A/N: Thank you, my dear readers, for the lovely comments. I'm very glad with them. Enjoy chapter nineteen!
InuYasha belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.
o.O.o
Chapter Nineteen, Checkmate
Who hesitates misses the bigger chances in life.
Kagome Higurashi's face had turned a dark red as she screamed, her voice shrill and loud echoing through the forest. Birds flapped out of the trees, startled by the sudden disruption of their piece and Inuyasha slammed face-first into the forest floor. Chiharu watched almost detached as her older sister stomped towards the well.
"I'm going home!" she shrieked, her face aflame.
"Onee-san," Chiharu slowly started, following after the enraged school girl. It had started to rain and the youngest Higurashi girl peered up at the sky with a frown. "Don't you think you're overdoing it, just a bit?"
"I am not overdoing it!" She yelled. "I am going home and that's final!"
After following Naraku's scent the last few days they'd stumbled upon his newest creation, Jūrōmaru, who had been created for the sole purpose of killing Inuyasha. The abomination seemed simple enough, until Naraku took away his retaining mask and the fifth incarnation Kagerōmaru appeared. Inuyasha and Kōga, who had been tracking Naraku for some unclear reason as well, fought the two brothers. In the end both were killed by Inuyasha with a slash of his sword and of course Inuyasha and Kagome got into an argument which ended in Inuyasha being sat and now sulking in his newly formed crater outside of Kaede's village.
A sharp wind raked through Chiharu's clothes, penetrating the fabric and slashed across her skin and she shivered. The rain was stinging through her Miko garb and she puffed her cheeks up. Tugging a creeper from the hem of her hakama she sighed. "Can't you at least act like an adult and talk to me?"
"What's there to talk about?" She cried. "You're taking his side."
"Onee-chan," Chiharu slowly started, sighing in frustration. They had reached the well and Chiharu leaned on the timber. "I'm not taking anybody's side, I'm only saying that—"
"I don't care what you're saying." Kagome replied sullenly. A stinging rain lashed down Chiharu's face and plastered her clothes to her body and her hair to her scalp. Dark clouds overhead chased against each other and she wrapped her arms tightly around her middle.
"How long will you be gone?" she decided on, ignoring the vein that began to throb in her temple. Her sister dropped down on the ledge of the well and pursed her lips, eyebrows furrowed.
"You're not coming?"
"No," she admitted, although she would after Tōtōsai had visited. She didn't doubt her older sister and Inuyasha would still not be on speaking terms and therefore the following morning, so she had all the time in the world to visit her family. If she was smart about it she would get her mother alone. Some quality time with her mother had never sounded more appealing. "So how long will you be gone?"
"A few days, unless Inuyasha comes and apologises." Kagome told her and Chiharu sighed.
"At least stock up on medical supplies, clothes, especially underwear and toiletries. We are out of toothpaste." Chiharu told her and Kagome rolled her eyes.
"Right, I will." The older girl answered and jumped forward. She was enveloped in a purple light and disappeared probably reemerging into modern time a second later. Chiharu stood there for a moment, peering down the well before shaking her head.
When she returned to the village, Sango gave her an apologetic smile. Taking in a deep breath, all of her senses were on alert and she felt her miko powers surge within her. Inuyasha looked up from the fire when she stepped in the hut and Shippō bounded towards her. She carefully raked her fingers through his sandy curls and Inuyasha glared at her.
"Well?"
"Like I predicted," Chiharu answered, "she's still furious. Can't you just swallow your pride and talk to her?"
"Feh, like hell I will!" Inuyasha answered, crossing his arms over his chest. "I don't see why I have to either. Stupid bitch."
Chewing onto her lower lip, she poured water into a pot and placed in on the cooking rack above the fire. Carefully she opened the package of instant ramen Kagome had left behind and added the stringy pasta to the water when it started to cook. She watched Inuyasha peer at the ramen with hungry eyes.
"What was the argument about anyway?" She asked when everyone had been served a bowl of ramen and the silence started to wear on them. Shippō was happily playing with his chopsticks and Miroku and Sango pretended they hadn't heard the question.
