p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The sky is clear and the night is warm, a fact the entire village is thankful for as they settle down for the evening. Futons, blankets, pillows and other bits of salvaged bedding lay out under the stars. Flames crackle and pop, several pots hiss and bubble from their places around the communal fire; some full of soups and stews, others cooking rice and grains, and others still boiling water for the wounded./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span lang="EN-US"Kagome sits cross legged on her sleeping bag. Inuyasha is asleep beside her, curled into a ball and hugging her thin pillow. She can't stop looking at him. He's so emsoft/em. Innocent. A far cry from the unruly boy she fell in love with. This Inuyasha says 'Please,' and 'Thank you,' without prompting, clearly respects his elders, and is quick to offer assistance. Like, when he helped set up their bedding, and carried bowls of supper for their pack./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The side effects, Miroku surmises, of being raised by a princess. Of course his manners are impeccable. He even eats neatly, although Inuyasha wasn't a horrifically messy eater to begin with, but this younger version doesn't scarf down each meal like it's his last. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"He doesn't need to protect his food because no one has stolen it from him yet. /span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome muses as she threads her fingers through Shippo's hair. Her kit is dozing across her lap, head cradled on her elbow. emInuyasha hasn't been alone long enough to learn to be wary of strangers, of humans, yet. /em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Puppy ears twitch and Inuyasha rolls over taking her pillow with him. Face totally covered he splays his limbs and settles back into sleep. In all their years of traveling, Kagome had only seen Inuyasha sleep on his back twice, and both times he had been too injured to move. She swallows the emotion bubbling in her chest and takes a few deep breaths. Both children would wake if her emotions shift enough and they need the rest. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Most of the village children were already sleeping or close to it. Exhaustion dogged them all as the day drew on and now, with their bellies full and families reunited, they slept. The adults however, remain on edge. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango sat close to the fire with a small audience of teens watching her clean her gear. Kagome was just out of range to hear her exact words, but could tell that she was speaking about the importance of maintaining one's weapons. A lecture Kagome heard often, her own bow oiled and unstrung next to her bed. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Tools and weapons lay within easy reach of every single able bodied adult. An undercurrent of fear swirling throughout them. This village, their village, had never faced an attack such as this before. Kagome was well used to seeing the carnage but it was never so close to home. She didn't know how to fix this. Wasn't sure if she could fix it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Holy power flared briefly as another stake was driven into the ground and an ofuda placed. A thread of Miko power connected that stake to the growing chain that circled camp. Miroku, Kaede and a handful of assistants were slowly but surely building a barrier around the heart of the village./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome kept her own power on a tight leash. Weaving a barrier like they were doing was supposed to be out of her wheelhouse. Not that she isn't powerful enough to do it, but that she hadn't been taught. This Kaede isn't keen on teaching her though. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Not that it matters,/span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" Kagome thought smugly, emI can learn from here just as well. /em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She winds her power down her arms and into her hands, subduing the telltale glow, and strokes Shippo's back not with her hand but with her power. He sighs and nestles closer at last slipping into true sleep. She targets a few dark spots in his aura and pushes them to heal faster. Shippo's lower back is a knot of bruises both physical and spiritual. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The base of his spine, where his second tail erupted, is especially inflamed. Kagome can't tell if it's because he grew and lost his tail in a matter of minutes or if this is what it looks like before a tail erupts. There are no parenting books about kitsune kits, and she doesn't know any other kitsune to ask. Regardless of the reason, she soothes the ache but doesn't try to heal it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Are you still planning on going home in the morning?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome startles and looks up at Sango, letting her power drain back into her core, she shrugs. "We need more supplies, bandages, antibiotics and the like. It'll be a short trip though."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango unrolls her bedding and sits with her boomerang across her lap. Kirara, back in her kitten form, sits on Sango's shoulder purring. "How do you think he'll react?" She asks while nodding toward Inuyasha./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome looks at both the kit in her arms and Inuyasha, still sprawled out but no longer covered by the pillow, and shakes her head. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango hums. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"They both know it won't be pretty. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Reiki flares again and spectral chains loop around the campsite. Spiraling upwards until meeting thirty feet above them. The chains collide and meld, twisting together and sliding back down in a net that sinks into the ground. Ofudas dot each cross of the chains reinforcing them and generating a secondary layer to the barrier. Points of light blue light intersecting the purple of Kaede's chains. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome watches the barrier take shape and settle. It's a work of art. A magical feat the likes of which she's never seen before. Older Keade hadn't even mentioned the possibility of such a barrier. And yet, Kagome sat under one constructed by a much younger version of her mentor and wondered why. Why wasn't she taught this, this which could have saved lives and time. The net technique alone could have trapped a demon…/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She looked at Inuyasha. Still fast asleep but on his side now, back pressing against her thigh; a peaceful expression on his face. Sealing him to the sacred tree must have taken immense strength. But how did they get him to the tree in the first place? Kagome glanced at the net again, its light fading into near transparency. How bizarre. /span/p
p class="NewScene"span lang="EN-US"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku, Kaede, and their small entourage made their way to the fire and the brewing tea. Their presence drawing the other adults towards them like moths; worry written into the lines of their faces. Kagome braces for a reckoning. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We should join them." Kagome said and shifts Shippo off her lap and onto her abandoned pillow. He curls into a ball with the tip of his tail touching his nose; easily the cutest thing she has ever seen. She wishes ardently that she had brought a camera with her. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango glances at the forming crowd and mutters her agreement. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The cup is hot in her hand, tea near scalding. Kagome blows on it and takes a cautious sip. Tart with an undercurrent of sweetness. It's not a blend she's had before, herbal maybe, with some kind of berry; the liquid is a muddy brown. Probably a mix of a few different teas. Not bad, but definitely not something she'd seek out again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She takes another careful sip and watches the faces of the crowd. A few are drinking without a hint of dislike or surprise. One or two others grimace into their cups. Kagome hides a grin behind the rim of her own cup. How refreshing to see such honest reactions. She looks for more and chuckles quietly to herself. Sango nudges her with a shoulder and they share a moment of silent laughter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku joins them. Reaching to pet Kirara on Sango's other shoulder, he uses their bodies as a shield and sloshes tea over the rim of his cup, spilling most of it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh my, I really must be more careful." He said with a grin. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Miroku," Sango chides./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I must be more tired than I thought. Clearly, I can't be trusted with this." He sets the cup on the ground near the other dirty dishes from supper. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"It's not like him to be this rude. At least not towards hosts and in this case, the village proper. Kagome tilts her head and looks at him. Really, truly looks. His eyes are a bit droopy, and his hands, while not shaking, aren't steady either. He has a white-knuckle grip on his staff and leans on it slightly more than usual. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You must be." Kagome said at last as she takes another tiny sip of mediocre tea and wishes for the mango passionfruit blend her mother had last time she visited. "I watched the chains wind and multiply, the Ofuda placement is a neat trick." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You saw the barrier go up?" Sango asks in a low whisper, lips barely moving "How?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku narrows his eyes and fixes Kagome with a shrewd look. "It seems that you are full of surprises today."