The walk to Edo is much longer then Kagome remembers. Forty-five minutes. Maybe it's always been that long?, she tries to think back but usually, Inuyasha would hurry her along or she had the bike. Sure, she's faster and better then before but with no hanyou there to whine and moan and bitch, she can take her sweet time. I'm just over thinking things., she has a tendency to do that. Instead, just enjoy the peace and quiet., and that is exactly what she intends to do...until her stomach rumbles hungrily. Patting the flat area, she frowns. I guess we can stop for a break., glancing to the two demonic companions, lips purse. "You guys hungry?" simultaneously, their stomach growl at the mention of food. Her answer. "I'm sure we're pretty close to the village, so lets stop and rest a moment."
Lacon drops where he was walking, no warning and causing Shippou to let out a squeak, titter forward and flip off. "A warning next time, Lacon." he whines, swirls in his eyes.
Chuckling to herself, Kagome takes up a spot under a large tree, with much shade. Shippou follows her over and after a moment of Lacon staring, pushes himself up and trots after. Swinging her bag around, she digs in it's depth for some energy bars. Opening them, one is handed to Shippou, the other for herself. Lacon catches the dog bone tossed to him and gnarls at it, loudly. Ignoring his eating habit, mother and son enjoy the light breeze of the day. Removing the outer kimono's, they're stuffed in their bags then use said bags as a cushion to lean back on.
"Mama, what do you want to do first?" Shippou looks over. "I know we are going to Edo, but that's more or less to let everyone know we're okay, right?"
"Hmmm mmm mmm." she hums softly in agreement and takes a bite of the bar. "I figured we'd see if we can find that spring." he nods. "Hopefully, it won't take so long and after we find it, look for Sessoumaru-dono. We can look for shards as well but there is a main purpose." again, the kitsune nods. A light hum leaves the miko.
Clank-clank-clank.
Hearing the heavy footfalls make the trio freeze. After a second, Shippou leaps onto the lowest branch and proceeds to climb up. To look for the source of the sound. It takes only a second to find the source, a 'herd' of humans are coming. From the looks of it, right pass their spot. They don't appear like most humans they deal with. These looked to be warriors, good quality clothes, armor and swords. Mostly men, ponytails various lengths. Frowning, he hops back down the branches until landing beside Kagome. "Strange men are coming. All humans."
Strange men, hm?, she muses on his description. Guess I'll find out what he means then., the clanking is louder now, so they must be close. She pulls Shippou to her side, just in case. And Lacon sits himself up, chest puffed out with a snarl on his face...just in case. When the first man comes into view, both of Kagome's brows shoot into her hair. Like Shippou, she can tell they are donning expensive looking haori and hakama's. Armor over them, some dull and used, others bright, shinny, new. Swords attached to their hips by a sash. They even have head gear. More and more walk into view, until there are, at least, thirty. She recognizes the armor. "Samurai's." the name rolls off her tongue.
"Samurai's." the kitsune frowns. "What's that?"
"They are an elite fighting force, inuse by a Damiyo." she can see the remembrance of this subject come over him. It's something covered in school while in their time. "Should you ever run into one such, on your own, you do not disrespect them, understand me?" he nods, looking up at her with large eyes. "They are skilled fighters, that would sacrifice their life, if it was for the good. They are to be treated like the noble warriors they are."
"I will, mama "
Sitting silently, they continue to watch the group go. Passing a mere ten feet from them. The strange trio receive their share of looks. An attractive, young female with startling blue eyes, a kitsune close to her side and the large and frightening huge dog in front of them. The man in front, he recognizes the tassles on the battle axe. As well as the engravings along the ivory. Would have missed it completely, had he not seen it leaning against the tree. A miko?, by her attire, he wouldn't have known. She looks nothing like the miko's he has run across.
