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Chapter 7: Add Salt

"I think this is the place." Kagome muttered holding her daughters tiny clawed hand tightly in her right hand with her black purse hugged closely to her body in her left. They both stood in awe looking at the massive home in a very affluent neighborhood in Paris. The sun was bright that day and shined down upon them that morning. Rin stood with her little pink floppy hat that mimicked her mom's red one. On her back was her pink book bag with her things in there should the meeting go as calmly as she'd hope. Her brown eyes looked up at Kagome with uncertainty reflecting her mother's emotions. Rin was starting to fidget getting nervous by her mother's scent. Kagome looked around and then looked at the paper in her hands with the address she was given and had written down in her sketchy hand writing. She was ecstatic when the older woman accepted to watch her daughter. But now, today was the day that Rin would meet her and to see if the feeling was mutual. Kagome looked back again at the beautiful historic French architecture with long columns and intricate designs in the half moon archways. It sat in a residential area not far from her home but the place was known to be a wealthy neighborhood. If you didn't know it, her white iron gate with dogs on the top around her rose garden was proof enough.

"Who lives here?" Kagome muttered gathering herself before moving forward to open the gate. It creaked loudly upset at being moved so early in the day. She walked slowly with Rin along the freshly clean white sidewalk pass the rose bushes in her front yard. Kagome slowly watched as Rin wanted to walk up the stairs herself instead of being picked up. She held her hands about her carefully watching as Rin climbed with her gapped smile up the steps before reaching the white front porch. The energy around the home was buzzing. She could sense the magic of a miko here and this captivated her curiosity even further. Kagome looked to see a golden door knocker that was in the shape of a sword and an arrow on the front. She looked around for a doorbell but didn't see anything. Suddenly the door was opened and before her was a short old woman with grey curls piled on top of her head dressed in a red dress with a white blouse on. Her skin was wrinkled but she had a glow to her that made her seem youthful.

"Come in, Child." Spoke the woman moving out of the way and ushering the two into her home. Kagome's eyes were wide at the grandeur of the foyer. The high vaulted ceiling with the white crown molding rested above her. A mixture of Japanese and French elements were mixed in showing off a sword plaque on the wall above the entry to a hallway with lots of Asian elements despite it being a classic French home. The brown hardwood floors were beautiful with French style doors that were opened wide from every angle.

"It's nice to finally meet you. My name is Kagome." Kagome turned around and reached out to shake Kaede's hand. Kaede didn't take it but instead bowed to her in a very old fashioned Japanese manner. Kagome's hand hung out foolishly for a little bit before she retracted her hand and bowed to her as well a bit clumsy. The movement felt so foreign having not done so in such a long time. She didn't really realize how westernized she was until she had moments like these.

"Welcome to my home, Ms. Higurashi." She spoke walking forward through her foyer into what looked like a tea room. Kagome looked down at Rin feeling her tiny body move closer to her legs and hold on tightly. Kaede smiled down at Rin. "And you must be little Rin. Such a beautiful little one you are."

"Thank you for your help, Ms.-"

"Please call me Kaede." She interrupted ushering Kagome to take a seat on a cushioned white couch in front of a display of morning refreshments. Kagome sat down and moved her purse to the side of her. She picked Rin up and placed her as well beside her.

"Ms. Kaede your home is lovely." Kagome stated envious of her living arrangements. Her décor reminded of being back home amongst her family and the shrine. There were lots of dark woods and simple furnishings that left the space seem very large and empty.

"This old thing. I prefer either the castle or my hut." She waved before pouring her a cup of tea. Kagome looked confused but quickly remembered the woman was indeed older by more than a few hundred years. Kaede also had a smaller cup for Rin and poured her some as well. "Do not worry its decaffeinated." She stated with a gentle smile handing it over to Kagome to handle. They drank tea gingerly as Rin sat close to her mom holding onto her skirt. Kagome watched occasionally as Rin stalked the treats on the table but clearly she was far the nervous to venture. They spoke a little bit exchanging tidbits of information and Kaede informed her that there would be days when she would be absent due to her husbands travels. Apparently her mate was a demon which shocked Kagome but also made her feel relaxed. Her husband was a blacksmith and an expensive one at that. Kaede showed pictures that she had of her children and grandchildren which eased Kagome's spirits regarding her being taken with Rin. Kaede then took them both on a tour of her home showing Kagome a nice sized play room already filled with little dolls. She had a beautiful big kitchen and separate dining room table that looked able to hold a feast. She had a large living room with plenty of spots for Rin to crawl through and explore. Her backyard was huge with a beautiful garden of different flowers and ponds with fish inside. The place was truly a work of art with a taste of masculinity in certain rooms. Kaede led them back to her tea room to discuss specifics and any concerns Kagome had.

