Hoshiko had been doing absolutely nothing.
She had merely been admiring the mountains with a look of wonder while she patiently waited for her companion to return. The wind gently blew her hair away from her face. The clouds hovered overhead and Earth danced around her. She stood there with patience with a quiet mind as time continued to pass without her companion returning. She didn't mind. Nature, as she put it, was one of her closest "friends." She inhaled deeply of the sweet scent of pine trees and the musky bushes and felt a deep satisfaction with it. Never had the Earth failed to fill her nose with no heavenly scent. She sighed happily.
"One day," she thought quietly. "When I pass, I hope my spirit will join with Earth."
So lost in her interest of her observation of the scenery, she failed to notice the figure walking toward her. But she quickly discovered she wasn't alone. She didn't hear the whistle of wind that signaled a quick movement behind her. A hand clasped down on her right shoulder roughly and before she could truly register it, she let out a wail of pain as a blade impaled her from behind and tore upwards leaving a large gash in her belly. Pain exploded in her gut. Her inner demon screamed at her to which she finally realized she was under attack and in danger once again. She flailed roughly to escape but a hard thud landed in the middle of her back knocking her to the ground. Blood filled her mouth as she wheezed for breath when the air was knocked from her. A rough boot slammed into her spine cruelly holding her down.
"I expected more from the daughter of the great dragon general," a smooth but threatening voice said. "You are nothing more than a half breed, so I shouldn't be surprised. Your senses are weak, wench."
Horror ran through her veins. This demon knew who she was! But how, when? She tried to get up but that foot slammed down hard for the second time, forcing her to the ground once again. Her chest scraped up against the rocks. She grew fearful and before she knew it, began to thrash from pain and terror. But her claws were her available only weapon, but with her being pinned down she was helpless. Her daggers were hung from her hips. The demon above her laughed.
"So weak and worthless you are! I cannot believe such powerful blood flows through your veins!"
She only wailed in response when he hit her along with his words.
"You are nothing but a worthless creature that doesn't deserve anything but hatred. You are nothing! You deserve to die."
"Why," she finally cried. "I have done nothing! Why!"
"Because you have been born, half breed! A disgrace to your blood, a pathetic weakling with no power, and completely worthless! You never should have been born."
Hoshiko felt her inner demons anger swell up within her and it fueled her own. Those words had been said so many times before but they always had the same impact. She hated those words! Before she had realized what she was doing, her hands had been planted firmly against the ground and arched her back almost painfully but it flung her legs up enough to bash her enemy in the head. He yelped with surprise. She felt a deep satisfaction from her inner demon.
"Don't mock me," she screeched angrily.
He ignored her words and before she knew it, she had been turned over and his hand closed over her throat. She choked. His hand tightened as his face twisted so angrily she balked in terror and horror. She felt the air begin to vanish from within her lungs and began to grow frantic for the deep need for air. Her talons ripped into his hand but he ignored the pain and slammed her head against the rocks beneath her. Stars exploded behind her eyes. Her inner demon began to cry within her mind in true fear.
"You are nothing compared to me," he hissed at her. "I am your alpha, but you? Lower than even an omega. Like lifeless dirt."
'Someone, help me,' she screamed in her mind.
She could see the dagger rise up again for another strike. Hoshiko clenched her eyes tight. She fell completely limp realizing this was a done battle and she accepted the lack of air, the soon to be dagger in her flesh. Was this the end? The dagger began its descent but like an angel from the heavens, another hand caught the wrist of the almost be murder. She heard an angry snarl before the cruel pressure on her chest and throat disappeared. A crash registered in her ears.
"How dare you," a familiar deep voice roared in fury.
Her eyes opened in shock to see Inu No Taisho throwing the enemy away from her like a broken toy. She watched in horror. Never had she seen her Father, her companion, so angry. The other demon was roaring in fury in return but that quickly turned into pitiful cries of pain as the great demon general made quick work of leaving his body in wounds. Hot blood painted the ground. The landscape was quickly changed to rubble as the two demons danced around each other in a deadly game. But as soon as it began, it was over. The Inu No Taisho slammed the other demon into the ground by his throat. She cringed when she heard a crack. A choked gurgle came from the broken-necked demon not far from her but his body flailed for only another moment before he was still. He was dead. She began to cry; the moment had finally caught up to her.
"Hoshiko."
Hands touched her gently and she found herself lunging for her Father, crying into his shoulder. His arms wrapped around her in comfort and immediately she felt safe, despite the fact he had just killed someone before her. He had made it. She was okay now.
