A/N: Hello. ) Did you think I'd forgotten about this? Let's just say the past few weeks have been very, very hectic... However, here's the next installment for your consideration. Don't let the apparent length of the chapter scare you -- as I said before, dialogue eats up pages, lol.
Disclaimer: The characters of the anime InuYasha are the property of Takahashi Rumiko/Shogakukan and Yomiuri TV Sunrise 2000. I do lay claim, however, to Aine and Lon. And, Kakusamaru.
Chapter Ten: Thoughts In Transit
A slight frown crossed Lon's sharp-featured face as he looked up at the overcast sky. Even though the sun had disappeared from view, the púca could still accurately gauge the time of day. The pup is right, he conceded. We've paused long enough. If we're to reach that cursed valley by nightfall, 'tis time we were moving along.
InuYasha had just made it very clear that further questions about the creature called Naraku would have to wait. It was already afternoon, and (the half-demon added with a low growl) the approaching thunder storm probably wasn't going to improve their travel time. Lon therefore pasted an agreeable smile on his face and agreed with him... which, to the shape-shifter's inward annoyance, only caused the hanyo's scowl to deepen.
Like oil and water they are, thought Aine. The woman sighed softly as she watched yet another staring match between the two males. She wished she had Eadoin's knack for reading people – the bard, she was certain, would have gotten to the root of the problem and swiftly mediated a truce. Why, she wondered, was InuYasha continuing to be so defensive around Lon? She could only hope that the young hanyo would soon come around – diplomacy was not one of the púca's strong points and she knew that her old friend's patience was starting to wear thin.
'Ach... well,' the púca was now saying. 'As I said, InuYasha, we'll just kill two birds with one stone.' Lon then turned to Miroku. 'How about it, monk? Have you given my suggestion enough consideration?'
Miroku gave the Dé Danann a startled look. 'Ah, yes...' he answered hesitantly. 'But, perhaps... the burden of two people...'
'Pfft. As a horse, I can carry two easily.' Lon shrugged dismissively. 'And, you look no great weight,' he added, raising one eyebrow in enquiry.
This suggested change in Miroku's travel arrangements had come about at Lon's proposal that further details regarding the serpents and the one who might be controlling them could just as easily be discussed in transit. He had marked the level-headed monk as his best source of information. After all, the dog-eared brat had been acting like a badger with a sore head – the púca was convinced that trying to converse with InuYasha or the girl he insisted on carrying (and of whom the half-demon was obviously very protective) would be yield little. The demon-slayer seemed a sensible lass, but she would be scouting ahead on the firecat and Shippo, likeable and entertaining little soul that he was, was still a child in the púca's eyes. Thus, he had asked the monk if he would consider a different mount for the last leg of the journey.
'Then... of course, I shall accept,' Miroku now replied, a grin springing to his face as his gaze flitted to the striking, red-haired healer. Buddha is indeed benevolent, he thought. His smile faltered, however, as he caught the narrow-eyed glances his own companions were now sending his way.
Miroku began to feel annoyed. Oh come now, he thought indignantly, I'm capable of showing restraint!
'Right then,' said the púca. 'Come along then, Master Monk. I like a bit of shoulder room for this transformation.' Saying this, he turned and strode away from the group.
Aine picked up their packs and followed, giving Miroku her familiar, gentle smile in the process. At that moment, the young man felt a not-unpleasant lurch in his stomach... and the beginning of an itch in his palm. Oh no you don't, hand of mine, he thought to himself. You shall behave. Then, squaring his shoulders, Miroku strode after the Dé Dananns with the air of a man preparing for battle.
'He looks nervous...' murmured Kagome in a contemplative tone, as she watched Miroku approach a once-again transformed Lon.
'Yep,' agreed Shippo. The fox demon then grinned widely at the sight of their friend gingerly hefting himself onto the back of the púca to sit behind the Dé Danann healer. As far as Shippo was concerned, the expression on Miroku's face was priceless.
