HEY IT'S ME!!! I AM SO SORRY FOR TAKING SO LONG! I KNOW YOU ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING PATIENTLY FOR ME TO UPDATE! I GUESS I HAVE BEEN LAZY AND PREOCCUPIED WITH MY OTHER STORY BUT I'M BACK WITH A NEW CHAPTER!! PLEASE DON'T ME MAD AT ME!!! I WILL BE NOW UPDATING EVERY WEEK NOW SO NO MORE WAITING!!!
NOTE: Be on the lookout for my new upcoming story: Aquamarine! It's another Inu/Kag romance!! I should have it posted within a few days!
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. Any and all characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi.
Chapter 5: New Moon
The next day, as the sun rose through a mostly overcast sky, little Kagome dashed downstairs for breakfast. Kaede just followed her at her own pace; just pleasantly watching her young ward. She has become remotely aware that Kagome and the new bodyguard have become quite close. It was not hard to see that the two were almost inseparable and Kaede couldn't help but smile warmly. With Kagome retelling everything that happened in the garden a few weeks past, it was clearly obvious that she was as happy and spry as a bee in a honey paradise.
The five year old raced down the humongous steps toward the dining room; eager to see her Inya. She looked back to see Kaede walking down slowly; due to her age. It was a surprise that the old nurse could maneuver around the house and still have energy left.
"Go on, child. I'll be right behind ye. These old bones don't move as fast as I want them to nowadays." She chuckled as she descended the last few steps with careful ease.
As soon as her nurse reached the last step, the child once again raced to the eating area. She loved Kaede like she was her own grandmother rather than a nurse. Since both biological parents from both her parents sides passed before she was born, Kaede filled in that role. Like her dad, Kagome wanted her to be around her for as long as possible.
When the girl entered, she saw her father sitting at the table; in his usual place, sipping his coffee. He smiled as she ran to his side and with known fatherly instincts he picked her up and kissed her good morning.
"How's my baby girl? You have a good night's sleep?'
"Uh-huh!! I had a good dream!" She stopped and looked around; not seeing the person she wanted to. "Where's Inya, daddy?"
"He has something to take care of but he'll be back in time to take you out today."
"Okay." She sounded a little down but knew that Inya would be with her most of the day. She slid off her dad's lap and went directly to her seat where her favorite cereal and apple juice was set.
About twenty minutes later; after Kagome just finished her morning meal; a familiar figure walked in. Her face lit up as she saw her bodyguard. She giggled as she went from her chair to jump in the arms that always kept her safe.
Inuyasha always thought that it wouldn't be here so soon again. Tonight was the one night that he wouldn't have his supernatural abilities and senses. On a night of a new moon; which was tonight, he would temporarily loose his hanyou features and become completely human. It was the one night of the month he dreaded most.
He refused to be helpless and weak in front of anyone. The only one who knew about it was his mother but she was long gone. When he was a pup, it was all he could do from getting beaten and pummeled to near death. When he grew older, he completely hid away and didn't move or sleep the whole night. He still continued to do that.
As he made his way to his boss, he couldn't help but remember his first human night at this place he now called home. Before sunset, he said goodnight to Kaede, Kagome and Akio before shutting himself off in his room, locking the door and staring out into the midnight sky all night long. Now that he was safe, or least that's what he felt for the past nearly two months, he had to tell someone else. He didn't want to but it would help if at least one person knew of it and Akio-san would be the best option.
He could tell that his little Iris was still sleeping and figured he had some time to talk to his employer before she woke up.
Akio watched as his little girl's face lit up and was swept into the bodyguard's protective arms. He recalled the conversation he and the hanyou had earlier that morning. It was quite a shock that the demon he now called protector would temporarily lose his abilities for a night. He was told that he didn't want anyone finding out; even the little Iris. The father probably knew that Kagome would most likely freak out if she found out. But Akio could tell that Inuyasha wouldn't hide it forever from her. He just needed time and space.