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome shrugs. Sure that she'll be back to normal after some solid sleep. Bed sounds so good right about now. She almost says so but is interrupted by the headsman, Getsuya. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"He talks about unity and community and rebuilding. Thanking everyone for doing their part in digging out their neighbors and friends. Kagome is only partially listening. Mind flickering between what supplies she needs to stock up on and the speech. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""-much gratitude, of course belongs to our resident slayer and her companion." Kagome snaps back into the present as the crowd turns towards them, the headman continues, "Our children survived this attack and the night in the forest because of Kirara. Our village will never be able to thank her enough for this boon, but we can offer her a permanent home. Should you agree, Sango and Kirara, I invite you to make this village your new headquarters for the Western Demon Slayers. I invite you to grow and train and thrive amongst us here. And, should Kirara decide to, for her to raise a family here as well. The kin of Kirara are most welcome and anticipated."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Blinking owlishly Sango flushes and stammers out a thank you. Barely getting the words out before a woman asks when they can expect kittens. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku blushes before realizing that the question was meant literally. They want Kirara to have kittens. Not for him and Sango to have kittens. He can't hide his reaction before Kagome notices his embarrassment. Her eyes spark with laughter even as she ducks her head and hides behind her cup. He blushes harder. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome didn't even know he emcould/em blush. Suppressing her amusement is a Herculean effort but she manages. Barely. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango is fielding questions left, right and center about her plans for expansion. What she needs, who she'll recruit, and how old Kirara is; has she had kittens before; how old do the children need to be to start training; will all the kittens have two tails; does a new forge need to be built? And so on. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kirara herself is glancing between person to person. Tails flicking wildly in her uncertainty. She clings to Sango's shoulder even as Sango reaches up and holds onto her. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome decides right then and there to bring extra cat treats back. And maybe a covered cat basket with a pillow. Poor Kirara is going to need a hiding place. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""What can we expect going forward?" Rurikemi cut through the chatter with all the authority of a mother of six and the weight of being the headman's wife. "Can those of us who have been affected by this demon be cured?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We don't know." Sango squared her shoulders. "I need to consult the demonology archives my family kept to be sure, but I've never heard of a demon who can reverse aging emand/em steal memories."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Will the memories eventually come back?" Haruyo asked from their place by the fire. They shrank into themselves as Sango and Miroku turned towards them. A startling difference from the confident elder they had been./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Time will tell. We are hopeful, of course, but as this is a new demon there is no way to know for certain." Miroku's staff jingled softly as he adjusted his grip and said somberly, "If it was simply a matter of days then the loss wouldn't be so grave, but many, such as yourself, have lost years and that is deeply troubling."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""And what about us, who are barely younger but in my case, pregnant again. What will happen when I birth my son a second time? Will my older one cease to exist?" A heavily pregnant woman stalked out of the crowd, followed closely by her husband who held their infant son. "I don't even remember the birth of my first, and I won't even get to be surprised that I had a boy. Even that has been taken from me. I don't know what to expect or how to parent two babies under a year."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'm sorry, Irisa." Kagome spread her arms and shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry that we don't have answers, that there is no easy fix. We'll do what we can to help rebuild and heal, but we can't make any promises."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Easy for you to say. You come and go freely, bringing nothing but strange items and trouble. This demon wouldn't have attacked us if it wasn't for your demon loving tendencies! This is what you get for allowing demonic filth to desecrate our home! When my father was headman, he never would have allowed this. The first time this wretch showed up with those demons in tow, he would have had Kaede purify the lot and burned you for the scum you are."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi please," the headman pleaded, "This is not the time for-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Such weakness, Getsuya." Botomi scoffed, jabbing a meaty finger at Kagome. "I have watched this bitch for the last month. Cavorting with demons, flaunting herself. Have you taken a ride on her yet? Is that why you are so weak to her wiles?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi, you forget yourself!" Sango snapped./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She and her ilk are abom-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Just a second-" Miroku tried to interject. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Shut the fuck up." Kagome cut him off, snarling like a dog; lips curling up, nose wrinkled but her eyes wide open. "How dare you speak to me, of me, like this? I who have brought you medicine for your aching joints, teas that cure your illnesses, wrappings that ease the pain in your muscles. Hasn't there been enough fighting today?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"strongemspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"This is the thanks we get for saving their asses? /span/em/strong/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome surged forward but a small hand wrapping around her leg halted her. Glancing at her side, she saw Shippo scowling at Botomi. Behind him, Inuyasha stood wide eyed, chin trembling. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Don't talk to my mama like that." Shippo shook with the force of his growl, green flames sparked around his clenched fist. "She killed the demon and saved everyone. She protected us all."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Botomi's jaw ticked and he shifted his weight. Kagome narrowed her eyes. If he kicked her son she'd kill him./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sliding onto the balls of her feet, Kagome methodically open and closed both hands. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"strongspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Can't throw an impactful punch if I'm too tense and Miko power won't work on humans/span/strongspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;". /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She touched her power and exhaled. If this meeting was a trap, then why offer the slayers a new home? Why ask Kirara to have kittens here? /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome let her shoulders loosen but stayed ready to move. No one was going to hurt Shippo. Not tonight, and not ever again if she had any say in it./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Botomi shook his fist at her and swept his arm out over the village. "If that's so, where is my wife then? She is not amongst the dead or injured. Does she still lay in the rubble that you caused even now?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi," Getsuya maneuvered between Botomi and Kagome, placing a hand on the old man's shoulder and said with aching gentleness, "Your wife died two years ago. I'm sorry, until this moment I didn't know you too had been affected by the demon's powers." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She's gone? My sweet Waharu's dead?" All the fight whooshed out of him and he reeled backwards into the crowd, a few people surging forward to catch him before he fell. "Don't do this. Spreading these lies, why. Why?!" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A few people, family by the grief and shame on their faces, took Botomi into their embrace and led him away from the fire and the tension went with them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome watched them go. Fuming. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi does not speak for us." Getsuya said gravely; nearly pleading. "We do not blame you for this attack, nor do we wish you to leave. Please, forgive an old man for the teachings his elders imparted."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo leapt onto Kagome's shoulder and tilted his head at Getsuya, once again just a little boy and not a fox in kids' clothing. "I suppose we could. But he needs to leave my mama alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He will. I will talk to him personally." Getsuya promised, "and his new grief will keep him away from us all, I fear. He's the only elder we have left; all his friends are young and his wife is gone. He is alone now."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Part of Kagome felt bad for him, the rest of her was too outraged to speak. To say anything was to show the village that she couldn't handle her temper. Unbecoming of a woman and a Miko. Worth it though, maybe. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'll speak to him in the morning." Kaede wove to the front of the crowd and smiled woefully. "I knew him when he was younger and, even though I don't know his wife or even many of you here, a kind face and a Miko's word go a long way."