'Nervous? Him? I doubt it,' muttered InuYasha, who stood with his arms folded within his sleeves. He briefly met Kagome's questioning look, then he frowned and shrugged. 'C'mon Kagome. Since when has that pervert ever passed up a chance to be that close to a woman?'
'Oh, he's nervous, all right.'
On hearing this softly spoken comment directly behind him, InuYasha immediately regretted his words. The demon-slayer had scant tolerance for the monk's philandering ways, and an angry Sango was, from even InuYasha's point of view, very scary. He turned cautiously, expecting to meet a burning gaze – but, instead, saw that Sango was calmly petting Kirara. Then, she looked at Kagome.. and, to the half-demon's surprise, both females smiled knowingly.
Sango struggled not to laugh when she saw InuYasha's puzzled expression. She wasn't at all upset about Miroku riding in tandem with the exotic-looking Dé Danann woman. On the contrary, the demon-slayer was finding the whole scenario very entertaining. The inherently magical Aine, whose life-span (and life-experience) was more akin to a yokai's than a human's, would represent too many unknowns for the monk's comfort; Miroku would be juggling temptation with sheer intimidation. 'The lecherous monk,' Sango said, with a satisfied little smirk, 'is in for a frustrating trip.'
The demon-slayer shouldered her hiraikotsu. 'Time to go, Kirara,' she said. Then, she squinted at the horizon. 'My, those clouds are dark... and it's already pouring higher into the mountains. If it's very heavy, we might have to land until it passes.'
InuYasha grunted in reply. 'Yeah, yeah, yeah. If we get wet, we get wet,' he grumbled as he watched Kagome dig a raincoat out of her knapsack.
With a burst of flames, Kirara transformed. The demon-slayer was about to climb onto her feline friend, when Shippo leapt past her and landed on the firecat's thick ruff.
'Can I come with you Sango?' asked the kitsune in a stage whisper. 'InuYasha's being a real grouch, today.' The hanyo heard him, and shot the little demon a cross glare.
'Sure,' answered Sango, smiling kindly at the fox child. 'You can use those sharp yokai eyes of yours. We need to watch for a bridge over an east-flowing river. Kenji said it marked the entrance to the valley.' The young woman didn't blame Shippo for seeking alternative transport. InuYasha was definitely on edge, and she did not envy Kagome his company.
Within an hour of the travellers' departure from the meadow, the heavens opened. By consensus, however, they continued onwards rather than seeking shelter. The rain was not heavy enough to be an impediment. By mid-afternoon, the downpour eased to a misting drizzle and the showers moved off eastward across the foothills (to where their cooling relief was to be welcomed by a very worried little kappa).
By this time, Miroku was beginning to gain some respect for the foreign shape-changer's stamina. The púca had been moving at a steady canter since they had left the meadow and the monk suspected that his claim that he could 'keep up' with InuYasha might have been an understatement.
'So,' said Lon, as he smoothly skirted a large puddle, 'you're telling me this Naraku was the source of that putrid stench we came across yesterday?' The disgust the memory evoked was evident in the púca's voice.
'Yes,' answered Miroku. 'InuYasha would never mistake that taint. We know the serpents were in contact with Naraku, but, we don't know what use he would have for such weak yokai.'
'Weak?' asked Aine.
'As in demonic power,' replied Miroku. 'Brute strength is another matter entirely.'
Londubh lapsed into silence as he considered what he had so far learnt from the monk. One of those serpents I could probably handle with the help of a well-placed glamour and wards, he reflected, if the creatures are no more than beasts as the lad says. But, this Naraku sounds out of my league. And, Aine is no warrior, no matter that her aura of power is stronger than my own. As far as Lon was concerned, his primary focus was to protect Aine as she searched for her anamchara – whatever vendettas these others had with a homicidal, manipulative half-demon was none of his (or Aine's) business. Once my lass does what she can for the little ones at the village, we're leaving...
