DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha and all of the canon characters featured in this fanfic are the property of Takahashi Rumiko, Sunrise, Viz and all other respective copyright owners. I do not lay claim to these characters in any way, shape or form.

Author's notes: Thank you very much to the guest who left a review last chapter (sorry, I can't reply to guest reviews directly). I do have a Tumblr account: the-kirin and a side blog for my fanworks: kirins-stuff. You can find more of my writing and some of the art I've drawn for this story there.


Chapter 2

Kagome opened her eyes to a sea of anxious faces. Worry pressed in on her from all sides. Her friends and family were the most anxious of all.

Master Hitomiko ordered them to give her some breathing space. Most of the crowd obeyed without question. Her friends took a bit more persuading. She had to get to her own feet to stop the argument.

That raised more questions than answers. She didn't have so much as a scratch on her. That didn't stop Grandpa from insisting she see a healer. She was too tired to argue any more. It took the efforts of two healers and Master Hitomiko to persuade him to let her get some rest. Finally, they left her with only an oil lamp and a cup of tea for company.

Her relief soon turned to restlessness. The guest room's novelty wore off after ten minutes of staring at the ceiling. The frozen window pane didn't give her much of a view either. Her tea sat cold and untouched. All she had to entertain her was the muffled chatter from down the hallway. Sleep had never been further away.

She rolled over with a groan. For all their questions, no one had really listened to her. The more she explained, the less they believed. In the end, Master Hitomiko had put out a search for the supposed culprits so Grandpa would let her leave the room. Her face made it clear she found Kagome's arguments as tiresome as his.

Not that she blamed her too much. If her memories weren't so vivid she'd have sworn they were a dream. Even she was beginning to have her doubts by the third re-telling. The whole incident had left her miraculously, terrifyingly unharmed.

"Kagome?"

Kagome jolted upright in bed. "Wha-"

A polite cough came from the corridor. "Pardon me, Miss, but are you awake?"

"I'm coming."

So she had some more visitors. Their company would be a relief if nothing else. She got up and made her way over to the doorway. She pushed the curtain aside and came face-to-face with an enormous basket of sea prunes.

"Um..."

"Kagome!" Akitoki's voice cracked with relief. He plopped the basket into her hands. "Just got these fresh from the market. Best thing for seasickness."

"Oh." Kagome blinked. "Hi, Akitoki."

She glanced over his shoulder and took in the two burly warriors standing behind him. Each bore a spear and a tolerant smile. "Is something-"

"Oh, no worries. I was just dropping by to check up on you." Akitoki beamed in expectation.

She glanced down at the basket in her hands. "Uh, thanks."

"Oh, it's just a little something. A sea prune a day keeps the healer away, right?" He gave a chuckle.

"Right." She managed a smile. "So, what's the occasion?"

A faint flush rose to Akitoki's cheeks. "Well, now that you mention it..."

"Kagome?"

Kagome cast a glance across the hallway and met Souta's stare. He peered out from the next doorway along with suspicious eyes. Her cheeks burned a treacherous red.

"Shouldn't you be in bed right now?"

"It's not even dinnertime yet. I'm ten, not two," he grumbled. His eyes narrowed at the sight of Akitoki. "Aren't you the one who's supposed to be getting some rest?"

She fumbled for an answer. "I'm only... "

"Oh, I was just dropping by." Akitoki's smile was a little too bright. He rubbed at his cheek. "Sea prune?" he offered.

Souta wrinkled his nose. "I'm good, thanks." His suspicion didn't leave his eyes. "I thought you were going to the festival with Yuka."

"Yuka?" Kagome turned to Akitoki with furrowed brows.

"Oh, I'm sure she'll be here any minute." He gave a nervous chuckle.

Kagome's frown deepened. "Is there something I should-"

"Kagome!"

Kagome craned her neck to find Ayumi waving at her from the opposite end of the corridor. She returned it after a moment's hesitation. Ayumi hurried towards her. Yuka and Eri followed at a more leisurely pace. Now there was a welcome sight.

"Hey guys!" She gave Akitoki with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, I promised Yuka. Do you mind if I-"

"Oh. Oh no, not at all." Akitoki shook his head. His face was bright as ever. "I'll be right here."