The old nursemaid walked in and smiled at the interaction before turning to her employer. "Akio-sama, the Tokyo and Kyoto harbor bosses wish to talk to you about an immense load coming in."
Akio sighed. "Of all that is holy! What is it now?" He stood up and grabbed his half empty cup.
"They said it couldn't wait and are on their way here as we speak. It's of a private matter sir, so I can't say. They should be here within the hour."
"So much for a quiet morning…" He mumbled. "Okay Kaede, thank you. I need to get my outfit ready and my shower-"
"Already prepared sir. Your suit is on your bed and the shower is ready at your say." Kaede was already ahead of him and had an amusing smile.
Akio stared incredulously. "Whatever would I do without you, Kaede?" He returned the smile; his eyes showing genuine appreciation. The nurse he could always count on came through time and time again and he always thanked her. He needed to give her a vacation one of these days.
"Alright then." He turned to the two who had been silent. "Stay with her all day and make sure she stays away from my office until my business is done." He said to which the hanyou nodded his answer. He then turned towards his daughter. "Make sure you behave and don't get into any trouble, okay?"
"Okay Daddy!" She answered in her usual spry tone.
With a nod to signify he was done, Inuyasha and his little Iris walked out of the dining room leaving him to finish his coffee and eventually went upstairs to get ready for his meeting while Kaede straightened out his business office for the upcoming showdown between harbor masters and big boss.
The hanyou and little girl went straight to the garden where it was dry and calm. It wasn't raining but instead little rays of sun peeked through; hitting the garden with its warmth. Kagome went straight to her Iris patch and was immensely happy to see that a few new buds were peeking out.
"Hey Inya! You see these new flowers?!" She pointed her tiny finger to the three new sprouts on the far right corner.
Inuyasha sat on the stone bench and watched. It was hard to keep something as huge as telling a five year old that he turned human every month but she wouldn't understand, not now. She looked so happy and so naturally calm that if he told her about his lifelong curse; who knows how she would react. So the only thing he could do was smile as genuine as he could and answer her questions.
The little girl could tell that something was…off about her Inya. He wasn't as energetic and not so talkative as he usually was. After spending almost every waking moment with him, Kagome had begun to sense his moods. She knew when he wanted to be alone and when he was troubled…and even when he was mad and agitated. But now he seemed nervous and perturbed. When he was like that, all little Kagome could do was cheer him up and what better way than to pick a few flowers and try her hardest to make him smile, the one she liked so much?
So she picked a fully bloomed iris and two red striped white lilies and ran to sit beside him. She held the flowers up to his face. He slowly turned his head and saw the three flowers she had for him. Even though he's seen and smelt all the fragrant flowers many times already, when Kagome picked them for him, they seemed more special. She was worried, he could tell.
"I picked these for you, Inya! You looked so sad and I wanted to see you smile." Her eyes looked up at him with so much love and trust that he felt so rotten for keeping such a secret from her. He didn't want to keep it from Kagome but she wouldn't understand.
His clawed hand grabbed the delicate stems and smelt what the flowers had to offer. The lilies smelt so fresh while the iris smelt like heaven and a dash of Kagome's scent. He looked back at her as she waited for him to smile. Setting the flowers beside him; Inuyasha swiftly but gently picked her up and set her on his lap.
That smile was small but it was there. "Thanks little Iris."
Her smile was wider and her brown eyes sparkled. "Did I make you happy?"
He couldn't lie to her. He did feel better but not so much. "Yes, I do." As he always did when she picked up her special flower, he took the blue iris and set it behind her ear. "I'm sorry if I seemed sad. I just have a lot on my mind right now."
"That's okay, Inya. Daddy always says when you have something in your head you should talk about it. It will make you feel better." She said. Her legs swung back and forth while she stared into those golden suns that were his eyes.
