Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha, or anything associated with it. I have written this story solely because I enjoy writing.
Chapter 4: Plans for the Future
Wincing as a loud, unfamiliar noise filled his sensitive ears, InuYasha looked up into the skies above, trying to spot the source. Within moments, the half-demon caught sight of a beam of light stabbing down at the ground. A beam of light that was moving closer to their general position. As he narrowed his eyes at the strange thing, Kagome hissed out, "Oh, great! Looks like we've got company!"
"What is it, Kagome?" InuYasha growled, perfectly aware of how bad their position was. They were still fairly close to the shattered remnants of Jinnai Maximum Security Prison, having made their way along the rocky surf until they had finally found a section of cliff that looked safe enough for him to climb while carrying both Michiru and Kagome on his back. And even then, the ascent had been difficult at best; the cliff face was composed of jutting stone with few potential foot and handholds, and would have been difficult to scale even unencumbered. With Michiru completely drained by battle, he was barely able to keep his grip on InuYasha, even with Kagome's assistance. Forcing InuYasha to move slowly, and with a great deal more caution than he would have normally.
Glancing over his shoulder at the good friend that clung to him for dear life, InuYasha then looked back up at the unidentified craft. "Must be a police helicopter," Kagome muttered tersely, tightening her grip on both Michiru and InuYasha. "It's probably heading towards the prison. To find out what happened."
Which means that it's not heading our way, InuYasha realized, narrowing his eyes in determination. At least, not yet. Still, he knew that they couldn't afford to waste any more time in getting away from there. For if there were people searching the prison, then it was all too likely that even more coming to search for any surviving prisoners or prison personnel. And even though he knew that there were no survivors, there was still a danger that they could be spotted. Something he knew his modern friends couldn't afford to have happen.
Considering the situation, InuYasha glanced back at the Kururugi boy clinging to him. "Michiru, how are you holding up?"
Taking in the sight of the wan expression of friend, a face that was taut with strain and exhaustion, the half-demon watched as he managed a weary smile. "I'm…I'll be fine, InuYasha," Michiru told him. "Just…we better get going."
Despite the fact that he knew Michiru was more drained than he let on, InuYasha knew he couldn't afford to waste time. While he wasn't afraid for himself, he knew that the lives and livelihoods of his human friends would be imperiled if their abilities became common knowledge. So after taking a moment to make sure that his grip remained secure, as well as Kagome's grip on them both, the half-demon continued his ascent, caution foremost in his thoughts as they slowly made their up.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the unlikely trio reached the top, and were soon back amongst the towering buildings of Tokyo. "Whew. I was beginning to think that we'd never make it back!" Kagome grumbled as they made their way into a dark alley. There she helped Michiru off of InuYasha's back, and then eased Michiru down to sit against a building. Mopping her brow, she then looked at her half-demon friend. "Any sign that the police spotted us?"
"Eh, doesn't look like it," InuYasha grumbled, looking up at the sky. "Those giant metal wasps of yours are still hovering over there."
"Helicopters…actually," Michiru corrected his friend. While InuYasha grunted dismissively, the Kururugi boy went on. "I wonder how they're going to explain what happened there?"
"I don't know," Kagome admitted. "I'm just glad that there isn't anything left of Ryokage…or the people there." Kikyo's reincarnation shook her head sadly at this. "I don't even want to think how their families would react to…what happened to them."
Family. That was a concept that was more-or-less foreign to InuYasha. He had virtually no memories of his father, his half-brother Sesshomaru was a lethal assassin that would kill him and his friends, and his mother…
Wincing at this, at a memory of loss that had been branded into his very soul when he had still been a small boy, InuYasha did his best to force his mind elsewhere. "Just so long as they stay over there," he growled beneath his breath. Then he heard a beeping sound, and looked over at Kagome, only to frown as he saw the cell phone in her hand. "What are you doing?"
"I'm calling Wyvern to pick us up," Kagome answered as she finished dialing. "Remember? He told us to call him so he could pick us up after the battle." Then she gave the half-demon a sarcastic look before adding, "Besides, we're a lot less likely to be spotted in a car than if we're being carted around on your back across half the city."
Not even wasting the time to try to think of a comeback to this, InuYasha nodded. "Right, right. Good…" Before he could complete his sentence, the silver-maned warrior's mind went blank…just before he stamped his foot on the ground. "Aw, dammit!"
Sitting up a bit straighter, Michiru looked up at his friend. "InuYasha?" he asked meekly as the half-demon snarled and expressed his sudden anger. "InuYasha, what is it?"
"Wyvern!" InuYasha spat, swinging his eyes about to meet Kagome's and Michiru's eyes. "With everything that happened, we forgot to grab his Jewel Shard!"
Stifling a gasp of annoyance or surprise, InuYasha couldn't tell which, Kagome brought her cell phone up to her head. "We'll deal with it later. For now, all I want to do is get back home. Preferably before something else goes wrong!" When he snorted at this, the reborn priestess gave him an apologetic look. "Look, I'm sorry, InuYasha, but we'll have to forget about it for now." Smiling hopefully, she added, "We'll ask Wyvern about it later, okay? Maybe we can work something out with him."
Yeah, right. And since when has getting a Jewel Shard ever been that easy? InuYasha demanded inwardly. Despite his ire, however, he knew Kagome had a valid point. The welfare of his friends was his primary concern, and it would be a while before Michiru was able to move about without assistance after that battle. So he contented himself to wait as Kagome advised Wyvern as to their status and location, venting as best as he could with his pacing and grumblings.
A few minutes later, InuYasha heard a car approaching, and saw headlights cutting through the night. His anger and impatience momentarily forgotten, the half-demon advanced through the alley, careful to stay within the shadows. When he finally reached the edge of the darkness, he halted, his hand on Tetsusaiga's hilt. Glancing back at his friends, he saw them tensing, completely alert and as ready as could be expected.
"Is it Wyvern?" Kagome wondered, her voice just above a whisper.
"I'll find out," InuYasha returned gruffly. Looking back towards the approaching car, he watched as it drew steadily closer. Until at last it drew to a halt and the driver's side door opened, revealing a familiar figure.
"Kagome?" Wyvern called out as he looked aimlessly about the darkness. A moment later, a flashlight lit up in his hand, the beam of which was soon waving this way and that. "Kagome, are you here? Michiru? InuYasha?"
"We're right here!" InuYasha growled, grumbling inwardly about how long it had taken the American to get around to mentioning him.
"Whew! Am I glad to see you!" Kagome announced as she came closer. "Did anybody follow you?"
Shaking his head, Wyvern answered, "No, but I did have some trouble getting here. The police are setting up barricades all over the area." He then jerked his thumb at his car. "We better hurry. The longer it takes to get away from here, the more likely we're run into more trouble!"
"Yeah, tell us something we don't already know!" Releasing his hold of the Tetsusaiga, InuYasha gruffly stomped his way back over to Michiru's side. "C'mon! We have to get moving!"
Giving a shaky nod to this, Michiru tensed as he started to rise. "R-right," he answered, the strain of moving clear on his face as he carefully braced himself up. But before he could make any real attempt to stand, he found InuYasha's arm under his shoulder. In one easy motion, the half-demon hoisted the Shikigami User to his feet.
"I gotcha, Michiru! Don't strain yourself!" InuYasha told him. Giving his friend a moment to collect himself, the two of them started forward, with the half-demon making sure that his friend remained stable with every step.
"InuYasha…" Kagome muttered disapprovingly. From the sound of her voice, the half-demon was momentarily wary; that particular tone was frequently followed by him being smashed right into the ground. To his relief, however, she instead sighed wearily before going on ahead to the waiting car. "Wyvern, get the door open."
"Uh, right! Of course!" In a moment, Wyvern had the back door open, and as soon as InuYasha and Michiru came up to it, Kagome assisted the Shikigami User as he stumbled his way inside. Once the half-demon had joined his friends, Wyvern got back behind the wheel and started the car.
"Here we go, everyone," Wyvern muttered as he back the car out of the alley. "Just be sure to keep your heads down…and hope that we don't run into the police on the way out of here." InuYasha looked over at his friends, who winced somewhat. The half-demon growled deep in his throat, for while he didn't believe overly much in fates and fortunes and what-not, he knew that now was not the time to risk jinxing themselves.