"You are safe, don't cry. I'm here."
"Father," she wailed.
No one would have expected to see this; the Inu No Taisho whispering words of comfort as he rocked his adoptive pup back and forth soothingly. He had never been more upset and angry to find Hoshiko pinned by an enemy completely at ready to kill her. He hadn't even been gone for long. The great demon lord stroked her back comfortingly. He shouldn't have left her alone. He hadn't done anything private but to investigate something he had heard so he should have taken her with him. He knew she was in constant danger because of her bloodline. So foolish of him!
Hoshiko continued to cling to him crying but it truly took her some time to recoup. But when she did, she looked humiliated. He ran the pads of his thumbs over her wet cheeks. She gazed at him wary and shaken. He had seen her weak but to see her so broken again sent a small pang through him. He despised it.
"Little one," he crooned softly. "You never have to fear; I will always be here to protect you. Yet, you were afraid."
"I didn't know if you would make it on time," she whimpered. "I thought I was going to die."
He frowned.
"Hoshiko, you never need to fear. You have me. Not only that, you have yourself to protect you also. One day, you will need to be ready to stand up for yourself and be of good courage. You are strong, powerful, and intelligent for your age. I know one day, enemies will cower beneath your power. Never fear, but to be constantly wary and of courage."
"Really," she muttered with hopelessness.
"You will be brave when that happens. You will be filled with courage. Strength will fill your limbs. Never fear, for that will be your undoing. Stand up for yourself and don't back down without a fight."
She eyed him for a long moment but she remained silent. He knew she believed him, no matter how low his words even seemed.
Hoshiko knew that time was now. Father had been right. As she eyed the hanyou before her with dark blue eyes, the words spoken so long ago now ran clear again like so many times before. That memory was undeniable to resist the truth it had. She had to brave and not back down. Yet, it still made her weary to see him gazing at her with an unreadable expression and his entire body stiff with tension. It put her senses on edge for a danger she yet knew was not there but still she examined her surroundings now with alertness and uneasiness. It was like an unbroken showdown between them. She knew she had to answer and so she did.
"H-Hai, Inuyasha," Hoshiko asked quietly.
After she spoke, there was only silence except the birds singing in the trees and the wind howling lightly outside. It was like a heavy mist that had dropped from the heavens without warning to the people standing under it. Nothing stirred as muscles locked and faces fell slack and unblinking as the others watched with concern, uneasiness, and tension. There were hitches of breathing among them. It was as though time itself had frozen with dread for the uneasy soul that stood there.
Inuyasha did nothing else but return her gaze. His whole body had tensed up at the sudden change of the attitude of the atmosphere around him but he did not back down. Just like her. She could tell the mood change however made him weary and unsure. But still, his expression remained in its careful neutral mask. For a split second she was reminded of Sesshomaru. Despite how much they denied it sometimes, the two were brothers and the same blood ran through their veins from their Father. Her Father. As the showdown continued, she had the feeling his eyes were accusing her.
'Inuyasha," she questioned herself with worry.
He finally responded after a small silence.
"Can we talk," he growled lowly.
She swore she felt an invisible sweat drop run down the side of her face as her heart throbbed uncontrollably in nervousness. Yet, she drew strength from an unknown source within her being and forced herself to remain calm and brave. Her uneasiness still consumed her, so she rocked herself side to side lightly to ease herself. It took her a moment to answer like before. Her fingers twitched.
"Of course we can," she said with quiet strain.
"Alone."
Her eyes bulged for a split second before she grasped hold of herself again. But still, alone? She considered it and realized with a pang he had the pure right to speak to her alone. He was like her younger brother and was Inu No Taisho's son, as well. She should have known this would happen in a way. Besides, it might be private that must be shared with no one.
"Hai. Lead the way, then," she answered quietly.
His eyes examined her in surprise. He seemed to be a bit startled she had accepted his term but he quickly shrouded it with another neutral mask. But everyone knew his inner turmoil; he hadn't expected Hoshiko to accept to be in his presence alone. Inuyasha gave no other acknowledgement toward her answer nor the others watching him and strode out of the hut without a backward glance. He seemed in a hurry to escape. Everyone stared at the place where Inuyasha disappeared before turning to look at her with uneasy expressions upon their faces. She knew they were concerned about her. But why did it worry them so Inuyasha wished to speak to her alone? It truly was alright, and he had the most utter right to do so. Their eyes almost seemed to burn holes right through her head.
