A/N: I didn't exactly get many reviews, but since I do feel that may faithful reviewers do deserve to be rewarded for the time they take out of their day to help me out I figured I better give some…
Review Responses
Itsa Mia: I'm not exactly sure what is was that made you smile, but I'm glad something in my story made you happy!
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Chapter Twelve: Dealing With the Shikon
"Ye are quite right indeed. Quite a predicament we are in considering the sacred Shikon Jewel." Kaede agreed.
"A child could have told us that you old fogy." Miroku mumbled under his breath. Sango elbowed him in the stomach none-too-gently at his rude remark, though she doubted Kaede had heard it.
"There is always the option of letting the Shikon Jewel remain in this world and have Kagome protect and guard it." Kaede offered.
"No, that's no good." Miroku objected. "Kagome is not yet in tune enough with her priestly powers. In addition, she must often return to her time to finish this "skool" she often talks about."
"What about if we wish for something really benign? If we wish for something small and insignificant, it will be of no benefit to us. That's selfless." Shippo concluded.
"I'm not sure." Sango replied. "The jewel is an evil object; I bet every wish you can make has a price. Like Inuyasha becoming a full demon. He would gain extreme, unstoppable power, but would kill anyone he comes across, friend or foe."
"Oy!" The five at Kaede heard a call from outside that sounded like it belonged to Inuyasha. "We're back! Miss us?"
"Not particularly." Miroku responded rather impudently.
"Did we miss anything while we were away?" Kagome asked curiously.
"Actually you did. A demon attacked the village, but Mommy defeated it easy." Haruko answered the young priestess's question.
"We are now discussing what to do about the jewel, how to dispose of it." Kaede explained. "I believe we have quite a big problem on out hands, yes?"
"A child could of told us that, you old fogy!" Inuyasha repeated Miroku's previous statement, however not tactful enough to keep it to himself."
"Inuyasha, sit!" Kagome commanded, quickly turning back to the others and there conversation. "I agree completely. Have you considered burning it again, like Kikyo did? We know that the jewel can be destroyed by fire, and then none of us would have to deal with it."
"But then the jewel will just run through its entire cycle again. It will return in someone else's body years from now, and everything we worked so hard for will be for naught." Sango reminded Kagome.
"What do you care Sango? You'll be dead by then. Only Shippo and I will still be alive then." Inuyasha said.
Miroku snorted. "You really are a moron. That's not the point; it's a matter of general principles."
"What did you call me monk?" Inuyasha growled.
"Are you deaf and stupid? I called you a moron. M-o-r-o-n. Get it now?" Miroku sneered; too annoyed by their problem with the jewel to care what else he may have been getting himself into.
"Why I oughta-"
"Stop it both of you!" Kagome shouted, getting between them. "You are like boys with toys!"
"Just try it you filthy dog! You know I'll kick your skinny little butt!" Miroku challenged.
"Skinny? I ain't skinny you perverted excuse for a monk. I'm lean and it's all muscle! More than you could ever hope to have! You're all talk without your wind tunnel!" Inuyasha declared.
"Come on guys, you're really starting to-" Sango began, but was cut off by Miroku.
"If you think you're so hot, why don't you test that theory? And perverted I may be, but at least I didn't take four years to choose between a hottie like Kagome and a less than beautiful dead woman!"
"Yeah, well she's dead now, and I killed her. I bet you still grope every woman in sight when Sango's got her back turned." Inuyasha shot back. "And who do you think you are calling Kagome a hottie?"
"I don't know why you even bother." Shippo said to the two women of the group.
"It's supposed to be a compliment jackass! Since when am I not allowed to compliment a beautiful woman?"
"Since Kagome became mine!"
"SIT! SIT, SIT, SIT YOU DUMB CANINE!" Kagome yelled over the incredible din Inuyasha and Miroku were making.
Sango struck Miroku across the face with all the force she had at the same time Kagome shouted her first "sit". "Shut up you imbecile! And do not use such crude language around our daughter!"
The punishment dolled out by Sango and Kagome was sufficient to shut up the two men, but a slightly awkward silence lasted for about 10 seconds afterwards. That is, until Miroku broke it with a thought. "Hey. I just had an idea." Miroku remarked.
"Feh. Coming from you its probably bullsh-" Inuyasha started to say.
"Sit you tactless brute! We have young ears in the room!" Kagome reminded, the poor half-breed, burying his face in the soil once again. "Please continue Miroku."
"Why don't we wish for the jewel to be destroyed? That way it won't bring harm to another innocent soul again. That's about as selfless as any wish can get, don't you think?"
Kagome and Kaede looked up and stroked their chins in a thoughtful manner. "Well…" Kagome started. "I suppose that might work. But it is still a little selfish. We don't want it to harm any if us either."
"I know." Miroku admitted. "But seeing as we don't have a better idea…"
"It's too risky." Inuyasha said. "I say we just let the jewel be. We're strong enough to protect it."
"I disagree." Sango replied. "What if Sesshomaru comes along? He could defeat us."
"Are you kidding? One blow of the Wind Scar would take him out no problem!" Inuyasha declared proudly. "Besides, Sesshomaru has no interest in the Shikon Jewel."
"Ye may be correct. But methinks there must be a demon even stronger than Lord Sesshomaru somewhere in the land, who does desire the Shikon Jewel." Kaede protested.
"I don't!" Inuyasha was not slow to again voice his opinion.
"Kaede is right Inuyasha." Sango said. "We cannot take any chances that there is someone or something out there stronger than we are."
"I agree. The safest thing to do is to dispose of the jewel as soon as possible." Kagome added.
"Feh. Fine. I supposed you do have your points. But if this wish thing comes back to bite us in the ass, I want it to be clear that I told you so." Inuyasha conceded.