Fortunately enough, it seemed that the fates weren't to be tempted that night. Wyvern quickly navigated the streets leading away from the shattered prison, and even though they spotted red and blue lights flashing several times, and the sound of the awful sirens that the police used hit InuYasha's ears more than once, but before long, all these things faded away as they left the coastal area behind.
At last, and none too soon for InuYasha's taste, Wyvern finally announced, "You all can sit up now. I haven't seen any police for about ten miles now."
"About time!" InuYasha grumbled, sitting up immediately. Kagome was somewhat slower to do so, and even peeked about before rising up completely. As for Michiru, he groaned in protest as sitting up, and when he did so, he slumped back on his seat in obvious relief. "How about you, Michiru? You okay?"
"Me? I'll be okay," Michiru muttered wearily. "More tired than anything else. That battle…"
"Heh. I heard that!" InuYasha grinned. He knew full well the toll that the Light of Judgment spell took on his friend; the fact that Michiru had remained conscious and even in the battle was a testimony to how much stronger he had become in the months since he had journeyed with them. "I don't know about you, but I sure could use something to eat."
Frowning at this, Kagome glowered at the half-demon. "InuYasha! How can you think of food at a time like this?" InuYasha opened his mouth to counter her…only to be cut off by a loud gurgle of hunger that sounded between the two of them.
As one, both reborn priestess and half-demon looked at Michiru, whose cheeks were currently burning. "Uh…" the Shikigami User muttered, his voice rife with humiliation. "I guess it's…pretty easy." Then he gave Kagome a rueful look before adding, "Especially when you're starving…"
As the three of them looked amongst themselves, Wyvern chuckled, smiling helplessly. "Well, Kagome, I'd say you're outvoted in this matter. And given the circumstances, I'd say it's perfectly understandable." Glancing over his shoulder at them, the American asked, "I don't suppose your folks would mind if we stopped at a noodle shop or something for a bite?"
"Of course not. I…" Kagome began, but broke off when Michiru groaned, smacking himself on the face. "Michiru, what is it?"
"I-I'm sorry, Kagome, but…I just remembered…" Michiru muttered, shaking his head as he spoke. "My family…I told them that I would be back this afternoon. With everything that's happened, I forgot, but…they're probably worried sick by now!"
Her brow furrowed, Kagome looked hard at Michiru. "You mean you haven't told them about your powers or any of that?"
"Of course not!" Michiru grumbled. "I mean…when was I sent back to the Feudal Era, I came back home at the exact moment I left, so I never had to explain anything!" His expression becoming downcast, the Kururugi boy added, "Not that I'd even know how to explain all of this to them…"
Frowning, InuYasha looked up at Kagome. Though there was much he didn't understand about the modern world and the people that populated it, he did understand much about difficult secrets, as well as the terror that a person could feel of those things ever being revealed. At the price those secrets could ultimately demand. Even as he thought these things, Kagome nodded. "I know what you mean," she murmured gently. "I remember when I first wound up in the Feudal Era. If Sota hadn't seen the demon that dragged me down the Well, I don't know how I would have ever explained what happened to either Mom or Grandpa when I got back." Narrowing her eyes in thought, she studied Michiru for a time, as if trying to figure out the best thing to do. "Wait…when you got permission to go out with us today, what exactly did you tell them?"
"Only that I'd be going to the civic center with some friends," Michiru answered. "Why?"
"Well, then, why don't you call them? Tell them that things ran late at the civic center?" Kagome offered.
"Or better yet, you could tell them that you were forcibly delayed as a result of the…incident there," Wyvern offered. "I don't doubt that the events surrounding Ryokage's rampage there have already been aired on the evening news."
Michiru turned several shades paler at this. "Oh, no, that's right! I didn't even think about that, but…if they heard about that, then they must be going out of their minds right now!" Newly energized, the Shikigami quickly got out his cell phone. "I better call them, let them know I'm alright!"
"Good idea," Kagome murmured while Michiru hurriedly dialed his phone. "I just hope you don't get in any trouble because of this."
"Same here," Michiru admitted somberly as his phone buzzed.
I don't believe this, Michiru thought as he listened to his cell phone ring over and over again. Dreading the sound of his parents' unhappy glares more than he did a demon's attack.
Before his adventure back in the Feudal Era, Michiru had read plenty of shonin and Western comics, and had seen the very situation he was now in more than once. The hero, having defeated the Villain of the Month, would be forced to deal with the consequences of having a secret identity, and make up some outrageous story to tell his friends and family to explain why he or she wasn't around or was late or whatever. And while Michiru had given quite a bit of thought to how he would explain his lengthy disappearance over the course of his adventure, he had absolutely no idea how he was going to get out of this particular situation without being grounded at least until he was ready to go to college.
The really pathetic part is, I used to think those scenes were funny. Frowning over the fact that the proverbial shoe was now on the other foot, Michiru almost jumped out of his skin when he heard someone on the other end pick up. Keyed up because of exhaustion and residual adrenaline, he sputtered out, "Uh, hi! Um -!"
"Bro! Is that you?" Wincing at Kaname's panicked voice, the male Kururugi twin tried to speak before she cut him off. "Where the heck are you? Are you at the hospital? What's going on? I -!"
"Sis, please!" Michiru cut in, suppressing the urge to put his hand over the phone speaker. "I'm okay, really! I...are Mom and Dad there?"
"Yeah, they're here! But, bro, what's going on?" Kaname demanded. "According to the news, half the civic center got blown to blazes! And we just heard that this prison on the coast was completely destroyed! Mom and Dad have already called the police to see if they could find you, and they said they were too busy! They -!"
"The police? They called the police?" Glancing unhappily at his friends, Michiru cleared his throat before speaking again. "Uh, look, Kaname? Could you get Mom or Dad and put 'em on? I think I better clear up a few things."
His sister gave a sharp laugh at this. "Bro, that is the understatement of the century!" Somehow conveying the image of her ruefully shaking her head over the line, Kaname then told him, "Okay, just give me a second."
"Okay. I'll be right here," Michiru returned. Then he placed his hand over the receiver, glanced at his friends, and said, "This isn't looking good…"
"Yeah, I got that idea!" InuYasha muttered gruffly while Kagome gave him a smile of purest sympathy.
A few seconds passed before another voice was heard. "Michiru! Is that you?"
"Uh, hi, Dad. It's me," Michiru confirmed, having no idea of what else to say just then.
"Thank goodness! Are you alright?" the Kururugi matriarch asked, his voice carrying with it concern and control.
"Uh, yeah! I'm…I'm fine! Really!" Michiru told him, trying very hard not to sound drained and battle-wearied. Shifting nervously in his seat, he then asked, "I…I guess you heard about the civic center, huh?"
"How could I not know? It's been on just about every channel for the past hour!" Mr. Kururugi exclaimed. "Half the building was wrecked in some kind of explosion. The police are still trying to make sense of what happened there!" A beat passed before he spoke again. "What about you, son? Were you there when…?"
"No! No, I wasn't there. I…I didn't even see what happened," Michiru lied, wishing he was as skilled at that as Miroku was. "My friends…we were at a restaurant when it happened, and…well, things have been kind of crazy since then. I…"
"Wait. Hold on, Michiru. Your mother wants to talk to you," Mr. Kururugi told him. "Here you go."
"Thank you," came the voice of Michiru's mother. Then a weary sigh escaped her lips as she said, "Thank goodness you're alright, Michiru! When…when we heard about the civic center, we…!"
"I…I'm sorry, Mom. Really," Michiru told her. With a load of guilt settling down upon his shoulders, he told her what he had just finished telling his father. "Anyway, I'm sorry I didn't call you before now. But with the police all over the place, I…things have been pretty crazy in the past couple hours. And I…"
"I know, I know," Mrs. Kururugi assured him. "I don't know if you've heard about this, but…the Jinnai Maximum Security Prison…it was just destroyed."
"Yeah, I heard about that," Michiru answered. Then, deciding to try and act more like a normal teenager, he asked, "But…does anyone know how it happened? All I heard was that there was an explosion or something, and…"
"It's a lot more complicated than that," Mrs. Kururugi reported somberly. "The police have cordoned off the entire area, and the governor has declared a state of emergency."