Several minutes passed as the púca continued to canter along the mountain road, easily keeping pace with InuYasha (though he chose to remain several metres behind the 'touchy pup'). Then, his musings were interrupted as he felt his second passenger's weight shift. ...yet again, he thought. Fidgety article. How does the fellow manage to balance on that cat?
'Are you comfortable, monk?' he suddenly asked.
'Um, quite... thank you,' answered Miroku.
Lon curved his long neck to look back briefly at the mortal, knowing that the reply hadn't been entirely truthful. Then, from the corner of his eye, he noticed that Miroku was keeping his seat without taking hold of Aine. Nothing wrong with his balance, then, concluded the púca. Perhaps he's just not used to horses...?
Balance, indeed, had little to do with Miroku's 'fidgeting'. Compared to soaring through the air on Kirara, or on a transformed Shippo or Hachi, the young monk actually found being carried by the púca to be rather tame. Lon was not a particularly tall 'horse', barely reaching fifteen hands at the withers – certainly not an intimidating height – and, Miroku reflected, his gait was remarkably smooth. No, it was the proximity of his fellow passenger which was causing his distress. As soon as he had climbed aboard the shape-shifter, he had realised, to his dismay, just how much shorter the púca's back was compared to that of Kirara.
Surely though, Miroku thought, as he nervously scanned the sky for the firecat, Sango would realise that he could not help sitting so close to Lady Aine.
Aine looked over her shoulder at that moment to give the young monk a questioning look, and Miroku felt an immediate rush of heat to his ears. 'Are you feeling a bit unsteady, a stór?' she asked.
The young man flushed as he surreptitiously made a fist of his madly itching hand. 'I'm trying not to crowd you, lady,' he answered with a sheepish smile.
'Ach, is that it? You're fine, so,' she laughed. 'I've ridden tandem many a time.'
'Aine won't break, lad,' Lon said then, as he, too, chuckled at the monk's admission. 'In fact, I'd suggest you take hold of her sharpish. There's a jump coming.'
'A jump?' Miroku looked ahead to see InuYasha bounding over a large tree trunk which lay across the road. 'Um, can you manage that height?' he asked the púca.
Lon issued an abrupt snort. 'You just lean forward and hang on to Aine, boyo.'
Miroku felt an elation grip him which had little to do with the impending leap. Ah well... If I must, he thought with a cheerful resignation. Then, he did as he was told.
Miroku had just begun to express his worry that Sango was taking too long to return when the firecat swooped over the trees toward them. All halted as a very damp looking Kirara landed before them, with Shippo calling out the welcome news that they would reach the entrance to the valley within an hour. Hearing this, the group paused for a short rest and listened what else their friends had to say about the road ahead.
As the demon-slayer had predicted, the thunderstorm had been more severe farther into the mountains and, rather than subject Kirara to fighting the strong winds, Sango had chosen to land and wait out the worst of the weather. Shortly after the storm had passed, they had found the river that crossed the valley's entrance; thanks to the heavy rain, a flash-flood had struck and the bridge which crossed the river had been submerged. However, the demon-slayer expressed a belief that the waters would probably have subsided by the time they reached the site.
The travellers set off again, with a relieved Miroku once again seated behind Sango on the huge feline yokai; Shippo had happily replaced him aboard the púca. The fox child sighed as he snuggled between the healer and the Dé Dananns' packs, content in the knowledge that he had his foreign friends all to himself for this stretch of their journey.
Once again, InuYasha ran at the forefront. He had said little during the last stop, and Kagome was worried about him. She could understand why he was so impatient to get to the remote valley – they had all agreed that any lead on Naraku was worth following – but, even though they had made excellent time, the half-demon had continued to be out of sorts.
She had almost been tempted to travel with Sango instead. InuYasha had been so uncommunicative during the morning journey that Kagome had been left with the feeling that she was intruding on his privacy. But, when she had suggested that she do so (saying that perhaps he should have a break from carrying her), InuYasha had quickly vetoed the idea. Shaking his head, he had mumbled that she 'wasn't that heavy' and to 'get on so we can go, already'.