His sudden halt brings the entire group to a standstill. Even the miko glances toward him curiously. "Miko..." instead of answering verbally, she pushes herself up and faces him. Careful to keep her moves slow and to show she has no intention of attacking him. A well trained miko, he notes. "Might us lowly warriors bother you for a blessing, before heading into battle?"
"Of course you may, it would be an honor Samurai-san." she smiles gently, sending Shippou and Lacon to the river to gather some water. Pouring it into a basin, she blesses the water itself then moves to each man, allowing them to dip their hands in it. As if washing hands. She says a few words, on their honor, loyalty, and bravery. They visible hold themselves better by the end. With their thanks, they move on and Kagome gathers up their temporary camp. The men's inquisitions put her a bit further behind then she wanted, but she wouldn't change what she did. Instead, she swings herself up on Lacon's back. Shippou in front of her. "Alright Lacon, lets hit it." patting his side, before she can blink, he is up and running full speed. As if two people are not on his back.
They continue in the same manner for ten minutes, when Lacon slows. Shippou wrinkles his nose, a hand lifting to cover it. "It smells mama."
She looks from him then to the large clearing. Alight, I'm confused., standing in place, her head turns side to side. She knows Edo use to be right where she stands. She's timed herself to the village before. Walking, on Inuyasha's back, her bike. Edo should be here, right here., the only problem with her thought...there is nothing where she stands. Nothing to indicate a village had been blossoming. Unless you count the singed rectangular markings..., brows furrowing, she squats beside one and reaches out to touch it. Cold to the touch. Emotions streak through her, making her gasp. Sorrow, anger, fear, desperation. How long ago did this happen?, if this is the place, and she is sure it is, the fact there are no signs of human life or living...whatever happened must have a while ago. Enough time to let the nature try and grow over it. Okay, need to think.
"Mama...are those graves?" Shippou's quiet voice catches her attention. Turning, she follows his line of sight and frowns. There are, maybe, five graves. Fresh flowers on them.
"I think so. Stay with Lacona." he gives a nod as she walks over to the cluster. Kneeling by the first, her eyes scan the name engraved upon the stone. Kaede; trusted miko, beloved by many. Her breath hitches. "Kaede..." tears sting her eyes and she tips forward to hit the ground on her knees. "Oh my god...what happened?" it's not hard to put two and two together. Singed marks in the grown. Torn terrain. Graves. Shippou even said he smelt blood. Edo was attacked...destroyed. If that were the case, where are the other graves?, glancing around, she can see none. Did that mean most the village survived? What about Sango, Miroku, yes even Inuyasha? There are no graves, they have to be alive!, she tells herself, aware of the possible fact of them still dying and no one being around to bury them. Maybe eaten., no! She refuses to think so morbidly. They are alive, someplace and waiting for her to find them.
"...mama?" Shippou's pained whisper, he stands right beside her and stares at the grave hadn't she told him to stay with Lacon? Gathering him to her, he clings to her and they weep. For the taken life, for the senseless destruction of war. The demon dog howls behind them, feeling his mistress and sons sorrow.
The cleansing alter burns. The flames bright in the night sky, stretching further then anyone would think they could. Almost a if caressing the night sky. Kagome, Shippou, and Lacon spent the day gathering what was needed. The wood. The flowers. The water. The cloth. It would cleanse the area and allow any spirits still linger to rest in piece. She was sure there still spirits and it wouldn't do to letting them wonder. Saying the prayer taught to her, it seemed to make the area lighter. It smelled...more sweet. At one point she was sure she seen Kaede's smiling image, before the elder miko continued on to the afterlife.
As the flames licked the night sky, it alerted the western guard, who by their lord orders had expanded their patrols until Naraku was killed. They came upon once was Edo, to see the alter and glanced around. The once village's heavy air lifted. How, they are unsure as any priest or priestess attempting to cleanse the area was met with a violent backlash. It was something to definitely tell their lord when reporting in. Obviously, someone of power, a priestess by the scent passed through.
