A/N: I am so glad that people are enjoying this story so far! Thank you for the kind reviews!

Chapter 5

Kagome couldn't help but smile as she looked over at the children sleeping in a pile. Inuyasha's puppy ears twitched in his sleep. Sesshomaru's tail was wrapped around them both. Rin and Shippo were curled on either side of the sleeping brothers. One of Rin's arms was thrown over Sesshomaru. Kagome had been impressed with Rin's fierce protectiveness and devotion to Sesshomaru. She wondered, not for the first time, what he had done to earn such loyalty from the girl.

Their search for answers had thus far been unsuccessful. The first village was the same one they had passed through several days prior. Nobody had been able to tell them anything relating to their current situation. There was no one powerful there and they hadn't heard rumors of anyone nearby who could wield great power. That was why they had been grateful for their help when they had passed through several days ago in ridding the village of the minor demons that plagued them. The entire village had been grateful and there hadn't even been a hint of discontent that their party counted demons among their number. They were a peaceful village that was largely left alone other than some trading with wandering merchants who sometimes would stop on their way to more populous villages and towns.

They had pressed on and made it to the next village around nightfall. It was larger than the first and they had been able to find a meal and lodgings for the night. It was getting late and one by one everyone was turning in for the night now that they had eaten and the children were settled. Kagome crawled into her sleeping bag after petting Inuyasha's ears for a moment. She desperately hoped that they would find some clues tomorrow. As adorable as Inuyasha was as a young pup, she missed his normal bold, brash manner. With a sad smile as she looked over at him one last time, then she curled up and fell asleep.

#####

After a quick breakfast, the group headed out into the village in search of answers. They decided to split up in order to cover more ground. Miroku and Sango took Inuyasha and Sesshomaru with them. The pups stubbornly refused to be separated. Rin also followed along, not wanting to leave Sesshomaru's side. They had noticed that she seemed nervous in the village and that she was more comfortable when Sesshomaru was near. Both pups also responded well to the girl, remaining by her side and walking with her. Jaken muttered about being forced to leave his lord's side but went along with Kagome and Shippo. Not that he was given much of a choice in the matter. They had left Ah-Un just outside the village to graze. Rin had assured them that so long as there was a patch of grass for him the dragon would be fine by himself and would await their return.

Sango soon found she had her hands full with keeping track of two excitable pups. The village was full of new sights and scents, all irresistible to sensitive noses and curious eyes. The pups kept stopping to investigate a strange scent or a colorful item that caught their eye. Even Rin couldn't keep them moving and soon they were lagging well behind Miroku. Several merchants eyed them warily. Sango wasn't certain if it was because they were worried that something would be broken or stolen or because the pups were demons. Either way, they were never going to make any progress at this rate.

She finally stooped and scooped up both pups. She caught sight of Miroku a short distance ahead, chatting with several women. Scowling, Sango marched up to him and deposited Sesshomaru into the surprised monk's arms. The sudden appearance of the pup sent the women into a fit of coos and giggles.

"Oh, isn't he precious!"

"Look at that hair!"

"What an adorable child! He must take after his daddy!"

Sesshomaru stared in bemusement at the women who were suddenly fawning over him. One of them reached out and tugged on his tail. He yipped and pulled it back with both hands, scowling at the offending woman. "My tail!" he snapped. "No touch!"

His indignation sent the women into another round of practically swooning over him. "Oh, he thinks he has a tail! How cute! Is that one yours, too?" one of the women asked, motioning to Inuyasha.

"No, actually neither are mine. However, I just happen to be looking for a beautiful young woman who would be willing to bear my children."

"Miroku," Sango's warning tone cut through the giggling. "We're here to help Inuyasha and Sesshomaru, not get you a date."

"Sango, you misunderstand. I was simply asking these lovely ladies if – "

"If they'll bear your children. I heard you, lecher! Oh, remember that Sesshomaru has fangs and claws," she said pointedly. Upon seeing the same woman who had just pulled his tail reaching for him again, the pup had begun growling softly.

