Yohime paused in her story. Flashing a smile at Nura she announced, "To be continued."
His lips turned up.
"Miko no Mao, huh?"
She nodded.
Turning a thoughtful eye towards her, he sat for a moment in silence. Just as he was about to speak, however, their transportation lurched.
Yohime was thrown violently towards the door, but strong arms quickly pulled her to a firm chest. Narrowing his eyes, Nurarihyon stepped out, keeping his woman behind him.
"Identify yourself, Ayakashi!"
A demanding voice shouted out, disrupting the quiet of the late afternoon.
"Who wants to know?"
He tossed out easily.
"You are nearing the Village of the Demon Slayers, you are not allowed to travel so close!"
Yohime stilled.
The Village of the Demon Slayers? That's only 50 miles from Edo! Are we already so close? So quickly too?!
Laying her hand on his shoulder she whispered to Nurarihyon. He sent her a questioning look, but she held his stare without answering.
The other ayakashi were gathering in front of their Commander, hands on their swords ready for battle.
"Many have shed tears over their lands, but only one cried rivers of pink."
Silence greeted his words, then out from the shadows cast by the rapidly setting sun, fifteen strong men appeared. Their weapons were down, and sheathed.
"Ayakashi-dono, who told you those words?"
The tone they had used has respectful, completely different from the threatening one he had used earlier.
"Is it important?"
Exchanging meaningful looks, the speaker stepped forward.
"If I were to say 'the well has ceased to return me to my lands', how would you respond?"
Again, she whispered words into his ear.
"If you were to say those words, I would reply, 'so I have left to finish my quest, now I return, it is finished'."
The man swallowed and looked down. He scrubbed at his face with his hands.
"I- I see. That's enough. That's- it's good now."
Turning on his heel he strolled off. Another stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Ayakashi-dono, you are welcome to spend the night in our village. There's a place we hold in reserve for youkai guests and such. You will be provided with food and a place to sleep. Please, follow me if you wish."
Before anyone had a chance to protest the Supreme Commander's decision, he set off right behind the man, Yohime's hand clutched firmly in his.
When they reached the village, they were shown to a mansion marked with the seal of the Western Lands. A old woman came out, pointing out their rooms, and informing them their meal was ready. Most of the ayakashi were nervous, after all they were staying in a Demon Slaying Village. The Youkai, on the other hand, were relaxed, having recognized the seal.
The ayakashi's nerves were quickly forgotten as the food was served. Yohime carefully avoided the gaze of Nurarihyon, choosing to instead focus on her food.
A young girl entered the room, coming to knee next to her.
"Hime-sama, would you care for a bath?"
Her eyes brightened and she nodded, but she paused, turning to silently ask permission from Nurarihyon.
"Go on, I'll be waiting for you in our room."
Scrambling to her feet she smiled at the girl.
"Lead the way!"
As they exited the room, he could hear her saying, "Just call me Yohime."
"Supreme Commander?"
Glancing at Karasu-Tengu he merely, "Hm?"
"Have you traveled here before?"
"No, I've never been here when it was occupied."
"Then, how did you-?"
"I didn't."
At the look of confusion on the raven's face, his expression turned serious.
"Yohime was the one who told me what to say."
Staring at the bathhouse in awe, she didn't notice the girl was unlocking a box.
"Yohime?"
"Yes?"
Holding out two plastic bottles she hadn't seen in a very long time, she could only stare at them.
She had bought those so long ago. It was her favorite cherry blossom scent. Sango must've found them. Tears welled up in her eyes.
"Kagome-sama, Sango-sama set these aside just for your return."
Reaching out she hugged them to her chest.
"Of course she would."
Then she froze.
Kagome-sama…
She took a step back.
"Kagome? I told you my name was Y-"
"There's a picture of you in my house."
In my house.
Her eyes zeroed in on the girl's face. Brown hair, violet eyes, faint spiritual power. Though she looked nothing like Sango, nor Miroku that was enough for a dead give away. She bowed.
"Welcome home, Kagome-baa-chan. My name is Kaori, I've been wanting to met you for a long time."
Falling to her knees, Yohime dropped the shampoo and conditioner and wrapped her arms around the child.
"You're Sango's granddaughter."
"There are a couple 'greats' in there," she quiped returning the hug.
"I'm so glad I came back!" Yohime breathed.
Patting her back the child giggled.
"Not as glad as we are."
A/N Yeppers, there are lots of greats in there. *nods emphatically* Like... five? Six?
Thank you for reading, reviews are the starch in my collar.