"She…she has?" Michiru gaped. While he wasn't surprised by this, he was taken aback by how quickly this had gone into effect.
"I'm afraid so," Mrs. Kururugi confirmed sadly. "Michiru, where exactly are you? Can you get back home before 9:00?"
After a moment's thought, Michiru shook his head. "Uh, no. No," he replied. "But…why? What happens at 9:00?"
"The governor has put a curfew in effect," Mrs. Kururugi told him. "The police are on full alert for whoever or whatever destroyed the prison, so they have ordered that everyone has to be off the streets by 9:00." The Kururugi matriarch sighed lowly before adding, "Anybody caught breaking curfew will be arrested. Possibly even charged and fined."
His eyes going wide, Michiru slumped back into his seat, bringing his hand to his forehead. Oh, man. I knew this was a mess, but this…! he thought somberly. Looking up at his friends, he pressed his lips together, considering the matter for a moment before speaking. "I…I understand. Listen, could you hold for a moment?"
"What is it? What's going on?" InuYasha demanded as Michiru placed his hand on the receiver.
As quickly as he could, Michiru relayed what his parents had told them. "There's no way I'll be able to get back home before 9:00, even if we head there right now! The shrine's too far away. And if we go there, then I don't see how you could get back home before the curfew," he informed his friends. "Kagome, I…I really hate to ask you this, but…do you think it would be okay if I stayed over at your place? Just for tonight?"
"Of course it will be okay!" Kagome told him, acting somewhat annoyed that he even had to ask. "Whew! I knew that battle was a nightmare, but…a curfew?"
"Yeah. I knew this world of yours was crazy, but this is too much!" InuYasha muttered.
Deciding not to waste time saying anything about that, and knowing that keeping his mother on hold for much longer would certainly be ill-advised, Michiru took his hand off the receiver. "Uh, Mom? Sorry, but…I was just talking to one of my friends. And…well, would it be okay if I spent the night with them?"
"Your friends?" Mrs. Kururugi repeated, her displeasure clear. "Uh…I don't know. Michiru…are you sure you can't get back before 9:00?"
"I'm sorry, Mom," Michiru answered. "Believe me, I would if I could. But…"
A deep sigh was heard on the other end of the line, and was followed by indistinct conversation. Realizing that his parents were discussing the situation, Michiru contented himself to wait. And so he did, until at last his father's voice was heard. "Michiru…are your friends with you right now?" A puzzled noise echoing in his throat, Michiru needed a moment's thought before he was able make a sound of confirmation. "Could you put him or her on the line for me?"
"Uh…okay…" Frowning pensively, Michiru looked over at Kagome, and held out the phone. "Um…Kagome? My dad wants to talk to you."
"Your dad wants to…" Kagome started before she broke off, her mouth hanging open. After taking a moment to recover, the raven-haired girl shrugged and took the phone. "Okay." Placing it to her ear, she smiled and said, "Uh, hi, Mr. Kururugi. This is Kagome Higurashi." Michiru couldn't make out the conversation that then took place. All he could hear was Kagome making brief responses, like 'yes, sir, no sir, okay', and similar talk. And his father's words were too muted for him to make out at all. All he knew was that, after what felt like forever, she handed back the phone. "Here."
"Uh, thanks," Michiru replied. Half-tempted to ask her if his father was angry or something else, he instead put the phone back to his ear. "Dad?"
"Michiru…normally I wouldn't allow you to stay out like this," Mr. Kururugi began somberly. "However, given the circumstances, I can't think of anything better to do. So you can stay at the Higurashi Shrine tonight, but only under two conditions." The Kururugi patriarch paused, as if letting tension build up. "The first is that you call us as soon as you get there, and in the morning when you're ready for me to pick you up."
"Okay," Michiru nodded. "And…the other condition?"
"That you try not to get yourself into even more trouble between now and tomorrow morning," Mr. Kururugi said, this time with a bit of humor to his words. "Your mother and I have had a bad enough time, worrying about whether or not you were still alive. I refuse to put up with another day of that!"
Unable to help himself, Michiru chuckled. It was just like his father to set up him up for a laugh such as that. "Sure thing, Dad. I promise, I'll call you as soon as I get to Kagome's place."
"Very good, son," Mr. Kururugi answered. "In which case, I guess I'll hear from you fairly soon."
"Sure will, Dad. And tell Mom and Kaname that I'll be home as soon as possible," Michiru replied. When his father assured him that he would, the Shikigami User broke the connection and closed his phone. "Whew!" he sighed, once again relaxing in the car seat. "That's a relief!"
"What'd your old man say, Michiru?" InuYasha wondered. "Can you stay over with us?"
Nodding, Michiru answered, "I have to admit, he took it a lot better than I thought. Though I get the feeling that Kaname's going to have a lot of questions when I get back tomorrow."
"Kaname?" Kagome repeated blankly.
"My twin sister," Michiru replied. "I think I mentioned her a few times back in the Feudal Era, and…"
"Yeah, that's right. You did," InuYasha confirmed. "Remember, Kagome? When we first got to Kaede's Village?"
"Oh, right! I remember now!" Kagome confirmed. "Shippo came out disguised as me, and you thought that we were twins as well!"
Nodding, Michiru relaxed as the memories rolled back into his mind. "Yeah…it sure has been a while."
As the three of them looked amongst themselves, thinking of times past, their pleasant moment was disrupted by the sound of someone's throat clearing. "Um, excuse me. I do hate to interrupt, but I feel as if I should bring up a few key points," Wyvern commented. "First of all, if what you said is correct, and that a curfew is in effect, then we cannot waste any time in getting to your home. The second is that…I have no idea of where exactly your home is."
Her eyes popping open, Kagome returned, "Oh, you're right! I forgot! Here, let me give you the address."
As soon as Kagome relayed the specific information, Wyvern nodded. "Good. We should be able to get there in plenty of time, but that's not the only thing we need to discuss," he informed them. "While your mother gave me the rough details as to who you all are, it seems that there's still a good deal that I still don't know. And that I would very much like to learn. Like, for starters, what it was that you were doing at my signing to begin with?"
The three of them looked hard at Wyvern, then at each other. "Oh, right," Kagome murmured, a drop of sweat rolling down her head. "Um, actually…"
"Actually, that's just fine with us," InuYasha grumbled, his words sharp with annoyance. "As a matter of fact, there's a few things we wanted to talk to you about as well."
"I suspected as much," Wyvern replied. "In which case, why don't we start discussing them? It's not as if we don't have the time."
Frowning pensively, Kagome looked at her friends for a time before eventually sighing. "Well…okay. I guess you deserve that much," she finally decided. "But do you mind if I called home first? I think I should tell Mom and Grandpa that we're going to have a lot of company tonight." Then she gave the two boys a rueful look and added, "I better warn Mom to have dinner ready while I'm at it, too." As if in response to Kagome's words, Michiru's stomach once again sounded, this time louder than before. "Maybe I should ask her to have plenty of food ready, too."
"Uh…thanks, Kagome," Michiru replied, his cheeks burning once more.
It wasn't long before Kagome managed to explain the situation to her mother. As she expected, Mrs. Higurashi was more than happy to prepare food and lodgings for her unexpected guests. And once she was done with that, she helped Michiru and InuYasha give Wyvern a brief explanation as to who they were, what they did, their connection to the Feudal Era and the danger they had faced there.
When the three of them finished their narrative, Wyvern wore a face of consummate delight on his face, one that virtually glowed in the rearview mirror. "So…let me see if I have this straight," Wyvern the American finally said. "InuYasha is half-demon from Feudal Japan. Kagome is the reincarnation of a priestess from that time. Michiru is a magican capable of manipulating Shikigami, and the three of you travel between this time and the Feudal Era, via a magical well?"
"They can. I can't," Michiru corrected Wyvern, still feeling somewhat sore on that subject. "The magic that brought me together with my friends is long gone."
Whether Wyvern failed to notice the angst in Michiru's voice or was simply ignoring it, Kagome couldn't tell. Nor was she given the chance to ask, for the author then asked, "And the reason you came to my signing was because…you were hoping to learn more about the Shikon Jewel Shards?"
