Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to the story or characters of InuYasha or Swords of an Honorable Ruler, they belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I make no profit from writing this fanfiction.
A/N: If you haven't seen Swords of an Honorable Ruler I would highly suggest you do so. It is my favorite of the InuYasha movies. This chapter has spoilers for that movie so you should be warned if you haven't seen it.
Unexpected Guests (The Call)
The next morning Kagome was awoken by the early morning sun on her face. She rose and peeled off her travel clothes and slipped on a simple yukata, she made tea and ate some rice. She was feeling well rested, there's nothing like sleeping in your own bed. Though Sesshomaru's citadel had been comfortable it wasn't home.
She looked through her food supplies and came to the conclusion she'd have to do some hunting and maybe pick some berries today. The never relished killing a living creature but she'd become more used to it, and better at it, as time went by. It was a reality of surviving the times. She decided to pick berries first and hunt in the evening when the animals were more likely to be out.
First things first she grabbed a towel and headed to a nearby spring. The water was cold but refreshing, she bathed quickly but sat at the edge drying her hair and watching the world wake. She did love it here in the past, everything was so clean and fresh. Yes, there was an increase in death due to illness, demons, and bandits, but on a whole life was good.
Kagome had been surprised at first how little she missed her friends from school, perhaps it was because she never got to show them the woman she was becoming. They never knew the real her. She did miss her family but she was content here. There was just one thing she felt was missing from her current life, but she could tell herself she was fine without it. Sometimes she almost believed herself.
She smiled and headed back to her hut. She dug through the clothes she'd left and found one outfit that was clean. She made a mental note to do laundry.
She grabbed a small basket and headed to the woods in search of berries, she hummed as she walked. She found a ripened patch and started picking. Some of the berries made it into her mouth but most found the basket.
She heard a rustling from the nearby brush and she tensed. She listened for a moment but was relieved, though startled, when a dark head popped out of the foliage.
"Lady Kagome!" the little girl cried and ran at her with a smile.
Kagome put her basket down in time to catch the five year old. "Hanna, what are you doing out here by yourself?"
After the young girl finished hugging her she stopped to think hard. "Well, I followed a toad, then a patch of flowers were so pretty. Then I smelled the berries and they smelled so good!"
The priestess noticed the girl's fingers and face were well stained. She smiled, "Lets get you home and cleaned up, alright?" Kagome retrieved her basket and with the girl on her hip she walked down to the village.
Kagome gave the little girl back to her worried mother midst many thanks, then turned back to the woods. She found the patch she'd been at and finished filling her basket. She looked down at her clothes and sighed, there were berry stains from Hanna's fingers and small leaves were stuck all over. One more thing to wash.
She was just turning back towards her hut when she felt the presence of someone she recognized. She stiffened an held her breath. Quickly a familiar red-clad figure appeared a yard away from her.
"Kagome," he said quietly.
She nodded her greeting. "InuYasha." He still wore the Robe of the Fire Rat and Tessaiga still hung at his side. He didn't look a day older than the day she plucked him from the tree.
"I wasn't sure you were back," he broke the silence. They made no move to step closer.
"Just last night." She wasn't aware he'd known she'd been gone, she hadn't seen him in months.
He nodded and looked away.
"Well, I have some things to do, so if you'll excuse me," she said as she started to walk past him. He grunted as she passed then turned to follow her. It was then that she knew he had something to say, but she didn't comment on it. If he got around to saying it, fine. If not it didn't matter much to her.
She stopped at her hut door. "I have to change, I'll be out in a minute." He nodded and she went in, she stripped out of her clothes and dug for something clean. She moaned softly when all she could find was what Sesshomaru had given her. 'Here comes a fight,' she thought as she slipped into the garments.
To hide the symbols she loaded her arms with dirty laundry. She steeled herself and brushed out the door on the way to the stream. Maybe he wouldn't notice.
"So, Kagome, I..." InuYasha breathed in and immediately stopped short what he was going to say. He grabbed her arms to make her face him, causing her to drop all of her laundry in the dirt.
"InuYasha!" It was times like this she wished she hadn't broken the subjugation necklace.
"Kagome!" he snapped back. He eyed her up and down, his gaze pausing on the symbol on her chest. He leaned closer and inhaled deeply through his nose. His brows furrowed and he growled. "Sesshomaru," he hissed his brother's name. His eyes snapped to hers, and his grip on her arms tightened to the point of painful, his nails digging in. "What are you doing with him? Why is he all over you?"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not 'with him' and he's not all over me. You don't have to fly off the handle."
