Hello once again, fellow readers! A new chapter this soon? Why, yes! This idea came to me so fast and turned out better than I thought!
A side note: I have/will be continuing to use terms interchangeably, such as hanyou/half demon, miko/priestess, etc. So, no comments saying as such, please. I am fully aware.
Side note: Thank you to all that have favorited, followed, and/or reviewed this story so far! It means a lot and encourages me to keep writing! :)
Enjoy!
Chapter 4
"Is there something that ails ye, child?"
Moroha, who sat in silence while cradling her cup of untouched tea, looked up at the elder priestess across from her. She and Old Lady Kaede had been sitting in silence for some time. Even though the quarter demon sought her out, the child had been adamant in bringing up what was bothering her.
'She takes after InuYasha that way.' Now the family of three were together again, the old woman has had plenty of time to observe the trio. While Moroha resembled Kagome from a distance in coloring, up close she took after InuYasha in overall looks and personality. She was a perfect mixture of both, possessing both her mother's spiritual prowess and her father's inu youkai strength and senses. Old Lady Kaede had never thought such a thing was possible.
'But then again, young Kagome and InuYasha have defied the odds since first they met.' Kaede concluded.
"Kaede-baba…" 'And she also has her father's lack of manners.' She inwardly sighed. She watched the young girl fidget, her fingers tapping her stone cup.
"Ye alright, Moroha?"
Keade had noticed ever since the confrontation several days prior- she wasn't a witness herself but had heard from one who was, InuYasha, Kagome, and their daughter had been slightly on edge. Now with Kagome expecting once again, it was no surprise to see the inu hanyou even more protective and strict with his family's whereabouts. The patrols were more frequent, more men and boys old enough to fight semi-decently had been asked to survey and guard the village perimeters. The hanyou, and Moroha would frequently patrol the forest that bore his name. If Kagome wasn't with either one of them, she would stay with either herself or with Sango. She knew her former apprentice ages ago would've argued and scoffed at such measures. But that was a long time ago, and Kagome knew her husband well enough not to argue with him when it came to her safety.
"I'm…I'm worried…"
"About what? Has it to do with what happened the other day?" She took a soothing sip of herbal tea.
"Kinda…" Brown eyes darted around aimlessly, as if searching for answers in the hut. "Don't get me wrong, it got me wound up. I wasn't going to let those bastards touch my mom or my new brother or sister…." Her face dropped, sighing hopelessly. "It just made me think…that I…I…"
"Ye are worried you're not good enough to protect them?" She hit the nail on the head as she saw the quarter inu youkai's shoulders drop, as if the burden were finally lifted. "Have ye talked to your father about this?"
"I want to… I know he said he was proud of me for protecting mom. And I believe that." She finally looked up. "But what about next time? What if something happens and I can't do it?!"
The old priestess saw the heaviness in her eyes. She could sympathize with the child. Feeling helpless is something unavoidable and she's seen it too many a time. Setting her cup down, she answered, "With having your parents back in your life again, I can understand your fear. And now with a new little one on the way, you want to be able to defend them even better. No doubt you've faced many foes in your short life, Moroha. But guarding your family is the biggest challenge ye've had to face thus far."
The young girl sniffed, trying to hold her emotions at bay. "I don't want to be weak! I've had to fight to prove my worth all my life! But damn it!" She slammed the cup down, growling.
"You know, you sound just like your father way back when he and your mother started their journey." Kaede mused. "Child, might I suggest talking about this with him? If anyone would understand your troubles it'd be InuYasha."
This, right here, is why she came to visit Old Lady Kaede. Her mother always said she was the one to visit with any problem. Her knowledge and wisdom were unsurpassed in not only herbal medicine and spiritual teachings, but also in problem solving. Moroha heeded her mother's words and sought out the elder miko to get some answers.
Moroha nodded, and stood up and bowed slightly, "I appreciate your advice, Kaede-baba."
The miko also stood, albeit slower than the youngster. Her age was quickly catching up with her. "I'm glad you stopped by. It's so wonderful to see all three of you back in the village. And please tell your mother to stop by when she has some free time. I do enjoy our visits."
"You got it!"
"Oh and take this…." Kaede reached into her pocket and held out a folded piece of paper. "It's some herbs for your mother. She forgot to take them on her last visit. This should help quell her nausea."
Tucking the herbs safely away, Moroha nodded. "I will." She bowed once more. "Arigatou. For everything." And with that, she walked out, feeling lighter than she has in days.
She planned on speaking to her dad that night, but something held her back. She handed the packet to her mother, saying what it was for and sat in her usual position by the fire. Kagome smiled in gratitude and kissed her daughter's head. She smiled at her dad in greeting, receiving a similar one in return. It was peaceful and quiet, the sounds of the fire and the coming dusk, but she would hold off until tomorrow. She was reluctant to ruin the evening with her worries.
Later that night, she was woken slightly by hushed voices. Her back was to them, but she could hear her mom and dad talking by the fire. The hut was dark, the fire having dimmed hour by hour. She lay still, her breathing even, listening….
"You don't think it's going to get worse, do you?"
"I don't want to say for sure but I'm not willing to take any chances!"
"You know it wasn't your fault. Moroha protected me just like you would."
A pause.
"Yeah, and I'm so proud of her." A light smack- a kiss.
"InuYasha…." She felt, more than heard, her mom's sigh. "I just don't want to wear yourself thin. You're very important-not only to me but to our children." Another pause. "We need you; we love you!" Salt. Her mother's tears. "I know you're more than capable, and I never doubted that. Ever. But you have a family now, and people who care about us that'll come to our aid."
"Exactly! My family! I protect what's mine! What kind of husband-or even dad would I be if I couldn't protect you properly?!"
"But you do." Another smack- another kiss, longer this time. "And I love you even more for it. You're the best man I could've ever hoped for. As a husband and a father. Why do you think I stayed by your side for so long?"
"I thought it was because of my cute ears…" Even Moroha heard the playful tone.
A cute giggle. "Partially." She hummed. "Maybe it was your beautiful silver hair, hair I love to comb my fingers through…"
Okay, now she was starting to wish she'd fall asleep. Hearing her parents seductive word play was making her feel uncomfortable.
"Keh." A soft gasp. "Are you sure it wasn't because of my…abilities?!"
"Your hands or your sword?" That giggle again.
"Care to find out?"
Rustling. "Perhaps not in viewing or hearing distance of our daughter?"
"Good point."
A few seconds later, she heard them leave the hut, and took a huge breath of relief! As sweet and loving as her parents were to each other, she had no intention of wanting to hear anything relating to their love life, much less see it! The last thing she wanted was to hear- or catch them…doing that! She shivered at the thought.
Knowing her parents wouldn't be back for some time, the teen pup settled and prepared to sleep. Her mother's words of her worries for future confrontations stole her last thoughts before her eyes finally shut for the night.
This was fun to write! I hope y'all did as well! As always, please feel free to review and critique- just don't be mean about it!
A/N: Also, if you would be so kind, if you haven't already, to vote in the poll on my page as it pertains to this story. It'd be most appreciated!
Until next time... Ja Ne!