"Let me say again how thankful I am for your help on such short notice." Kagome stated watching Rin grow bold and crawl off the couch. Kagome reached for her again but Kaede held her hand out to stop her.

"Let the pup roam. It is in her nature. She is a jackal hanyou. Dog instincts are very strong. It is best to let them be when curious." She stated watching Rin fondly sniff the room but never straying too far from Kagome's side. Kaede smiled sipping her cup of freshly ground Sencha. Rin sniffed while touching a few items that captured her interests watching everything as if she had discovered a completely different universe. She turned to look at Kagome who looked ready to hop off the couch to protect her from the world. Kaede reached over and patted her hands catching her attention. "I can tell ye are a beautiful mother. Not many would take one as their own especially one of another kind that doesn't even share your blood. I thought that fool of a pup was kidding when he told me about you. But, I had to see for myself."

Kagome smiled returning Kaede's pat. "It's been hard but I love every minute of it." She stated looking again as Rin crawled on the floor clearly forgetting about her state of dress. Her pamper was showing but she was smiling and very happy moving under a small wooden table sniffing. Rin came out the other end and signed to her glee.

Kaede looked at Rin again with warm eyes watching Kagome sign back to her. "We will be just fine. I've raised many pups after my miko days. The Tashio family has kept me busy for many years even after my own pups." She stated fondly.

"Tashio?" she asked trying to remember why the name felt so familiar. She could have sworn she heard it somewhere recently.

"Yes since Lord Inu No Tashio was a pup down to his own pups Shiori, Inuyasha, and Sesshomaru. I've attended to them all."

Kagome sat shocked as the name Sesshomaru hit her. She thought of Shiori and Inuyasha's looks how they all favored each other. Even Sesshomaru favored Inuyasha in a way. She felt truly like an idiot. Sesshomaru Tashio…Inuyasha Tashio…Shiori Tashio…They were all royal members of the Western Family in Japan…her own birth country. The one she vowed to leave and never return to after the devastation. They also knew Rin's father and mother as she remembered they were there at the funeral. Her mind flashed to their faces seeing as they all were strikingly alike. And then her mind flashed to Sesshomaru when he was dining with his fiancé in her restaurant. Had I been away for that long that I don't know the royal families? Rin is from one. She wanted to throw up. It all made sense now. Then she gasped looking at Kaede before fumbling for her checkbook.

Kaede looked to see her go pale in the face. "You alright dear? Would you like water?"

Kagome pulled out her checkbook from her purse. She wasn't sure she could afford it as she looked around the house again. There was no way someone as good as Kaede would take her measly amount. But, she would just call her sister and brother and tell them the situation. They were adults. After all she planned to tell them her choice anyway. Kaede saw her but immediately put her hand over her shaking ones. "Put that away! There will be none of that."

Rin came closer to Kaede and sniffed her. Kaede sighed happily pulling away to lift Rin up watching her nose wiggle. Rin held onto the woman before nuzzling her nose in her wrinkled rouge cheeks. Kagome sat stiff unsure of what to do now. She looked at her checkbook again while holding her pen tightly in her hands. She could pay for if she had a break. She just needed to let somethings go and the world would correct itself she reasoned as best as she could. So many thoughts roamed her mind and she pitifully put her head in her right hand dragging it down her face.

Kaede bent down to pick Rin up before standing. Kagome was shocked to see how strong the woman was to do so. Kaede looked delicate and frail but clearly underneath all that fabric was muscle. Then she looked as Rin held on enjoying Kaede's company as she walked around the room with Rin sniffing everything. Kaede turned around to Kagome. "We are going to be just fine, young miko. Now you go to work. We will begin the day exploring my garden together." She said bouncing Rin up who signed for her mom happily. Kagome signed back asking her how she felt. Rin smiled and laid her head on Kaede signing that she liked how Kaede smelled. Kagome laughed at this and told Kaede.