"Thanks!" She dropped the basket into his outstretched hands and hurried over to meet her friends. Souta's stare followed her down the corridor. She ignored him.

Ayumi picked up her pace as Kagome ran to meet her. Her feet soon gave way to her enthusiasm. She skidded to a halt just before the doorway. Kagome caught her with a gasp. It became a shriek as her own legs gave way.

"Kagome!"

Akitoki rushed to break her fall. He skidded on a patch of ice. He toppled over with a yell. One of the warriors caught him with a grunt. The other caught Kagome and Ayumi.

"Th-thanks!" Kagome gasped.

Ayumi could only manage a wheeze. The warrior released Kagome and Ayumi with a brief apology. His comrade was patting a gasping Akitoki on the back. Souta looked on with a blank stare and half a basket of sea prunes. The rest were scattered across the floor. Eri's hands were still clapped over her mouth. Yuka took in the scene with widened eyes.

"Hey, Kagome. Uh, what's the rush?" Yuka asked.

"Oh, there's no rush." Kagome straightened up and dusted off her tunic. Ayumi stumbled back to her feet. "Just making sure Ayumi doesn't get too caught up in the excitement."

"I'd say you missed your chance, oh, at least two months ago." Yuka rolled her eyes at Ayumi.

Ayumi replied with a giggle.

Eri shook her head. "Oh, knock it off you two." She gave a sigh. "Sorry, Kagome. They've been like this for hours."

"It's fine, Eri." Kagome turned back to Yuka. "So, what brings you here?"

"We just came to check up on you. I take it you're feeling better?" she asked. She looked her up and down with a careful eye.

"I'm fine Yuka," she reassured her.

Concern clouded Eri's eyes. "Are you sure? You don't have to force yourself, you know."

"Really, I'm fine." Kagome raised her hands to appease her. "Even Master Hitomiko couldn't find anything wrong."

"Is that so?" Yuka wasn't quite convinced. "Well, now that we're all here..." She shot a meaningful glance in Akitoki's direction.

Akitoki was down on his knees picking up sea prunes. He'd somehow persuaded the warriors to join him. Ayumi scurried over to help. Akitoki gave them a sticky wave.

This could take a while. She turned back to Yuka. "So, what are we waiting for?"

"Well..." Yuka nodded towards Akitoki.

"You invited him?" Well, that explained more than a few things. She fixed Yuka with a stare.

"Is that a problem?" Yuka met her stare with an all too familiar look.

Ayumi busied herself with tidying up. Eri avoided her eyes.

"N-no." Kagome held up her hands in protest. "It's just - well, I wasn't expecting him to-"

"Weren't you?" Yuka's smirk said otherwise.

Kagome's smile was a bit more strained. "Yuka, it's not that I don't appreciate the thought but we're not really-"

"Not really what?"

"We're not, well, you know." She swallowed a sigh. "Dating." She glanced in Akitoki's direction to make sure he hadn't overheard the last word.

"Hey, I just thought you'd like to spend some time together," said Yuka."No need to make it formal if you don't want to."

"And that's what you told him?"

Kagome shot another sideways glance at Akitoki. He was still trying rescue the sea prunes. Most of his failed attempts had ended up stuck to his parka. Ayumi scooted over to lend him a hand.

Yuka gave a sigh. Eri shuffled her feet. She still couldn't meet Kagome's eyes.

"Look, I know he can be kind of a goober sometimes but honestly, he's been a big help. We'd have never got those ferry tickets without him." Yuka answered Akitoki's puzzled glance with a smile. "What's the harm in letting him tag along? He's earned it."

"Earned it?" Kagome took a breath to steady her voice. "Look, I don't know what kind of ideas this morning gave you but-"

"Oh, come on Kagome. How long have you two known each other for? You're practically-"

"Friends, Yuka," Kagome reminded her. "Good friends. That's all."

Yuka stifled a snort. "Kagome. Please. We all saw-"

"That was an accident!" Kagome clapped a hand over her mouth as Akitoki's head quirked in their direction. She quickly composed herself. "Sorry but you've got the wrong idea."