He stared into her tiny face and sighed in frustration. What should he do? Should he really tell her? Kagome wasn't stupid, he knew that. She wasn't slow to pick up on things, either. She had been around him for so long now that the five year old could pick up on his moods and make him feel better, no matter what. But Inuyasha's main concern was what if Kagome didn't like him as a human? What if she stopped liking him period, because of his one night of weakness? This was his fear when he met someone new and eventually trusted after a great while. A five year old was easily judgmental but with Kagome, anything could happen. She was different, he knew that. He couldn't face possible rejection and permanent hatred from her if that was the case. But what if that didn't happen? It was hard to tell a little girl that was like your baby sister about something so…painful, mentally and physically.
"Maybe someday I can tell you, not just now, okay?" He could see the disappointment and sadness in her expression so he continued. "It's hard for me right now and I need time. Can you do that for me?"
When he spoke like that, begging her to understand, all Kagome could do was agree. "Okay, Inya. I can wait!"
His smile grew bigger, his ears twitched happily and his fangs peeked from his upper lip. He drew her into a big bear hug which she easily returned. His sense of smell, hearing and sight were rapidly fading as night grew closer but Inuyasha could pick up the beginnings of a light rain shower. So with renewed strength, he picked her up, placed her on his broad shoulders and headed inside for a day of drawing and indoor swimming.
When dinner came, Inuyasha become silent and more distant. He constantly looked through the big glass pane windows and saw the sun set through the clouds. He picked at the steak on his plate and drank sparingly. The hanyou could see Kagome looking at him from her cup; confusion easily evident in her eyes. Akio looked at him; knowing all too well. Kaede seemed to sense the change of atmosphere and mood of the inu hanyou. Inuyasha suspected that she already knew something. The old hag wasn't stupid and she had a keen eye too. Maybe she did know. She did mention that she has had experience with demons for most of her life and that made Inuyasha more agitated that she may also know of his curse. He didn't want anyone else to know and he wanted to keep it that way until he was ready to tell in his own time.
When Inuyasha looked out again; the rays were deep orange and low in the horizon. That was his cue to get out of here and into his sanctuary for the night. "May I be excused for the night, Akio-san?"
"Yes, Agent I. Have a good night." Akio's tone was serious yet understanding. Inuyasha knew he meant well so with a nod to his boss, a kiss to his little Iris's head and final nod at the nursemaid, he dashed out of the dining room and up the stairs to his room.
Kagome's confused eyes followed him until he was out of sight and heard his rapid footsteps until she could hear no more. "Why is Inya in such a hurry, daddy? Why did he leave?"
"Nothing for you to worry about, baby girl. Now finish your supper so you can get a nice bath and go to bed." Akio looked at her and knew that her little brain of hers knew that something else was going on. He prayed to Kami that she would stay in bed tonight and not find Inuyasha in his human state.
After dessert and a nice bubble bath, Kagome put her sparkly blue pajamas on and climbed into bed with Sasha in her arms. Kaede tucked her in and went to get her clothes ready for the next day. The five year old could tell that Kaede was keeping something from her too. "Why is Inya so upset, Granny Kaede? Why can't I sleep with him tonight?"
After setting a red puppy shirt and blue jean shorts on the back of a chair; the old woman came to sit on the edge of her bed. "Inuyasha needs to be alone tonight; for his own reasons." She patted her shoulder and kissed her forehead. "I bet you can sleep with him tomorrow night if he allows it." Kaede got back up and went to shut off her lights. "Sleep well, young miss. Pleasant dreams." After her door was shut; the stars above her glowed neon green and the planets and full moon neon blue as they lit up her ceiling.
Kagome couldn't go to sleep right away. Many people would think her naïve and didn't give her enough credit. When something was set deep in her mind; she wouldn't give up until she found some answers. Her dad and Kaede knew something about Inya that they were keeping from her but why? When Kagome was curious; she was persistent and determined. Inya said he wanted to be alone tonight and she respected his decisions. Whatever was bothering him he said he would tell her in time. So why was curiosity at an all-time high in her system? Kagome would never disobey anybody; especially her bodyguard.