"Oh my." Kaede said happily looking to Rin. "I like how you smell as well." Kaede signed shocking Kagome as she thought Kaede could not use sign. Kaede looked to Kagome and smile. "Ive been doing this for years. "Now we have many adventures to go on and I'm sure one of the Tashio's will be by to spoil her at some point."

Kagome hesitated knowing it was best to not get so emotional about their separation. Otherwise, Rin would claw with tooth and nail to get to her feeling her distress. Literally. She had been warned several times about her aura and temper. That she had a close connection with her pup and that any negative emotion would cause concern for Rin who would find the situation an unsafe one and seek to be with her parent. She had learned the lesson the hard way the first time she got Rin a babysitter. She never apologized so profusely for Rin in her life. She bit the poor woman…hard.

Kagome grabbed her things but left Kaede her little guide to Rin along with all her emergency contacts. She also ripped the check she had made out of her pocketbook and left it on the table regardless of what the woman said. Kagome always prided herself that she could take care of herself and do what needed to be done. She quickly gave Rin a kiss before signing that she would be back and her love for her. Rin reached for her but Kagome quickly tried her best to be strong and rush out the door with the little courage she had left. She missed when Kaede took the check and placed it in her fireplace before singing a song with Rin. Upon hearing the door click behind Kagome she sighed feeling the stress in her shoulders. Kagome focused on her breathing and controlling her aura so it would not be a hinder to Rin. Quickly she made her way down the steps trying her best not to go back and get her baby. Her black heels clicked along the pavement harshly as she all but ran down the sidewalk and out the gate.

Blood could not make them any closer than they were. Kagome felt like she was leaving her heart behind. It was always like this especially when Rin cried or was upset. Whenever she saw a tear fall from Rin's eyes she thought about that dark day when they came together. The day she pulled her body out of the grimy water and held her close to her body waiting for hours under the sun for help to come and rescue them off of the rooftop. She walked a bit quicker feeling her eyes sting and she felt shaky suddenly. Her throat got thick and it was becoming hard to swallow. Along the route to the restaurant she stopped several times wanting to turn around and get her child. But where would she take her? Kagome rationalized in her head that Rin deserved better and this was as good as it could possibly get. No professional in France could help them. She exhausted all her resources. Kaede was a god sent angel and she would be insane to turn her help down. Now Kagome would be given an extension so she could look into that American therapist who could help Rin possibly with her fears and speech.

Of course Kagome was still going to pay her what she originally agreed upon. She also silently vowed that she would throw in a little extra for being available on such short notice. Kagome's heels were loud as she became lost in her thoughts. Her body was on autopilot after she turned down a block she recognized. Her mind then wondered to the whole Tashio thing. How could she have not known? Inuyasha…who has a name like that? Only the Tashio's. Kagome slapped herself on the forehead. She thought about the night the woman came demanding for a table. She stood firmly on her ground that she handled that situation without any regrets. She was no different than any other patron. Things happened all the time that people didn't like but it was best to just accept it like the rest of humanity and move on. But the woman had to go tell her 'fiancé'. Like he could do something? Kagome rolled her eyes wondering if he had balls or did he hand them over when he found out that he was getting the short end of the stick in his mating agreement.

Kagome walked forward digging into her purse to find her phone. She needed to have a conversation with Inuyasha. Too much was sitting on her chest already. Her fingers dug until she was forced to look inside her purse. Her body jerked suddenly having ran into someone. Her hand immediately went to her red hat to keep it onto her head. The sound of their heels stumbling was heard. However a strong hand gripped her arm holding her upright.

"Ooff!" She grunted before backing away spewing a string of apologies. She wiped the hair from her face and put her purse down to make sure the couple before her was fine. "I'm so sorry!" She stated looking to see the woman she had ran into. Her long black shiny hair was curled in beautiful big locks hanging down her shoulder as she gripped the hand attached to her waist. The woman's head was down and her eyes were blocked with shades. Her fingers came up to take them off. She looked gorgeous staring into the eyes of the older man with long silver hair, facial markings, and golden eyes. Features that couldn't be mistaken to belong to just any family. Kagome blinked feeling her mouth run dry.