"Hoshiko," Miroku asked. "Are you going to really talk to him?"
"Hai, I am. He has the right to."
"HENTAI!"
A resounding slap echoed through the hut but no one paid much attention to it except a light laugh from the monk and a fuming demon slayer. The demoness glanced over at them for a moment. Hoshiko had to take a breath to calm her nerves. This had to be done, whatever needed to be said. Inuyasha clearly had something to say to her without the company of the others which was completely fine with her. There were even things she wouldn't tell them. But with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, it would always be different; they were also the Inu No Taisho's offspring.
"I'll be right back, Rin," she said to her pup as she squeezed her hand gently.
"Hai, Momma," Rin replied nervousness, squeezing her hand back.
She let go. With her heart pounding she began to make her way after the hanyou when she noticed another golden gaze. His expression was icy cold in all its perfection but his eyes shone with a silent concern for her. Her heart went out to Sesshomaru for a moment; He worried for her?
"I'll be okay, Maru," she whispered lowly enough no demon but he could hear her as she passed by. "Don't worry about me. I can take care of myself."
He didn't respond to her other than with a low "Hn" under his breath. She knew he would listen to her words, however, and abide by them. She had given him enough reason to trust her. He was also her lover, the demon who courted her now, and her protector. She quietly wondered for a moment if he had faith in her. She walked out of the hut and toward the woods, where Inuyasha's scent trailed. His scent headed to the East. She dreaded what he wished to speak about that he did not wish for company to hear though. Her eyes wandered over the lively trees she had just walked by not too long ago. Her footsteps were as light as a mouse.
'I wonder what he wants to talk to me about alone,' she thought to herself.
'Perhaps,' her inner demon offered. 'Inuyasha is concerned about what we said to the others the night before? Or something is disturbing him. '
'I think so.'
'I have a feeling it may be about his Father and Mother.'
'Me too,' she thought grimly.
In a way, she dreaded to speak more about Inu No Taisho and Izayoi. She loved them and it still hurt her to know they were dead now. Inu No Taisho was her Father whom she walked by for over 3 centuries with so many memories she cherished close to her heart. Izayoi, although younger by many years and human, was like a Mother to her in a way she couldn't describe. She missed them dearly. She knew she would have to get used to speaking of them for how could she not now after telling everyone? Still, it brought light tears to her eyes. Another memory surfaced to her attention as once again, she thought about the time she had realized how deeply they cared for her.
"Father?"
Inu No Taisho glanced over at her. Izayoi also looked at the demoness from his side without even returning her gaze to the starlit sky. She stood right behind them looking sad and neglected. He wondered about it; she seriously looked like a kicked puppy at the moment. He turned to face her completely.
"Hai?"
"Do you think," she whispered. "That I am a shame to my race?"
He immediately knew why she was thinking about this. A demoness had confronted them a few days on their journey back to the human woman and insulted Hoshiko without shame about her heritage and he had immediately made her pay for it. The demoness had hastily apologized. Yet, did it still bother her? So, that answered his question to why she was being so quiet and evasive lately. He knew still she had heard the words more than once. He also knew that she knew his opinion about her bloodline but yet, it must still bother her. He felt Izayoi's sorrow and pity radiate from her still form.
"No. Hoshiko, you are no shame to your race. In fact, you are a blessing, a rarity. Never frown upon who you are nor your bloodline. Like before, you are as bright as the sun and as glorious as the most beautiful flower. You need to remember, you are unique and glorious the way you are. You are beautiful, intelligent, and gifted. Be yourself with pride."
He watched the bright smile he adored return to her face before she was embraced by Izayoi. He wasn't the only one who harbored loving feelings toward this demoness, his daughter. Izayoi felt the same toward her, too.
"You are special," Izayoi stated simply and gently.
Hoshiko looked at them with happy tears in her eyes and a bright smile. She hugged the human woman back.
After that, she never questioned her heritage. Because whenever she did look upon it with doubt, Izayoi or Inu No Taisho would spring upon her like wolves to reject that thought immediately and cease her worries. She knew with their reactions, they adored her the way she was.
She shook her head sadly at that and continued on. It had been then she had realized the depth of love the two had for her. It didn't take her long to find him after that. She paused for a moment at the edge of the trees where the forest ended and with a few deep breaths, entered the small clearing where Inuyasha sat waiting. The air around her stirred up a pleasant smell but it did little to calm her like it usually did. There was nothing that could stop her racing heart. He sat on one of the large roots of the Goshinboku tree and after another small hesitation, she joined him. He made no acknowledgement toward her presence. She gazed at him for a long moment; he looked much like his Father. He had the same golden molten eyes and silvery-white hair like he did but the facial markings were absent. She wondered truly how much he had inherited from his Father. Hoshiko decided not to speak up first and let her gaze drift to the birds high in the sky. She'd wait.