After getting their fill of crying, Kagome and Shippou decided it was time to continue on. Cleaning and say goodbye to Edo, it had been hard but needed. They still needed to find the fountain to pay Sesshoumaru back. Maybe he'd know the whereabouts of his brother and the rest of her friends? So, leafing through her bag, she takes out the notes she gathered on the fountain coordinates. From her research, it's said to be high in the mountains. Surrounded by peril and guardians.
And so, that is where she is headed now. Bundled up in the warmest clothes she could trade for. Having already been stopped by a fairly wealthy human village, she had been asked to tend to the lords pregnant wife. First childbirth she has ever been apart of, much less lead. Good thing Aikio taught her the steps! The mother had a hard pregnancy and they didn't think she would make it out. Kagome was able to save her, she lost a lot of blood and there were plants that would help replenish it. Also, her iron was low. So a lot of meat. She could see someone easily dying from something as simple as low iron and blood lost, in the Feudal Era.
She ended up stay in the village a good two weeks, taking care of the lady of the village. She and Shippou playing with her very heathy son. Lacon, on her command, watched over the lady. Let no one close, unless Kagome said too. When she was getting on the right track, already looking so healthy, Kagome took her leave. Accepting the lords thanks and trading her skills for supplies. Warm clothing, food, cooking utensils.
She passed several villages on her trek, stopping in to give assistance if needed. Never taking money in exchange. Only the things she needed, if anything. She wasn't in it for the fame or money. She did it because it was what she does, as a priestess. Because Kagome is a kind hearted woman that would never turn down someone that needed help. As much as it is one of her key points, it may one day be her downfall.
"M-m-ma-mama." Shippou's teeth clatter together as he shivers.
She easily sweeps him up and under the cloak for added warmth. He snuggles into her, his entire body shaking. Okay, we need to stop for the night. I need to do something for Shippou. He's not going to make it to the fountain at this rate., glancing to Lacon, he seems perfectly fine as he plays in the snow surrounding them. An idea and remembrance comes to her then, a plan forming in her head. "We're stopping for the night." she announces and immediately sets out looking for some semi dry ground. She finds some, clearing it away and commanding Lacon to stay with Shippou while she gathers some wood.
Lacon plops himself on the ground, wrapping his large, furry body around the shivering kit. He is concerned about his mistress' kit. His body temperature has dropped lower then it should. Small claws clutch his fur, snuggling closer and still shaking. He watches his mistress stick close to them, gathering wood. Finally coming back, she separates the bundles into three piles. "Shippou, honey...I need you to wake up for me."
He moans. "I'm so tired, mama."
"I know and you'll be able to sleep in a moment. I just need you to do something for me." he looks back at her, eyes barely cracked. "That's a good boy." slowly, he unwraps himself from Lacon and faces her. "I want you to use your white fire to light this pile." she gestures to the larger set. Nodding tiredly, he does as she say and the wood lights up. "Okay, you can go to sleep now." and he rolls right over and is out like a light. Frowning in concern, Kagome jumps on her task.
Taking a strip of fabric, she breaks up the other piles of wood into small sections then lays out a flat piece on the strip. Taking on the burning pieces of wood, singeing her fingers in the process, she sets it on top of the first piece. Another piece of the non-burning wood goes on top and one on either side. She wraps the fabric around it, keeping the burning piece between the other four pieces. She repeats the process multiple times then proceeds to use another piece of fabric to wrap them to various parts of Shippou' body. To keep him warm. The heat of the wood comes through the wood but doesn't burn through. Once done, she gathers the rest of the wood and ties it together with a piece of ribbon. Then she pulls Shippou close and curls up against Lacon.
The next morning, when Shippou wakes, he is comfortably warm. Green eyes open to the world but all he see's is darkness. Realizing his mama must've covered them with her cloak. Looking at her sleeping, peaceful face, he smiles. Reaching out to touch a cheek. As light as the contact, she wakes from it. Eyes fluttering open. When she sees her son awake, she smiles. "Good morning, Shippou."