"Feh," Inuyasha muttered again and shrugged his shoulders angrily, but the effect was slightly lost by the ramen strings escaping from the corner of his mouth, "your sister doesn't control me!"
"That's not even an answer. Ugh, you're such a child! You do understand that one of you will have to swallow that bloody pride." She said, feeling the muscle in her temple tense even more, and Inuyasha's ears flattened to his skull. "And don't think for a second that I'm going to play as your shard detector. You can make up with my sister or perhaps blackmail someone else."
"Feh," he muttered turning his back to the young Miko.
Chiharu rolled her eyes before turning to Shippō. In many ways the little boy resembled her little brother. She sighed. She missed the young boy. Sōta was born when Chiharu and Kagome were seven-years-old. He was a tiny child, while Chiharu's mother had been so huge. Although the birth of a child mostly gave joy to those around it, there was barely any joy when the youngest Higurashi child came to the world. He was born without a father and instead of celebrating Sōta's birth, they were grieving for the loss of Haruki Higurashi.
Mama had to work two jobs to pay for his funeral and memorial. Jiji-chan had taken them in so she could redecorate their old home. They didn't know she heard them when they discussed the troubles they were up against. Didn't realise she woke up every evening to horrifying nightmares and tiptoed out of her and Kagome's room to splash some cool water in her face. When she crossed the landing she could clearly hear jii-chan and her mother talk about the financial problems they were in and Chiharu's medical bills piling up. A hairline fracture in her right shoulder blade, a mild head injury and an injury to her spinal cord that left her right arm without any feeling.
The doctors were sure the latter would pass, even though many of the wounds would not, always decorating her skin in scars. As she grew older she learned that the only scars left were hardly noticeable thin lines. After a few years it was almost as if it had never happened. The scars below her skin, edged in her memories were much harder to erase. Of course her mother and her grandfather knew about her psychological state of mind, it was why they kept her at home so much, but they had no idea how much she knew about their worries. It was why, despite her injuries, she helped her mother take care of her little brother. It was why she paddled out of her room and to Sōta's room to lift him into her arms whenever he cried. The boy would always be waving his arms around in the air in a blatant demand to be picked up.
She took care of her baby brother when her mother wasn't home or when her mother was tired and stressed out — which happened often — and therefore Sōta started to rely on her. It was why there was such a strong bond between the two of them. Chiharu was in many ways like a second mother to him — which was not always something he appreciated.
It was probably why she and Shippō got on so well. The little fox kit certainly needed a mother's touch and never shied away when she or Kagome did mother over him. He did shy away when she tried to brush his teeth though. She smiled to herself as she went through the motions of making another portion for dinner — it was her turn after all— and finding a spot for her sleeping bag.
Shippō stayed at her side, as barnacle on a boat, even when Chiharu produced his toothbrush twenty minutes later. The amount of sugar he ate wasn't good for his dentition and she, just as she had done with Sōta, made sure he would at least brush his teeth once a day if he kept ingesting the many sugary items Kagome brought for him.
"Chiharu-chan!" Shippō whined, little paws flailing at her hands as she gently tugged his lower lip away and brushed his teeth. "But it tastes so bad."
"You're the one who wants to eat candy." Chiharu admonished him lightly and carefully coaxed his mouth open again. "Just because you're yōkai, doesn't mean you won't get cavities."
He pouted when she washed his toothbrush in a pan of water and peered up at Sango for back up. The slayer smiled sweetly at him, but didn't comment. Shippō pouted again and sat down next to Kirara. It was already dark outside when Inuyasha got up from his spot on the wooden floorboard and left the two girls alone. Miroku had disappeared hours ago and hadn't even returned when dinner was served. No doubt had he chased down one of the village girls and Chiharu carefully peered at Sango's relaxed face. As of late, the older girl looked more often at Miroku and more than once Chiharu caught the warm smile she hid whenever Miroku said something nice and pleasant.
"Come on, let's get you to bed." Chiharu said, when she noticed Shippo's eyelids already drooping.
"But Kagome always lets me stay up until she goes to sleep." Shippō answered and pouted again.