Inuyasha stared at the trees for a long time. Now that she was here, what should he say or how should he even begin? Upon her revelation last night he felt himself deeply wondering and questioning about some things. He didn't even speak to his own mate about it. To know she had known his Father and his Mother had put a thorn into his side. He felt the deep desire to know answers and he needed them. For some reason, he felt like she was the one to ask, not his Father's retainers. She would not laugh at his questions nor would she deny him honest answers, she would understand his curiosity. His Father's retainers he would hate to ask these questions and even then, he wouldn't receive an honest answer. They might even mock him lightly for it. Hoshiko would not and she would probably be more open about it than them. He took a deep breath. It was now or never.
"Hoshi."
When Inuyasha spoke it surprised her a bit. His silence had been for some time and she had known he had been gathering his thoughts. It took her a moment to reply. She quickly turned her attention to him. Her talons scrapped the bark beneath her as a way to ease her nerves.
"Hai, Inuyasha?"
"You really knew my old man?"
She licked her lips nervously and began.
"Hai, I did."
"So the old man did have a few secrets he didn't tell."
"Don't we all have our secrets, Inuyasha? He was no different than you."
"Spare me," he groaned. "The old man probably was nothing like me."
"I wouldn't refer to him as an old man," she teased lightly. "He certainly was not that old! Besides, I see a lot of him in you."
"Keh!"
He went silent for another moment, but she knew he was amused but curious by her last statement. Inu No Taisho, had he been human, would have been classed as no more than in his early 30's. She waited for the next question.
"My Father," he said after a moment. "What was he like?"
She considered the question for a moment before responding.
"What do you exactly want to know? That question can be taken many ways."
"Was he really as powerful as his retainers says he was," he growled out.
"Hai, he was. He truly was one of the greatest demons of his age and one of the most powerful that I ever saw or even knew of. I mean, look at all the great examples of his power that he left behind in his legacies. He stopped the invasion of the Mongol army led by Lord Hyoga and his son Menomaru and sealed Hyoga. He defeated the Panther demon tribe King. He battled Shishinki and was able to wield the Meido Zangetsuha. He managed to seal Ryukotsusei and thereby defeated him in his time. Inu No Taisho also wielded the three swords of Supreme conquest; Sounga, Tessaiga, and Tensaiga. Does that explain his power enough?"
Inuyasha gaped at her. Only someone who knew his Father well would know all that!
"You really knew him," he gasped.
She didn't answer him. It would be better to remain silent, anyway.
"Were you there with my Father during all of that," he growled lowly. He didn't like questions much.
"Hai, I was, for most of it. Unfortunately, I am not mentioned in the stories for my own safety and besides, I'll never compare to your Father."
"You fought by my Father's side," he quietly said. "I never even knew him."
"I know," Hoshi replied with equal quietness. "I was there the night of your birth. He never even got to hold you because of the situation forcing him to save both you and your mother while battling Takemaru. But I know he would be so proud of you, Inuyasha."
"Keh, I don't need his approval."
She eyed him for a moment and for some reason, he felt awful upon his words. He glanced away.
"I think," she said calmly but with obvious strain. "That you need to learn to respect your Father."
He glowered at her but before he could say something, she beat him to it.
"You act like he is nothing to you. But without his sacrifice that night I doubt you would be alive, Inuyasha! Nor do I think you would exist. Plus, he entrusted you with Tessaiga and his tomb. You never knew your Father, I know, but I did. And I utterly hate when someone insults him, no less his son!"
He glanced away again but to ease his nerves he stroked his sword's handle. He hated to admit she was right, in a way. But to give his respect toward someone he didn't know was hard to do, especially for someone like him. He felt a fury radiate from the being beside him that honestly made him cringe lightly. Hoshiko must of have understood his inner feelings because she placed her hand upon his knee surprising him. The fury disappeared but it hung on the edge of her getting angry at him again. But her words shocked him.
"Puppy," she said quietly. "I know this is hard for you to learn and to accept. I just wish you could have known him. He was a great demon and I know he would have been the best Father toward you. I'm sorry all of this happened to you, your Mother, and your Father. I believe all of you deserved a happy ending."
"Puppy," he accused, ignoring the rest.