"Morning mama." he whispers back.
"How do you feel?" she wonders.
"Fine...warm." he shakes himself out but notices the wraps and looks at them as much as he could.
Chuckling, the priestess sits up and knocks off a layer of snow. Standing, she shakes the cloak out and swings it around her shoulders once more. "I should hope so." helping him to his feet, she kneels and checks the wraps. Still warm. "See, that white fire comes in handy." she explains what she did, making him flustered by her praise of the flames. Then sends him to wake Lacon. They take turns 'waking' each other up. And by waking, she means jumping on one another.
After eating something and sipping some water, they start their trek again. Never aware of the four sets of eyes watching them. Guardians of the fountain. The priestess...she is different., the majestic elk with a coat like snow notes.
That she is., the snowy owl agrees.
We shall see how helpful she is., the snowy wolf and snake murmur together, eyes narrowing.
There's a noise, something Kagome hadn't noticed before. Panting and soft, drawn out cry. Not normal, human cries either. Maybe an animal, I am in a forest, in the mountains., brows furrowing, she takes a step toward it. With another heart wrenching cry, her feet move on their on accord. Taking only a matter of seconds to find the problem. Large mass cowering on the ground, hoovering over a smaller form protectively. In the span of five seconds, she has throughly scanned the situation and decided on an action. Bigger, badder demon has fatally wounded another, one that is protecting her cub. Bad demon needs to go way. Before it can attempt to attack the mother again, the priestess leaps onto it's back. Blade in hand, she thrust it into his side and sends a blast of reiki to follow. The roar of pain leaves the demon, even as he turns to ash and crumbles.
Landing on her feet, she crouches and scans the area for any other demons that are out to harm mother and child. Finding none, she finally turns to the demon mother. Who is watching her carefully. Putting the blade down, she raises her hand to show she has no other weapon on her. "Can I come closer?" her tone is soft, almost a whisper. Huffing, the mother lays her head on the ground, a paw on her cubs head. Frosty blue eyes from the cub stares at the priestess. Moving closer, she gets a good look at the demons. The mother being a good size. She looks to be a cross between three animals. Frame of a bull, thick shoulders and thinning hips. Sabertooth in appearance, even the elongated front k-9's. Her size is that of a horse, even has hooves with thick hair around them and two tails. One longer then the other. Reaching for the mother slowly, she looks for any sign of defiance of that she may attack. "I need to see your injures, so that I may help you."
A huff leaves the mother and she rolls off her cub. Deep bash on her belly. A pool of blood had been in the spot she laying. Covering the half end of the cub. "Oh no." whispering in horror, Kagome moves closer, quicker. "You can't bleed out." the mother stares at the human female, as if assessing the priestess. Eyes cut to the bush she senses two other beings behind. Demons. A kitsune and inu. Back to the priestess, there is no ill intent toward her or her cub. None toward the demons close by. Pure of heart, this onna is., with some effort, she struggles to stand and bring her muzzle face level with the human. Leaning forward, nose to cheek, she exhales slowly. Air blowing across her face. There's a tingle that settles over Kagome then a sharp, prick in the cheek. Jolting back, a hand goes to the spot. The spot where mother demon nipped her.
The demon, Batoruneko, can sense the human is good. Priestess or not, she tried to help them. Her pure, untinted judgement is so clear to see. She would care for the cub, that she is sure. The nip on the cheek is a sign of her acceptance of the human raising her cub. Always done in a exposed area, so it can be seen. Raise her well, priestess.
Kagome watches the demon mothers eyes close, one last time. She wasn't quick enough. "I'm sorry." whispering, a tear falls. Sitting back on her haunches, she just stares at the sight in front of her.
