My homemade Etoufee (not too spicy for those with the sensitive palates) to the reviewers: bleedingangel95, Sharelove, missmeow1968(*Blushes*), Blitza and Alexiz tutsi. Ya so a little late, again... sorry. But end of Book one. Book two will start up end of May so you guys are in for a wait. Fully warning you though so, gimme kudos for that?
~Yasha's Sis
Circumstance
Book 1: Land of Iron
Chapter 45:
Stubborn Fang
InuYasha didn't do farewells.
So when the time came to leave, InuYasha was fully prepared to head out the door with the red haired devil without a backwards wave. These people didn't like him. They liked what adulations he could gain them through his ability. He didn't need to waste his breath saying bye when most of them would be happy to see his back.
"InuYasha-sama!"
The former hanyou paused at the familiar voice and turned to see Etsuko sprinting to his side. The girl beamed at him, chest heaving and bowed low, hands thrust out with a package held in offering. It was long and slim and he recognized the shape as well as any who had handled a blade case.
"Please travel safe, InuYasha-sama. Take this as a token of our admiration."
InuYasha didn't move to take what would undoubtedly be a sword: something very precious to a Samurai and only given when one has completed their initial training. InuYasha hadn't earned his yet, or at least that was the impression even when he managed to draw blood from that lying old bastard.
Oromori's voice was kind. "This was meant to be presented to you on your third year of tutelage. While, you have not learned all there is to be a Samurai, your swordplay has progressed to the point where you have earned your own blade."
InuYasha swallowed thickly but didn't move. This was way too symbolic for him. Oromori should hate him, InuYasha sure as shit didn't make his life any easier.
"It would mean much to Etsuko-chan if you would accept it." Oromori added as he slipped into his own bow. "She bound the hilt herself."
InuYasha's heart gave a painful twinge and he grasped the wooden case holding his new weapon.
When was the last time that he had been given a gift? Did he even deserve it? He'd been nothing but standoffish with this kid and yet she went out of her way to do things for him. Whenever she looked concerned over one of his less than ideal matches, InuYasha found himself offering the physically older girl a smile just so she'd stop looking so damned sad. Other than that, he kept his distance. They were all culpable for his torment in staying here against his will and he made it plain that they better stay out of his way or face his rather considerable wrath.
She never did though.
"Thanks, kid." InuYasha grunted out finally, trying to keep his voice from letting on how touched he felt.
Etsuko straightened and smiled proudly. "I hope this blade serves you well."
At Oromori's insistence, InuYasha opened the case, griping on being rushed, and stared at the gold and black bound hilt. The sheath was bone white and smooth to the touch, he couldn't tell if it was actually made of wood or real bone and when he slid the blade free it sang. The blade was a soft matte grey, like marble dusted in ashes.
"Chakra conductive metal," The red haired devil commented with a whistle. "Mifune-jii certainly wasn't sparing any expenses."
InuYasha couldn't stop staring at the light reflecting off the blade, he missed Tetsusaiga so much it physically hurt just then.
"What will you name it, InuYasha-sama?" Etsuko asked marveling the blade as well.
InuYasha thought about naming it after his father's fang but decided against it. Nothing could replace Tetsusaiga in his mind, but this blade was worth a meaningful name all the same. It represented people like Oromori and Etsuko who pushed through his gruff nature and made him see their worth.
They were stubborn and so was this fang.
"Gankona kiba."
(A/N): Thoughts? Comments? Concerns?
Book 1 FIN!
Book 2: Lots of travel, lots of fighting because what is War?
~Yasha's Sis