AN: And we're back to Kagome for the time being! I wanted to catch little Shippo up and continue from there.
The last few hours seemed to have flown by, but the three women were enjoying each others company too much to stop now. Tea pots had come and gone, stew had been had until bellies were stuffed to bursting. Kagome sipped what felt like her ninth cup of tea, listening to Fumi talk about the current state of things. She found that the woman was easier to handle now that she was calmer and not bouncing on the pillows as much. Kaila was quiet, but once she found a topic she was interested in, the woman was just as chatty.
It was nice - filling the silence easily and Kagome found herself smiling over the rim of the cup. It was strange to smile despite the news she was being told - the current happenings were certainly cause for concern. On large band of demons had raided Kaede's village, bringing with them death and destruction. According to the 'lore' that the women knew, for they hadn't seen it themselves.. The village had been razed to the ground, with every able body moving to defend it.
Those that had gained notoriety for the aventure to return the Jewel into a whole piece, and then subsequently destroying it had risen to the attack. The details were hazy, as they had been spoken from villagers who had witnessed it, and then passed second and third hand. It reminded Kagome of the 'Telephone' game that she had played once in school. The information she had been given obviously couldn't be trusted in the finite details, but the general overall information, sure.
The gist of it was that the band attacked and even though they rose to defend it, it wasn't enough. A handful of villagers had arrived, escorted by those that had fought, and some integrated themselves into Hikigan, while others had moved on. It saddened Kagome, because the rumor was that their miko had fallen in the attack, and she herself knew Kaede had passed... given her grave marker.
"What of the rest? Where did they go?"
"Well.. I don't really know. I suppose they likely went after that demon clan.. It was said that they were all most upset."
Kagome figured that would be the case given the loss of Kaede and the village itself. She wouldn't put it past Inuyasha to chase that group of demons to the end of the island and all the way to the continent to try to strike them down. It almost made her laugh -and likely would have if she hadn't been so worried. In these stories, there had been no mention of Shippo or Kirara. It left a feeling of melancholy but she pushed it aside.
"Do they visit this village at all?"
"No.. Not that I'm aware of at least - I don't think they've come." Fumi shook her head, looking to Kaila before she also shook her head.
"No.. I haven't seen them.. I think the villagers would react strongly if they returned.. Those that stayed at least."
"I see..What about demons? Fumi mentioned attacks on this village.. Are those still constant?"
"Well, yes and no.. We have warning bells when someone spots a demon, so we all shelter in the headsman's compound.. I think its the only safe space... They don't come around as much anymore - but demons are thick in the forests."
Kagome hummed, glancing at the two before feeling an itch, a need to be outside. She was suddenly far too cramped, stuck inside for way too long... It was something that made her want to get out - but perhaps it was the topic matter.
"I don't remember demons being this prevalent in my last trip through this area."
"They weren't.. Inuyasha's forest was a sacred place that demons usually stayed away from.. But after the Jewel was destroyed... they got more and more frequent. I don't know why.. But with the village destroyed... It was chaos... And got a lot worse." Fumi had heard of slayings in the villages nearby - and had been aware that a pair of slayers had come to her own village.. but they were all small demons. Nothing serious. Not like it was now.
"How is it you know of the forest, but not of Inuyasha himself?" Kagome was curious - the mixed signals she was getting where driving her insane.
"It's because he was pinned for 50 years.. His legend is everywhere in this region... Don't go into the forest or you'll be eaten by the ghost of the demon that haunts it." It was Kaila that spoke, offering the information she knew of the legend. "Or.. so I was told."
"I see... " Kagome trailed off, letting her mind wander as the light fled and the only light they had to see by were small lanterns and the dying lights of the hearth to see by. She shifted in her place for the third time, adjusting where she had been sitting to encourage blood circulation back to her feet and legs. It was about then that the reed mat was pushed open and a flying mud ball launched at her screaming in a voice she knew all too well.