"Uh, right," Miroku said hurriedly, turning so the woman couldn't touch Sesshomaru. He wilted a bit under the force of Sango's glare. "It's been a pleasure, ladies. If you'll excuse me…"

Rin skipped alongside Miroku as they continued walking. "Is your tail okay, Lord Sesshomaru?" she asked sympathetically. "That lady didn't hurt you, did she?"

Inuyasha frowned at Rin's words. He leaned over Sango's arm to get a better look at his brother. "Lady hurt Sesshou?"

Sesshomaru had started to shake his head in answer to Rin's question but paused as an idea came to him suddenly. His lips curved into a small, sly smile that quickly turned into a pout as he nodded. He snuggled his tail against his chest and pet it, peering through the fur with wide eyes. He let out a small sniffle for effect. Sango had to bite the inside of her cheek hard to keep from laughing.

Miroku, who had missed Sesshomaru's sudden switch of gears, looked slightly alarmed. "Did she really hurt you?" he asked, looking at the pup he held and checking for signs of injury.

Sango allowed herself to smile. "He's okay, Miroku. Though I don't think he liked being pawed at by strangers." Sesshomaru shook his head vehemently. "Maybe you can get him a sweet to make up to him for trying to use him to pick up women." She indicated a vendor across the street. "And one for Inuyasha and Rin, too for having to witness it. Then we can get back to the task of restoring these two without stopping to ogle every woman in town."

All three children perked up at the mention of sweets. "Of course, Sango. Though no candy could be as sweet as you."

Sango rolled her eyes as she led the way to the vendor. Though a faint pink tinted her cheeks. "Just remember what you're teaching Rin. And what Sesshomaru will have to say about it when he's back to normal."

Miroku blanched, looking from the little girl at his side to the pup in his arms. "Uh… right…" He hurried after Sango, all desire to flirt having suddenly fled.

#####

Kagome, meanwhile, had inquired about and found the village priestess without much difficulty. A friendly woman approaching middle age and dressed in the traditional garb of a priestess greeted them as they neared the small shrine. Kagome returned her greeting.

"How may I help you, child?" she asked kindly. She raised an eyebrow at Kagome's odd clothes and demon companions but didn't comment on either.

"I was hoping you could answer some questions for me," Kagome said.

"Ask your questions and I shall answer if I am able."

"I wanted to know if there's anyone in the area capable of casting very strong spells," Kagome said. "Or curses."

The priestess frowned slightly. "Curses are not something to be trifled with," she warned. "To curse another will corrupt your own soul as well as the one you curse. I can tell by your aura that you possess great spiritual power of your own. Do not give in to the temptation to corrupt it."

"I don't want to cast a curse," Kagome assured her. "I was hoping to find someone to break one. Or reverse a spell. A strong one. One powerful enough to affect a powerful demon - a daiyokai."

"A daiyokai?" she repeated slowly. "That would take immense power indeed. I myself would not be capable of such a thing. I do not even know of anyone who could accomplish such a feat."

"Oh," Kagome felt her hopes dwindling. "What about any strangers that have come through in the past few days? Has anyone given off a powerful aura?"

"We're wasting our time speaking with this useless human!" Jaken snapped. "This is doing nothing to restore Lord Sesshomaru! He remains a child while you prattle on about spells and curses!"

"A child has been cursed?" the priestess asked, alarmed.

Kagome shook her head and shushed Jaken. "Not exactly. A friend of ours and his brother. They're demons and have been turned into children. We don't know how."

The priestess' expression darkened slightly. Kagome didn't miss it. "You know who I'm looking for, don't you?" she pressed.

The other woman shook her head. "No. But tell me, this demon who was made a child again, can you describe him?"

"Uh, sure," Kagome was thrown by the unexpected question. "He's a half-demon, actually. He has long silver hair and adorable puppy ears on his head. Um, gold eyes. He's about my age, well, the demon equivalent of it. He's strong but can be really rude sometimes. He usually wears red though right now his clothes are green. There wasn't much selection…" Realizing that she was babbling, she trailed off.

"Puppy ears?" The priestess seemed almost amused.