He pushed her away and took a step back. "Fly off the handle? Shit! How could I not! You sneak off to the arms of my brother and come back wearing his crest, smelling like him! How long have you two been having this affair?"
She gave him a stern look of warning and crossed her arms, subtly healing the cuts his nails had made. "It's not like that, InuYasha. You don't understand."
"Oh, I think I understand plenty! One brother wasn't enough, you had to get your hooks into both of them. You must really have a fetish for dog demons. Or is it just power you crave?" he sneered.
She fought hard not to slap him into next Tuesday. Her temper spiked and with it her power, forcing the half-demon to cringe back another step.
"You and I are not together, and even if we were do you really believe me capable of that?! And on top of that do you think me so evil as to flaunt my supposed infidelity in your face?"
He crossed his arms and gave her a pointed look, confirming that was exactly what he thought.
Her mouth dropped open, and she was unable to speak for a moment. When she was able to talk her voice had dropped to a low growl. "Leave, InuYasha. I don't want to see your face again."
He sneered, "Why? So you can run back to your filthy lover?"
Before either of them knew what had happened she'd crossed the short span between them and slapped him – hard. His head was wrenched to the side with the reki-charged force of her blow. Once done they both looked shocked but Kagome recovered faster. "If you are incapable of hearing me, and are intent on insulting me, you should avoid me in the future."
When he looked at her again there was a red hand-print on his cheek, but he was still glaring at her. In a flash he disappeared into the woods. Kagome stood there shaking for a moment. With more calmness than she felt she collected her laundry off the ground and proceeded with her chores.
She tried to put the encounter out of her head but it seriously soured her mood. She furiously scrubbed her clothes and had them hanging on a line in less than an hour. She still had excess energy to burn so she put the berries in something that would keep them better then proceeded to clean her hut.
She fixed herself a quick lunch then set to putting her travel bag away. She paused as she pulled out her new clothes. As confusing as her time with the demon lord had been she couldn't deny his kindness to her. It was so strange, if someone had told her before this happened that it would go the way it had she would've laughed in their face.
As Kagome unpacked her clothes a scroll fell from her bag, clattering to the floor. She gasped when she saw it, recognizing the yellow ribbon immediately. She snatched if from the floor and held it to her chest, glancing this way and that. The servants who packed her things must have thought it was hers.
She was in a quandary, what should she do with it? Getting rid of it was out of the question, it was far too precious. She knew she'd have to return it but she just got home, she didn't want to make such a long journey so soon.
She looked at it for a moment. Perhaps she would be forgiven for keeping it a little longer. She set it aside and finished unpacking and tidying up.
Later that evening after dinner she picked it up to read. There were some more mundane entries at first but they started to become more detailed, though many years seemed to be skipped. The dragon clans were causing a lot of border skirmishes, the writer of the journal had to be out on patrol more often. The battles were becoming more bloody but the lord didn't seem concerned.
Kagome imagined him standing out on a hillside overlooking his vast territory, his white hair blowing slightly at his back.
She blinked, for a moment there Sesshomaru's image had filled her mind and her heart had skipped a beat. She brushed it off and continued reading.
~After years of fighting I have met with the lords of my territory and the dragon lords. We have fortunately come to an agreement, a treaty has been signed.~
Kagome sighed and felt herself relax a little, she hadn't realized she'd become so tense.
~My son, my heir, has distinguished himself greatly. He is an unparalleled swordsman and a strong leader. I know he will progress into a great demon, undoubtedly even greater than my person. He will lead the West to previously unobtainable heights when I am gone. He is a bit too ambitious for my tastes but some of that can be reckoned to his youth. I do wish he would let his heart into his decisions, he has regrettably become cold like his mother. I have faith that one day he will meet someone who changes his way of thinking. This one only hopes it will not be too late.~
She glanced up to see it was well into the night. She sighed and set the scroll down. She threw a couple of logs on the fire and settled into her bed. She fell asleep only to dream about dragons and knights in shining armor. The knight had golden eyes and silver hair.
~0~
Weeks had passed until a month had gone by. Kagome forgot about the scroll in the midst of her busy life. In that time she'd taken several short trips but was never gone from her hut over more than a couple days.