Since Kagome had taken this in the spirit intended – that her company was wanted – InuYasha had not ended up face-first on the ground from a 'Sit!'.
The trail was levelling out and the rain had stopped by the time the teenage girl decided to risk some conversation.
'InuYasha?'
The hanyo's reply was a brief grunt as he continued at a steady lope.
'You're worried about more than finding the snake demons, aren't you?' Kagome felt his shoulders tense under her arms. Again, she heard a grunt.
'You know you can talk to me... right?'
'There's not much to talk about,' the half-demon responded. 'It's just that...' He paused.
Kagome waited for him to continue.
'It's just that this is getting too complicated too fast,' he finally answered. 'Finding the Jewel and destroying Naraku is what's important. I know tracking those snakes might be a dead end, but they're the first half-decent lead we've had in weeks. But now, it's not that simple...'
'What do you mean?' asked the girl.
'Oh, come on... You know Miroku's going to want to tackle the so-called "spirit" that's supposed to be haunting that lake. And, there's also those two...' Here, he nodded over his shoulder, gesturing toward the Dé Dananns behind them. 'They would've been better off going to the Village of the Bone Eater's Well. We could've met up with them later, after we dealt with the snakes.'
'But, InuYasha,' reasoned Kagome, 'They won't interfere – they've said as much. Aine is only going because there's illness up there – you know how much she likes children,' she added, remembering the healer's attachment to Rin. '... and Lon just wants to protect her.'
'Huh. The only thing we've seen him do is shape-shift. How much protection could he be?' InuYasha had so far concluded that, when it came to Power, Lon was only a more experienced version of Shippo. And, although the hanyo would never doubt the little kitsune's willingness to protect his friends, he knew Shippo's skills lay more in evasion and escape rather than actual battle and assumed the same applied to the púca.
The annoying bastard does seem to care about what happens to the lady... thought the half-demon. But, I doubt he can do more than try to carry her to safety.
'Um hmm...' came Kagome's response. When she then lapsed into silence, the hanyo grunted again and adjusted his grip on her legs. The light bounce she received as he did so broke her reverie.
'Are your arms getting tired?' she asked.
'No,' he growled. 'What's got you so distracted?'
'InuYasha... I just want to understand... What is it about Lon that's got you so... bothered?'
'He... reminds me of someone.'
'Who?'
Silence.
Kagome sighed. I should have known... Stubborn InuYasha! Then, to her surprise, she received an answer.
'Sesshoumaru.'
This was the last thing the girl has expected to hear. For a moment, she could only gape with astonishment. Her thoughts flew from the friendly and teasing Dé Danann youth to the cold and ruthless dog demon 'But... but, InuYasha...'
I knew she wouldn't get it. InuYasha sighed inwardly. I'm not even sure I understand it... His half-brother and the Dé Danann were nothing alike in looks or mannerisms. But, whenever he met the púca's gaze, he was reminded of the taiyokai.
Always analysing, always assessing...
'He's made my skin crawl since we met,' he growled then. 'It's just... the way he watches me – watches us all – like he knows all about us. And, there's something... off about those eyes of his.'
A now thoroughly perplexed Kagome frowned at this last comment. '"Something off?"'
'They... don't match the rest of him,' the half-demon grumbled vaguely, annoyed that he couldn't express himself any more clearly. Then he sniffed the air.
'Huh. I smell water. That river is just ahead.'
Sango's prediction that the flood would pass quickly had been correct. However, the bridge had not fared well – more than half of it had collapsed from the force of the current.
'Hmph,' observed Miroku, a slight frown on his face as he studied the ruined bridge. 'It looks like we'll be relying on the good graces of Kirara and Shippo.'
'No problem!' added Shippo. He looked at Aine with an eager expression. 'I'd be glad to carry you, Lady,' he said, with a charming blush.