"It wasn't her idea, Kagome."

Kagome turned to meet Eri's eyes. Eri gave her an apologetic blush.

"It was mine."

Kagome's jaw dropped. "Eri?"

"I know this is a little sudden but - well, you worked so hard and you haven't really had a break and I - I just thought it would be nice. That's all."

Kagome's irritation melted away at the sight of her crestfallen face. "Oh, Eri. You didn't do anything wrong. We're just-"

"Is everything alright?"

Mama peered around the corner. Grandpa flanked her with his walking stick. Anxious faces peeped out from nearby doorways. They'd already attracted nearly as many stares as this morning's commotion. Kagome turned away to hide her flaming cheeks.

"Been causing a ruckus again, young man?"

Chief Hojo's voice put an end to the onlookers' mutterings. He strode tall down the corridor towards them with an escort of warriors. His well-kept beard was split by a long-suffering grin. The bystanders bowed their heads and cleared a path.

"Oh no Da- uh, Chief. I was just checking on Kagome," said Akitoki.

"Just checking, huh?" The Chief surveyed the corridor with a knowing eye. "Looks like Miss Kagome sure is popular all of a sudden."

Akitoki rubbed at his neck. His cheeks flushed brighter than ever. "Well, we had a bit of an accident-"

"I see. "So you're here to help clean up. Right?" He gave him a wink.

Akitoki suppressed a groan. "Dad..."

Yuka came to his rescue. "Oh, we were just asking if Kagome would like to come to the festival."

"Kagome is to stay in bed until she's fully recovered," Grandpa reminded her. "You and your friends may visit her in her sick room. If the Chief approves." He looked to Chief Hojo for support.

Kagome gave a cough. "Um, thanks, Grandpa but I'm feeling much bet-"

"Right," Akitoki broke in. "We thought a little fresh air might do her some good."

Grandpa's eyes narrowed. "Haven't you had enough excitement for one day?"

"Grandpa he's not-" Kagome took a deep breath and counted to three in her head. "Honestly. I'm much better now."

"Are you sure dear? You do look awfully pale." Mama came over to take her by the arm. "There's no need to strain yourself."

Kagome patted her arm reassuringly. "Thanks Mama but I really am-"

"That's for the healers to decide, Kagome," said Grandpa, still frowning at Akitoki. "Really. You shouldn't be-"

"Sorry, Sir. I only meant-"

"Why in the name of the Avatar is the hallway covered in-"

Chief Hojo cleared his throat. "And what does the young lady have to say about all this?" He prompted Kagome with a smile.

Kagome blinked. She turned to her friends. Anticipation hovered in their eyes. She turned back to her family. Mama's eyes were full of concern. Grandpa's brows were drawn with worry. Souta just couldn't stop staring. She toyed with her sleeve as she weighed up her options.

Akitoki caught her hesitation with a brief frown. "Are you feeling okay?"

"It's okay. I've had a busy day, that's all."

Concern hovered in Akitoki's eyes. "Are you sure? I know the sea was a bit rough on your stomach." His eyes widened in sudden understanding. "Of course. You must be - and here I am asking you to-" He brought his palm to his face. " Sorry, Kagome. I should've realised. "

His worry tugged at her conscience. She swallowed her hesitation and reassured him with a smile.

"Don't worry. I'm feeling much better now."

Akitoki's frown relaxed. "Really? If you need a rest then-"

"It's okay." She got the words out before the pros and cons could come back to haunt her. She gave Chief Hojo a nod. "I'd like to go. I-if it's okay with you, of course," she added in a rush.

"Are you sure?" Eri's face was still drawn with worry.

"It'll be fine. Really." If only. She let out a breath. "I guess we've all been a little stressed lately..."

"I guess we have." Akitoki gave a nervous laugh. His relief was plain.

Eri's was near as obvious. Ayumi was delighted. Yuka was triumphant.

Kagome fought the urge to kick herself. She forced her doubts aside and turned back to Mama.

"I'm sorry I made you-"

"There's no need to be sorry, Kagome," said Mama. She squeezed her arm before letting go. "Enjoy your evening. You've earned it."