"I'm quite alright dear. Just a bit shaken up." The woman stated patting the demon gently letting him know as well that all was calm. The older woman looked her in the eyes before Kagome could react she pulled her into a hug and squealed. Kagome stood stiffly as the woman praised her in French before pulling back to kiss her cheeks.

"I'd recognize this face anywhere!" The woman stated. Kagome braced herself in case she needed to defend herself verbally. The woman rubbed the tall Inu Lord's hand affectionately saying a whole string of French speech. "I've been wanting to meet you! My name is Izayoi and this is my mate Touga. But of course you know that." She introduced rather informally. "I've eaten at your place in Japan many times before you closed it. Please let me get you a coffee. It is the least I can do to say thank you for showing Kaguya the door!" She stated as the demon beside her laughed.

"I don't know why you're laughing. This is your fault after all. " Izayoi stated frowning. She leaned forward to Kagome as people walked by interested. Some started pulling out their cell phones to take pictures which was making Kagome a little uncomfortable.

"I'm so sorry to bump into you like this." Kagome stated trying to move around them so she could escape. "I'm just in shock. Forgive me. I have to go to my rest-"

"I'm sure your famed establishment will run well for a few minutes." The great dog general spoke ushering her into the coffee shop that they were about to enter before they were crossed. Izayoi grabbed her hand and proceeded to pull her forward. She looked at them as she was practically pushed inside clearly having no further say in the matter as the dog had spoken.

"But I really got to go. I just came to drop my pup off." She stated hoping to convey her emergency. She felt like a nervous wreck now. She felt so ignorant and off her rocker a bit as Izayoi pulled them into the rather sophisticated café to a booth in the back clearly having claimed the space in advance. Izayoi pushed her down in the seat and proceeded to sit across from her while her mate sat down beside her.

"Yes, yes we know. Kaede told us all about your pup and her taking up pup sitting. After this we were actually going to visit her." Izayoi spoke excitedly. "I haven't bounced a pup in a long time. I hope you don't mind." She stated looking to her mate who looked away at the menu in front of him as if he never been here before.

Kagome grew nervous now. She had just separated from her little girl. She didn't know how she felt with more strangers being around her baby. Touga smelt her nervousness and curiosity swelled inside of him. He knew the scent very well. The woman was surely protective of her pup. He would need to talk to Izayoi about pumping her breaks a little. He watched the young mother take off her red hat and place it on the seat next to her along with her purse. The woman looked rather familiar he had to say. He looked at her face and he could see dark circles and stress lines in her face. It bothered him to see this. His nose took in her scent and smelt nothing but her natural scent and shampoo. No mating mark or anything. Where was the father? She had a pup. What demon would leave the mother and his child unprotected and pupped? Maybe this was the cause of her stress?

Izayoi quickly ordered coffees for them all and small little delicacies before she dived into her topic of interest. "I'm so pleased. You have no idea how ecstatic I am to meet the woman that told that wretched woman no."

Kagome blushed at her words before clearing her throat. Her face hardened and she became to lioness before him. Her round chocolate eyes hardened into steel and he was impressed. "I was just enforcing my policy which has been the same as it had always been. That woman came into my business not caring of the rules and preceded further to insult my staff after they explained to her those rules which she could have read before coming in." She explained.

"If I could have been a fly on that wall…" Izayoi stated hitting her mate's shoulder as he sat nodding his head in agreement.

"I do miss your restaurant in Tokyo. Why did you close it? It was as I have seen doing very well. " Izayoi said as their drinks and goodies were placed in front of them.

Touga watched as Kagome's body became physically stiff in her chair. She looked up at the waiter and thanked him before picking up her spoon and pouring a bit of cream inside. She rubbed her lips together looking out of the window into the rising sun biting her lip. "Well I found a better life here in France is all. There was nothing left for me there anyway."

Izayoi sipped her drink. "Oh…well I do hope you would reconsider. I would of course love to endorse your establishment if given the opportunity. Otherwise I'd have to travel all the way home here to France to have a proper French meal." She sighed feeling her mate hold her to him. "Well anyway tell me all the night Kaguya came. I want to hear in great detail as it may be the last time I hear such a tale." She stated staring expectantly at Kagome.