"Not my problem, I'm not Kagome." Chiharu told him and she picked him up. "It's healthier for you to get a good night sleep anyway. Kami only knows how little we get of those."
"Okay," he reluctantly agreed and she smiled at him.
"When Kagome returns, I'll wake you all right?" She softly compromised and the child smiled happily.
The small, dim room was lit by several candles and the fire crackled merely in the hearth, radiating light and warmth around them. Kaede was visiting a couple who'd just became parents and Chiharu carefully unrolled Kagome's sleeping bag with one hand, and opened it with the other. Shippō sighed and curled himself into the soft material without a word and she smiled.
"You're coming soon, right?" He asked her tentatively and she was once again reminded that Shippō was only a boy. A boy who'd seen horrible things and needed parents, not vengeful Shard hunters. She ran her fingers through his sandy hair and smiled.
"Of course, I will." She told him firmly. "I won't be long."
He seemed reassured and closed his eyes. She waited until his breathing turned even and scooped up their used dishes from that night. The stream wasn't far away, yet, she still threw her quiver with arrows and her bow over her shoulder. When she stepped out of the hut, the rain had stropped and spring was already tangible in the air. She breathed in sharply.
She crept her way through the trees, wriggling her toes absentmindedly in her sandals. The clearing was blanketed with short grass and a large smooth boulder jutted out of the riverbank, off-center. She crouched down at the water's edge, leaning back against the boulder, peering down at her reflection. The water was cool and flowed south, disappearing down a slope through the forest. Chewing on her cheek, she mindlessly washed their used bowls and chopsticks, nimble fingers working their way around soapy dishes as she scrubbed at a persistent spot on one of the bowls.
"Look what I found!"
Inuyasha's rough tenor shattered her thoughts and she exhaled softly, peering up through her lashes. He was holding a stone sake bottle and was smiling wickedly. Miroku and Sango had followed him towards the river and were curiously watching their exchange.
"No thank you," Chiharu dryly muttered back, but Inuyasha slammed down next to her and filled a stone cup before pushing it in her hands. She grimaced
"Don't be a stick in the mud." He scolded her lightly and considering the strange red blush, she suspected he already had a few drinks. Miroku eagerly accepted a cup — 'Buddha is with me, after all I have a strong alcohol tolerance' — and Sango frowned.
Chiharu exhaled softly before closing her eyes, inhaling the sweet scent of the alcoholic beverage. When she suddenly sensed the presence of a familiar aura, she gasped. Her eyes flashed open and flitted around over the tall copse of the trees. Her heart was racing, but when she couldn't pinpoint him, she frowned. Carefully, she pushed her aura outwards, but this time she felt no Sesshōmaru. She realised she would not see or sense anything other than nature and trees around her if he didn't want her to sense him anyway and she grimaced..
"Are you okay?" Sango asked.
Chiharu smiled tightly and tilted her head slightly. "Yeah, I just thought I sensed something."
"A shard?" Inuyasha demanded, his sake already practically forgotten.
'No,'
"Yeah, but I was wrong. It's nothing." She answered. She wasn't stupid enough to say she thought she sensed his half brother. Inuyasha seemed to buy her answer and Chiharu sighed softly. He proceeded to work on starting a small fire using dried leaves and small twigs. She interestedly watched him slamming two sharp-edged stones together and pursed her lips when a small fire started to grow. She had not been able to do that when she was traveling on herself.
"We could go back to Kaede's you know?" she asked him rhetorically, but Inuyasha snorted.
"And have her lecture me for nicking a few sake bottles? I don't think so." He answered, taking a large sip from his drink and set the bottle on the forest-floor. "Hell, I want to drink myself into a stupor."
"Is this really a good idea?" Sango asked slowly, but Chiharu could see that her curiosity was spiked. She coughed lightly when she sipped from her drink. "Kami, this is strong!"
"No, no, it's not a good idea." Chiharu answered, sniffing at her cup again. She peered at the swirling liquid with a frown. "Oh, who cares. Why not?"
