Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan, Yomiuri TV, Sunrise, and Viz. The following story is for entertainment and not profit.
Chapter 17: Home, Sweet Hole in the Wall
The moon was setting on the western horizon as they reached the rocky out cropping that hid his home from invading demons. The neko youkai that travelled with the female exterminator landed beside his own stead carrying both exterminators and the monk. Inu Yasha had insisted on travelling by foot, and although fast the extra weight of the miko and the kitsune had slowed him down enough to lag just out of sight.
Miroku spoke first. "We appreciate what you are doing for us, m'lord. Your trust in us will not be ill placed."
"Do not presume, monk. I do not trust you." Sesshomaru could think of no reason not to let them know the truth. "If it was not for this woman I would have killed you all before you reached this point." Careful so as not to be seen by the other guests, Naosu shifted to squeeze Sesshomaru's arm in silence thanks from her place behind him on Ah-Un.
"IF YOU WEREN'T SO HEAVY WE WOULDN'T HAVE FALLEN BEHIND!"
"Well if it's such an inconvenience to carry me I could have gone with you brother."
"Feh! Like I'm going to trust him!"
"Good to know, little brother, for I am not about to trust you either." Inu Yasha came to a sudden stop within feet of the edge of the cliff nearly losing his passengers when he realized that someone else had heard him.
Taking Shippo in her arms, Kagome jumped off Inu Yasha's back. "SIT!"
She felt his arm release as the golden cloud at her feet dissipated leaving only the cool rock of the entranceway beneath them. As she moved a respectable distance from the youkai lord the others began to arrive across from them on the rock shelf that served as a landing platform. Ah-Un arrived first followed closely by the feline and her passengers.
"Oh, this is impressive." Inu Yasha muttered as he jumped from the back of the two-headed dragon youkai, " The great Lord Sesshomaru lives in a hole in the wall."
Naosu glared at the sarcastic comments and was about to retaliate when the icy voice of their host spoke out first. "Miko, if your dog has not learned when to hold its tongue I will see to it that he is properly silenced." Kagomes hand shot backwards to grab Inu Yasha before he proceeded to do something stupid that would jeopardize their fragile alliance.
The uneasy silence that followed was shattered by a squeal of childish delight, " Sesshomaru-sama! You're home!" Not noticing anyone but her beloved Lord, Rin ran stumbling over her own feet towards him to be stopped by a stern look from the youkai. It only took her a moment to realize that Naosu was no longer their only guest. Kohaku found himself smiling shyly at the little girl, his heart warmed by her bubbly personality. Unfortunately it didn't take long for his sadistic memories to remind him of the night he had lamost killed her at Naraku's command. His eyes darkened and he allowed his head to drop as he hoped the innocent child wouldn't remember him.
"Jakken will show you to the guest rooms." Sesshomaru spoke again as he small green toad appeared and looked uncertainly towards his master. Ignoring the questioning look the demon lord, followed closely by both Rin and Naosu, turned and disappeared into the depths of his home.
"Come on you little green rodent. We haven't got all day!" Inu Yasha commanded sharply nudging the stunned demon roughly forward with his foot.
He room was large enough, with plush sleeping rolls layed out for each of them, free standing screens to divide it into sleeping quarters, and a morning meal already prepared as if they had been expected. "Not quite a 'hole in the wall' huh, Inu Yasha?" Shippo teased from the safety of Kagome's arms.
"Feh."