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Oh sure,/span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" Kagome grumbled to herself, emnow you step in./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo snickering on her shoulder had Kagome realizing she said that aloud. She cast around for signs of being heard but no one paid her any mind. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Except for a young man roughly two rows back who was looking at her expectantly. Great. Either he heard her, which was near impossible, or he wanted to talk to her. He was just as grubby as everyone else but his eyes were bright with happiness or something similar. His hair was feathery and loose around his ears. They made eye contact and he grinned; teeth bright white and even. His mouth just a tad too wide. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Trepidation pools in her gut. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" At once she is tired. Tired of peopling, tired of talking, tired of being tired. She put on a happier expression as he started to make his way to her. Eyes locked onto her as if she would disappear if he looked away. Tempting thought. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She shifts her stance, feet shoulder width apart and arms loose at her sides. Shippo flexes his hands and feet; tiny claws pricking against her shoulders. He lowers his head so that their eyes are level and watches the man approach warily. Sango and Miroku are both deep in conversations with a few other villagers. Neither available as a path of polite extraction./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A small hand on hers, fingers twinging, pulls her attention off the man and down. Inuyasha squeezes her fingers tightly. She gives him her best smile, the one she saves for him and him alone. For a second the older version of Inuyasha superimposes the younger and Kagome's heart beats painfully against her ribs. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Less than a day and she misses him so./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo leans to the right. The man is getting closer. Trusting her son's judgement, Kagome keeps her attention on Inuyasha./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Why was he mad at you for protecting them?" Inuyasha asked, flicking one ear back in uncertainty, the other tipping to the side like an airplane wing. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He's scared and needs someone to blame for it. So, he chose me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Bad choice." Shippo scoffs. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome grins at him, "Very bad choice." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Do we have to leave? My mom and me had to move to a new village because they yelled at her a lot. Were they scared too?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo taps her shoulder./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome half turns just as the man reaches them. He's looking at Inuyasha not herself, and furrows his brow. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""No," The man from the crowd said without a hint of derision, "They were jerks. You and your family are welcome here just like the Headsman said earlier. This is your home."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome could've kissed him. Inuyasha blinks up at him with bright gold eyes and smiles shyly; relaxing fully against her leg in the same motion. He leans his cheek on her thigh./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Good, I think I like it here." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Relief sweeps through her at Inuyasha's easy acceptance of their home. She keeps herself partially between Inuyasha and the man despite his welcoming tone. Until tonight she had thought everyone in the village was open to the demons living here. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I do too." He crouches down to Inuyasha's level, forcing Kagome to shift over or have his face far too close to her crotch. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm Yunobo, what's your name?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha moves with her, keeping his body flush with her leg. She feels him tense as he answers, "Inuyasha." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Well, Inuyasha, it's good to meet you! If you already know me then I'm sorry, it seems that a few days ago I might have known you too. But today I don't." Yunobo taps Inuyasha's cheek and stands up fully. To Kagome he said, "I'm told that I owe you heavy thanks."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh?" Kagome raises her eyebrows, unimpressed. "For what exactly?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Three days ago, I was dying. I had an accident and lost my arm," He shrugged his right arm and waved it. "Infection set in fast and you brought me medicine, but I was dying regardless. Now, thanks to that demon I'm alive and in one piece, but you cared for me when I needed you, just as you care for us all. So, I thank you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Yunobo bowed. Kagome startles and then hastily bows back; blown away by the amount of respect. They rise together. Inuyasha steps back as she bows and stays slightly behind her. She misses his warmth. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You're welcome, but I'm afraid I wasn't much help. I didn't even visit you, I just brought your family medicine and prayed with them." She doesn't tell him that she can't remember his accident or bringing him medicine. Although it's something she would absolutely do. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Your medicine allowed me to live until the demon attacked, which saved me. I don't remember the accident or being sick. I don't even remember the attack. But I'll always remember the way my mother cried when they pulled me out of our hut."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""If you ever need anything, ask."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Thank you, I-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She won't ask." Shippo cut in dismissively, "She likes to be independent. But we'll remember this too."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She can practically see the wry twist of his lips and the hint of fangs. She wonders if Yunobo knows that the kit on her shoulder is making a threat display or if he thinks Shippo is smiling at him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Yunobo smiles brilliantly and nods before vanishing back into the crowd. Kagome watches him go; a bit uneasy but the praise is a welcome balm after the tongue lashing of Botomi. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Don't be so quick to dismiss a favor, Shippo." Miroku chides, joining them. "He's a merchant's son and having friends in high places matters. Besides, what he just did wasn't about thanking Kagome, although it was warranted. It was about showing support. Him talking to you just showed the entire village that he, and his family, support you, our pack, and the demon kids." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He was too close." Shippo grumbles under his breath. "Making mama uncomfortable with his weirdness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha huffs his agreement. Kagome shrugs lightly and winks at Shippo. She apricates him./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku reaches up and ruffles Shippo's hair. Laughing when the kit swats at him. Inuyasha slips around Kagome using her as a shield. Miroku chuckles but doesn't chase him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo fixes his hair and asks, "Then why not stand up to Botomi?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Shock maybe. Or lack of timing. Not many were able to get a word in before your mother shut him down."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I certainly tried." Sango lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. "Next time I'll introduce him to my Hiraikotsu. Give him the full 'insolent man' treatment."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Hey now," Miroku leans away with both hands up in a placating gesture. "I said "not many people," obviously, my dearest Sango, you were able to yell at him."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango gets in Miroku's way and wags a finger in his face. Kagome tunes them out./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Hm." Inuyasha hums, ignoring the borderline spousal abuse in front of them. "That's not a good enough reason. Packs protect each other."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Agreed." Shippo nods vehemently, nearly falling off Kagome's shoulder. She rocks on the balls of her feet to help keep him steady and turns towards camp, leaving the lovers squabbling behind her./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Alright," Kagome yawns, pulling Shippo off her shoulder and into her arms. "Let's get you both, and me, back to bed." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Agreed." Miroku and Sango parrot breathlessly in sync as if they hadn't been a hair's breadth away from brawling. Sporting goofy grins, Sango knocks shoulders with Miroku, who elbows her back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I can emsmell /emyou; ya know!" Shippo wrinkles his nose and growls at them half-heartedly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha sniffs the air ardently. "What do you mean? What's the smell?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome whirls around and gives them a look. "I'll explain it when you're older."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku and Sango blush and separate. /span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""What do you mean you have to go home? I thought this was our home?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha stands in front of Kagome with both arms crossed and the same mulish expression he sported as an adult stamped across his face. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Blinking against the morning sun, Kagome squints up at Inuyasha and frowns. Reaching for the too light first aid kit, she set it in the mostly empty bag; hands shaking slightly. A bundle of clothing follows, and she looks away. Slowing her breathing, she takes deep, long breaths. Nostrils flaring./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Here we go again." Miroku said under his breath, leaning towards Sango and nudging her side. Snorting she pushes him over and laughs as he sprawls on the ground. He stays there, cloud gazing. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Some things never change." Shippo murmurs and peeks around Kagome's backpack. He doesn't want her to go either, but unlike Inuyasha, he knows not to try and stop Kagome. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"There are a thousand different things she could say. Wants to say. This argument is both new and old and she's both tired of, and welcome for, it. A quick 'sit' could quell it, but she looks at him again and doesn't want to 'sit' him. Her stomach churns at the thought of hurting this boy, this baby, just because he doesn't want her to leave. Would saying 'sit,' even work on him now? /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She doesn't sit him, instead she said, "My family lives on the other side of this well. I need to go visit them every couple of weeks otherwise they get worried. I'll only be gone for a few hours this time and when I come back, I'll have special treats for everyone. Okay?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The idea of sitting him makes her sick. All the times she's sat the older version of him for what, perceived slights? For ire, for convenience? Sure, older Inuyasha was a bit of a jerk but this version, this child, is as sweet as he can be. She can't bring herself to hurt him for arguing now, why was it so easy before?/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Can't we go with you?" Inuyasha digs his toes into the grass and sways the heel back and forth; curling his shoulders in and looking up at her with felony level puppy dog eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh, he's good." Sango whispers to Shippo, who looks like he wants to take notes. He even taps his paw in the grass and tries to wiggle his ankle just like Inuyasha was. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome shoots them a 'quit it out' look. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"They don't quit it. Shippo tilts his head and looks up at Sango through his eyelashes and blinks, sparkles spring up around him and his eyes get larger and softer. Sango claps. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome and Inuyasha growl at them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Not this time, the Well doesn't allow many to travel through and if you get stuck at the bottom, it's a long climb out." Kagome finishes repacking, leaving the majority of her things behind. She's not looking forward to climbing out later./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Keh. I'm a Demon." Inuyasha gives the well a narrow-eyed assessment. Kagome can practically see the gears turning in his cute little head./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kissing the top of Shippo's head, Kagome gives Sango and Miroku a meaningful look. They both nod solemnly in return. She takes a steadying breath and swings a leg over the lip of the well. They will be fine./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'll be back soon. I love you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A chorus of "I love you's" follows her as she jumps into the depths of the well and lets the winds of time sweep her away. If her heart jolts when Inuyasha joins the chorus she doesn't say./span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Opening the well house doors always fills her with a mix of relief and grief. Her choices loom over her like a colossus. She doesn't want to choose, doesn't want to let anyone down. But staying in the future means leaving her found family behind. Living in the past means never seeing her biological family again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Mid Morning sunlight trickles through gaps between thick clouds; the scent of rain hangs heavy in the air. Car horns echo up the shrine steps sounding further away than they actually are. It's strange to realize that this used to be the closest she could get to nature without traveling far outside the city. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The shrine used to feel half wild and she spent hours as a child pretending to be a Miko and protecting it against evil. She had plans then, as a nine-year-old, she'd grow up and take over, dressing up and giving tours, extolling the rituals and virtues of the Higurashi Shrine. Life was simpler, smaller, then. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome tries not to think about her mortality too much. However, even as she crosses the yard and pauses before the Sacred Tree, she can't help but ponder it. She's seen so much death, participated in and witnessed, that her own lingers. Now, if she makes it to old age, hell, if she survives Naraku, that would encompass an entire lifetime of adventure and she's only eighteen…/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Ha! Eighteen with a son. Does adopting him beat the "teenage pregnancy" statistics or is it only her age when she became a mother that matters? She's not even sure when their dynamic shifted to mother and son. He is hers and she is his. Branded heart and soul. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome furrows her brow, technically, Shippo could be older than her. Weird. She freezes mid step and laughs. She can picture the confusion when asked, "How old is your son?" and she says, "106" or "23" or even "13".span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHer friends would lose their minds. First, she has boy trouble and now she's suddenly the mother to a seven-year-old kitsune. At least, she's assuming he's the equivalent of seven human years. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Still chuckling she opens the back door and is greeted by a happy Buyo who demands scritches and pats and all due attention. This at least, won't change. The love of her cat, just like his hunger for attention, is infinite. She loves him up and moves deeper into the house. Soft music plays in the kitchen and she finds her mother there swaying along to a tune and wiping down the counters. This too, is something that she hopes never changes. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A quick glance at the calendar beside the fridge tells her it's Wednesday. Seeing as her mother has a cleaning routine that's set in stone, that makes sense. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are cleaning days. Each day is dedicated to specific chore sets. If Kagome still lived at home, she'd be responsible for cleaning both bathrooms, sweeping and dusting. While Souta would be mopping, cleaning the living room, and spot cleaning the walls. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She wonders if Souta took over her chore list or if things are divided differently now. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sliding the backpack off her shoulders Kagome cheerily announces her presence. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Hiromi jumps slightly and turns around, lighting up as she does. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh, Kagome! Back so soon? Only a short visit this time, I imagine. Is Inuyasha with you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Yeah, I'll be heading back tonight. Things are getting rough and I need to be there longer and longer." Kagome rubbed the back of her head and slid into a chair at the table. "To be honest, if Kaede's village hadn't been attacked, I'd be home for the night at least."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Was it bad?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome hesitates for a fraction of a second and then the entire story spills out. Leaving out nothing./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Hiromi sets the kettle to boil and grabs a few different treats from the cupboards. Setting them next to a bowl of freshly washed grapes on the table as Kagome fills her in. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome doesn't look at her mother, she fiddles with the dark table cloth and turns the packages for three different types of cookies. Picking up her tea cup, she swirls the golden liquid. Doing everything she can to keep her voice steady and calm. She survived. Shippo survived. Her friends survived. Right now, at this very moment, she knows they are okay. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome finishes her tea and they sit in silence. At last Hiromi reaches across the table and takes Kagome's hand in her own. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi is a jerk." Her mother scowls at her fiercely. "Seriously, calling you, emyou/em a whore. Why if I could get down that Well I'd run up one side of him and down the other!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Yes! Yes, thank you!" Kagome threw her hands up in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That asshole."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We need to visit a few different shops and if you're only here for the day then we better get started." Hiromi said in a brisk, 'let's get things done' tone. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome pulls out a tiny notebook, and waves it back and forth sheepishly, "I started making a list this morning." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Perfect, dear." Hiromi reaches for the car keys and pauses. Sliding around the table she cups Kagome's cheek and tilts her head up so that she can look into her daughter's eyes. "Thank you for being honest with me, Kagome. I'm here for you whenever you need me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I know." Kagome takes a shuddery breath, leaning into her mother's touch. "You'll always be there for me."