"How come she gets to go off with her friends again?" Souta moaned. "She's not that much older than me."

Grandpa backed him up. "Sayuri, are you sure that's a good idea? She's only just got out of bed," he reminded her.

Chief Hojo weighed their concerns with pursed lips. "Well, it wouldn't do to send a young lady in such a delicate condition off on her own now, would it?" He called Akitoki's escorts. "Aput, Takeshi, you look as though you could do with a break. Fancy a night on the town?"

The two warriors exchanged a wary glance. Chief Hojo gave a chuckle.

"Oh, don't worry - this is as wild as it gets around these parts. I'm only asking you to keep the young folks out of mischief."

Aput and Takeshi exchanged another glance. One that suggested they'd sooner face a squadron of enraged komodo rhinos. Chief Hojo gave another chuckle.

"Of course, it also wouldn't do for them to miss the ceremony. You may have the rest of the evening to yourselves once you've escorted them home."

They gave his offer a few moments thought. Their nods were only slightly reluctant.

That was enough for the Chief, at least. He turned back to Grandpa with a wink. "No need to worry, Hikaru. They're two of my best."

Grandpa looked the two warriors up and down. His frown relaxed a little. "Thank you for your kindness, Chief Hojo." He beckoned to Kagome. "As for you, Kagome..." He reached into his parka.

Kagome swallowed her misgivings and held out her hands. Grandpa's gifts were pretty unique, to say the least. It had taken her the best part of a week to wash her last birthday present out of her parka.

"Take these." He dropped a small pouch into her hands.

Kagome held up the pouch and wrinkled her nose. "Uh, thanks Grandpa." Best humour him for now.

"They're Earth Kingdom smelling salts. The best thing for light-headedness."

There was no arguing with that. One whiff would be enough to floor a polar bear dog. She slipped them into her tunic and prayed the smell would wash out.

Grandpa nodded in approval. "Take a good lungful at the first sign of faintness. Make sure you drink plenty of water. Get plenty of rest. Don't push yourself too hard until you've made a full recovery. No strong teas, no baiju and absolutely no penguin sledding."

Kagome nodded along with each item. She fought the urge to fidget as she waited for him to finish.

"And," Grandpa took a moment to catch his breath. He let it out with a sigh.

"Be sure you're back at least two hours before the ceremony begins. If we want to get anything like a decent-"

His voice was cut off by her enveloping hug.

"Oh Grandpa! Thank you so much." She loosened her grip to beam down at him. "I promise I'll be back in time for the fireworks."

"And I'll hold you to it young lady," Grandpa reminded her. The softness in his eyes gave lie to the sternness in his voice.

"Well, that settles things." Chief Hojo clapped his hands together. "Now who's for dinner?"

His suggestion was met with a cheer. The onlookers followed their Chief down the corridor, the drama all but forgotten. Although Akitoki did get a couple of winks and back slaps as they passed. He accepted them with a befuddled smile.

Kagome shook her head and turned to Yuka. "You coming? I guess the food here's got to be better than the ship's."

"Well..." Yuka gave Akitoki a nudge.

Kagome gave him a frown.

"Oh, no worries." Akitoki waved her concerns away. "The festival's always packed in no time. So I took the liberty of making us a reservation." He offered them the basket. "Care for an appetiser?"

Ayumi helped herself with a giggle. Yuka declined with a smile. Eri took one with a mumbled thanks.

Kagome's hands stayed by her sides. "R-reservation?" Her voice hitched on the word. What had she got herself into now?

"Oh, it's nothing fancy, really." Akitoki reassured her. "Just the same little old place we go every year. But I think you'll like it," he added brightly.

"Oh, I'm sure she will."

Yuka's smirk was far too knowing for Kagome's liking. She swallowed her irritation and turned back to Akitoki.

"So, whereabouts is this place?"

"Oh it's not too far." Akitoki seized the opportunity with his usual eagerness. He gestured towards the far end of the corridor. "It's just a little further up the street."

That was the path to the shrine. At least they'd get a good look at the Goshinboku? A hint of curiosity stirred in her chest.

"We're going to the shrine?" Eri piped up.

