Hanyou who blushed slightly. "Yeah..yeah. That would be good." Said Sango slowly. She shook her head and went out the door to join her sister in the baths.
Inu Yasha looked at Miroku and Shippou who were still looking at him. "What? Stop that! You're freaking me out!"
Miroku smiled at his friend shook his head. "I wasn't aware Lady Kagome's studies of modern politics were affecting you so much."
"What do you mean?" Inu Yasha said suspiciously.
"Do you remember when I asked her what she was reading and she launched into an explanation on Democracy? Everyone gets a vote?"
"Yeah?"
"And here you are, the self-proclaimed Alpha; planning a discussion committee." Miroku smiled, violet eyes lighting with amusement.
"Do you want another display of Dominance? Cause you are heading the right way for some face licking." Inu growled softly.
"Why Shippou," Miroku addressed the kitsune "I do believe he liked being licked by two males." Inu Yasha flushed hotly. Shippou put a hand to his forehead and sighed. Sometimes these humans were so incredibly stupid.
Inu Yasha stood up and crossed over to Miroku. The amusement bled out of the monk's eyes as his friend stood over him, face hard and distinctly un-amused.
Pink flowed across the Hanyou's eyes as his lips curled back, exposing his fangs and gums. He glared down at the human sitting on the floor below him.
"Ah..Shippou?" Miroku whispered. "Do we need, I mean does he want…"
"Just lower your eyes and bow your head a little."
"No licking?"
"Not if you don't hurry and do what I told you to do." Hearing this Miroku hastily lowered his eyes and bowed his head. He concentrated on keeping his breaths slow and even.
After a moment or two, Inu Yasha's eyes cleared and he stopped baring his fangs. Blinking a bit he sat down next to Miroku. "Whoa. That was…I remembered that one. " He looked at the monk. "You can look at me now. "
Miroku looked at Inu Yasha. Satisfied his friend was back to what constituted as normal, he deemed it safe to ask a question. "You said you remembered. Do you mean you remember what happened just now?"
"I was seeing it. I remember how I felt. I was annoyed with you. I wanted you to knock off the teasing, but I didn't want to hurt you. I wasn't mad. The fang bearing just seemed like the right thing to do." Inu Yasha shook his head.
"Maybe we should seek out your brother and ask…" Miroku let the rest of that sentence die in his throat after seeing the glare Inu Yasha was leveling at him.
"Are you crazy? Like I want that arrogant ass to know about this!" Inu Yasha snorted. 'I can just hear that stuck up dog! "This Sesshoumaru is appalled by your lack of instincts hanyou. Must you further disgrace our lineage?" Like he'd help me with anything but an early grave!' Still, the fact his Inu instincts were making themselves known was disturbing to him. He needed help from someone and if Myoga didn't show his cowardly face soon, well…Inu Yasha didn't want to think about that.
"You need to tell Sango and Kagome." Miroku's voice broke into his thoughts.
"What? Why?" The last thing he needed was to tell the girls. It was bad enough these two knew.
"Sango is a demon slayer, maybe she knows something that could help. After all, you study your prey before you hunt it. She might be useful until Myoga shows up. Even if she doesn't, she and Kagome should be warned. What if you just go 'Inu' but not full demon on them? What if Shippou isn't there to tell us what to do? I know how to pacify you in two ways now they don't. Do you really want a boomerang upside the head when a lick or two on the cheek would've solved things?" Miroku watched the words sink into the hanyou's mind and felt content that even though his weak human hearing distinctly picked up a "Keh!" he had made his point.
"I'll think about it." With that Inu retreated to the corner of the room, the outside corner Miroku noticed. He smiled knowing Inu Yasha took the drafty corner to better hear anything coming from outside but if asked would insist it was because 'pathetic humans might catch a cold'.
As Inu Yasha grew more unpredictable, he grew more protective. For better or for worse, the young hanyou was changing. Into what Miroku didn't know. Divination wasn't a gift he was blessed with but he would help his friend as best he could. What more could a humble human do?