"That's right," Kagome replied with a nod, surprised that Wyvern was taking this all so well. Then she reminded herself that he had born witness to an actual demon, as well as the destruction that it had caused. "We haven't been able to find any of them since we defeated Naraku. We were hoping that we'd find out something at the signing or from your book that would help us track them down."
"I see," Wyvern nodded. "So the legend of the Sacred Jewel of Four Souls is true?" A grin of delight was seen spreading itself across his face in the rearview mirror. "Then my research was correct! It wasn't just a legend! The Shikon Jewel and its powers were all real! Amazing! Absolutely amazing!"
Worried about Wyvern's sudden enthusiasm, Kagome cleared her throat sharply. "And that's…not all." Glancing over at InuYasha, at the impatient scowl decorating his face, Kagome sighed before making the leap. "While we were at the signing, we…noticed that you had some…special artifacts on display. Including…a real Sacred Jewel Shard."
Kagome watched as Wyvern's eyes went wide in his rearview mirror. "Wait…you mean that…the Shard that was encased in amber? It's actually genuine?" Visibly startled by this revelation, Wyvern shook his head slowly. "If that's the case, then it's a good thing that it was encased in the amber. If Ryokage had been able to claim it for himself..."
"I know. We probably wouldn't have been able to stop him if that had happened," Kagome admitted. InuYasha opened his mouth to protest, but before he could say anything, Michiru stopped him with a meaningful look. As the half-demon scowled, Kagome continued, "Listen, I know that I'm asking you a lot, but…"
When Kagome trailed off, the silence left in her wake spoke volumes. "You want the Jewel Shard, don't you," Wyvern spoke in a way that showed that he wasn't asking a question. When Kagome nodded slowly, the author seemed to consider her. "And if I don't give to you, what then? Are you planning on stealing it from me?"
"And what if we are?" InuYasha responded before the others could stop him. "It's not like it's doing you any good, just sitting around in a glass case!"
Turning to glare at the half-demon, Kagome found herself wishing that they weren't in a car. There was no way she could afford to 'sit' him right through the car floor. "InuYasha…!"
"That might be, InuYasha," Wyvern admitted, heedless of Kagome's glare. "Still, I disapprove of theft. Especially when there are much better ways of getting what you want."
"Yeah? Like what?" InuYasha growled.
The American cocked his head to the side, seeming to consider that for a moment before he finally said, "Well, you could try saying something like, 'Mr. Wyvern, could you please give us your Sacred Jewel Shard'?"
The silence that followed this statement was deafening, leaving Kagome unable to do anything but look about at the others. As a result, she was treated to the rare sight of InuYasha with his mouth and eyes wide open, dumbstruck and utterly silent. Smiling in relief, the reborn priestess took that look and filed it permanently in her memories before looking up at the American. "Mr. Wyvern, could you please give us your Sacred Jewel Shard?"
Wyvern smiled warmly at this. "Why of course, Lady Kagome. The truth is, you'd be doing me an immense favor by taking it off my hands."
Again, the three of them looked amongst themselves. "We will?" Michiru asked perplexedly.
"I'm not deaf. I heard Ryokage back in the civic center, after he woke up. I know that it was your Jewel Shards that gave him the strength he needed to escape. And it seems to me that such an artifact is far too dangerous to simply tote around just anyplace," Wyvern stated brightly. This time, it was Kagome who flushed with humiliation as she looked down at the bottle of shards that still hung from her neck. "Besides, as you said before, InuYasha, it's not doing me any good to hold on to it." He then glanced down at the clock that sat well in view of them, he then said, "And seeing as we still have half an hour before 9:00, I think we can safely stop at the civic center and collect the Shard before we have to head for your home."
If anything, the three of them were even more surprised by this statement. And thus were silent when Wyvern asked, "So…is anybody up for a quick stop at the civic center? Because I suspect that, the sooner we secure that particular artifact, the better we'll all feel."
"Heh! You got that right!" InuYasha declared, baring his fangs in a smug grin.
Frowning pensively, Kagome turned to the half-demon. "InuYasha, I'm not sure this is a good idea. If we get caught out after curfew, it'll mean big trouble."
His grin immediately turning upside down, the half-demon promptly exploded. "What, are you kidding me, Kagome?" InuYasha demanded, his expression a cross between furious snarl and incredulous glare. "Just how often have we had someone willing to actually give us a Jewel Shard? You're really gonna pass this up?"
"I'm not saying that," Kagome replied, holding her hands up before her. "But don't you think this can wait until tomorrow? It's not like people in this world care too much about the Shikon Jewel."
"But I bet they care about some fancy piece of junk some rich guy keeps in his collection!" InuYasha declared. "I've seen enough of this crazy world of yours to know that there are still plenty of thieves and bandits running here! And if you think I'm gonna give some lowlife bastard a chance to develop sticky fingers, than you're out of your mind!"
Her features tightening at this valid point, Kagome tried again. "But, InuYasha, the civic center's guarded! I'm sure that the police will be keeping an eye on things!"
"Perhaps, Kagome, but I'd really feel better getting the Jewel Shard back and into your hands as quickly as possible," Wyvern broke in before InuYasha could do more than open his mouth to counter her. "Besides, and as much as I hate to admit it, there's always a chance that sticky fingers might show up. Even on the hands of the police."
Oh, great! You're taking his side? Kagome thought, immediately annoyed. Something that was made even worse by the smug look of triumph that was currently adoring InuYasha's face. As if he isn't insufferable enough! Groaning deep in her throat, she looked up at the author. "Maybe, but I still don't like it. We've already had enough trouble tonight." Glancing over at the other person there, she asked, "What about you, Michiru? What do you think?"
The worn Shikigami User heaved a deep, weary breath, his eyes flitting about as he considered this question. "I'm sorry, Kagome, but I have to agree with them on this," he finally admitted. "We've already seen the damage even one Jewel Shard can do, and with all the horror stories you've told me about them, I think it'd be best if we got this one back as fast as we can."
Gasping in disbelief at this clear lack of common sense from someone she would have expected to know better, Kagome grumbled, "But the Jewel Shard is still encased in amber! It's perfectly safe!"
"For now, maybe. But that doesn't mean someone can't pick it up and hack the Jewel Shard out later!" InuYasha grumbled. "Look, Kagome! The more time we waste debating this, the less time we have to get the Shard and get back before this stupid curfew of yours!"
"First of all, it's not my curfew! And second…!" Kagome began, only to groan in disgust. She was outnumbered, and neither Miroku nor Sango were there to help her hammer some common sense into the thick skulls of the others present. "Alright! Fine! Whatever! But just don't come crying to me if we get busted by the police!"
"I would not dream of it, Kagome," Wyvern told her as he spun the wheel about. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'd better start pressing the speed limit to the limit!"
It wasn't long before Kagome discovered that Wyvern wasn't kidding about this statement. Less than a moment later, his car surged forward so fast that she found herself pressed against her seat. The following road trip was quite possibly one of the least pleasant experiences of her entire life, even compared to some of the battles fought in the Feudal Era. He took every turn at speeds way, way too fast for her sake, and she doubted he used the brake so much as once. By the time they pulled in back of the civic center, Kagome felt as several shades paler and several more years older.
"Damn! That was some driving!" InuYasha grinned as he and Kagome got out of the car. "Where'd you learn to get one of these metal wagons to move like that?"
"I've traveled the world, conducting research for my books, InuYasha," Wyvern declared as he stepped out and started towards the tattered civic center. "And I've encountered more than a few people who made it clear that I was not welcome with weapons of all different shapes and sizes." Curling his lips, as if remembering some past adventure, the American paused and turned towards them. "Now, just give me a moment. I'd best make sure that the path is clear before you two go in."
"Right, sure," Kagome grumbled. "It'll give my stomach a chance to catch up with us."
Chortling at this, InuYasha turned to look inside the car, where Michiru still sat. "You okay in there?"
"Can I open my eyes yet?" Michiru asked meekly. "I'm not opening them again until I'm sure we're not moving."
Laughing despite herself, Kagome put her hands to her hips. "Yes, we've stopped moving," she informed him. "And maybe this will teach you to listen to me instead of just barging ahead and -!"