"Well... I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now, would I?" Akitoki's eyes couldn't contain his excitement. He turned towards the door with a grin. "Right this way."

"This must be some surprise." Yuka remarked as she fell into step beside him.

"Oh, I'll say." Akitoki's strides quickened with his enthusiasm. The warriors picked up the pace. Ayumi and Eri scurried to catch up.

Kagome shook her head in bemusement. Yuka would have that secret out of him before they were halfway there. And at least three more besides.

She glanced back and caught Souta still standing outside the guest room's doorway. Still staring. She turned away and followed her friends with a sigh.

No doubt this would be an evening to remember.


The fog was thick enough to choke a man.

Jian gave a shiver and pulled his hood closer to his face. Two weeks' stubble was no match for a South Pole wind. He tucked his braid back into his hood, for what little warmth it'd give him. No doubt this night watch would be the coldest yet. Trust the captain to go south for the winter. He'd always had more coin than sense.

"Best keep your eyes sharp, Jian."

Jian swallowed a groan. The night was long enough without having to spend it with Shen. He had a big voice for an old man and was damn fond of reminding him of it. He'd been nagging him like a fishwife from the moment the captain had drawn their lots. Each hour stretched further than the last.

He turned to face Shen's knowing frown. The sight almost got another groan out of him. No wonder the old fart had a face like sea prune. One left at the bottom of the barrel for so long it'd grown more whiskers than an otter penguin.

Jian settled for a world-weary smile instead. "Not much to see on a night like this."

"Oh don't be so sure about that." Shen gave a nod towards the enshrouded bay. "I'm telling you, this ain't natural."

"Course it ain't natural - they're waterbenders," he said. "You think that fancy temple just chipped off the Goshinboku?"

"Think again, Jian. You see any benders on watch duty?"

"I think you should lay off the fire flakes before bedtime." He turned back towards the shore. Damn Shen. The man was jumpier than a sack of wood frogs. Although the frogs would've probably talked more sense.

He cleared his throat. "Speaking of spirits, I could sure do with some baijiu right now."

"Sorry, Jian. Captain's orders." Shen gave another nod towards the railing.

Jian suppressed a sigh. If anything was going to drive him overboard it would be Shen."Eh, what he don't know can't hurt him. One cup sure ain't going to hurt me."

Shen was unmoved. "Better safe than sorry. Especially on a night like this."

Jian rolled his eyes. "One cup ain't going to make me start seeing spooks either."

Shen shook his head. "You might just regret that, Jian. Ling sure did."

Jian rolled his eyes again. Ling had never been able to hold his drink at the best of times. Still, he was in no mood to fight a losing battle. Best find something else to take Shen's mind off the ghosts and ghouls.

"Don't suppose you brought any dice?" he asked.

"This isn't a night for taking chances." Shen gave a soft tsk. "Look, there are plenty of places I'd rather be right now too. That still doesn't excuse slacking off. You want shore leave, you earn it."

Jian could hold his tongue no longer. "Keep talking crap and you'll earn yourself a-"

His retort was cut off by a sudden thump.

Shen's eyes shot wide. "What?"

"Came from the hold. Probably a loose crate."

Shen shook his head. "Loose? That cargo's stowed tighter than a clam with lockjaw."

"It was this morning. The Earth King knows what the dock crew have been up to down there." Jian loosened his sword in its scabbard. He grabbed a lantern with his free hand. "I'll check the hold. You keep watch on deck."

"Alone?" Shen's frown tightened. "That's not a-"

"No need to worry, Shen," Jian reassured him. "Wei Chen's still down in the chain locker."

"Wei." Shen didn't hide his doubts.

Not that Jian blamed him. If Wei Chen hadn't been the captain's nephew he'd have followed Ling over the side long ago.

"You ever think the captain left him down there for a reason?" Shen asked.

"Best keep an eye on him then." Jian lifted the lantern and turned towards the hold. "Just shout if you need me."

Shen grabbed his shoulder. "You're not going down there alone."

"And leave the port side unguarded? Come on, Shen. That's got to be the oldest trick in the book."

"And splitting up's any smarter?"