She held Sasha close to her as she focused her thoughts beyond her closed sky blue door. The hallway lights were dimmed as far she could tell. "Why is Inya so upset? I don't want to make him angry by coming to his door when he said he wanted to be alone. I don't like when he's angry with me but…"
Deciding against going and staying in bed was becoming increasingly difficult. Curiosity was pulling her one way while obedience pulled the other way. Kagome didn't want to bother Inya and risk getting yelled at but she also wanted to respect and understand his decision. What was a overwhelmed five year old to do?
"I know what I'm going do." So with her mind set and decision made; she did what she thought was a risky but better move.
With all his senses and abilities gone temporarily; Inuyasha sat on the edge of his balcony and looked into the black sky; which was becoming increasingly clear as the clouds dissipated. The moon was hiding but he could see the faint outline of it.
Now that he had normal human senses; he had a weaker defense against the chilly night air so his bare torso was quickly loosing heat. His now silky black locks blew with the breeze and his now stormy gray eyes; which were unusual; since his mother's were the common brown color, couldn't see as far they used to. Maybe his abnormal eye color came from the territory of being half demon and half human, he figured.
"Damn this night! Why must I be cursed with such a weakness?!" He shouted not too loudly into the massive black sky. His fist slammed into the cold hard marble and ended up with a pain that shot though his arm. "Damn it…" He muttered as he shook his injured human hand. He didn't break it but he was sure to have a hell of a bruise until morning. Once the sun rose; his demon blood would resurface and any injury would instantly fade away. One of the reasons he hated being human was that he could now seriously injure himself if he wasn't careful.
Since his demon blood was usually his heat source; his body was quickly becoming cold so he hopped down and went into his warm room and shut the glass doors. Once the curtains covered the night outside; the human flopped back first onto his bed and have a sleepless night. He never slept on the new moon because of the simple fact that if he slept; someone could easily hurt him or maybe even kill him. That's what it was like when he was growing up after his mother died. No one was there to protect him then. But now he had a home and people who he could trust. Having to learn to defend himself for most of his life, Inuyasha had a well developed sense of awareness of the area around him. Nothing was going to sneak up on him. That was why he can't sleep; even in a secure place.
"It's going to be another long night." He whispered to himself. Then he thought of how his little charge looked at him with such confusion and curiosity throughout the day. He didn't like to hide things from her but what choice did he have? She was special to him yes; but would she really understand?
He was so preoccupied within his mind that he didn't hear the soft footsteps stop at his door.
Kagome stopped before his door. She kept telling herself to go back and sleep in her nice warm bed but her too much curiosity kept her from turning around. If she wanted to sleep at all, then this stubborn five year old would find out something that she knew nothing about. But she didn't know what lay beyond the closed oak doors. With her face set and fist locked to knock; she gently banged at his door twice.
The human Inuyasha was startled from his thoughts when he heard the knocks. He may not have his keen sense of smell but he knew that it was the one person he didn't want seeing him right now. Seeing that he locked his door; he sat up cross-legged and remained firm; in posture and tone of voice. "What is it, Kagome?"
She heard his voice from the other side and could tell that he was different somehow. Kagome could hear that he was surprised and maybe a little angry that she was here when he specifically told her to stay away from him tonight. But then again; she was stubborn and persistent when curious and that sometimes caused her to get into more trouble than good. Summoning up her courage, she spoke. "What is wrong, Inya? Why are you acting so strange?"
The human sighed at the girl's stubbornness. He should have known she wouldn't do as she was told; not tonight. He had to be firm with her and tell her to go back to bed. Inuyasha hated to be hard and strict with Kagome but now was a good time. "Kagome, please go back to bed. I am in no mood tonight to argue."
The girl held her stuffed dog closer as she heard the hard and somewhat cold tone he was using with her. She tried not let the oncoming tears affect her speech. "But…but Inya-"
"Kagome please! Just go back to bed and stop bugging me!" He flinched at his own tone and regretted it immediately. He clenched his fists and shut his eyes in remorse and wish he could take it all back.