"Kagome!" The voice if not the bushy - if muddy tail, gave the boy away. She could see his tears sparkling off the firelight and wrapped her arms around him, having thrown herself into the flying tackle.
"Shippo!" He clung to her kosode and she had no intentions of removing the small demon from where he had clung. His tears wet her cloth, and her own wet his hair, but she couldn't be bothered to stop them. "Oh, Shippo..." She nudged him and he shifted to hug his arms around her neck, her own going around his little body and holding him close.
Kagome knew she ws squishing him, but honestly? An act of God wouldn't pull her away from the small child who was hiccuping into her shirt, nor she who was crying yet again into his hair.
"You came back, 'Gome... You came back..." Kagome shifted her grip slightly, but only so that she had some wiggle room and rested a hand on his mud covered hair, stroking down darkened strands that she knew would be auburn once they were cleaned. "I m-m-missed you, g-g-gome.." Hiccups racked his small frame, but she didn't let him go - shifting only to draw her legs up into a cross legged stance so she could bend and support the demon.
"I missed you too, Shippo.." Kagome lifted her hand and gently brushed his bangs back, her own eyes red and puffy - the tears that had slid down her cheeks matching those of the little demon in front of her. Both had equally red noses - and when they got a good look, they both offered watery laughs. "How... why are you so muddy?"
Fumi and Kaila had sat in silence, watching with twin expressions of happiness and their own tears at the reunion of the little fox demon and his priestess friend. It surprised them to see him here, but Fumi supposed it shouldn't - considering who she was. She flapped her hands lightly at Kaila to get her moving.
"Lady Kagome.. I have a spare futon and some blankets that you can use for your stay here? If you would like?" She wondered if the woman would be able to disengage herself from the rather muddy child to be able to sleep... but would make sure they were available just in case.
"Thank you, Fumi... I'll go get this one washed up and we will come back.. I appreciate your kindness." Kagome got to her feet slowly, still holding Shippo against her chest, high up so that his head could rest against her shoulder. Both were still crying - but the waterworks had slowed to mere sniffles. Turning to leave the building, she pushed the reed mat out of the way and headed towards where she knew the stream was.
"Shippo... why ARE you covered in mud?"
"It's so I don't smell different... Easier to hide." His little hands were fisted in her collar, but she wasn't going to force him to get down anytime soon. "I missed you.. 'gome." Now that he was done crying, she could tell he was giving in to the after cry fatigue that came with it.
"No sleeping yet... We need a bath first." Then she would get him tucked in and then would drag every ounce of detail out of the little demon she could. He got a short nap in as she walked to the river, but once they were there, the woman jostled him lightly. "Off with your clothes."
Shippo, more awake than before pulled his pack off and gently sat it down before taking off his vest, shirt and pants, handing them to the raven haired woman. Knowing what came next, he stepped up to the river and stuck one toe in. The demon shuddered and cringed back, but Kagome gave him a raised brow and he sighed, stepping in and splashing himself to get the mud off before focusing on his tail.
Kagome knelt and scrubbed the kitsunes clothing clean, rubbing it against itself as clouds of dirt floated away to wherever the river was going to lead. When she got Shippo's clothes clean enough, Kagome laid them on a rock to drip dry a bit and went to the little demon to help him clean his hair. Sure, it was the middle of the night - but she wasn't going to let him go to bed dirty... The idea of that made her shudder slightly.
They both worked in silence, with the fox demon sniffling occasionally right along with Kagome. When she got him clean, she lifted him up and hugged him, tucking her face into his hair and inhaling the scent that reminded her of forest candles. "I missed you Shippo... I really did." The priestess didn't care if her shirt was getting wet - gathering his clothes and keeping the young child where she could hold him and carry his clothes with the other hand.
His arms were once again around her neck, his hair and tail dripping water with each step, but the tail hid everything unfit for public from view, and otherwise he clung to the woman he thought of as his mother without complaining of the faint goosebumping of his damp skin in the breeze. "I missed you too 'gome... You're not gonna leave again, right?" The question was so dejected that she had to laugh softly and shook her head, tugging him closer and squeezing him.