'In your gull form, mo mhadraín rua?' asked the healer, smiling down at the little fellow.
'Oh, I can take other shapes.' Shippo grinned, thinking of his favourite transformation. 'And, I could probably carry Master Lon, too.'
The púca idly rubbed the side of his head against a foreleg; then his form began to flow and the dark-haired youth had again replaced the horse. 'Ah now, that's grand of you to offer, lad,' he said as he reached down to ruffle the little demon's hair. 'But, all the same, I'm more used to doing the carrying than being carried. I'll get myself across.'
'I suppose he'll be a fish,' InuYasha muttered to Kagome.
Lon heard him. He turned to the half-demon with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes. 'Ah, and aren't you a clever pup?' he said. 'Alas, I can't breath water. And,' he added with a smirk, 'what would you have me do with my legs...?'
InuYasha's ears twitched and he glowered at the shape-shifter. 'Pup' again, huh? That does it, you sawed-off son of a...
He was about to tell his tormentor just what could be done with his legs (and how painful it would be) when the púca turned his back on him. Once again, InuYasha found himself being ignored as, with a soft sigh of pleasure, Lon began to transform. This time, however, the Dé Danann's body began to shrink. Then, in the blink of an eye, a blackbird stood before the half-demon and his companions.
Londubh spread his wings and took to the air, circling above them before landing on a Aine's shoulder. Then, he chuckled with pleasure as he looked at the startled expressions of those before him (except for Shippo, who was grinning widely).
'Anyway,' said the small bird as he winked a vibrant, blue eye at a frowning InuYasha. 'I think this form is much more handsome than a fish... Don't you?'
Shippo thought he would burst with pride when he learnt that he had 'thoroughly impressed' his new friend by becoming a massive, pink balloon. He also felt a small thrill of pleasure from the knowledge that there were transformations that he could do that were impossible for the púca, for Lon had proceeded to explain that he could not take what he called 'a fanciful form', or become an inanimate object.
'You see, little warrior, my own body has to be able to make sense of it,' Lon said to the little yokai, who was now perched on his shoulder. 'I'm not able to create another limb, nor dispense with those I already own. Nor,' he added for the benefit of the hanyo walking before him, 'can I grow gills.'
Dog ears twitched irritably in response.
After crossing the river, all had agreed that it would be best to approach the isolated village by more 'conventional' means, for the chance of crossing paths with its inhabitants would increase from this point onwards. As well, they had found the valley far sooner than they had expected, considering that it had taken Kenji's family a few days to reach the lower foothills (although, as Miroku pointed out, travelling on foot with a pregnant wife and small children could hardly compare). Since it was evident that they would arrive at the village well before sunset, the group had chosen to walk for the remainder of their journey.
Lon had resumed his human form and had quickly gained Shippo's undivided attention while Kirara, once again the size of a house cat, was comfortably ensconced in the demon-slayer's arms. Kagome and Aine had both expressed their pleasure at having a chance to stretch their legs, and soon they and Sango were chatting away as they followed the road through a forest of maple and birch. The ladies' topic of conversation – Eadoin's wedding – held less appeal for male ears, however, and the men strode slightly ahead of them.
They had been walking about twenty minutes when Shippo thought to ask Lon if he was tired after so much running.
'Tired? Ach, little one,' the púca answered dismissively, 'Perhaps if we'd gone at any speed.' This comment earned him an irate look from InuYasha, and a curious one from Miroku.
'Hmm,' said the monk. 'I suspected you were well used to running long distances.'
Lon coughed to smother a laugh, then turned a devilish grin on the young cleric. 'That I am. Perhaps one day you'd care to go for a proper jaunt.'
'A proper jaunt?' asked Miroku.
'Aye, monk. One with a bit of speed to it.'