"Miko." head snapping toward the voice, she swipes the cub and holds her close. The inu and kitsune appear on either side of her. Just in case someone means the cub some harm. Their reaction makes the four guardians nod in approval. A selfless, pure, unjaded miko. Truly, a once in a life time being. One by one, the guardians appear, surrounding them. Elk. Owl. Wolf. Snake. All snow white, glowing eyes and icy-grey markings on their bodies. "We are the guardians of Mount Eien No Seinen."
"Eien No Seinen." she repeats the name, eyeing the four warily.
"We have come because you have meet all the requirements, miko." the owl tells her softly.
"Requirements for what?" Shippou asks slowly.
"We ssssssshall grant you one wisssssh. Sssssshould you wisssssssh for the healing waterssssss, it sssssshall be." the snake hisses.
"A wish..." trailing off, she shares a look with Shippou, who nods. He has heard of these guardians. They are the real deal. "And there is no...side effects?" her mind is turning, on what she can wish for. Not the healing waters, like she had been searching for.
"No."
"Then I know what to wish for." she announces firmly. Shippou knows, knows with the very fiber of his demonic being what she is about to do. She will forever be a generous human.
"Wish and it shall be granted." Wolf tells her.
"I wish the cubs mother didn't die." arms tighten around little neko.
"..." a moment of silence. "You would use your wish to help a complete stranger? Instead of the healing waters, for Sesshoumaru-dono." they state in confusion.
"Of course I would." she blinks, as if the answer is the most common thing in the world. To her, it is. "He does well without that arm, besides I can find another way to repay him. The mother is more important."
The guardians look hard at the miko before turning in on each other and speaking in low voices. It has been many years since the last selfless miko came through. Someone that the current miko matches in power, maybe exceeds. Lacon, Kagome, Shippou, and cub just watch them. Finally, after a minute or so, they turn back. "We are unable to bring life to the dead." Owl starts.
"Her death was inevitable." Wolf adds.
"But your wish was selfless, so we shall give you the healing waters." Elk announces.
"But you sssssshall sssssstill get a wissssssh." Snake hisses.
A small pouch appears around her neck. Rough hide, white like the guardians and a single marking face up. "Replenish the water as much as you want but it will only last a week." they warn.
A week...a week to get back to the west and find Sesshoumaru., she muses and nods her head. She can do that, if she puts it in fifth gear.
"And now a wish." Owl reminds her.
"A wish." mulling over what she can wish for, brows furrow. They cannot bring the dead back., so bringing back anyone or everyone that Naraku has killed, it's impossible. The answer smacks her in the face. That's it! Naraku's negativity has stretched far. Time to unravel what he's done., she muses. "I have decided on my wish." their heads bow, urging her to continue. "I wish Kohaku the demonslayer, and brother to Sango, was with us."
"Kohaku." the name is muttered like a wave, the guardians bodies lighting up. A violent wind fills the area. Hair, clothes, snow, and twigs thrown all around.
Kagome squats, using her cloak to protect her son and companions from the onslaught. When the tailwinds die down, the guardians are gone but in their place, a lone boy stands. Looking exactly the same since last time she seen him. Time to get down to business.
Seeing a whirlwind off in the distance, Kagome blinks and cocks her head to the side. Kouga..., she muses on the name then aura and smiles. It's him, the real him. Before she can even blink, the tunnel of wind comes to a halt right in front of her. A bright eyed wolf demon is standing there. "Kagome!" and sweeps her up into a big hug.
"Kouga!" she hugs back, big grin on her face. After a moment, he sets her on her feet and steps back. She does the same, to get a good look at him. He's changed, not in appearance, but stance. The look in his eyes. Sweeping him over, she notes something missing almost immediately and frowns. "What happened to your shards?"
"It's a long story." he replies.
"I've got time, heading west anyways." she shrugs.
"Are you meeting up with the others? At Sesshoumaru's." he asks, head cocking. In one fail swoop, alerting her to where her friends are. "Inuyasha said you had left, not coming back. Abandoned the duty of collecting shards." he's frowning now.