"No, Shippo.. I'm not leaving anytime soon." She tried not to think about the fact that she doubted she COULD get back to her home... But it reared its ugly head and the thought sank its fangs deep into her quiet contemplation. What would happen to her mother, Souta and grandpa? With her fall into the well, did it lock the ability for Demons to get through away? What if another came and she wasn't there to stop it?
"Kagome?" Shippo's voice broke her from her worries, and the woman smiled down at him, forcing one upon her lips.
"I'm okay Shippo.. Just tired." The look her gave her told her he knew she was lying, but he didn't comment on it, and neither did she. The pair made it to the larger building from earlier, and when they entered, the fire had been raked, and a table moved to make space for the futon that sat open with blankets folded on top. Shippo grinned and bounced out of Kagome's arms, running to the bed and flopping himself down on it with a happy sigh.
"Ahhhh... a real bed.." Kagome grinned at his exclamation, hanging his clothing on one of the pot hooks near the fire, pushing it to where the garments would dry from either heat or dripping.. but wouldn't burn. "Not some stinky old tree!"
"Do you sleep in trees normally, Shippo?" Kagome walked to where the bed was and grabbed the blankets, tossing them in the air to unfold them before letting them settle across the futon... And she was struck by how similar a situation this was to what she had at home when she made the bed. A lump was in the center of the blankets and began to move around until Shippo popped his head out with a gasp for breath.
"Yea, Inuyasha taught me!" He went from vibrant and exited to frowning so fast she almost missed it. Sitting down cross legged on the mat, she pulled the dish with oil and wick closer so they could blow it out easier and pulled the fox onto her knee, wrapping a corner of a blanket around him.
"Why so sad, Shippo? What's wrong?" He held the blanket close to him before launching at her and she found her chest once more full of fox demon. Kagome decided that if they were going to tear open obviously painful wounds, they best do it lying down. She stretched out, pulling blankets up over her and turned to her side to prop her head up on a hand, hugging him close with the other. "Shippo?" Her hand ran over his hair, working his bow out of the strands and setting it to the side so she could thread her fingers through the red mass.
"I'm sorry 'gome! I just...I'm so scared." She frowned, her expression softening before she rubbed his back, trying to comfort the little demon. One hand still worked through his hair, and she knew that if he was anything like her, it was a very calming gesture.
"Why are you scared, Shippo? What happened to the others?" Dread had started to set in, and her heart was hammering away in a staccato beat she knew would lead to another panic attack if she wasn't careful. So far she had had enough to distract her so her anxiety hadn't been horrible.. But here.. knowing Shippo was alone and he was upset by what had happened...
"Inuyasha lost himself... He's a Demon, Kagome! A REAL Demon!" His little hands came up and rested on either of her cheeks, his eyes wide and tear filled. "He went west last time with Sesshomaru.. 'Gome.. he didn't even recognize me." Or Kirara, Sango and Miroku. Probably not their children either, but they hadn't been around so he didn't know for sure.
"How...? Isn't the Tessaiga supposed to keep his demon blood at bay?"
"Yea, but it didn't! He was holding it and he just... changed...It was really scary." The little fox started to shake and she shifted her grip, tightening him against her chest and curling her legs up around him.
"It's okay, Shippo. We'll find him and we'll set things right.." She could only hope that her promise didn't have to be broken. Kagome drew the blanket up over both of them, shifting so that the littlest of fox demons was in a blanket 'cave' and looked down at him. "Get some sleep, Shippo... We'll start bright and early and get everyone back together."
Snuffling, he nodded, wiping his nose on his arm and she sighed, using a corner of the blanket to do that. "Sleep.. I'll be right here watching over you." Kagome didn't relax until tiny fox hands latched onto her white haori and he burrowed in close. The priestess lowered the blanket around his trembling form and wrapped him up in her arms.