"Loosening up for one day, huh?" Inuyasha asked her lightly smirking when she coughed harshly and poured himself another cup.
"YOLO." she dryly replied. Her companions eyed her in confusion but didn't comment. After the initial burning in her throat subsided Chiharu realised sake wasn't so bad. She certainly felt more light headed because of it. Leaning comfortably back against the boulder she glanced at her friends. The Hanyō wasn't really bothered by the alcoholic content, but Sango and Miroku both were.
Sango giggled. She was definitely more carefree and after her fourth glass, she attempted to spin around the clearing, nearly dropping into the pond. She laughed childishly, her head tilted back and her hair flying loose around her.
Miroku grinned mumbling lecherous mantra's to himself and after his fifth glass was out cold. Inuyasha barked out a laugh when Sango tripped over her own feet and fell into an undignified heap. Chiharu stared at him, she felt slightly woozy, and he took a swig right from the bottle.
"They're drunk. Yet, we're not. Not really!"
He grinned. "Pesky supernatural metabolism."
"I want to play a game!" Sango exclaimed suddenly, rolling over on her stomach.
"It better not be truth or drink." Chiharu answered, accepting the bottle from Inuyasha and taking a swig straight from it.
"Truth or drink?" Inuyasha echoed and Chiharu slightly regretted opening her mouth.
"It's a game. You ask questions. You either tell the truth or drink. It's easy really."
"Sounds like a plan!" Sango happily decided.
"No, it doesn't."
"Stick in the mud." Inuyasha replied and Chiharu shot a sullen glare at the Hanyō.
"Fine," she snapped, sitting up more comfortably. "Whatever!"
"So I can ask whatever I like and if someone doesn't want to answer, he has to drink?" Sango asked, still rather fast to the uptake, even when drunk.
"Basically," Chiharu nodded.
"Lovely! I like it!" Miroku muttered, he had flopped backwards and stared up at the sky through half-lidded eyes. Chiharu eyed him with wide eyes and she frowned. She'd through he'd been out cold, but he nursed his cup with two hands, and sighed contently. "Nectar of the Gods,"
"Like you'll stay awake long enough." Chiharu muttered, glaring at Inuyasha as he snatched the sake bottle from her hand and poured the liquid into his cup. Shaking her head and crossed her legs she sighed: "All right, I'll start! Sango-chan, who was your first kiss?"
It was an immature question, but she was fifteen. She was allowed to behave like one so now and then and Chiharu grinned when Sango's face scrunched up thought.
"Mitsuri." She told them and Inuyasha chocked on his sake and his cup clattered to the ground.
"You actually kissed someone?" Inuyasha asked slowly.
"Yes," the taijiya nodded, "and otou-san almost killed him for it."
"Overprotective dad, I see." Chiharu nodded. "How about you Miroku?"
There was no response and Chiharu slowly got up to her feet, peering at the Houshi's face. He was completely out and she pursed her lips. "High alcohol tolerance, my arse! Guys, Miroku is out!"
Grabbing both of his arms, she started to drag him away from the riverbank — God forbid he would fall in and drown — before settling him comfortably against the rough bark of a tree. Sango had followed her example and was now leaning back against a tree as well. She grinned happily and clapped her hands together. "So who's your first kiss, Chiharu-chan?"
Although she should have seen that question coming, Chiharu felt her face flush. "I never really kissed someone."
"Really?" Inuyasha demanded and she glared at him.
"Expectations of this time are a bit different from expectations in my time, Inuyasha!"
He raised his eyebrows. First kisses and even sex was a pretty commonplace topic to girls her age, but Chiharu felt hardly comfortable talking about it. For a long time she had thought the whole act disgusting. After Sakura telling her that kissing was basically the same as drinking each other's spit, the act had quickly lost her interest.
"Of course you have not." Sango nodded, a sappy, drunken smile tugging at the corners of her mouth and Chiharu glared at her. She pursed her lips. "Inuyasha,"
"Hey, it's my turn now!" Inuyasha snapped and Chiharu rolled her eyes.
"I don't think it is. It's your turn after you've been asked a question. It is my turn."