"I used to call you that when you were young. You were irritated by it, but I could tell you liked it all the same. You called me "Sisa." I never understood what it meant to you when you called me that."
He was stunned for a moment.
"Keh."
She knew he was embarrassed but interested by this piece of information. He stroked his sword's handle for another moment but it caught her attention. She eyed the weapon for a moment. Oh, how many times had she seen this sword in her younger years? She remembered the power it had when her Father held it and even on some occasions, herself. Inuyasha caught her expression.
"What?"
"Just the Tessaiga you now hold. I saw it in the hands of the Father and now the son. I cannot even count how many times I witnessed its great power and yet, I still remember why it was created. May I?"
"I suppose," he said after a slight hesitation.
She didn't even ask twice. To his surprise, she waited patiently for him to give it to her as she held out a hand to accept the sword and he withdrew it from its sheath, handing it to her. She sensed his protectiveness over the sword and his hesitation and turmoil to even let her hold it. It pleased her he trusted her enough or he felt she had the right to do so. She examined the blade. It seemed to be in the same condition she had seen it except the handle seemed slightly older. It was still in one piece and for that, she was pleased. To both of their surprise, the sword began to pulse in her hands and transformed to its true form its blade gleaming in the suns light. Hoshiko's surprise faded. The sword seemed to be acknowledging her, recognizing her! Inuyasha however was still in utter shock.
"It transformed for you," he said, stunned.
"It probably recognizes me. I had to use it sometimes."
"You said you couldn't use a sword when you were younger," he accused with annoyance.
"Inuyasha, your Father taught me how to use a sword. However, I lost my skill with it over time and I was still drinking the sake. It made me forget how to wield the sword until I stopped."
"Keh."
"It appears different," she said suddenly. "Tessaiga doesn't feel the same. It appears like something has happened to it."
"Hmph, it broke once."
"What," she answered with an angry deadpan voice.
Uh oh. He wondered for a moment if he was screwed, but then remembered with relief she couldn't 'sit' him. But still, she could probably do the same damage. . . or worse.
"Totosai repaired it," he said quickly to save his neck. "He used one of my fangs to repair it."
She didn't answer for a moment.
"I see," she said slowly. "But that wasn't what I was talking about. Why does Tessaiga appear to have a stronger demonic aura? It's like it's more powerful."
He was relieved she wasn't going to kill him for breaking Tessaiga, his own sword. But then again, it was repaired now. And two, he could still sense she was upset over the fact the sword had broken. He began to talk quickly.
"Keh! I guess it is. It still has the Wind Scar and Backlash Wave, but it has a few new abilities I've gotten over the years. The Red Tessaiga; that can break barriers. The Diamond Tessaiga; that is able to pierce stronger barriers. The Dragon Scaled Tessaiga; that either absorbs youki or cut the youki that is fatal. And The Black Tessaiga; that can perform Meido Zangetsuha."
She stared at him. He certainly was being open about his sword.
"You are truly mastered your Father's sword," she finally said. "Not only that, you've improved its abilities. He'd be so proud of you… As would your Mother."
Inuyasha frowned at the mention of his Mother and she realized a moment too late that was a sensitive subject. She knew how he felt, though. She wordlessly held out the sword to him and he accepted it. The only sound was the sword sliding back into its sheath before there was another silence.
"Why didn't my Mother even say anything about you?"
"I don't know, Inuyasha. Her reasons for not saying anything to you about me are her reasons alone and unspoken of. I cannot determine her motives. Perhaps she was trying to protect you from something or even found no need to tell you. I'm surprised you cannot even remember me a bit. I mean, I did call you Puppy and I have many memories of you and I."
"I think I do," he replied faintly. "I remember a woman who was with me and my mother for some time. I did ask my mother about her once when she left, but mother cried so I never tried again. But I remember the woman's kindness and her eyes. It must be your eyes I remember; they were the same color and shape as yours. I never realized it until now."
Hoshiko faintly smiled. He was being very open with her and even was being kind. Something that she knew he hid.
"That was me you remember. I helped your Mother care for you when you were young."
"You really were supposed to raise me after she died," he asked quietly.
"I was, but I failed. I'm sorry Inuyasha I failed you. I despise my choice back then until this day and I mourn the relationship you and I could have had had I stayed with you. I'm sorry, brother."
He glanced at her. He never knew what to say when someone apologized to him other than he got nervous. Inuyasha rubbed the back of his neck slowly. What could he say? It still startled him he was supposed to be raised by Hoshiko.