She knew that sleep wasn't something she was going to get much of that night.. between making sure Shippo knew she wasn't going to go anywhere, and worrying herself almost sick about Inuyasha. What had happened to make even the Tessaiga not work? And where was his fathers sword now? She had made a promise to Shippo and looked up towards the roof, as if she could see the stars beyond. Please don't let me have lied...
Kagome swallowed the bile that wanted to rise, looking down at the red hair of the fox that was sleeping fitfully, but sleeping. Her hands shook, and she knew her heart was pounding and could only hope that it didn't wake up the little demon in her arms, considering his head was shoved against her breastbone. Having someone to comfort helped to keep her own anxiety at bay, and that was something she was pleased about. Hopefully here in the feudal era, she would be able to focus enough to be able to get a handle on it.. Maybe.
Dawn came, and with it, her eyes blinking open to clear the blur from them. Kagome felt crusties at the edges of her eyes and groaned, reaching up to remove them. Guess that's what she got for crying off and on most of the night. Shippo was still asleep, and much to her pleasure, he was snoring, a small sound as he inhaled, but it was better than last night. His hands weren't locked around her clothing, but she did have a strand of her hair wrapped around his fingers.
"Shippo.." Kagome reached out and rested her hand on his fat little belly and shook him lightly, giggling when he yipped and kicked a foot. "Shippo.. Time to get up." She was no demon, and it didn't take demonic hearing to know that the village was already getting up to greet the day. It wouldn't be long until Fumi came to open her tea shop.
"Five more minutes 'Gome." He rolled over and nuzzled into her chest before lapsing back into sleep. She was reaching out to shake him again when he popped his eyes open and sat up, staring at her as if he'd seen a ghost. "G-gome?"
She reached out and closed his gaping jaw with a finger and a smile before planting a kiss to his forehead. "I'm still here, Shippo. I promised, remember?" The tears that gathered at the edges of his eyes had her smiling and she lifted him into her arms to go collect his clothing. "Get dressed, we have a long way to go today." A long way indeed. The west was easily a couple of days of travel if not longer.
Shippo was pulling his vest on when the reed mat opened and Fumi stepped in. She had her hair pulled back into a high ponytail that had been looped into the ribbon holding it. Her yukata today was a light, pale green. It left Kagome wondering what the original color had been as it had faded into a rather pretty shade now. "Good morning, Fumi!"
"Good morning Lady Kagome, Master fox." She had decided that if Shippo was traveling with and as familiar with Kagome as he seemed - offering him respect was warranted. "Did you two sleep well?" Based on the bouncing of the small demon as he raced back to the raven haired miko, she assumed so.
"We did, thank you, Fumi.. Shippo, turn around and lets get that mop of hair tamed." When she knelt to the floor and the fox sat in front of her, Fumi was struck by just how much of a 'mother and son' image they made. Which, she supposed, shouldn't surprise her given how the pair had reacted to one another the night before.
Kagome threaded her fingers through Shippos hair and got it into some semblance of order before retying the ribbon and puffing the edges of the bow up. "There.. Perfect!"
"Thanks, 'Gome!" He then ran back to the fire where Fumi had left a pot of stew and helped himself to a bowl, making the two women chuckle.
"Insatiable appetites on the little ones."
"Especially when they're demons.. Shippo, did you ask Fumi if you could have a bowl?" Arms crossed over her breasts, an eyebrow arching as the small fox paused, seeming to shrink into himself before he put his bowl down and came up in front of Fumi.
"Miss Fumi.. May I please have a bowl of soup?" His toes were digging into the dirt and he had his hands tucked behind his back, staring down at the hole his foot was digging at the threshold. She bit back the squeal and nodded.
"Of course, Shippo. Help yourself."
"Thank you!" And he was off again, dashing for the pot. A glance to Kagome showed the woman had both eyes lifted to the heavens as if praying for guidance... or patience.
"Lady Kagome? What are your plans for the day, if I may be so bold as to ask?"
Kagome went to collect the bedding and fold it, much to Fumi's embarrassment, but she didn't argue with the Miko - one did not argue with Mikos. "Well, I suppose I should take a look at the headsman's compound... See why the demons can't get access to it."