"Feh," the Hanyō muttered, "what a bullshit game is this!"
"Right, Inuyasha," she asked and Inuyasha snorted, crossing his arms and grumbled childishly. "Honestly what am I going to ask you?"
"Ask him if he'd ever fantasised about doing both Kikyo and Kagome-sama!" Miroku croaked from his spot and everyone stared at him openmouthed. Inuyasha turned a dark shade of red and he grabbed the sake bottle and chugged it back.
"So much for that answer." Sango snorted before slumping forward.
"Really, Inuyasha! Them both?" Chiharu said, smelling the tang of the raw spirits that splashed down his throat.
"Go to hell!"
"We need your late girlfriend for that, darling!" She answered and he gave her a murderous look. Chiharu grinned, holding her cup up for a refill. The liquid had long since stopped burning her throat and she sipped it. Without Sango and Miroku keeping the game going it soon lost its appeal. Inuyasha and Chiharu were both tipsy now and well on their way on getting drunk.
"The sake is gone." He suddenly admitted and she shrugged. Her head was swimming and she carefully got to her feet, stumbling towards a tree. Slightly Woozy from the alcohol she stretched her legs and felt a sudden surge of power. Apparently alcohol and her ki didn't go well together. Or at least, the alcohol awakened it and she shuddered. Demonic nature and humanity in one might not make the best combination with alcohol, but she felt good and Chiharu moved towards the tree line into the forest.
"I'm going to take a walk through the forest." She declared, turning her head towards Inuyasha.
"Talking about bad ideas…" He muttered and staggered to his feet, following after her. His face was almost as red as his clothes. They stumbled through the forest, tripping over tree roots and slamming into each other. She was laughing, giggling and when she almost fell straight into the Bone-Eater's Well she had to admit that she was drunk now.
"Was that the truth?"
"I beg you pardon?" She asked pleasantly, slumping down against the timber of the well.
"Hard to think you've never done such a simple thing as kissing someone." He decided. "Feh, even I can see what you look like."
"That's so nice of you Inuyasha, you really know how to compliment a girl. I would have chugged my cup back if I had been lying or if I had been unwilling to answer." She answered, leaning her head back against the timber. "Idiot!" she continued lightly and the Hanyō glared again.
He slumped down next to her, his eyes somewhat bleary and she could smell the alcohol on his breath. He had more of it than she had. He curled up on the grass, hugging the Tetsusaiga against his side. "Well, it's not very special."
"It's not?" she echoed.
"Nope." He answered, popping the 'p' lazily.
"Hm, that's a pity." She mumbled and closed her eyes.
He shifted besides her, and when she felt his breath on her cheek she opened her eyes again. His golden eyes, identical to his brother's, stared into hers. He leaned heavily on the timber of the well before slipping a hand round the nape of her neck and kissed her on the mouth. It was sloppy, just a fast brush of skin on skin, but it left her reeling back in shock. Inuyasha slumped back against the well and stared up at the sky through heavy-lidded eyes.
"You see, not a big deal." He mumbled.
She felt her cheeks warm slightly, but her thoughts were muddled and she was tired. Her eyes fluttered closed and her body slumped sidewards. The spring night air was soft and the wind was almost warm. They didn't awake until the sun had risen.
To be continued…
A/N: Well, she does look like Kikyo and Kagome, but don't worry, I wasn't planning on having Inuyasha pursue another Kikyo look alike. This was definitely only spurred on by alcohol. Anyway let me know what you think! I'd love to hear about your thoughts and feelings.
Shippō and Chiharu don't necessarily have a mother-child relationship, but Chiharu really likes children and will want a family in the future. From this chapter on there will be more interaction between Sesshōmaru and Chiharu.
Terms and names:
- Haruki: Har: clear weather/light sun, male, combined with ki: living or brightness.
- YOLO: translated to you only live once/one lives but once in the world (Johann Wolfgang von Goethe). In the 20th century, the phrase, 'you only live once', was commonly contributed to actor Mae West. I took the liberty of using the 21st century phrase, just because I'm somewhat lazy. Either way, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and stay tuned for the next.