"It's okay, I guess," he mumbled.
She glanced up at him now.
"No," she whispered. "It's not."
"Hmph."
"Inuyasha?"
"What."
"Where did you go after your Mother's death?"
He was silent for a time.
"I don't know. I just wandered around trying to stay alive."
'Just like me,' she thought quietly.
"I wish I could have found you," she whispered to him. "I wish we could have had the relationship we had so long ago. I hope we can rebuild it. Just like I had hoped to do with your Father after he attacked me when your Mother was pregnant with you."
"You know," he suddenly said. "All I heard about was his fierce and powerful reputation and how I was a shame to his name. Yet, you describe him differently."
She eyed him for a moment.
"Like I said, Inu No Taisho was one of the most powerful demons I have ever known. He was well known for his strength, mindful authority, and firm hand. He was quick to earn the respect of others and overly strict with his servants and allies."
Inuyasha turned to look at her.
"But when he was with me or with your Mother, his whole demeanor changed quickly. He was kind, considerate, and compassionate. He still had his rough edge to him but he was gentle at the same time. He was fiercely loyal toward those he cared for and was stubborn but in the good way. Father was always understanding and wise; he always was thoughtful toward many things. He really was a good hearted demon, despise his fierce reputation."
"Again," he said as he stared at her with an unreadable expression. "All I heard was I was a shame to his name because of who he was."
"Inuyasha, don't dwell on that. Just because of his reputation you don't need to fear you are a shame to his name, he'd be so proud of you. Honestly though, out of you and Sesshomaru, you remind me more of our Father."
Inuyasha just stared at her.
"You resemble him quite well," Hoshiko explained quietly. "You are kind and thoughtful toward others despite how much you try to hide it with a rough edge. You have his heart. But I see Izayoi in you too. I see her in your face. You also inherited her deep ability to love those who come close to you and even her stubbornness."
His jaw clenched at the mention of his parents but he said nothing. She looked at him kindly, though.
"I truly wish you could have known your Father."
"I saw him once."
She gaped at him.
"What," she demanded.
"It was some time ago. We defeated Sounga and w-"
"Sounga," she said angrily like a curse. "I never truly liked that sword. I was glad though Father had it in his possession."
"Keh, I guess. Sounga took control of me," he said faintly. "I touched him and he took control of my body triggering my demon blood. I couldn't remove him. I was stuck with the sword attached to me like another limb."
She stayed silent, but stared in curiosity and pity.
"Sesshomaru found me and we battled over the fact I had the sword, but Sounga was removed from me and blasted away when Kagome 'sat' me. I was angry at myself that I wasn't able to contain Sounga like my Father. Anyway, Sounga revived Takemaru from the dead and together they tried to defeat me and Sesshomaru. Takemaru still harbored feelings against my Father and perhaps my Mother, I don't know. I defeated Takemaru in the end though but that stubborn bastard Sounga wouldn't give up. He grew a body of his own and battled me and Sesshomaru. We defeated him with the Tessaiga's Backlash Wave and the Tensaiga's Dragon Strike. My Father came back from the dead once Sounga was cast into the Underworld."
"He came back," she said faintly.
"Yeah. He said Sesshomaru, Inuyasha, you have finally found the answer. You have ensued Sounga be sealed forever in the Underworld, I have nothing more to teach you. That was all. But that was the only time I saw him."
She stared at him for a moment before faintly smiling.
"That sounds like Father."
He frowned at her before looking away. She understood.
'He wishes he could have known his Father, or even spoken to him once,' she thought.
"Puppy," she said quietly.
"What," Inuyasha replied, irritated. He didn't even seem completely irritated at the nickname.
"You wish you knew your Father, don't you?"
He glanced at her.
"The best you can get to know him is through memories," she quietly continued. "If you'd like, I'll share some memories with you about your Father and Mother. So you can at least get to know him a bit."
Inuyasha seemed speechless for a moment before he answered his voice rough.
"I'd like that, Sisa."
Hoshiko could only smile faintly. The bond between them was still there, even if he didn't remember completely.
GAH! Finally got this chapter done! Inu No Taisho and Hoshiko daughter and father moments and on top of that an Inuyasha and Hoshiko brotherly and sisterly moment! I do hope Inuyasha isn't too OCC but I wanted him to be more… I don't know, open with her? I hope you guys enjoyed this, because I just spent over 10 hours on this because it kept ticking me off. Haha, enjoy and PLEASE review! Cyber cookies to those who review!