Aine chose to interrupt the puca's 'invitation'. 'Tsk. Lon, don't be teasing the poor man so,' she said, her voice holding a gentle reproval. Lon looked over his shoulder and, with an only slightly apologetic smile, slowed and reached back with one hand. Taking it, Aine companionably linked her arm with his, and gently squeezed his hand.
' Tell me, a bhodach,' she then asked, smoothly changing the subject. 'Are you planning to keep to that form?'
Lon shrugged. 'I think 'twould be best, lass,' he answered. 'Mortals are the same everywhere – youth is less intimidating to them, and the folk ahead will probably be wary of strangers considering they've already been prey to the military.'
Shippo stared at him. 'Isn't this your "true" form?' the fox demon asked. The others also looked curiously at the Dé Danann.
'True form?' asked Kagome. 'What do you mean Shippo?'
'I know exactly what he means.' This came from InuYasha, who was looking at the shape-shifter with narrowed eyes. 'We still haven't seen his real face... have we?' he asked Lon.
Lon raised one eyebrow and, again, he shrugged. 'You make it sound like an intentional deceit,' he said bit defensively. 'I just prefer this one. But, if you must...' His face blurred for only a moment.
Shippo's face showed his astonishment as Lon's features matured before his eyes. The púca looked at him and smiled. 'Are you disappointed, little warrior?'
The kitsune studied the 'real' Lon, and decided he liked what he saw. Mischief still shone in those blue eyes, but the face that held them, now marked by faint lines that spoke of a long life, gave Shippo a warm, protected feeling. He's... like Pa, the little demon thought. Then, he grinned and answered the púca. 'Nope. I think it suits you.'
A quiet InuYasha found himself agreeing with the little demon, but for different reasons. He still had no great liking for the foreigner, but now he understood what had set his instincts on alert, and why, until now, Lon's eyes had so disturbed him. They weren't the eyes of a youth – they belonged to someone older, perhaps even... ancient.
InuYasha was no stranger to long-lived beings. As he watched the púca again shift to the form of a youth, he realised that this Londubh was far, far older than himself.
'Well, there it is,' said Miroku, as he gestured toward the open farmland before them. The group had crested a hill to be greeted with a panoramic view of the settled part of the valley.
Kagome sighed with relief at the sight. The girl was looking forward to a fire. The wind had become more chilly as the evening progressed, and she was still feeling a bit damp from the earlier showers. She was about to step forward when InuYasha put out his arm to stop her.
'InuYasha?' she asked, puzzled.
The hanyo was frowning. Then, he called out sharply, 'Okay, show yourselves right now! I know you're there – I can smell you.'
He had barely spoken when a boy shot out of the bushes ahead and bolted up the road, a small red dog on his heels. 'Come on, Kanaye!' the child yelled behind him.
There was further rustling, followed by a frightened shout. Then, to the travellers' surprise, another boy fell out of the branches above. Winded, he looked up blearily... and saw glaring yellow eyes topped by a head of snow-white hair and dog ears. 'Yokai!' he yelled, as he bounced to his feet. Then, he yelped as a sharp, stabbing pain seized his bare foot and he again fell to the ground. 'Shiro! Help!' he cried.
Shiro stopped and turned. His heart (which was already pounding in fright at he and his friend having been so easily discovered) took another leap at the sight of the strangers moving toward Kanaye. Yelling for help wouldn't work, he knew. There was no one to hear them – everyone was at the upper end of the village, trying to salvage the last of the damaged fields.
Desperation lent the boy courage. 'Get away from him!' he yelled. Spotting a fallen branch on the ground, he picked it up and, thus armed, ran back toward his fallen chum.
'You've got to be kidding,' grumbled InuYasha, as he calmly watched the boy run at him with his 'weapon' raised. Then, as the child swung at him, the half-demon caught the branch and deftly twisted it out of his 'opponent's' grip. The boy went stumbling backwards, only to be caught at the collar by Lon.
'This is after getting repetitive,' the púca murmured, as he held a struggling boy at arm's length for the second time in as many days.