"Oh! I know I know! Itsh caush Mirofu push hish shtickersh!" Kagome looked at the red head who was perched on the counter, bowl in hand and spoon halfway back to his already full mouth.
"Shippo.." Kagome arched a brow at the small fox, her expression darkening as she straightened from where the bedding had been folded. A loud gulp preceded his quiet apology, using a towel to dab at his face in an attempt to be civilized. "That's better.. I know I taught you manners."
"Sorry 'Gome... But.. As I was sayin'. Miroku put his charms on the buildings of the Headmans Compound to protect it! Bein' that this place is so close to Kaede's an' all." His words were tumbling out so quickly, Kagome wasn't surprised that he didn't register that Kaede's village was no more.
"I see.. Well - that should be our first stop then, shouldn't it?" With a nod, his mouth once more full of food, the priestess turned away to look at Fumi. The woman obviously struggled to hold in her laughter and Kagome felt her own smile twitch up in response. "I can't pay you for your hospitality right now, Miss Fumi... but I will when I return.. I thank you for your assistance while we stayed here." She bowed at the waist, wanting to express her gratitude in some fashion.
"Oh! Well.. Uhh.. that's.. that's not required, Milady.. You are more than welcome to stay here and partake in our offerings whenever you wish." Fumi was stuttering her words and flapping her hands, and it almost made Kagome smile as she rose from her bow, but she didn't want to give a joking aspect to her appreciation.
"But, it is. You're going out of your way to feed and house us without reconciliation." It gave her an idea, and she smiled, looking around the home. "If you would permit me, I could place a blessing on your business? I don't know if it would be as good as Miroku's Sutras, but It might help?"
"That would be wonderful, Lady! If you wished to do such a thing, I would be more than happy to consider your debt to me ... that you insist to have paid." She was smiling, her laughter tumbling from her lips with the answering smile and conspiratory wink from the Priestess. "That would be just fine.."
Kagome giggled, glancing at the fox demon who was after his second bowl of stew. "Shippo.. Keep your butt planted right where you are. If I find you've made trouble for Fumi I'll make you your own Kotodama." The warning was enough for the kit to blanch before he nodded and very slowly worked at his second bowl of stew.
Stepping outside, Kagome found it almost painfully bright and had to blink the stinking away from her eyes before she looked around, taking in the village in daylight rather than afternoon and dusk. With a hum, she walked the perimeter of the building Fumi had and smiled, standing at the back face. It was an easy thing to work a ward - not as strong as a paper charrm, but it would work for a while.
She hoped long enough to get Inuyasha back and to retake control of the forest so the villages had less demon attacks to worry about. One hand held in front of her face, two fingers skyward and the others folded, she made a sign with her opposite. Words tumbled from her lips, a chant Miroku had once taught her as she infused her power into the mark. Walking along the outside of the structure, Kagome repeated the process at each corner, in the center of each wall, and over each window and door opening.
When she was done, she felt the slight hum of her power around the building, and felt it when she crossed over the threshold. "There, that should do it. It won't affect any humans that come and go, but those with holy powers will feel the barrier as they cross under it.. and those mischievous demons will need to be walked through by yourself or another human." Kagome smiled when the woman's eyes got wide and round before bowing. "No need for that, Fumi.. Consider it a debt paid.. I don't know how it will hold up to a physical attack - I hope well enough to keep them away.."
Most demons shied away from the powers of a Miko or a Monk. Kagome looked to Shippo who was still right where she left him and laughed, holding her hands out. "Come on, Shippo. We've got a compound to inspect and a long road ahead of us." His eyes widened before the grin split his face.
"We're gonna get Inuyasha!"
"Yes, yes we are.. Lead on, Fumi.." Kagome cradled the full bellied fox in her arms and followed the woman from the building, feeling Shippo shudder slightly at the feel of her powers against his skin before it was done. They made their way across the village, heading towards the center where a set of one story buildings lay within a stone fence.