"Kagome! InuYasha!" Somewhat annoyed by this interuption, Kagome looked at Wyvern, who was waving for them to join him. "I've cleared the path! We'd best move quickly, before the guards show up!"
"Right." Turning back to his friend, InuYasha said, "You just wait here and rest, Michiru. We'll be back before you know it."
"I'm not moving, InuYasha," Michiru informed him, his eyes open and a wearied smile on his face. "Trust me, I'm not going anywhere!"
Giving his friend a low chuckle, InuYasha turned and started towards the center, with Kagome right behind him. "Maybe we can get Wyvern to take it easier on the accelerator on the way home," she muttered beneath her breath as they made their way towards the ruined portion of the center. "At this point, I think I'd feel safer dealing with the police than another round of Wyvern's driving!"
Snorting in such a way that made it clear that he didn't deem this comment worthy of some form of comeback, InuYasha continued until they caught up with Wyvern. The American was standing at the door of the wrecked hallway, artifacts and displays still strewn all over creation. "Ugh. This certainly is a mess," Wyvern commented sadly. "I think I'm going to be cataloging and sifting through debris for at least a week before everything's settled. And I don't even want to think about the number of artifacts that might have been destroyed."
"I bet," Kagome concurred sympathetically.
"You can worry about that later. Right now, we have more important things to deal with," InuYasha declared. "Kagome, can you sense the Jewel Shard?"
Furrowing her brow, the reborn priestess looked about the expanse. "Just barely," Kagome finally admitted. "Remember, the amber hides a lot of the Shard's power. And there's still a lot of energy left over from Ryokage's rampage, so it's even harder to sense it."
"What about the compass?" Wyvern wondered, giving both Kagome and the artifact in question a knowing glance. When she met his gaze, the American shrugged and explained, "As we've already seen, the compass can detect demonic power, even from great distances. Perhaps it can point out the Shard for us."
Taking hold of the compass and dangling it before her eyes, Kagome considered the idea. "I guess it's worth a try!" she finally decided before closing her eyes in concentration. As before, the compass lit up with divine power, the arrow spinning about before sending out a beam of purple light. "Over there!"
"Heh! I'm on it!" InuYasha grinned, moving about the debris until he finally reached the indicated spot. Bending down, he dug through the mess, tossing bits and pieces of wood and junk this way and that. Finally, less than a minute into his search, the half-demon cried out in triumph. Rising to his feet, he held up a glittering object above his head. An object the compass marked with its beam.
"Ha! Got it!" InuYasha crowed as he leapt back to join the others. "Damn, that was simple! If only all the Shards were as easy to track down as this one!"
"Yeah, I know," Kagome admitted. Looking somewhat sadly at the sacred artifact, she removed it from her neck. "Still, thanks for lending it to us, Mr. Wyvern. It really was a big help."
"I know," Wyvern replied, looking somewhat sadly at the object in question. "Which is why I've decided that…you should keep it, Kagome."
Her eyes and mouth popping open in surprise, Kagome took a step back from the American. "Oh, no…you don't have to do that!"
"Now, now, I insist," Wyvern told her, dismissing her refusal with a wave of his hand. "Given what I've seen this day, I think it's safe to say that you and your friends have far greater need of it than I do. And it certainly wouldn't do anybody any good if all it does is sit on some shelf of mine, collecting dust."
Blinking as she looked from the compass to Wyvern and back, Kagome smiled brightly before once again placing it around her neck. "Well…if you're sure…!"
"I'm sure," Wyvern assured her. "Just…do one thing to humor me and…try to keep it in one piece. Okay?"
"Absolutely!" Kagome agreed.
"Right," InuYasha decided. "Now, let's get going already! We still have to get back to Kagome's place, remember?"
"Oh, I remember, alright!" Kagome assured him. "And Wyvern? Do something to humor me and try and get us back in one piece!"
Chuckling in his throat at this, the American nodded and said, "I will certainly do my best, Kagome."
"My, you weren't kidding when you said that you'd collected all of my books!" Wyvern commented, watching as Kagome's grandfather shuffled towards the author, a huge pile of books in hand and eager grin in place. "I must say, you've kept them in excellent condition as well."
"Why, certainly!" the old shrine priest replied as he set the books before Wyvern. "I take great pains in making sure items of such importance are maintained. Why some people allow their things to fall apart, I'll never know!"
Smiling as he watched the two of them interact, Michiru sighed wearily as he sat in the Higurashi dining room. A short time had passed since, after another mind-bending car trip, they had finally gotten back to Kagome's home. The odd foursome was warmly welcomed by Kagome's mother, and were summarily invited to sit back, relax, and enjoy a pleasant dinner. Something both himself and InuYasha had done with reckless abandon.
As for InuYasha, he snorted laughingly as Kagome's grandfather took a pen and shoved it into Wyvern's hand, which was all the comment he could make as he stuffed his face full of food. "Father, please! Stop monopolizing Mr. Wyvern's time so that the both of you can eat," Mrs. Higurashi commented wearily as she came out of the kitchen with additional food in hand. "Your dinner's getting cold. Besides, I'm sure he won't leaving with signing your books."
"Hmm? Oh, yes, of course, dear, of course," Grandpa returned, not even bothering to look at his daughter as he waved her concerns aside.
Smiling at this, Wyvern looked up at the Higurashi matriarch. "It's quite alright, my dear. Truth be told, this is turning out to be the best book signing I've ever done. I don't even have to worry about getting writer's cramp," he commented wryly. "And in any case, there are some matters I'd like to discuss with your daughter."
Sighing in a 'what can you do?' fashion, Mrs. Higurashi nodded and said, "Yes, somehow I expected you would." With that, she turned her attention to the other people seated at the dining room table. "So, is anybody ready for seconds?"
Unsurprisingly, InuYasha's hand shot up as he swallowed down his latest mouthful. A moment later, Michiru smiled and raised his hand as well. "Me, too."
"Wow, Michiru. You really are getting to be more like InuYasha," Kagome commented as her mother departed to get more food. Glancing down at the emptied plates that sat next to the Shikigami User, she made a face before continuing. "I don't see how you could have even tasted anything, the way you were shoveling it all down!"
His cheeks burning somewhat in humiliation, Michiru brought his hand to his hair. "Yeah, I know. I don't think I've ever been so hungry in my entire life."
"Aw, give him a break, Kagome!" InuYasha grumbled as he finished up his own first serving. "He's had a rough night, okay? And besides, you know what using his Light of Judgment does to Michiru!" Casting a glance at his friend, one that held a glimmer of respect in his eyes, the half-demon added, "After everything we've been through, I'm amazed you managed not to pass out!"
Smiling wanly, Michiru looked over at Kagome, who had nothing to say to that. The fact was that, the few times Michiru had used his Light of Judgment in the past, he had fainted dead away immediately after, and it had been hours before he fully recovered from it. The fact that he had used this attack, had enough energy to help InuYasha use the Shikigami Backlash Wave, and had remained conscious through it all was hard proof of how far he had come in the months since he had returned from the Feudal Era. "Yeah, well, I'm definitely planning on passing out in a bit. Just as soon as I'm done eating, I'm going to bed."
"That battle must've been something else," Sota commented from where he sat. "They showed some shots of the prison a little while ago! There's nothing left there! Nothing!" Frowning pensively, the youngest Higurashi looked over at his sister. "Is that what it's like, sis? Fighting demons in the past?"
Realizing that she had been put on the spot, Kagome shot her brother a reassuring smile. "Not exactly, Sota. Even back in the Feudal Era, there aren't too many demons as powerful as Ryokage was."
"He sure was a pain in the ass," InuYasha grumbled as Mrs. Higurashi began serving their next servings. Glancing down at the table, at the chunk of amber that sat there, he grinned and added, "At least we got a Sacred Jewel Shard out of this mess!"
"And we made a new friend, too," Michiru added, indicating Wyvern with a nod of his head.
"Thank you." With that, Wyvern proceeded to sign Grandpa's entire collection of his books. When the last of them was finally autographed, much to the old shrine priest's delight, the American turned about. "Well, now that that's done, there's something I'd like to discuss with you, Kagome."
Kagome just gave the author an odd look. "Oh? What is it?"