/span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span lang="EN-US"Kagome sits cross legged on her sleeping bag. Inuyasha is asleep beside her, curled into a ball and hugging her thin pillow. She can't stop looking at him. He's so emsoft/em. Innocent. A far cry from the unruly boy she fell in love with. This Inuyasha says 'Please,' and 'Thank you,' without prompting, clearly respects his elders, and is quick to offer assistance. Like, when he helped set up their bedding, and carried bowls of supper for their pack./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The side effects, Miroku surmises, of being raised by a princess. Of course his manners are impeccable. He even eats neatly, although Inuyasha wasn't a horrifically messy eater to begin with, but this younger version doesn't scarf down each meal like it's his last. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"He doesn't need to protect his food because no one has stolen it from him yet. /span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome muses as she threads her fingers through Shippo's hair. Her kit is dozing across her lap, head cradled on her elbow. emInuyasha hasn't been alone long enough to learn to be wary of strangers, of humans, yet. /em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Puppy ears twitch and Inuyasha rolls over taking her pillow with him. Face totally covered he splays his limbs and settles back into sleep. In all their years of traveling, Kagome had only seen Inuyasha sleep on his back twice, and both times he had been too injured to move. She swallows the emotion bubbling in her chest and takes a few deep breaths. Both children would wake if her emotions shift enough and they need the rest. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Most of the village children were already sleeping or close to it. Exhaustion dogged them all as the day drew on and now, with their bellies full and families reunited, they slept. The adults however, remain on edge. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango sat close to the fire with a small audience of teens watching her clean her gear. Kagome was just out of range to hear her exact words, but could tell that she was speaking about the importance of maintaining one's weapons. A lecture Kagome heard often, her own bow oiled and unstrung next to her bed. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Tools and weapons lay within easy reach of every single able bodied adult. An undercurrent of fear swirling throughout them. This village, their village, had never faced an attack such as this before. Kagome was well used to seeing the carnage but it was never so close to home. She didn't know how to fix this. Wasn't sure if she could fix it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Holy power flared briefly as another stake was driven into the ground and an ofuda placed. A thread of Miko power connected that stake to the growing chain that circled camp. Miroku, Kaede and a handful of assistants were slowly but surely building a barrier around the heart of the village./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome kept her own power on a tight leash. Weaving a barrier like they were doing was supposed to be out of her wheelhouse. Not that she isn't powerful enough to do it, but that she hadn't been taught. This Kaede isn't keen on teaching her though. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Not that it matters,/span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" Kagome thought smugly, emI can learn from here just as well. /em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She winds her power down her arms and into her hands, subduing the telltale glow, and strokes Shippo's back not with her hand but with her power. He sighs and nestles closer at last slipping into true sleep. She targets a few dark spots in his aura and pushes them to heal faster. Shippo's lower back is a knot of bruises both physical and spiritual. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The base of his spine, where his second tail erupted, is especially inflamed. Kagome can't tell if it's because he grew and lost his tail in a matter of minutes or if this is what it looks like before a tail erupts. There are no parenting books about kitsune kits, and she doesn't know any other kitsune to ask. Regardless of the reason, she soothes the ache but doesn't try to heal it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Are you still planning on going home in the morning?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome startles and looks up at Sango, letting her power drain back into her core, she shrugs. "We need more supplies, bandages, antibiotics and the like. It'll be a short trip though."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango unrolls her bedding and sits with her boomerang across her lap. Kirara, back in her kitten form, sits on Sango's shoulder purring. "How do you think he'll react?" She asks while nodding toward Inuyasha./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome looks at both the kit in her arms and Inuyasha, still sprawled out but no longer covered by the pillow, and shakes her head. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango hums. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"They both know it won't be pretty. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Reiki flares again and spectral chains loop around the campsite. Spiraling upwards until meeting thirty feet above them. The chains collide and meld, twisting together and sliding back down in a net that sinks into the ground. Ofudas dot each cross of the chains reinforcing them and generating a secondary layer to the barrier. Points of light blue light intersecting the purple of Kaede's chains. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome watches the barrier take shape and settle. It's a work of art. A magical feat the likes of which she's never seen before. Older Keade hadn't even mentioned the possibility of such a barrier. And yet, Kagome sat under one constructed by a much younger version of her mentor and wondered why. Why wasn't she taught this, this which could have saved lives and time. The net technique alone could have trapped a demon…/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She looked at Inuyasha. Still fast asleep but on his side now, back pressing against her thigh; a peaceful expression on his face. Sealing him to the sacred tree must have taken immense strength. But how did they get him to the tree in the first place? Kagome glanced at the net again, its light fading into near transparency. How bizarre. /span/p
p class="NewScene"span lang="EN-US"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku, Kaede, and their small entourage made their way to the fire and the brewing tea. Their presence drawing the other adults towards them like moths; worry written into the lines of their faces. Kagome braces for a reckoning. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We should join them." Kagome said and shifts Shippo off her lap and onto her abandoned pillow. He curls into a ball with the tip of his tail touching his nose; easily the cutest thing she has ever seen. She wishes ardently that she had brought a camera with her. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango glances at the forming crowd and mutters her agreement. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The cup is hot in her hand, tea near scalding. Kagome blows on it and takes a cautious sip. Tart with an undercurrent of sweetness. It's not a blend she's had before, herbal maybe, with some kind of berry; the liquid is a muddy brown. Probably a mix of a few different teas. Not bad, but definitely not something she'd seek out again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She takes another careful sip and watches the faces of the crowd. A few are drinking without a hint of dislike or surprise. One or two others grimace into their cups. Kagome hides a grin behind the rim of her own cup. How refreshing to see such honest reactions. She looks for more and chuckles quietly to herself. Sango nudges her with a shoulder and they share a moment of silent laughter. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku joins them. Reaching to pet Kirara on Sango's other shoulder, he uses their bodies as a shield and sloshes tea over the rim of his cup, spilling most of it. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh my, I really must be more careful." He said with a grin. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Miroku," Sango chides./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I must be more tired than I thought. Clearly, I can't be trusted with this." He sets the cup on the ground near the other dirty dishes from supper. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"It's not like him to be this rude. At least not towards hosts and in this case, the village proper. Kagome tilts her head and looks at him. Really, truly looks. His eyes are a bit droopy, and his hands, while not shaking, aren't steady either. He has a white-knuckle grip on his staff and leans on it slightly more than usual. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You must be." Kagome said at last as she takes another tiny sip of mediocre tea and wishes for the mango passionfruit blend her mother had last time she visited. "I watched the chains wind and multiply, the Ofuda placement is a neat trick." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You saw the barrier go up?" Sango asks in a low whisper, lips barely moving "How?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku narrows his eyes and fixes Kagome with a shrewd look. "It seems that you are full of surprises today."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome shrugs. Sure that she'll be back to normal after some solid sleep. Bed sounds so good right about now. She almost says so but is interrupted by the headsman, Getsuya. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"He talks about unity and community and rebuilding. Thanking everyone for doing their part in digging out their neighbors and friends. Kagome is only partially listening. Mind flickering between what supplies she needs to stock up on and the speech. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""-much gratitude, of course belongs to our resident slayer and her companion." Kagome snaps back into the present as the crowd turns towards them, the headman continues, "Our children survived this attack and the night in the forest because of Kirara. Our village will never be able to thank her enough for this boon, but we can offer her a permanent home. Should you agree, Sango and Kirara, I invite you to make this village your new headquarters for the Western Demon Slayers. I invite you to grow and train and thrive amongst us here. And, should Kirara decide to, for her to raise a family here as well. The kin of Kirara are most welcome and anticipated."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Blinking owlishly Sango flushes and stammers out a thank you. Barely getting the words out before a woman asks when they can expect kittens. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku blushes before realizing that the question was meant literally. They want Kirara to have kittens. Not for him and Sango to have kittens. He can't hide his reaction before Kagome notices his embarrassment. Her eyes spark with laughter even as she ducks her head and hides behind her cup. He blushes harder. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome didn't even know he emcould/em blush. Suppressing her amusement is a Herculean effort but she manages. Barely. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango is fielding questions left, right and center about her plans for expansion. What she needs, who she'll recruit, and how old Kirara is; has she had kittens before; how old do the children need to be to start training; will all the kittens have two tails; does a new forge need to be built? And so on. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kirara herself is glancing between person to person. Tails flicking wildly in her uncertainty. She clings to Sango's shoulder even as Sango reaches up and holds onto her. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome decides right then and there to bring extra cat treats back. And maybe a covered cat basket with a pillow. Poor Kirara is going to need a hiding place. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""What can we expect going forward?" Rurikemi cut through the chatter with all the authority of a mother of six and the weight of being the headman's wife. "Can those of us who have been affected by this demon be cured?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We don't know." Sango squared her shoulders. "I need to consult the demonology archives my family kept to be sure, but I've never heard of a demon who can reverse aging emand/em steal memories."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Will the memories eventually come back?" Haruyo asked from their place by the fire. They shrank into themselves as Sango and Miroku turned towards them. A startling difference from the confident elder they had been./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Time will tell. We are hopeful, of course, but as this is a new demon there is no way to know for certain." Miroku's staff jingled softly as he adjusted his grip and said somberly, "If it was simply a matter of days then the loss wouldn't be so grave, but many, such as yourself, have lost years and that is deeply troubling."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""And what about us, who are barely younger but in my case, pregnant again. What will happen when I birth my son a second time? Will my older one cease to exist?" A heavily pregnant woman stalked out of the crowd, followed closely by her husband who held their infant son. "I don't even remember the birth of my first, and I won't even get to be surprised that I had a boy. Even that has been taken from me. I don't know what to expect or how to parent two babies under a year."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'm sorry, Irisa." Kagome spread her arms and shook her head sadly. "I'm sorry that we don't have answers, that there is no easy fix. We'll do what we can to help rebuild and heal, but we can't make any promises."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Easy for you to say. You come and go freely, bringing nothing but strange items and trouble. This demon wouldn't have attacked us if it wasn't for your demon loving tendencies! This is what you get for allowing demonic filth to desecrate our home! When my father was headman, he never would have allowed this. The first time this wretch showed up with those demons in tow, he would have had Kaede purify the lot and burned you for the scum you are."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi please," the headman pleaded, "This is not the time for-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Such weakness, Getsuya." Botomi scoffed, jabbing a meaty finger at Kagome. "I have watched this bitch for the last month. Cavorting with demons, flaunting herself. Have you taken a ride on her yet? Is that why you are so weak to her wiles?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi, you forget yourself!" Sango snapped./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She and her ilk are abom-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Just a second-" Miroku tried to interject. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Shut the fuck up." Kagome cut him off, snarling like a dog; lips curling up, nose wrinkled but her eyes wide open. "How dare you speak to me, of me, like this? I who have brought you medicine for your aching joints, teas that cure your illnesses, wrappings that ease the pain in your muscles. Hasn't there been enough fighting today?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"strongemspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"This is the thanks we get for saving their asses? /span/em/strong/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome surged forward but a small hand wrapping around her leg halted her. Glancing at her side, she saw Shippo scowling at Botomi. Behind him, Inuyasha stood wide eyed, chin trembling. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Don't talk to my mama like that." Shippo shook with the force of his growl, green flames sparked around his clenched fist. "She killed the demon and saved everyone. She protected us all."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Botomi's jaw ticked and he shifted his weight. Kagome narrowed her eyes. If he kicked her son she'd kill him./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sliding onto the balls of her feet, Kagome methodically open and closed both hands. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"strongspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Can't throw an impactful punch if I'm too tense and Miko power won't work on humans/span/strongspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;". /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She touched her power and exhaled. If this meeting was a trap, then why offer the slayers a new home? Why ask Kirara to have kittens here? /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome let her shoulders loosen but stayed ready to move. No one was going to hurt Shippo. Not tonight, and not ever again if she had any say in it./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Botomi shook his fist at her and swept his arm out over the village. "If that's so, where is my wife then? She is not amongst the dead or injured. Does she still lay in the rubble that you caused even now?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi," Getsuya maneuvered between Botomi and Kagome, placing a hand on the old man's shoulder and said with aching gentleness, "Your wife died two years ago. I'm sorry, until this moment I didn't know you too had been affected by the demon's powers." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She's gone? My sweet Waharu's dead?" All the fight whooshed out of him and he reeled backwards into the crowd, a few people surging forward to catch him before he fell. "Don't do this. Spreading these lies, why. Why?!" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A few people, family by the grief and shame on their faces, took Botomi into their embrace and led him away from the fire and the tension went with them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome watched them go. Fuming. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi does not speak for us." Getsuya said gravely; nearly pleading. "We do not blame you for this attack, nor do we wish you to leave. Please, forgive an old man for the teachings his elders imparted."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo leapt onto Kagome's shoulder and tilted his head at Getsuya, once again just a little boy and not a fox in kids' clothing. "I suppose we could. But he needs to leave my mama alone."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He will. I will talk to him personally." Getsuya promised, "and his new grief will keep him away from us all, I fear. He's the only elder we have left; all his friends are young and his wife is gone. He is alone now."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Part of Kagome felt bad for him, the rest of her was too outraged to speak. To say anything was to show the village that she couldn't handle her temper. Unbecoming of a woman and a Miko. Worth it though, maybe. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'll speak to him in the morning." Kaede wove to the front of the crowd and smiled woefully. "I knew him when he was younger and, even though I don't know his wife or even many of you here, a kind face and a Miko's word go a long way."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Oh sure,/span/emspan style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" Kagome grumbled to herself, emnow you step in./em/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo snickering on her shoulder had Kagome realizing she said that aloud. She cast around for signs of being heard but no one paid her any mind. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Except for a young man roughly two rows back who was looking at her expectantly. Great. Either he heard her, which was near impossible, or he wanted to talk to her. He was just as grubby as everyone else but his eyes were bright with happiness or something similar. His hair was feathery and loose around his ears. They made eye contact and he grinned; teeth bright white and even. His mouth just a tad too wide. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Trepidation pools in her gut. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;" At once she is tired. Tired of peopling, tired of talking, tired of being tired. She put on a happier expression as he started to make his way to her. Eyes locked onto her as if she would disappear if he looked away. Tempting thought. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She shifts her stance, feet shoulder width apart and arms loose at her sides. Shippo flexes his hands and feet; tiny claws pricking against her shoulders. He lowers his head so that their eyes are level and watches the man approach warily. Sango and Miroku are both deep in conversations with a few other villagers. Neither available as a path of polite extraction./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A small hand on hers, fingers twinging, pulls her attention off the man and down. Inuyasha squeezes her fingers tightly. She gives him her best smile, the one she saves for him and him alone. For a second the older version of Inuyasha superimposes the younger and Kagome's heart beats painfully against her ribs. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Less than a day and she misses him so./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo leans to the right. The man is getting closer. Trusting her son's judgement, Kagome keeps her attention on Inuyasha./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Why was he mad at you for protecting them?" Inuyasha asked, flicking one ear back in uncertainty, the other tipping to the side like an airplane wing. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He's scared and needs someone to blame for it. So, he chose me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Bad choice." Shippo scoffs. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome grins at him, "Very bad choice." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Do we have to leave? My mom and me had to move to a new village because they yelled at her a lot. Were they scared too?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo taps her shoulder./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome half turns just as the man reaches them. He's looking at Inuyasha not herself, and furrows his brow. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""No," The man from the crowd said without a hint of derision, "They were jerks. You and your family are welcome here just like the Headsman said earlier. This is your home."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome could've kissed him. Inuyasha blinks up at him with bright gold eyes and smiles shyly; relaxing fully against her leg in the same motion. He leans his cheek on her thigh./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Good, I think I like it here." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Relief sweeps through her at Inuyasha's easy acceptance of their home. She keeps herself partially between Inuyasha and the man despite his welcoming tone. Until tonight she had thought everyone in the village was open to the demons living here. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I do too." He crouches down to Inuyasha's level, forcing Kagome to shift over or have his face far too close to her crotch. span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"I'm Yunobo, what's your name?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha moves with her, keeping his body flush with her leg. She feels him tense as he answers, "Inuyasha." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Well, Inuyasha, it's good to meet you! If you already know me then I'm sorry, it seems that a few days ago I might have known you too. But today I don't." Yunobo taps Inuyasha's cheek and stands up fully. To Kagome he said, "I'm told that I owe you heavy thanks."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh?" Kagome raises her eyebrows, unimpressed. "For what exactly?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Three days ago, I was dying. I had an accident and lost my arm," He shrugged his right arm and waved it. "Infection set in fast and you brought me medicine, but I was dying regardless. Now, thanks to that demon I'm alive and in one piece, but you cared for me when I needed you, just as you care for us all. So, I thank you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Yunobo bowed. Kagome startles and then hastily bows back; blown away by the amount of respect. They rise together. Inuyasha steps back as she bows and stays slightly behind her. She misses his warmth. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""You're welcome, but I'm afraid I wasn't much help. I didn't even visit you, I just brought your family medicine and prayed with them." She doesn't tell him that she can't remember his accident or bringing him medicine. Although it's something she would absolutely do. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Your medicine allowed me to live until the demon attacked, which saved me. I don't remember the accident or being sick. I don't even remember the attack. But I'll always remember the way my mother cried when they pulled me out of our hut."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""If you ever need anything, ask."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Thank you, I-"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""She won't ask." Shippo cut in dismissively, "She likes to be independent. But we'll remember this too."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She can practically see the wry twist of his lips and the hint of fangs. She wonders if Yunobo knows that the kit on her shoulder is making a threat display or if he thinks Shippo is smiling at him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Yunobo smiles brilliantly and nods before vanishing back into the crowd. Kagome watches him go; a bit uneasy but the praise is a welcome balm after the tongue lashing of Botomi. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Don't be so quick to dismiss a favor, Shippo." Miroku chides, joining them. "He's a merchant's son and having friends in high places matters. Besides, what he just did wasn't about thanking Kagome, although it was warranted. It was about showing support. Him talking to you just showed the entire village that he, and his family, support you, our pack, and the demon kids." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""He was too close." Shippo grumbles under his breath. "Making mama uncomfortable with his weirdness."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha huffs his agreement. Kagome shrugs lightly and winks at Shippo. She apricates him./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku reaches up and ruffles Shippo's hair. Laughing when the kit swats at him. Inuyasha slips around Kagome using her as a shield. Miroku chuckles but doesn't chase him. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Shippo fixes his hair and asks, "Then why not stand up to Botomi?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Shock maybe. Or lack of timing. Not many were able to get a word in before your mother shut him down."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I certainly tried." Sango lifts her chin and squares her shoulders. "Next time I'll introduce him to my Hiraikotsu. Give him the full 'insolent man' treatment."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Hey now," Miroku leans away with both hands up in a placating gesture. "I said "not many people," obviously, my dearest Sango, you were able to yell at him."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sango gets in Miroku's way and wags a finger in his face. Kagome tunes them out./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Hm." Inuyasha hums, ignoring the borderline spousal abuse in front of them. "That's not a good enough reason. Packs protect each other."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Agreed." Shippo nods vehemently, nearly falling off Kagome's shoulder. She rocks on the balls of her feet to help keep him steady and turns towards camp, leaving the lovers squabbling behind her./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Alright," Kagome yawns, pulling Shippo off her shoulder and into her arms. "Let's get you both, and me, back to bed." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Agreed." Miroku and Sango parrot breathlessly in sync as if they hadn't been a hair's breadth away from brawling. Sporting goofy grins, Sango knocks shoulders with Miroku, who elbows her back. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I can emsmell /emyou; ya know!" Shippo wrinkles his nose and growls at them half-heartedly. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha sniffs the air ardently. "What do you mean? What's the smell?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome whirls around and gives them a look. "I'll explain it when you're older."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Miroku and Sango blush and separate. /span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""What do you mean you have to go home? I thought this was our home?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Inuyasha stands in front of Kagome with both arms crossed and the same mulish expression he sported as an adult stamped across his face. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Blinking against the morning sun, Kagome squints up at Inuyasha and frowns. Reaching for the too light first aid kit, she set it in the mostly empty bag; hands shaking slightly. A bundle of clothing follows, and she looks away. Slowing her breathing, she takes deep, long breaths. Nostrils flaring./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Here we go again." Miroku said under his breath, leaning towards Sango and nudging her side. Snorting she pushes him over and laughs as he sprawls on the ground. He stays there, cloud gazing. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Some things never change." Shippo murmurs and peeks around Kagome's backpack. He doesn't want her to go either, but unlike Inuyasha, he knows not to try and stop Kagome. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"There are a thousand different things she could say. Wants to say. This argument is both new and old and she's both tired of, and welcome for, it. A quick 'sit' could quell it, but she looks at him again and doesn't want to 'sit' him. Her stomach churns at the thought of hurting this boy, this baby, just because he doesn't want her to leave. Would saying 'sit,' even work on him now? /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She doesn't sit him, instead she said, "My family lives on the other side of this well. I need to go visit them every couple of weeks otherwise they get worried. I'll only be gone for a few hours this time and when I come back, I'll have special treats for everyone. Okay?"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The idea of sitting him makes her sick. All the times she's sat the older version of him for what, perceived slights? For ire, for convenience? Sure, older Inuyasha was a bit of a jerk but this version, this child, is as sweet as he can be. She can't bring herself to hurt him for arguing now, why was it so easy before?/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Can't we go with you?" Inuyasha digs his toes into the grass and sways the heel back and forth; curling his shoulders in and looking up at her with felony level puppy dog eyes./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh, he's good." Sango whispers to Shippo, who looks like he wants to take notes. He even taps his paw in the grass and tries to wiggle his ankle just like Inuyasha was. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome shoots them a 'quit it out' look. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"They don't quit it. Shippo tilts his head and looks up at Sango through his eyelashes and blinks, sparkles spring up around him and his eyes get larger and softer. Sango claps. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome and Inuyasha growl at them. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Not this time, the Well doesn't allow many to travel through and if you get stuck at the bottom, it's a long climb out." Kagome finishes repacking, leaving the majority of her things behind. She's not looking forward to climbing out later./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Keh. I'm a Demon." Inuyasha gives the well a narrow-eyed assessment. Kagome can practically see the gears turning in his cute little head./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kissing the top of Shippo's head, Kagome gives Sango and Miroku a meaningful look. They both nod solemnly in return. She takes a steadying breath and swings a leg over the lip of the well. They will be fine./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I'll be back soon. I love you."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A chorus of "I love you's" follows her as she jumps into the depths of the well and lets the winds of time sweep her away. If her heart jolts when Inuyasha joins the chorus she doesn't say./span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p
p class="MsoNormal"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Opening the well house doors always fills her with a mix of relief and grief. Her choices loom over her like a colossus. She doesn't want to choose, doesn't want to let anyone down. But staying in the future means leaving her found family behind. Living in the past means never seeing her biological family again. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Mid Morning sunlight trickles through gaps between thick clouds; the scent of rain hangs heavy in the air. Car horns echo up the shrine steps sounding further away than they actually are. It's strange to realize that this used to be the closest she could get to nature without traveling far outside the city. /span/p
p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 36.0pt;"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"The shrine used to feel half wild and she spent hours as a child pretending to be a Miko and protecting it against evil. She had plans then, as a nine-year-old, she'd grow up and take over, dressing up and giving tours, extolling the rituals and virtues of the Higurashi Shrine. Life was simpler, smaller, then. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome tries not to think about her mortality too much. However, even as she crosses the yard and pauses before the Sacred Tree, she can't help but ponder it. She's seen so much death, participated in and witnessed, that her own lingers. Now, if she makes it to old age, hell, if she survives Naraku, that would encompass an entire lifetime of adventure and she's only eighteen…/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Ha! Eighteen with a son. Does adopting him beat the "teenage pregnancy" statistics or is it only her age when she became a mother that matters? She's not even sure when their dynamic shifted to mother and son. He is hers and she is his. Branded heart and soul. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome furrows her brow, technically, Shippo could be older than her. Weird. She freezes mid step and laughs. She can picture the confusion when asked, "How old is your son?" and she says, "106" or "23" or even "13".span style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /spanHer friends would lose their minds. First, she has boy trouble and now she's suddenly the mother to a seven-year-old kitsune. At least, she's assuming he's the equivalent of seven human years. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Still chuckling she opens the back door and is greeted by a happy Buyo who demands scritches and pats and all due attention. This at least, won't change. The love of her cat, just like his hunger for attention, is infinite. She loves him up and moves deeper into the house. Soft music plays in the kitchen and she finds her mother there swaying along to a tune and wiping down the counters. This too, is something that she hopes never changes. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"A quick glance at the calendar beside the fridge tells her it's Wednesday. Seeing as her mother has a cleaning routine that's set in stone, that makes sense. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday are cleaning days. Each day is dedicated to specific chore sets. If Kagome still lived at home, she'd be responsible for cleaning both bathrooms, sweeping and dusting. While Souta would be mopping, cleaning the living room, and spot cleaning the walls. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"She wonders if Souta took over her chore list or if things are divided differently now. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Sliding the backpack off her shoulders Kagome cheerily announces her presence. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Hiromi jumps slightly and turns around, lighting up as she does. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Oh, Kagome! Back so soon? Only a short visit this time, I imagine. Is Inuyasha with you?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Yeah, I'll be heading back tonight. Things are getting rough and I need to be there longer and longer." Kagome rubbed the back of her head and slid into a chair at the table. "To be honest, if Kaede's village hadn't been attacked, I'd be home for the night at least."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Was it bad?" /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome hesitates for a fraction of a second and then the entire story spills out. Leaving out nothing./span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Hiromi sets the kettle to boil and grabs a few different treats from the cupboards. Setting them next to a bowl of freshly washed grapes on the table as Kagome fills her in. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome doesn't look at her mother, she fiddles with the dark table cloth and turns the packages for three different types of cookies. Picking up her tea cup, she swirls the golden liquid. Doing everything she can to keep her voice steady and calm. She survived. Shippo survived. Her friends survived. Right now, at this very moment, she knows they are okay. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome finishes her tea and they sit in silence. At last Hiromi reaches across the table and takes Kagome's hand in her own. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Botomi is a jerk." Her mother scowls at her fiercely. "Seriously, calling you, emyou/em a whore. Why if I could get down that Well I'd run up one side of him and down the other!"/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Yes! Yes, thank you!" Kagome threw her hands up in style="mso-spacerun: yes;" /span"That asshole."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""We need to visit a few different shops and if you're only here for the day then we better get started." Hiromi said in a brisk, 'let's get things done' tone. /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"Kagome pulls out a tiny notebook, and waves it back and forth sheepishly, "I started making a list this morning." /span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""Perfect, dear." Hiromi reaches for the car keys and pauses. Sliding around the table she cups Kagome's cheek and tilts her head up so that she can look into her daughter's eyes. "Thank you for being honest with me, Kagome. I'm here for you whenever you need me."/span/p
p class="MsoNormalIndent"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;""I know." Kagome takes a shuddery breath, leaning into her mother's touch. "You'll always be there for me."/span/p
p class="NewScene"span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-CA;"~oOo~/span/p