At the same time, Kagome was on her knees by the injured boy, trying to reassure him that no one was going to hurt him. The pretty girl seemed to be having an effect – the boy called Kanaye finally sat still although his breath came in sobs. Now that his panic was subsiding, the pain in his foot was making itself truly known.
During this flurry of activity, the small dog had hung back, confused by the noise and his master's sudden change in direction. Then, as Shiro cried out to be released, the shiba inu ran into the fray, barking fiercely.
Shiro panicked when he saw his pet approaching. 'No, Yuki! Go back!' Tears sprang to the child's eyes as he remembered the fate of another dog who had tried to bite a soldier. That dog had been much bigger than Yuki, but the samurai had killed it easily and without compunction.
'Take this, will you, monk?' said Lon. The púca casually pushed the frightened boy into Miroku's grasp; then, he stepped forward to meet the charging canine.
All eyes were upon Lon as he went down on one knee. When he turned his head to the side and yawned exaggeratedly, InuYasha's eyebrows rose in surprise. Huh, mused the hanyo, understanding what the foreigner was doing. Who would've thought?
The dog halted and eyed the slim, dark-haired human cautiously. It's tongue flicked out to lick the tip of its nose as it whined. Then, a low growl came from the animal, and Miroku heard the boy in his arms whimper.
Lon yawned again. Then, he reached out and tapped the ground before him with his fingertips and began to speak softly to the little dog, though only Aine understood his words. 'Be at peace, little brother,' he said, his voice soft. 'There's no danger here. Your friends are safe. All are safe...' As he continued to speak, the dog began to creep cautiously toward him. Then, a soft, pink tongue was steadily licking the Dé Danann's hand.
'Good dog,' said Lon, switching to the language of the land. He gently rubbed the shiba inu's ears then stroked his back. 'You're a grand lad, so you are.'
'Yuki likes you...' Shiro spoke with awe. 'He never makes up with strangers. But, he likes you.'
Lon looked over his shoulder and grinned at the boy. 'Ach,' he said, as he continued to fondle the dog whose tail was now wagging, 'I have a way with dogs.' Then, he looked at InuYasha and winked. 'Well, most of the time I do...'
Soon, they had Shiro and Kanaye calmed. Although, as Sango murmured discreetly to Miroku, it was no wonder the children had spooked so easily. From what Kenji and Jiro had told them, the village hadn't had an easy time; the boys had been well within their rights to be wary of newcomers.
Shippo had been quick to join Kagome in soothing Kanaye. The kitsune had a way with human children – despite his yokai appearance, his small size and friendly ways always seemed to appeal to them. Thus, the fox demon was currently using all his charm to convince the boy to allow Aine to look at his injured foot.
'You don't have to worry,' Shippo said. 'Really. Lady Aine knows all about medicine. And, she came here because she heard there was sickness in your village.'
Kanaye stared wide-eyed at the tall, red-haired woman. He found it hard to believe that an outsider would actually come to the remote valley with the intention to help. Then, as Shippo persevered, he sighed and silently nodded his consent
Aine's grip was gentle as she took hold of the boy's foot and sent probes of magical energy into the injury. Nevertheless, the boy flinched at her touch, even though she knew she was not causing him further pain at this time. She looked into his eyes, and her heart ached. Not only did this boy's eyes have that too-bright look that came from a lack of food, but he reminded her of a wounded animal. In that moment, Aine realised that this child had seldom been touched with kindness.
'Now then, a stór,' the healer murmured. 'You've given it quite a sprain.' She smiled at him. 'But, it will heal quickly with rest.'
Kanaye hung his head. 'Pa will be mad. We're to replant the top fields tomorrow.'
Aine exchanged a worried look with Kagome and Sango on hearing this. Then, the healer spoke briskly. 'Not to worry, lad. I'll speak to your father.' She smoothed his hair back from his forehead, then frowned as she kept her palm on his brow. He has a fever...