"It's about your adventures pertaining to the Feudal Era. There's something I wanted to clarify," Wyvern stated, giving her an intense look. "You told me before that, in your family's shrine is an ancient well that connects our time to Feudal Japan? That that's what houses the portal that you use to travel back in time?" Kagome nodded to this. "And in this time, you've encountered demons, magic, and other fantastic sights?"
Nodding again, Kagome replied, "Well, yeah, it's something like that."
"And you said that you and InuYasha are the only ones who can pass through this well?" Kagome again nodded, at which point Wyvern groaned despairingly. "Oh, if I only I could join you two! I would dearly love to see this world with my own eyes!"
"You should be thrilled you can't go," InuYasha told him irritably as he tore into his second serving. "There are lots of demons there that would love having you for lunch!"
Wyvern nodded humorlessly. "I suppose you're right," he admitted. "Still, I fell in love with Japan's ancient history and culture a long time ago. I've studied everything I could lay my hands on, trying to learn more about its past, its heritage." Sighing despondently, the American looked down at this own hands, which were folded in his lap. "And to be able to go that world that I've researched for myself, to see its people and magic, just once…"
As Wyvern closed his eyes, seeming to be seeing the world he had just described in his mind, Kagome and the others looked at him before glancing amongst themselves. As Michiru, he couldn't help but feel bad for him. They had been planning on stealing from Wyvern, and here he had done everything he could to try and help them. And ultimately, not only had he given them the Shard without protest, but had also entrusted them with a valuable artifact that had probably cost him quite a bit.
Even as Michiru's conscience gnawed at him, Kagome's eyes lit up with inspiration. "You know, maybe there's a way you can see it."
Stunned by this statement, Michiru looked up sharply at Kagome. "Huh?" he gasped even as InuYasha and Wyvern looked at her as well.
"I mean, sure, you can't go through the well, but I take stuff through it all the time," Kagome explained. "And I was just thinking that…maybe I could take a camera with me. Take some pictures for you there, if you wanted."
Oh. That's what she was talking about, Michiru thought as disappointment reclaimed him. I guess I should've known.
While Michiru was once again contemplating his own inability to travel to the past, Wyvern's eyes were lighting up. "You…you would do that for me, Kagome?"
"Well, sure! It's the least I can do," Kagome smiled nervously. "I don't have a video camera, but…"
"I have one," Wyvern cut in. "A small digital camcorder I use for research. Kagome, if you would truly do this for me, show me this world, I will gladly give it to you."
Kagome just smiled slowly for Wyvern's benefit. "Okay, sure," she replied. "So…where is it?"
"Back in my car." His excitement visibly growing, the American practically leapt to his feet. "Hold on! I'll be right back with it!"
Jolted by this, Kagome then shook her head as Wyvern rushed for the door. "No, wait! You don't have to get it…right…now…" Trailing off as the American practically flew outside, she then sat back down with a decided thud, her face falling. "Great. Just great."
"He sure seems to think so," Sota grinned.
"Why do I get the feeling I'm going to be dropping by Kaede's Village a lot sooner than I had expected?" Kagome muttered, bringing her hand to her forehead.
Studying his wearied friend, Michiru did his best to feel a bit of sympathy for. He knew that Kagome was also drained from battle, and was likely not in the mood to deal with Wyvern's enthusiasm. But even as he thought this, he couldn't help but think that he would gladly tolerate such a thing if it meant returning to the person who had claimed his heart. "Aw, c'mon, Kagome. You don't really think he's going to drag us all to the Well, just like that?"
Leveling her tired eyes at Michiru, the modern priestess looked ready to say something derisive in regards to this statement. But before she could do so, Wyvern returned with sturdy case in hand. "Here we are!" he announced. Completely heedless of anything else, he set the case on the couch and opened it, and pulled out a small, sturdy-looking camera. "Thank goodness I had the foresight to give it a full charge before we left! And I have a fresh memory card in and ready to go!" Turning towards the young warriors, the American grinned like an eager schoolboy. "Um…whenever you're ready, of course."
Groaning as Kagome's face soured with annoyance, Michiru lowered his eyes to the table and devoted himself to eating his second serving. "Okay, okay! We'll go right after we've finished dinner. Will that be alright with you?"
"Certainly!" Wyvern replied agreeably. Without another word, the author sat down on the couch with his camera in hand. Practically drilling holes in the three of them with his eyes.
Okay, so I was wrong! Michiru groaned as Wyvern's gaze threatened to burn a hole in his side. Shaking his head, he glanced at his friends. InuYasha was rolling his eyes as he ate, which was a sure sign that he was annoyed, but really didn't care one way or another about the American's enthusiasm. As for Kagome…Michiru decided it was best not to look at her until later. Much later.
Finally, the three of them had finished eating, and as one, turned to look at Wyvern. He was still sitting in exactly the same position, still looking at them with bright enthusiasm. Upon seeing this, they once again looked at each other, knowing by their expressions alone that they all agreed that there was no use in putting this off. "Well, I'm done," Kagome announced, setting her dishes off to the side. "Mom, could you…?"
"Of course, dear," Mrs. Higurashi agreed, moving to take her plates.
Rising to her feet, Kagome started towards the impatient American. "Well," she started as Michiru and InuYasha moved to join her, "shall we? If you're ready, that is."
Judging from the way Wyvern leapt to his feet, it was obvious that asking him if he was ready was like asking if water was wet. "Certainly, my dear!" he beamed, handing Kagome the camera. "Please, lead the way!"
A muted groan of exasperation was Kagome's only expression of irritation as she led them outside. "I cannot possibly thank you enough for this, Kagome," Wyvern went on, rambling happily. "I'm about to learn more about ancient magic and the Feudal Era of Japan than I have in over years of research!"
"Now, just so we're clear, you realize that this is just going to be a short trip," Kagome answered, clearly determined to regain control over the situation. "It's late back in the Feudal Era as well, you know! Our friends might even be asleep by now, and I don't want to disturb them!"
"Oh, of course, of course! Forgive me, I'm not trying to be overly demanding of you! But after so many years of research, of guesswork and educated analyses, I truly am anxious for even a brief glimpse of this world of the past," Wyvern told her soothingly. "A short trip to the village will be just fine for the moment."
"Good," Kagome replied, apparently satisfied.
Her satisfaction soon turned out to be very short-lived, however. "Of course, when you return to your journeys, I'll have to make sure to give you plenty of batteries. No electrical wiring back then, so recharging them won't be an option," Wyvern commented idly. While Michiru watched a vein bulged from Kagome's head, with InuYasha chuckling at her expense, the American blithely went on. "And of course you'll need plenty of memory cards. It's likely to be a while between visits to the present, so we can't afford to miss a single opportunity.
A few more veins bulged from Kagome's forehead at this. "Uh…Mr. Wyvern…"
"Fortunately, it shouldn't take too long to get the needed equipment. I have an excellent arrangement with my suppliers," Wyvern continued. "And then I'll have to set it up so that you're paid for all this."
Turning about to glare at the American, Kagome growled, "Mr. Wyvern, really! I -!" Then her tongue fell flat in her mouth as she rapidly processed this last statement. "Uh…paid?"
"Well, it's only fair that I pay you," Wyvern responded casually. "After all, you're going to a lot of trouble for my benefit. And since, technically speaking, you'll be doing research on my behalf, it's only fair that you be compensated." Narrowing his eyes in concentration, the author pondered the situation. "Of course, we'll have to make sure that that's handled discretely. No use drawing any undue attention."
As InuYasha and Michiru just watched in growing disbelief, Kagome stuck out both hands and waved in negation. "No, no, that's okay! You don't have to…it's no trouble, really! I -!"
"Now, now, I insist," Wyvern countered with a business-like smile. "So, how about two thousand yen per hour of footage?"
"No, really, I…" Kagome once again trailed off as Wyvern's words hit her. "D-did you just say…two thousand yen?"
"Yes, I did." Then Wyvern frowned thoughtfully. "What's wrong? Isn't that enough?"
"N-not enough?" Kagome squeaked, her eyes widening. Michiru sniggered at her reaction, positive he could hear the sound of cash registers dinging.