She was sitting outside her hut mending a sock one sunny day when there was a call from the treeline across the way. It wasn't unusual for strangers to drop by, though it was few and far between. Some came looking for help others for advice, all were welcome if their intentions were pure.
"Hello, at the hut. May I approach?"
She thought that was an oddly formal greeting as she squinted to see who it was. She could make out a man in the shade-line of the trees but she couldn't see who it was. She sensed he was human and alone, so she bid him closer, setting her mending to the side.
She was deeply surprise as the man cleared the shade. "Lord Ichtio!" she exclaimed. She had seriously mixed emotions about seeing him again, since the first (and last) time they met his elderly father was attempting to wed them. This was definitely the last person she ever thought she'd see again.
He came to a stop in front of her and bowed. "Lady Kagome, it is good to see you well."
She stood and returned the bow. "I have to say, I'm a little shocked to see you again. Why are you here, so far from your home? And apparently alone?" She looked around and couldn't see a single guard.
He smiled and she couldn't miss the kindness in his face. "I admit I left the few men I brought with me in the village. I wished to speak with you alone."
She motioned him to sit down and he joined her. She waited for him to speak, still curious to why he'd come all this way to see her.
For a moment he looked down at his hands. "I understand you were upset by my father's actions, but I wanted to personally assure you we bear you no ill will for the rejection. What we did was done for the sake of our people. We - I ask humbly for your forgiveness."
She shook her head. "No forgiveness necessary. I understood it was for the people even when it happened, and I don't harbor a grudge against you for it. But you must see that I wouldn't have been a good wife for you." She chuckled.
He looked at her with a studying gaze. "I think you would have been the perfect wife for me."
She blushed at his honest statement, cutting off her laughter. "Oh, Lord Ichtio... I don't know what to say. But you must be wrong," she shook her head.
His eyes fell to his hands. "I have a confession. I went down many of the days you were in our town and watched you work." He looked up again. "You were, and are, incredible, my lady. The way you dealt with everything with precision and grace. It was what a leader aught to be." He swallowed. "Everything I wish I was and am not."
Her eyes widened. "I'm sure that's not true! I'm sure you're a great leader."
He shook his head. "I am a coward and not a strong man, I know this." He reached the short distance between them and took one of her hands in his, surprising her. "That is why I think we would be good together. You are a natural leader and the people respect you. I would rely heavily upon your word in all things."
That was a very flattering thing to say for a man of his time. Her blush flamed anew. "But what about love?" What was she saying?! She had to stop this before this went any further! She barely knew this man! For one thing he had to be almost twenty years her senior! Though, he did look good for his- 'NO! Stop that!'
It was the lord's turn to blush. "I- I would hope that we would also find that in each other, over time."
She looked into his sincere brown eyes and melted a little. He was so forthright about his feelings, hiding nothing from her. It was a breath of fresh air. He was also quite handsome with his thick black hair and brown eyes, he had a small beard that made him look rugged. "What about when I'm called away frequently to the aid of others?" her voice had gone to a whisper.
He smiled softly, his eyes joining in the expression. "I would never hold you so close that I would smother you."
That wasn't the response she was expecting and it pinged straight to her heart. "Oh," she murmured. Her previous (a.k.a. only) relationship had been bordering on controlling. Whereas she knew InuYasha had reasons to act the way he did it was still hard for her to stomach some days. She had yearned for a partner devoted only to her. And here was a man offering just that. She couldn't deny that it was an attractive proposition when placed in that light.
"Lord Ichtio, -"
"Please, you may address me by name."
She paused, another oddity about him. "Ichtio, I'm flattered by your attentions but I'm surprised that you aren't already married."
His eyes turned sad and he looked down. "I was married when I was very young, younger than you are now. We did love each other but she was not of a strong constitution. She died giving birth to our child, the child departed with her."
Kagome gasped and gripped his hand tighter. "Oh, I'm so sorry." She looked at him in sympathy.
He gave her a watery smile and took a deep breath. "I know I am older than you but I can offer you a comfortable life. When I proceed you into the next life I will be leaving you a home and a people that already admire you. I would hope in that time I could also offer you a child, not only as a continuation of my legacy but also a companion when I am gone."
Her free hand came up to her chest in a fist. Her heart was beating fast at the things he was saying. It was almost like he knew everything she had ever wanted to hear and it gripped her hard.