The little girl's eyes watered up and bowed her head in self-reproach. Kagome knew he would be upset with her coming here but she did it anyway. A whine worked its way up to sob and her tears came streaming down her face. She wiped her tears back but more came down. She slid down the door and held Sasha close while she stained the stuffed dog with her tears and muffle her loud sobs.
He could hear her sobs through the door and felt more hatred and disgust with himself. He promised himself he wouldn't make his little Iris upset but there she was beyond the door; crying because of him. Why couldn't he do anything right?! Hearing her crying was killing him very slow and painfully inside. Maybe it would be better to let her see him. Letting her see him when he was human sounded better than hearing her cry. Slowly; he got up and unbolted the lock and leaned against the door. His eyes were trying not to let his own tears of self regret fall.
"Kagome, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you." Inuyasha apologized; hoping that the little Iris would stop crying those tears that never should have been shed.
She lifted her head when she heard his voice softer and more clearly than before. She sniffed and wiped her eyes. "You're not mad at me?" She asked.
Her voice was still full of sadness and it pained him even more. "No. I'm not mad little Iris. I'm just…not myself tonight."
Kagome stood up and pressed her forehead against the wood. "I'm sorry for not listening to you, Inya. I was just worried and wanted to know if you were going to be okay. I'll go back to bed now." When she started to turn her body towards her room, her ears picked up the sound of the door opening and instantly turned to see it open; waiting for her.
"It's okay Kagome. You can come in and see me." When he decided to open his door and wait on his bed; he was taking the risk he never thought he would take this soon. Now he would see what Kagome thought of him…as a human; his other half.
She walked in slowly; her dog close to her chest. "Inya…?" She wondered as she stepped into the dark room. When she spotted the figure on the bed; she gasped in shock. This was not the Inya she knew. Instead of seeing stunning silver; she saw midnight black. His eyes now light gray instead of golden yellow. His dog ears were gone but she could see human ears like her own.
He waited as she saw him for the first time as a normal human like her. Her eyes were wide; her mouth opened in surprise.
"Inya?!" She asked; her voice high with shock. "Is that you?" Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Yes, it's me Kagome. But I'm a human now. This was why I told you stay away tonight. I didn't know how you would react. I didn't want to scare you."
Kagome shut her mouth as her initial shock began to fade into wonder and amazement. She walked over to his bed and got up to sit beside him. Her eyes roamed to his hand; now devoid of deadly claws. She gently picked up his hand and examined it. Even though his was bigger; it was exactly the same as hers. "You're still Inya, right? Just not…half right now, right?"
Clearly he didn't expect her to be this understanding and…completely okay with this. She was smarter and more mature than he previously thought she was. To her; it didn't matter whether he was half demon or full human. He was still her Inya. "That's right. And Kagome," She looked up. "I'm sorry again for being so cold and yelling at you earlier. Can you forgive me?"
When she looked into his gray eyes that rivaled a storm cloud; Kagome knew that it was the same old hanyou she has grown to love as a brother. She crawled into his lap and smiled big. "Yes, Inya. You may be different now…" She gazed at his black hair that was as dark as hers now with wonder. "But I know that you will be the same no matter what. You're still my Inya!"
Inuyasha could do nothing but smile hold her close to his bare chest. One hand went to rub her back and one into her hair as he got up; closed and relocked his door and laid back down with her settling on him. "Thank you." He whispered to her. For so many reasons he thanked her; for accepting his human form; for not hating him, for seeing through the temporary guise and seeing his normal half inu self inside. She was a real treasure; a bright star that lit up his lonely life. Not only was she his little Iris; little Kagome Higurashi was his own special star.
What do you think?! I tried to keep Inuyasha in character as much as possible and I think it turned out pretty good! I hope you enjoyed!!
Ja Ne for now!!!