Wyvern then smacked himself in the forehead. "What am I saying? Of course it's not enough! Actual footage of demons, magic, an entire past culture! Such information is beyond priceless! Never mind the danger faced in obtaining it!" Shaking his head in seeming disbelief, the American smiled even more broadly. "Would ten thousand yen per hour be more appropriate?"
Kagome's eyes went even wider. "T-t-ten…thousand yen?" she barely got out as even more cash registers dinged.
"Yes, that's much better," Wyvern said mostly to himself. "Also, I don't know if it would be possible, but…if you were to bring back a few specimens from that world for me to study…some charms and talismans, maybe a bone or two from a demon…I would gladly pay you a generous commission for such items."
"A…commission…?" Kagome barely got out around an entire chorus of cash registers.
At this, InuYasha simply glared at Kagome in irritation. "Gee, Kagome, aren't you lucky? All you have to do is take a few pictures and this guy's ready to make you rich!"
While Kagome was still struggling with the notion of all those yen, Wyvern smiled sheepishly. "Oh, that's right, InuYasha! I almost forgot about you and your other friends!"
"Huh?" Michiru and InuYasha went at the same time.
"Since you and the others will be helping Kagome, it's only fair that you be compensated as well," Wyvern explained. He then frowned thoughtfully. "Hmmm…modern currency would be useless in the Feudal Era, but…" Wyvern then looked straight at InuYasha. "Tell me; do you think you and your friends would be willing to accept supplies of food and medicine as a form of compensation?"
Michiru almost smiled as his friend's look of irritation instantly faded away. "Food, huh?" InuYasha asked, looking a bit more interested now. "Like those instant noodles and dried potatoes?"
"Dried potatoes? Oh, you mean potato chips! Of course!" Wyvern responded happily. "So, what do you think? Do we have a -?"
"Deal!" Kagome cried out. The rest of them spun about at her outcry, and Michiru could have sworn that large, neon yen signs were currently dancing around her head. "It's a deal! Really!"
"Excellent!" Wyvern replied enthusiastically. "And again, thank you for doing this for me, Kagome! I can't tell you how much it means to me!"
As Wyvern and Kagome talked, hammering out some of the details, Michiru eyed his friends enviously. At least somebody's getting something out of… Before he could complete this thought, something jolted him in his mind. What the – huh? Looking about, the Shikigami User frowned as he surveyed his surroundings. He spent the next several seconds visually searching before finally frowning to himself. I…I could have sworn that I heard something. I…
Movement!
Catching something moving out of the corner of his eye, Michiru jumped about to face whatever it was. Only to groan in dismay when all he saw was a bird fluttering its wings as it perched on a nearby tree before it started preening its wing. Heaving a deep, weary sigh at this, the Shikigami User threw up his hands in disgust. Oh, what am I doing? Jumping because of a bird? Rolling his eyes at his own actions, Michiru forced himself to look away from the airborne intruder. I must be more out of it than I thought.
While Michiru was thanking his lucky stars that no one had seen his irrational reaction, Kagome and Wyvern were wrapping up their rapid negotiation. Seemingly satisfied, the American gestured towards the shrine housing the Bone-Eater's Well. "And now that that's more or less settled…shall we proceed?"
"Oh, of course!" Kagome beamed, her expression almost as bright and cheery as Wyvern's own. With a new skip in her step, she once again led the way, practically bouncing as she entered the Higurashi Shrine and descended down to the Well. Wyvern quickly circled the Well, murmuring beneath his breath as he took in every detail, while Kagome straddled the ancient passageway through time. "You coming, InuYasha?"
The half-demon didn't answer right away. Instead, he glanced at Wyvern, whose eyes were all aglow with excitement as he continued to look at the Well. Somehow managing to throw up his hands in surrender without actually doing so, InuYasha turned to Michiru and asked, "You gonna be okay here?"
Sighing tiredly, Michiru took a moment before saying, "I think I can manage. Just be sure to get back as quickly as you can."
"Right," InuYasha agreed. Shaking his head at Wyvern and uttering a few choice remarks beneath his breath, he then moved to join Kagome. "Well, we might as well get this over with."
Nodding, Kagome smiled at Michiru and said, "We'll be back in a few minutes!" And without further ado, she and InuYasha leapt into the depths of the Well, disappearing in a flash of blue light.
As soon as the magical light of the Well subsided, Wyvern's entire body lit up with delighted astonishment. "A-amazing! Absolutely astonishing!" Whipping out a flashlight from seemingly nowhere, the author played it about the interior of the Well. When the beam revealed nothing but craggy rock in the depths, his grin expanded so much so as to become somewhat larger than his mouth. "To think I am this close to that world…next to a portal to a world of ancient magic…it's like a beautiful dream!"
"Yeah. A dream," Michiru lamented as he looked into the depths of the Well. "I just wish I could make it come true."
Apparently surprised by Michiru's dour tone of voice, Wyvern turned and frowned at him. But after a few moments, the American's expression softened, becoming a look of purest sympathy. "You know," he murmured gingerly, "it's possible that, if I had more background information on this well, I could possibly find a way for others to travel through it."
Michiru gave the red-haired man an odd look, one that held a bit of annoyance mixed with hope. "You think it's possible?"
Wyvern shrugged helplessly. "We live in a world where demons pop out of urns and wreak havoc. Who's to say what's possible or not?" As Michiru continued to look at the American, Wyvern smiled again. "Besides, it seems obvious to me that you want to go with them. I mean, I'm sure that you'd like to be able to be with your friends in that world as well."
"Yeah…yeah, I would," Michiru admitted, the face he loved appearing within his mind as he gazed into the Well's depths. Nothing further passed between the two of them as they waited, time passing unnoticed and unremarked.
Finally, after a seeming eternity, the bottom of the Well lit up with its magical light. And from its depths shot up a blur of red that came to land nearby. "We're back!" Kagome cried out excitedly as she carefully stepped off of InuYasha's back. "Sorry to take so long, but we got to talking with the others."
"Did you tell them about Ryokage?" Michiru wondered.
"Not exactly. We didn't want to keep you waiting, so we just mentioned that we had some excitement here," Kagome explained. As the reborn priestess approached them, Michiru noticed that she was carrying a leather satchel, as well as a few other things.
Watching dismissively as Kagome rifled through the bag, InuYasha gave his friend a grumpy smile as he jerked his thumb at Wyvern. "Of course, the reason we didn't have time to tell them about that is because Kagome spent most of the time telling them about him!"
"Well, I had to, InuYasha! I had to explain what we were doing there, and why we couldn't stay!" Kagome retorted. "Anyway, I got the footage you wanted, plus a few other things." Handing Wyvern the satchel, she pulled it open and began pointing out some of the items decorating the interior. "Let's see…there's some of Miroku's sutra talismans, a couple of Shippo's magic mushrooms. A few odds and ends from the village general store, and here!" Kagome then held up a sheathed sword that had been hanging from her back. "We stopped by the village blacksmith, and he was happy to give us this."
"Yeah, but why anybody would actually want any of this junk…" InuYasha muttered. Only to be brought up short by the sight of Wyvern drooling as he looked over the bag's contents.
"Extraordinary!" Wyvern goggled, as eager as a little kid in a toy store. "I can't wait to get them back and study them!" Then he locked his eager gaze on Kagome herself. "And the camera?"
Smiling broadly, Kagome held up the camera and patted it on the side. "Right here. And I started recording the moment we got here. We got everything from the trip down the Well to looking around Kaede's Village." Then she looked at Michiru and added, "And we even had it running when we were talking to the others."
Jolted by this, Michiru sputtered out, "Wh-what? You mean…you taped San- I mean, you taped it when you were…talking with everyone?"
"That's right," Kagome confirmed. Giving Michiru a sad, sympathetic smile, she added, "I figured that…since it's been three months for you here…you'd want to see everyone again. So…"
"Kagome, I…" His voice failing him, Michiru shook his head as he looked at the camera. In that instant, he could have sworn that it was made of solid gold. "Thank you." Then he looked up at the others, he smiled weakly. "So, uh…shall we go inside and…have a look?"
"Absolutely!" Wyvern grinned enthusiastically. "And while we are examining this sudden treasure trove, I shall start making arrangements to procure supplies for you, amongst other things. Is that reasonable?"