"Of course he would, when he's the reason I left in the first place." she grumbles. "I didn't know where they are but I was heading out there anyways. Need to speak with Sesshoumaru-dono."
"Mama?" Shippou pokes his head around a bush. "Lacon's getting ansty, can we come out?"
"Oh, right...course you can." she waves them over.
"Hey Kouga." the kit waves to the wolf, coming to stand at his mama's side. After him is the demon slayer Sango's, brother. He tenses when seeing the little human but the tight smile and Kagome at ease around him, it calms the wolf.
"He's no longer under Naraku's control." she voices, as if knowing what he's thinking.
"Oh..." trailing off, he turns his attention to the kit. "Shippou...you've grown." he notes, eyeing the little demon. He is taller, body thinning out. Hair more relaxed. Tail longer so easing the fluffiness. His face losing some roundness. He knows, the only way a demon can grow so fast, he has been put through an intense amount of physical training and youkai. But from what Kouga has learned, Kagome has never seen or felt a demon in her time. So how..., the only possible answer is Kagome. She's been training him. Now that I look at her...she's not the same either., hair braided with a bun and a single loop hanging from the back. A strange mark on her right cheek. Her attire is completely different, arms wrapped. Figure toned and lean, though still with the curves that captivated him. Gone is the bow and arrows she had been using before, in its place is a frightening battle axe. "You've changed as well."
"You don't leave for two years, Kouga, and come back the same person." she tells him softly. "I trained. Shippou trained. Lacon trained."
"Lacon?" a brow goes up.
Turning to Shippou, she nods and he looks back. "C'mon!" the kit is suddenly lifted, sent flipping into the air and landing on something solid. Whatever had been crouching behind the bushes pushes itself to its feet. A large shadow casting on the ground. The top of a head peaks over the bushes until the face of a k'9 is visible. Moving forward, he trots to his mistress and stands at her side. Almost as tall as her.
"This is Lacon." a hand settles in his big, furry head. Scratching between his ears. Lids close, mouth opens and his tongue rolls out.
"Where did you find him?" Kouga whispers, recognizing the beast. Gado Inu. Fierce creatures. Only have one master, in their entire life. Bonded with them, extends the life of the master. When the master dies, the Inu follows. They are incredible hard to find and even harder to get one to follow.
"Pet shop." she muses, unaware of what he knows. "Babies just a pup...aren't you." she coos lowly, head turning as he licks her face. Avoid the mouth!, she just giggles.
"He's a pup?" Kouga asks, incredulous look on his face.
"Course...barely a year old." Shippou pats his side as well. "He loves Shi-kun, to death."
"Shi-kun?" he just notices the bundle on the inu's back. A head pokes out, mewling pitifully. The wolf knows immediately the bundle is a Batoruneko and suddenly, the mark on Kagome's cheek makes sense. She was marked by the neko's mother, to care and raise her cub. They are notoriously hard to find, just like Gado Inu's...but Kouga doesn't really find himself surprised that Kagome has crossed paths with them and now has one of each. It seemed like something impossible she would do.
"You have been...in your time? The entire two years?" he wonders.
"Yes. Sealed the well, so Inuyasha couldn't come through. Needed to focus on my training and school." he nods, though only understanding half of what she said. "So, why are the others with Sesshoumaru-dono?"
He decides to come back to the two companions later. "Kagome, a lot has changed since you left." he murmurs.
"Like what?" a bad feeling settles in the pit of her stomach.
"Naraku, he got my shares, almost killed me. If Ayame hadn't come by when she had..." he trails off, thinking about that day and when he finally realized his feelings for the she-wolf. "He attacked Edo, destroying it. Inuyasha and the others were able to get the villagers out, save a few."
Kagome nods sadly. "We saw her grave." Keade.
"The shards Inuyasha had gathered, Naraku stole. He has the full jewel."