Kagome shifted in her seat with a small smile growing. "Well…"

Kagome rushed across the busy street to her restaurant quickly. She was ready to get changed into her chef attire and begin cooking to work off some of her frustration and stress. She looked in her purse for her keys before deciding to flex her aura to have someone let her in. Miroku was at the door immediately. He opened it wide for her to come in. She greeted him affectionately kissing both his cheeks before she stilled. Everyone was moving quickly putting away their plates and bowls from their rather early lunch. Never were they this quick especially if a member was running late. But that wasn't what stopped her. Everyone came at her to greet her. They passed their kisses and hellos quickly before leaving into the kitchen as she slowly made her way out of the foyer into the dining room.

"Inuyasha...Shiori…what are you doing here?" She asked as the twins came to give their greeting. She saw something on the table that was immediately snatched away by her new visitors. Shiori stood up quickly grabbing her purse. Her nose sniffed the air recognizing her parents scent and she seemed to visibly pale. Inuyasha looked a little uncomfortable as Jack was sitting a bit too close to him for his liking saying something that she couldn't pick up. He saw her and stood up as well but kept his hand behind him.

"Well you don't need a reservation to eat with the staff." Shiori said coming to give her greeting. Kagome watched Inuyasha's hands tighten behind him and she knew something was up. She looked at her staff as they all rushed around with little frightened and serious faces.

Kagome moved cautiously to kiss Inuyasha on the cheeks to greet him. Inuyasha smelt her scent knowing that somehow she came in contact with his parents and he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. Her peach scent was very gentle and he found himself leaning into her introduction. Kagome could feel him stiffen at her proximity and very carefully her hands snuck to his own.

"Kagome-" He muttered as the paper was snatched out of his hands. Kagome backed away as the twins shared a look and fled into the kitchen. Both pushed each other trying to get out of the way. Even Myoga was there looking rather grave holding a paper in his hands. Kagome watched them now even more curious as to why they were acting so strange and afraid. Everyone was silent and she could hear the air conditioner cut on. She looked in her hands to see the newest issue of Fricote Magazine, a rather esteemed magazine for cuisine and chefs in France. It circulated well around the city and she had been featured several times for various topics inside. The book looked rolled having previously been handled a lot. She looked at Shiori and Inuyasha as they stared at her with grim faces. She bit her lip and flipped through it seeing something of interest with her restaurant inside.

Inuyasha let out a loud growl before he began to mouth off. "Kagome…listen…the fucker is…"

Kagome frowned flipping frantically to the page where the Shikon Jewel was mentioned. Her lips grew tight and thin. Her eyes scanned the page numbers until she came across a full blown article about her menu included with the picture of none other than Sesshomaru Tashio looking as dismal as ever. Everyone watched now having stopped moving to see her walk forward towards the table with her eyes roaming the paper. She set her purse hard on the table as she read all the way down. Time seemed like it had stopped and the air was impossible to inhale. She let out a heavy sigh rolling it up and placing it on the table.

"It's his opinion…so what?" She stated grabbing her purse and making to leave. She didn't see what the fuss was all about. They had a few critics that came and have gone that spoke low of her place and food before. Many were jealous the others didn't agree with her management policies. However, the fact that she was still standing and having the clientele that she had spoke volumes. Her food could stand on its own.

"Ahem" Myoga stated coming over and resting a few papers in front of her. She looked down and picked them up. Her eyes got wide to see her establishment in a number of publications with his views on the front page. Bank came out and laid one down followed by a crinkled paper from Miroku. They watched as her hands started shaking and her aura swelled. Her hands went through them all unbelieving what she was seeing. Angrily she slammed the articles on the table.

"Where the hell…does he get the balls!" She yelled her eyes sharp like blades. "My foie gras is delicious and anyone that believes otherwise clearly has the taste buds of a fly." She stated grabbing her purse and marching into her kitchen ranting. The sound of pots and pans banging was heard causing everyone to jump. "HOW DARE HE!" She yelled as the two twins rushed out of the kitchen in fright to Bank's side using him as protection.

Jack blinked looking at the doors swinging where their boss had went into. "Oh my." He stated placing his hand on his chest dramatically. "That went rather well…don you think?"