"Okay," Kagome agreed, and with that, the four of them returned to the house. After a few minutes, she and Wyvern had set up the video camera to play on the Higurashi television, and every sat back and watched the video. For the first time, Michiru and Kagome's family were able to see the magic of the Bone-Eater's Well in action, and they watched as the two of them made their way out of the forest and into the village where Kaede lived.
"Exquisite! An actual village of Feudal Japan! And look at the construction of that building! Hmm…" Wyvern trailed off at this. As the camera panned this way and that, the American was heard making near-silent comments about things such as construction variants and available materials. He continued to do so as the recording continued, following InuYasha and Kagome as they arrived at Kaede's house and they encountered the others. Leaving Michiru to forget everything…as he saw Sango again for the very first time in months.
Michiru more-or-less ignored the remainder of the video. Ignored how Kagome explained to the others what they were doing there, the various questions asked of her. Ignored the comments made by the Higurashi family as they saw Kagome's friends from the Feudal Era for the very first time. Ignored the way Kagome got them to demonstrate things such as Shippo performing different transformations and Kirara changing from her normal self to a saber-toothed cat that was bigger than a horse with flames adorning her legs. All he did was watch as Sango stared at the object in Kagome's hands with trepidation before holding up her hands before her face.
"Sango, what is it?" the Kagome in the video asked her.
"Kagome, I…oh, please get that thing away from me!" Sango protested, her cheeks coloring as she back away. "I don't want to be…recorded or whatever it is you call it! It's late, and I…I don't want to be…shown off on one of those strange boxes you've told me about!"
"And why wouldn't you want to be shown off?" Miroku asked from off-camera. "A beauteous woman such as yourself shouldn't be ashamed of such things."
"Miroku, please! I feel ridiculous! I…" Sango trailed off at this, her cheeks burning that much more. All the while Michiru sat there, utterly mesmerized by the Demon Slayer. His heart simply melting away as he looked at her once more, he felt as if he was drifting away into a dream. It wasn't just that Sango was beautiful – which she certainly was – but also that she was so wonderful. Feminine yet forceful, delicate yet strong, kindly but not afraid to stand up for what she felt was right, and the shy smile she had…Michiru could spend all day looking at her smile.
As the video came to an end, Wyvern grinned merrily. "Exquisite! And to think that this is only the first of such things that I'm to be blessed with. Kagome, again, I can't thank you enough for your kindness!"
"Hey, it's no problem!" Kagome returned. Then she smiled dangerously and pointed right at his face. "Just be sure that you don't forget about your end of the bargain. Right?"
Wyvern chuckled at this. "Of course not. In fact, if you'll excuse me, I'll start on that right now."
"Great!" Kagome grinned. With that, the two of them went off while the rest of the Higurashi family went about their own business. Leaving Michiru where he was, lost in his deep his longings.
He loved Sango. Michiru had known that for a long time. He had seen her beauty the first time they had met, had grown to care for her when he learned of the tragedy that had befallen her and her brother. He had come to admire her strength, her courage, and her compassion. And ultimately, he had lost his heart to her entirely, to the point that he wanted to be with her, even if it turned out that she loved another. This was what his heart wanted, what he needed, and was precisely what the Bone-Eater's Well had decreed that he couldn't have. He couldn't see her again, couldn't talk to her. Could have absolutely nothing to do with her.
Life might now be fair, Michiru thought woefully. But does it really have to be this unfair?
As this dismal thought pounded itself into Michiru's head, he was startled from his private world when someone loudly sat down beside him. "Hey, Michiru."
Starting loudly, Michiru whipped about, only to settle down as he realized who it was that had startled him. "Oh…InuYasha!" he muttered sheepishly. "Sorry, I…you surprised me."
"Yeah, I got that!" InuYasha noted wryly. His eyes shifting towards the television, he added, "I also noticed that you haven't moved since they had that…that video thing on." Following his friend's gaze, Michiru realized that he had been found out, at which point he sighed and let his face fall forward. "Michiru…"
"I know, I know," Michiru murmured tiredly. "I guess…maybe it doesn't make sense for me to be acting this way, but…I can't help it."
"Who says it doesn't make sense?" InuYasha demanded crossly. "It's not like you can just forget about Sango!" Settling down a bit, the half-demon looked crossly at his human friend. "Dammit…like I said before. It's not like its any big secret."
"Yeah, I know," Michiru muttered glumly. "I just…wish I had some kind of clue, or…something."
"Hey, relax! We'll figure something out!" InuYasha assured him gruffly. When this failed to reassure Michiru, the half-demon frowned somewhat. "Besides…it's not like you're totally cut off." A puzzled sound echoed in Michiru's throat as he glanced up at his friend. "Well, what I mean is that…even if you can't use the Well – yet! – you can still…" Shifting about with badly veiled uncertainty, InuYasha tried again. "Well, we can tell Sango how you're doing, and you how she's doing…you can even write her a letter or something…"
This last statement riveted Michiru's attention. "A…a letter?"
"Well, sure! Why not!" InuYasha then gave his friend one of his patented cocky grins. "If Kagome can bring that stupid camera back there, then why not a letter? At least then…well, you could keep up with us." However, even as he said this, one of the problems with such an arrangement already presented itself. "I mean…sure, you'd have to wait until we came back before you send them through, but still…"
"A letter." His thoughts focused on this simple concept, Michiru slowly shook his head in amazement. "I…I never even thought of that," he finally admitted. "I…I could write something to her…I mean, to them…right now, huh?"
"Yeah, sure!" InuYasha agreed, clearly pleased by his friend's reaction. "Why not? It's sure as hell better than sitting around, tormenting yourself about this!"
While Michiru was forced to admit that his friend was quite correct in this, another voice was heard. "Hey, you two," Kagome began as she and Wyvern approached them. "What's this about letters?"
"Oh!" Jumping somewhat, Michiru looked at the two of them. "Uh…did you get that stuff you were talking about taken care of?"
"Indeed. I've already arranged for various supplies to be delivered here come tomorrow morning," Wyvern informed them.
"Wow! That was sure fast!" InuYasha admitted.
"Well, it helps when you have excellent connections. And, of course, it never hurts to be rich, as well," Wyvern admitted. "So, uh…what was this you two were talking about? Arranging for some kind of correspondence between this time and the past?"
The human and half-demon boys looked at each other before Michiru smiled ruefully. "Uh…yeah. Something like that, anyway." After this bashful admission, he and InuYasha quickly explained what they had in mind. "So, anyway…we just figured that maybe that way…we could stay in touch. That's all."
"Well, sure! I don't have a problem with that!" Kagome replied. "Here, why don't you get to work on it right now, and…"
"And, actually, I might have a better option," Wyvern broke in. As soon as all eyes were again upon him, the American turned and went over to the case that had held his camera. "One of the items I use for research happens to be digital recorder I use for interviews. And it seems to me that you could use it to send voice messages to your friends back into the Feudal Era."
"What?" Michiru gaped, the possibilities exploding in his mind. The chance that he might well be able to speak to Sango, even hear her voice talking to him once again, taking hold. The fact that such communications would be limited in many ways didn't even register as he asked, "Are…are you sure that's okay?"
"Of course it is!" Wyvern beamed as he came up to Michiru and deposited the recorder in his hand. "Now, if you like, I can spend some time with you later, showing you how to use it."
"I…" Michiru gaped, looking at the tiny device. Looking and seeing Sango's smiling face superimposed on top of it. "I…thank you."
"No need to thank me. As far as I'm concerned, the entire world owes you and your friends a tremendous debt for what you've done today," Wyvern told him. "And seeing as the world, unfortunately enough, doesn't know who to thank for its salvation, then I suppose that task falls to me."
Despite the somber mood Michiru was in, he couldn't help but laugh at this. "Thank you," was all he could say before looking back down at the device he held. Which would give him the chance to say so many things that he had been unable to. And if it was possible to do that, then…
I don't know how I'm going to do it, Sango, Michiru thought, his eyes moistening. But I swear…somehow, I'm going to come back to you. I'm going to be with you again…
Author's Notes: Well, things seem to be looking up for Michiru. But just how will he manage to return to the Feudal Era? For that answer, you'll just have to check out the next chapter. And in the meantime, please read and review!