Head cocking, she gains a confused look. "That's not possible." at his head shaking, she pulls out a rope necklace with a small lead cylinder. Opening it, she dumps a good sized chunk into her hand. "I took mine when going home and got the ones from in Kohaku. Collecting here and there." hand closing, they're dumped back inside and snapped shut. The energy of the jewel cannot be felt. "Lead, it blocks out just about any sort of energy readings." she explains at his look.
"So...we still have a chance." he whispers then grins largely. "Kagome, you are godsend!" suddenly, he's spinning her again.
She giggles, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Well, I glad someone is happy to see me come back."
"Everyone will be ecstatic to see you...even the mutt." he assures, setting her back down. "C'mon, no time to waste!"
"Alright, alright." laughing good naturally, she hops on Lacon's back. "Lead the way, Kouga-kun!" nodding, he takes off in a direction and the large Inu follows. Easily keeping up.
"Mama, he didn't hit on you once." Shippou mutters.
"I noticed...maybe he and Ayame got together?" she muses, hoping that is it. Even after two years, she feels nothing romantic for the wolf demon. He deserved someone that would treat him like he does, or did, her. I'll ask later, when we stop.
True to her word, Kagome questioned him on his relationship with Ayame. He admitted to them being mated a year ago and she is with child. Kagome is beaming in glee. She always thought they were an adorable couple. Mentally, she makes a note to speak with Ayame. Ask to bless the pregnancy. Also make amends. After that discussion, they all spoke of the last two years later. What they experienced. What they learned. She told the wolf prince what sent her packing to her era. While he admitted she needed training, the mutt could have broached the subject with her. She could have learned and stayed in that time.
Kagome is happy, in a way, that it happened in the manner it had. There is so much she learned from Aikoi-sensei. Her bonding with Shippou was a factor and him getting the experience of her era, it helped. Plus, he got to experience a life without fear and fighting. Showered in love and fully accepted by Luna, gramps, and Sota. No, she wouldn't change it...besides, what good could she had been against Naraku? They would have needed to protect her and that isn't something they needed to worry themselves about.
The next morning, Kagome caught some game. Just fish so that they can eat quickly and be on their way. She made the mental note of smoking meat, make some jerky later. After they ate, the group continues on. By late afternoon, they see a structure in the distance. Homestead of Sesshoumaru. Even from their distance, it's massive. Stone. Built into the mountain side.
"Whoa." Kagome mutters in awe, stopping her trek. Shippou, sitting in front of Kohaku on Lacon's back, his mouth has dropped open. Shi sleeps hard.
Lacon doesn't really understand what's so special about it. He likes the big yellow house more. Spacious but not to much. Always smelled good. Very loving humans inside, even the old man...when he wasn't being strange. This new place, it has a coldness and informality to it. A low whine leaves him and he lays down, right there. He doesn't want to go.
Kouga looks at him from the corner of his eye, understanding his hesitation. Does Kagome?, he wonder.
She does. Sliding from his back, she squats by his head with a stern look. Another whine and a paw falls over his eyes. "Lacon, don't you ignore me." she starts, knowing she has his attention. "I know, trust me. It feels cold. I'm right here. So is Shippou and Shi...but we need to go there, everyone else is waiting on us." lowering the law, he peaks at her. "C'mon, be momma's big bear." slow blink, his head lifts and glances back to the mountain side. A huff leaves him, not happy but listening.
Kouga is both amused and stunned. She really has bonded with him., having never seen a bonding up close, he is fascinated.
"Besides, we have to protect mama." Shippou adds. Lacon is suddenly on his feet, snarl on his face and standing in front of his mistress. Fur frizzing with youkai. He looks quite deadly.
"Thatta boy!" she grins, turning to Kouga.