While she was in her daze he scooted closer to her. "Miko," his voice had gone soft, "I do not wish to pressure you in any way but I wonder if you would indulge me?"
She blinked at him, he was so close to her now she could feel his warm breath on her face and it sent a tingle down her spine. "Indulge you?"
A smile played at his lips. "I would ask a kiss from you." He pulled her towards him, not in a insistent way, and giving her an out if she desired, as she fell against his chest. He slipped an arm around her waist.
"Ichtio," she gasped, not struggling in the slightest. It had been so long since she'd had the attentions of a handsome male, she intimidated most men of this time. She felt heated and womanly in his arms and it was doing strange things to her body. It was like he had her under a spell.
"Please," his voice was just a whisper now. He dipped her back in the crook of his arm and she willingly received his direction.
From this distance she could see the fine lines on his face indicating his age. Instead of repulsing her it made him look more distinguished. His eyes closed as he neared her. She felt warm lips touch hers and the first thought she had was how soft he was.
He gently pressed his lips to hers, moving ever so slowly. She sighed at his attentions and he pressed a little firmer, still not demanding in any way. Her eyes fluttered closed to focus on his touch.
His hand came up to stroke her cheek with his fingertips. Even his hands were soft. The hands of an aristocrat, hands that had never held a sword. His beard brushed against her skin but it wasn't rough or prickly as she expected. His smell was pleasant and masculine but didn't have that spicy punch to it that tickled her memory.
She didn't have much experience in kissing, only having kissed a few times, and most of those had been in dire circumstances – not exactly conducive to taking the time to enjoy things. She was thinking how nice this was, he was so gentle with her.
All too soon Ichtio withdrew with a sigh. "Thank you, Kagome," he whispered low, his voice a little rough.
'Was that it?' she questioned to herself. She felt like there should've been more. She couldn't deny that the kiss was pleasant but it felt lacking. Perhaps he was just being politely timid? "Um, you're welcome?" she said a little dazed.
He smiled and let her sit back up and away from him. "I know that you are a powerful woman, Kagome and I can never compete with that. I don't wish to be better than you, only to stand by your side. Please, accept my offer, I will be a good husband to you."
Her mouth opened and closed, what could she say in the face of such sincerity? He was truly offering his heart to her in a way no man had done before. Did she want to accept it? She respected his courage for coming all this way and saying what he had, it was no small thing.
She imagined what her life would look like with this man. True there would be affection and she would want for nothing, but those weren't all the aspects of a relationship she was looking for. She wanted fire. Not someone to argue with but someone who would challenge her, and maybe be challenged by her. She wanted an equal. Even in her powerful state she wanted someone she could feel safe with, someone who would protect her. She didn't always want to be the one protecting people.
She could be happy with Ichtio but not as happy as she could be, and she didn't want to be selfish with him. He deserved better. She sighed internally, maybe what she was looking for was a pipe dream. Maybe she should take this lord's offer. She studied him again. No, she just couldn't.
"Ichtio, you are a sweet, caring man." He perked up at her words, so much so she hated having to continue. "You have much to offer any woman but I cannot accept, as much as I'm tempted to do so."
He looked crestfallen. "I see," his voice was sad, "is there nothing I can do to entice you to change your mind?"
She shook her head slowly. "I'm sorry." She truly meant that. She wished she could be what he wanted but she knew he could never be what she needed.
He nodded. "I am saddened by your decision but I respect it." He stood and she followed him. "I will not try your patience any longer."
She looked at him with sadness and sympathy. She stopped him with a hand on his arm, when he looked at her again she moved the hand to his cheek. She rubbed her thumb under his eye until the look found there softened. "Be good to yourself, Ichtio. The right woman is out there for you." He looked a bit dubious but refrained from comment.
She leaned up and gave him a kiss at the corner of his mouth. He sighed and his eyes slid shut for a second. When she backed away he had a light blush to his cheeks. "Thank you, Lady Kagome. You are still welcome in our province whenever you like."
She bowed to him and he returned the gesture. "Thank you, Lord Ichtio. Be well."
He nodded and turned to leave. He paused once more at the treeline and looked back. She gave him a smile and a small wave and then he was gone.
Kagome went back into her hut and put her sewing away. She stood still in the middle of her home and a strange feeling washed over her. Her vision clouded and soon she was crying great heaving sobs. She fell to the floor clutching her stomach as the tears wrenched themselves from her.