Jian set his jaw. "You can't watch the deck and watch my back."

"Well, if you're right then it's a bit late to worry about stowaways." Shen heaved a sigh. "Look, Yun and Chung Ho can take care of the deck between them. You'd best stick with me."

"You can-"

"Your eyes are sharper than mine. And my voice's louder than yours." Shen folded his arms. "The sooner you hand over that lantern, the sooner we can get this over with."

"Fine." Jian rolled his eyes. He'd had enough arguments for one night. He tossed the lantern to Shen. He grabbed it just before it hit the deck.

"Watch it!"

"Don't say I didn't warn you." Jian turned his back on Shen in a huff. "I'll shout Yun."

Even Shen could take a hint that blatant. He gave another sigh and made his way towards the hold.

Jian turned his back on him. He shouted for Yun. At least Yun would listen.

He made his way back to the hold once he'd finished with Yun. Shen stood waiting for him, two lanterns in hand. He made a point of passing one to him. Jian was past rising to the bait. He followed Shen down into the hold.

The hold was silent save for the odd creak. The darkness didn't do much to settle Jian's nerves. He edged forwards, his blade held ready. He held his lantern high, making the most of the faint light. He didn't spy so much as an elephant rat.

"Wei? You there?" Shen raised his lantern higher.

Jian cursed under his breath. So much for caution. His hand slid to his sword hilt.

"Only us, Wei. How're you getting on with that chain?"

Well, stealth had already gone out of the window. Jian set his teeth on edge and readied his blade.

"You still there, Wei?"

Shen received no reply. He continued through the hold, still calling for Wei. Jian had no choice but to trail after him. Every creak of the deck boards set his teeth on edge. He swallowed the urge to swear and pressed on, ready to draw at any moment.

They were almost at the end of the hold when Shen drew to a halt. "Wait," he whispered.

Jian stumbled back to avoid a collision with his outstretched arm. "Shit!" he hissed. "What are y-"

"There." Shen gestured towards a secluded corner. Jian strained his eyes to make out a dim figure slumped against a bulkhead.

"Wei?" He peered closer. He winced as his lantern flared into a sudden brightness. "What the-"

Their lanterns burst into flame.

Shen dropped his before his glove took light. Jian had no choice but to do the same. The flames went out before they hit the deck.

"Shit!"

Jian staggered forwards and made a grab for the bulkhead. Shen gave a yell. It was cut short by a sudden crack.

"Shen!"

An arm wrapped round Jian's throat from behind. His voice was cut off in an instant. His sword clattered to the floor. He scrabbled at his attacker's arm. It did nothing to ease its grip.

His opponent yanked him backwards, almost taking his feet off the floor. Jian flailed his legs as he fought for breath. His kicks found only empty air. His vision narrowed with his windpipe. He gritted his teeth and drove his heel into his attacker's groin.

He was rewarded with a grunt. The hold on his throat slackened. He swung his legs down and planted his feet on the deck. He grabbed the man's arm and tried to wrench himself free. His grip held like a vice. He gave a choked cry as it tightened once more.

He swung his left hand backwards. He swore inwardly as it connected with his attacker's thigh. He gripped the man's arm with both hands and bulled him back against the wall.

There was a satisfying crack. The man gasped out a curse. Jian grabbed his attacker's wrist and twisted out of his grip.

He staggered free with a gasp. The lanterns flared back into life. He blinked the stars away from his eyes and made a dash for his sword. His fingers closed on its hilt as his attacker stumbled to his feet. He snatched it up and spun on him with a yell.

Only to catch a broom handle to the face.

Jian went down like a clubbed seal. His sword toppled from his grasp. He hit the deck a split second later. The impact knocked him near senseless.

"Shit... "

He gave a cough and rolled onto his side. His head swam like a drunken fish. His vision was no more than a haze. He shook his head and propped himself up on one arm. Get up. Get up, now.

The man's boot caught him in the ribs. He hadn't the breath left to cry out. A shadow loomed over him. He glanced up and caught sight of a pair of golden eyes glaring down at him.

And the broom handle bearing down on his head.


Constructive criticism is very welcome!

I update once a month.