"Kukukuku." the chuckle echoes around them and Lacon wastes not a moment. He launches himself to the right, fur morphing to spikes and his doggy claws to talons. A startled cry changes to one of pain and then there's a poof. A moment later, a normal Lacon prances he's from the trees. Bamboo doll and pelt in his mouth. He dumps the load at Kagome's feet and in the middle of it all. Everyone just stands there, staring at the pile before them. Then it starts. Laughter. From Kagome. Shippou. Kouga. Amusement from Kohaku. They cannot help it. Lacon had reacted so quick, ending the puppeted threat before it really began. Then comes up to them, tail wagging and holding the pelt and puppet, like its a fetching stick.
Lacon, suddenly, jumps at his mistress. In a good mood because of them. Tackling her to the ground, he attacks her face with dog kisses and long swipes of his tongue. She squeals in surprise, mock fighting him. The good mood only last a moment. Next thing anyone knows, Lacon leaps from the spot he had been in, his large body pushing his three charges to the side. Three blast of yellow energy rushes right by where they had been, the furious inu leaping over it with ease and snarls at the approaching group when landing. In the lead, a smugness about him, is Inuyasha. Balancing the sword on his shoulder. Kagome's eyes narrow, settling a hand on Lacon's shoulder. "Down." her tone is hard.
"Still same old Kagome, need me to rescue you." the Inu hanyou scoffs and swings the sword around.
"Inuyasha, you almost hit her before!" Sango scowls at his side.
"Then the idiot should move, shouldn't she?"
"For your information, I wasn't in danger." she deadpans.
"And I'm suppose to believe that?" he snorts. "Same old Kagome, needing me to come rescue you."
Before he can make another move, a barrier erupts around the group. He almost runs into it if Miroku hadn't jerked him back. Instead, the barrier pulses and then, to everyone's surprise, it 'explodes', throwing the inu-hanyou back. It does nothing to the other demons of the group. "I know the true loyalty of an inu, Inuyasha. Your flip-flop allegiance is a sad, pale comparison." she snarks, finally saying what she's wanted to since finding Lacon. He often times reminds her of Sesshoumaru, not because he's an inu but because of the loyalty he showed to his own pack. To Jaken and Rin. He was always there. Unlike the hanyou. "You attempted to attack of my pack and I take their safety serious. Don't try again." she warns coolLy.
"Kagome?" Sango steps toward her but her sight is glued to the young man beside Lacon.
"Oh." turning to Kohaku, she waves him forward and grasps his shoulders when he does. "I was able to break Naraku's control and nurse him back to health." the waters also did a number, healing wise, on his mind and body. Releasing him, she steps toward the elder demonslayer, in her line of sight. Serious look on her face. "Sango, he remembers everything he's done." she pales. "He is withdrawn most the time but he is coming back. I need you to be prepared, to accept that he may never be the boy you remember, understand?"
Tears in her eyes, she nods and whispers. "Yes."
"Just be there for him, listen when he wants to say something and think carefully when you respond. He feels responsible for what happened to your family, your village, Edo, to you, to everyone. He will rage, he will cry, and he will hate himself. Just bare with it, it's a process he needs to go through." finally, she steps aside and Sango immediately goes to him. Gathering him in her arms, they cling to one another, sinking to their knees and crying for everything lost to them. "Well, I need to see Sesshoumaru-dono!" Kagome announces, striding pass everyone. The siblings need a moment to themselves. Lacon, Shippou are quick to follow. After a moment, Kouga and Miroku come as well.
"Lady Kagome, I am pleased to see you well." Miroku looks the priestess over, brotherly smile on his face.
"Thank you Miroku-kun. You look...better as well. I am sorry I missed Edo." she adds the end in a whisper.
"It was not your fault, Lady Kagome. None of us could stop Naraku." he frowns.
"What about dog breath?" Kouga catches up.
"His legs aren't broken." she dismisses it just as quick as it's brought up. Reaching the gates of the western castle, she bows respectfully to the guards outside. Shippou follows suit. Lacon eyeing the males distrustfully. "Guard-sans, may my companions and I pass?"