"Yeah. They're really cute. And soft. I guess he has them because he's half-demon. His brother certainly doesn't have ears like that…"

"That's because Lord Sesshomaru is a mighty demon!" Jaken said. "He is not some lowly half-breed like Inuyasha! How dare you insult my master by even suggesting that they are at all alike!"

"Give it a rest, Jaken," Shippo said from his perch on Kagome's shoulder. "Mister great and powerful demon lord was still turned into a toddler too, you know!"

"Ack! Such insolence!"

"Tell me of this other demon," the priestess said before things could deteriorate.

"Well, ah, Sesshomaru is Inuyasha's brother. Half-brother, actually. He's a full demon. Total opposite of Inuyasha as far as personality. They don't even really look that much alike except for the silver hair and gold eyes. Sesshomaru's eyes are cold, not like Inuyasha's. They both sure have a temper and fight constantly. Though he's not so bad at the moment as a pup."

"They are inu yokai?" At Kagome's nod she asked, "He has markings?"

"Uh huh. Two magenta stripes on each cheek and one on his eyelids. And two - or was it three? - on his wrist. Oh, and he has a purple crescent moon on his forehead."

"This demon, would he be the son of the Great Dog Demon?" Kagome's surprised look was all the confirmation the woman needed. She reached into her garments and pulled out a sealed scroll. "Several days ago, a strange man passed through our village. He did not stay but he gave me this scroll. He asked me to give it to anyone who came enquiring about the son of Inu no Taisho along with a description of him, with particular emphasis on his markings."

"Do you remember anything about him? What did he look like? Did he have any spiritual powers?"

"I regret that I do not. I did not sense anything unusual though it is possible he was masking his power. I do not know for certain. My own powers are sufficient to meet the needs of my village but are not that great. He was cloaked. His features were hidden in shadow and he was careful not to allow anyone to see his face." She frowned. "I believe he was a demon, however."

"What makes you think that?"

"I… I am not certain. It is just a feeling. I could be mistaken."

"No," Kagome said. Having strong spiritual powers herself, she understood how it was possible the other woman had unconsciously picked up on something from the stranger. "You're probably right." She took the scroll. "Thank you."

Kagome broke the seal of the scroll and unrolled it carefully. Shippo leaned over her shoulder to get a better look. Her brows drew together at what was on it.

"Let me see!" Jaken demanded.

Kagome turned it so the imp could see it.

"A map?" he said. "That's it?"

"I'm betting that's where he is. And he wants us to come to him."

"It's a trap! To capture Lord Sesshomaru!"

Kagome couldn't disagree. She was already thinking the same thing.

"Please," the priestess said as they turned to leave. Kagome turned back to her. "Be careful. If this person has as much power as you say, then you may be placing yourselves in grave danger to go to him."

"I know. I - we've - got to get Inuyasha back. Sesshomaru, too. We can't just leave them as helpless pups. They've lost the memory of their entire lives. And I miss Inuyasha, even when he's being rude. We'll find a way." She gave the other woman a confident smile. "We'll be careful," she promised.

With a final farewell, they turned and headed off down the path to find Miroku and Sango. They needed to see this. It didn't take long to find them. The excited yipping of Inuyasha and Sesshomaru and Rin's cheerful laughter led them easily enough.

"Kagome!" Sango greeted, waving as she caught sight of them.

"We haven't discovered anything useful yet," Miroku said.

"I may have," Kagome said. She showed them the map and told them about the stranger who had left it and what the village priestess had said about him.

"It's an obvious trap," Miroku stated.

"Do we have any other choice?" Sango replied.

"I don't think we do. Not if we want to get them –" Kagome motioned to the frolicking pups "—back to normal."

Sango shook her head slowly. "You're right, Kagome. But I don't like this at all."

"Neither do I," Kagome said. "But I want Inuyasha back."

"It looks like it'll take us about three days to journey to the location on the map," Miroku said. "That gives us some time to decide how we want to approach this."

"Cautiously," Sango said.

They exchanged a glance and nodded. They took some time to replenish their supplies. It was only mid-morning so they decided to begin travel that day. There was no point in waiting. Whoever had caused the brothers' reversion to pups knew they'd be coming sooner or later and was obviously prepared for them. They left the village, heading north west as indicated on their map.