~oOo~
Kagome never forgot Ichtio in the coming months, but she did her best to come to terms with her decision. It wasn't that she regretted turning him away, it was from the prospect of living her life alone. Somehow this had really driven the possibility home. She'd always known it was there but this seemed to rake it to the surface again. It hurt more than she remembered.
It was late summer and she was taking a rare opportunity to do some hut maintenance when a demon approached her. She sensed him coming but he wasn't very powerful, nor did he project a threatening vibe, so she didn't even turn from re-thatching her roof.
"Honorable Shikon Miko," the well dressed but lithe demon bowed low.
She rolled her eyes but made her way down the ladder. "How can I help you?"
The demon straightened. "Your lord requests your presence in the citadel."
She raised an eyebrow at 'your lord' but recognized the symbol on his clothes. "When?"
The demon blinked. "When? N... now, my lady."
She shook her head. "Rice harvest is here, I can't possibly leave right now."
His eyes went wide. She was given a direct order from her lord and master and she was saying no? It was unheard of. He started to tremble, what would his lord say when he reported this? "Is that your response?" he asked shocked.
She nodded. "Yes, please tell him that if he wants me there he'll have to wait until after the harvest."
The messenger's mouth opened and closed wordlessly. He bowed again and he was gone in a flash.
Kagome sighed and mopped her brow. She was sure she wasn't garnering any favors with Sesshomaru but he'd said that she was as free as she'd been before. She shrugged, she didn't have time to worry about that now. She climbed the ladder again and got back to work.
~o0o~
The brief visitor did have the effect that it reminded her that she still had the scroll. That night and for the next two she continued to read.
~The peace accord with the dragons seems to be holding, though there is still tension. Rumors of border skirmishes. One of the larger human towns withing my realm is having some disputes with the local demons and they called this lord to come mediate.~
Kagome noticed the handwriting changed from tight to a little more open and flourishing.
~I have seen a vision this day.~
Kagome perked up at those words.
~The ruler of the town in need of mediation presented his daughter to my approval. Though if he had known of what interest I would have in her he may not have been so eager. She was most fair and unerringly kind. I must see more of her.~
Kagome's eyes widened. 'Was this girl human?' She scanned back to make sure and yes, she was human. She bit her lip, it intrigued her, maybe finding human women beautiful was a dog demon trait. Here the author of this journal, InuYasha of course, and InuYasha's father.
Possibly the great Sesshomaru himself could succumb to this. She shook her head with a chuckle. That would never happen.
~I have talked many times with the princess and I am assured of our mutual attraction. I am not a pup, I am aware she is young and my advisers, as well as my own heir, disapprove of our relationship. My mate seems not to care as she too has her own interests away from me.~
Kagome sucked in a breath, this was getting juicy.
~There is a rival for my princess' attentions. She seems demure about his presence like true royalty, but there is no mistaking his dislike of me. I cannot call him out for a challenge as he is the captain of the king's guard and an accomplished strategist, it would be a shame if he were lost. As he is human I do not see him as a true threat, and in my absence I know he would protect my love with a fervor I admire.~
It was getting too good now and Kagome was engrossed.
~I feel almost like a pup again when I am around her. She makes my days lighter and she too told me she looks forward to my visits.
I am beyond pleased, I have learned my princess is now carrying my seed. I have requested that she come live with me in the citadel but she has declined. Since we are not bound, married in the eyes of her people, she wishes not to further shame her father. I respect her wishes but my heart, my body, my soul cries out to take her and make our family safe. She has been removed to a remote location by her family who have all but disowned her, presumably to hide her pregnancy. Humans can be so small minded and petty when they chose to be.
The opposition against me and our relationship intensifies, and though I know her father would never dare keep us apart the captain of the guard is another matter. She is soon to give birth and I am concerned that the guard will try to stop me. Not concerned for me, he would be unable to do me physical damage, but I worry for my princess and our child. I will be there for the birth.~
Kagome sighed, this was so romantic. She wasn't expecting such an account when she picked up this scroll. She unrolled the next section and found it was the last of it. She assumed it was being continued on another scroll and was only mildly perturbed that she wouldn't be able to continue until she got back to Sesshomaru's library.
~I have received a message that my princess has gone into labor. The guard has foolishly also set up a barricade against my arrival. I scoff at his attempt.