Shiro, meanwhile, had quickly responded to gentle questioning by Miroku and Lon; in fact, he soon became quite talkative, especially after the monk produced a sweetmeat from his pack. InuYasha listened to the conversation as he lounged against a nearby tree, but limited his own comments to the occasional grunt. He had been quite ready to accept that the boys would be nervous of him. However, to his surprise, Shiro didn't seem nearly as intimidated as his injured comrade had been. In fact, from the glances he kept sending his way, the child was obviously finding the half-demon of some interest.
When Shiro learnt that the group had been directed to the valley by Kenji, he immediately asked after Ryu, who had been a favourite playmate. His relief on hearing that his friend was safe was obvious. The boy then enquired about how the rest of the family had fared.
Miroku fought to suppress a smile as he observed the boy's serious, almost adult mannerisms. He's an old head on young shoulders, thought the monk, as he gently interrupted the child's questioning.
'Shiro.. we need to speak to your village's headman. You see, we've some important business to attend to in this area, and Kenji said that Master Takeo would be the best one to advise us.' Then, Miroku gestured toward Aine, who was now wrapping a bandage about Kanaye's foot. 'And' added the monk, 'that lovely lady came with us because Kenji told her of the sickness here.'
'Is she a priestess?' asked a curious Shiro.
Lon chuckled. 'No, lad,' he answered. 'But, she's a fine hand at healing.'
Miroku gave the boy an encouraging smile. 'We'll be glad to see the two of you safely back to the village. Then, would you be willing to direct us to Takeo's house?'
Shiro grinned. 'That's easy to do. He's my grandpa.'
Well, well... What have we here...?
Kakusamaru stirred cautiously within the shadows of a large cedar as he watched the little procession pass along the road to the village. Normally, he had scant interest in the mortal inhabitants of the valley, but, as he lounged among the tree's branches, he found himself rather bored. Sunset was still a few hours away, and he could not depart for his first meeting with Sesshoumaru until nightfall. Then, he thought with a soft shiver of anticipation, he could plunge into night's shadows and swim swiftly through their darkness, revelling in a freedom of movement few could comprehend...
His eyes narrowed as he looked again at the distant mortals.
Interesting... Those humans are too well dressed to be locals. Except...
No, he realised, the two ragged boys had to be from the village. One, he noticed then, was being carried by a monk. He wondered for a moment if the cleric was there because of her.
Ah... that could be diverting – watching a weak human try to take on Lady Taka. Although, it would, of course, be a very brief diversion.
Then, Kakusamaru sat up straighter. He sensed three demonic jaki, and one was particularly strong. For a moment, he considered moving closer so that he could get a better glimpse of the group, and be able to hear their conversation. Then, he decided it would be far too risky – at this time of day, the shadows were not deep enough to completely hide him. But, he was very curious. It was then that he spotted the red-garbed youth with long white hair.
Hmm... Quite the jaki within that one. His eyes widened slightly.Can it be? Kanna mentioned him, but not as part of the plan. Should I send word to Naraku?
The blue-skinned yokai decided that it would probably be in his best interests to do exactly that. But, he concluded, with a slight smirk, it will have to be later. After all, he did have a message to deliver, and that had priority. Revealing himself to Sesshoumaru came first.His quarry's half-brother would have to wait for future orders.
A/N: Was that the silver-haired fellow you were expecting, Magnusrae? ;)
I'm a bit concerned on how well I'm conveying the passage of time. Does everyone realise that the past two chapters have taken place on the same day as 'The Difference Between Need & Choice'? Should I rewrite...?
Some animal behaviour trivia: Turning one's head to the side and yawning is a signal amongst dogs for, 'There's nothing to worry about. No threat here.' And, when a dog's tongue flicks out to lick the tip of it's nose, it's a sign that the animal is anxious. All absolutley true.
Next: Takeo, Old Taro... and a púca doing what he does best. And (I'm hoping), we'll see what's been happening with Rin.