I was about to go to her when I was issued a challenge from the Dragon Lord, he has seen my ties to the human woman as an apparent weakness and has broken our treaty. For this infraction I will annihilate him. My love for my princess and my child are not a weakness they are a strength. The greatest strength in the world. This is something I hope my heir one day learns.~
Kagome was startled when the epistle ended with that. She turned the scroll over, there was no more. She started to think about all that she'd learned and suddenly the light went on in her head causing her to jump to her feet.
"Inu no Taishō!" she shouted. All this time, she had no idea! She reread the last few entries again to confirm her conclusion. She was sure of it.
She carefully rolled the scroll back up and tied the yellow ribbon neatly. She hugged it to herself with tears in her eyes. She knew there wouldn't be another scroll to read, because she knew what had happened next. The Great Dog General had fought the dragon lord Ryukotsusei and though he was able to seal the dragon to a cliff with one of his claws, he had been mortally wounded in the fight. He hadn't waited to heal before he rushed to see Izayoi and save her life from Takemaru the captain of the guard.
He named the newborn InuYasha and sent the babe and mother away, in the ensuing battle with Takemaru both he and the human perished.
She sighed, InuYasha would love to read, or at least hear, this account. She took the scroll and wrapped it in a clean blanket to protect it. She reaffirmed the need in her mind to talk to Sesshomaru and give this precious tome back.
It was never far from her thoughts the next day but the preparations for harvest had already started. Early that morning she joined the villagers and they set out to the fields. On their way Kagome and the others were met by several demons, one of which was leading the two-headed dragon Ah Un.
"Priestess Kagome." The first one addressed her directly.
Kagome took a good look at the male and was pleased and surprised to recognize him. It was the kind guard who had dared to answer her questions frankly. She smiled at him. "Good to see you again." She glanced at the others he'd brought with him. "What's going on?"
He bowed to her. "Lady Kagome, Lord Sesshomaru requests your presence on an urgent matter."
Her smile dropped to a frown. "I already told the previous messenger that harvest has started and I can't abandon this village when they need help."
The guard nodded. "Our lord has provided you with ample assistance so that you may go to him." He motioned to the other demons with him.
Her eyes shot wide. "Really?" She looked between the villagers and the demons. The people seemed accepting of the assistance and her heart was warmed by that. "Oh, uh, thanks."
The guard motioned her to the dragon but she held up her hands. "Just a minute, I have to grab some things." She dashed back up the hill followed by the guard. She went into her hut and quickly changed out of her work clothes and into something Sesshomaru had given her.
She carefully picked up the wrapped scroll and her herb basket. She popped out of the hut and approached the guard and Ah Un. "Lets go," she said with determination.
They traveled fast but now that they were underway she started to wonder why she was needed. "Excuse me," she got the guard's attention.
"Yes, ma'am?" he asked as he flew next to her.
"What is this "urgent matter" that required all this fuss?" As the length of time he took to answer grew she became really concerned.
He blanched and looked straight ahead. "Uh, I cannot say, Priestess."
She analyzed him for a moment, he knew, he just wasn't allowed to say. She leaned forward on the dragon. "Come on, Ah Un, show me how fast you can fly to your master." She saw their four ears twitch in her direction and they sped faster than before.
It was only and hour and a half and they arrived at the citadel. The priestess dismounted as soon as the beast's feet hit the ground.
Kimiko, her maid, came out and met her on the steps. "Come quickly, m' lady."
"Where is Lord Sesshomaru?" Kagome asked as they jogged up the steps.
Kimiko shook her head. "You are needed elsewhere." She led her down the hall until they came to a room she recognized. "Wait, isn't this Rin's old room?"
The maid's answer was cut off when there was an agonizing cry from within. Kagome didn't stand on ceremony and pushed her way into the room.
A/N: Notes on this slightly longer chapter:
1*Any speculations on what InuYasha originally wanted to talk to Kagome about?
2*Bet you didn't see Ichtio coming!
3*Okay, maybe I stretched it a bit too far and you all realized who wrote the journal before Kagome did. What can I say? She's a bit dense and unobservant about certain things. Obviously.
4*Most of the time the names I give my characters mean something and I work hard to find the right name. This story – not so much. Ento is purely made up and has no real meaning. Ichtio is also made up but it makes me laugh to say it so I kept it (ĭch-tee-oh = itchy toe).
5*Sorry about the cliffhanger.