InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ A Cinderella Stroy ❯ Among Those Who Slay Demons ( Chapter 12 )

Kagome stood beside Inuyasha as Asano and Yuka walked through the village. Asano took Yuka by the arm as they started down the path that led to the youkai hunter's village. Kagome thought about redirecting them, but changed her mind. It was about time Yuka learned these people existed.

“Do you have a name?”

Kagome started slightly when Inuyasha spoke, then cast her gaze to the ground. “This unworthy one is honored that the Great Lord would speak to her, but it is unfit that he address her by her name.”

Yuka snorted softly. “Her name is Kagome.”

Kagome's head snapped up. Inuyasha was grinning slightly. “That's a lovely name.”

“My father named me. It was a tradition in his family.”

“I see.” They continued to walk for several more minutes. “What lies down this path?”

Yuka opened her mouth to answer, but Kagome beat her to it. “Sato-sama's people.”

“Ah yes, the youkai hunters.” Yuka paled slightly. “This will be an interesting visit.”

Kagome allowed herself a small smile. “As my Lord says.”

The gates of the village swung ponderously open before them as they approached. The village itself was situated atop a small escarpment with only one path giving access. Kagome slipped out in front of them as they entered and Inuyasha was not in the least surprised to see the people bow to her. He was, however, shocked at the reaction of the men. Arousal was obvious in their scents as well as disappointment. To them, she was untouchable. They approached the central building and a man, built to unimaginable proportions emerged. He grinned at her.

“Kagome-sama. It has been a long time since you graced the village.”

“Yes, not since the wolf youkai attempted their invasion.”

“I am glad to see we don't need such an emergency to get you to visit us. Who are your companions?”

Kagome turned to meet two stunned faces and one smirk. “Yuka-sama, my half-sister and Asano-sama.”

“Ah, Sesshomaru-sama's reikon, I have heard of him. And the hanyou would be Inuyasha-sama.”

“Hai.”

“Well they are all welcome to join us for the midday meal. Sango will be pleased to see you, she has been having trouble with Miroku again.”

His eyes danced with merriment and Kagome couldn't suppress a soft laugh. “That hentai never could keep his hands to himself.”

They entered the house to find four extra place settings around the table. Kagome smiled at Sato as she took the seat at his right. There was no doubt in her mind that he had known they were coming long before they had sighted the wooden palisades. Inuyasha took the seat to his left and soon the rest of the house filed in and the meal began. Yuka was silent for a long time as she ate, which was not so strange. The food in the village would be foreign to her. The youkai hunters came, not just from Japan, but from all over the world. Kagome could never understand what force drew them to this place, but they still came. Sato had been appointed their leader more because he could speak so many languages and so mediated the disputes between the groups in the early days. Sango entered halfway through the meal and sat down.

Kagome gave her a tentative smile which the older girl returned. Kagome would never forget the day she had met Sango. She'd been three-quarters dead, the only survivor of her small band of hunters. Kagome had come across her as she had tried to bury the body of her little brother. With each movement more of her life flowed out of her, but she refused to give in until Kohaku could be laid to rest. Since that day, the girls had shared an unbreakable bond.

Sato watched Yuka for long minutes before speaking. “So what do you think of our little group, Yuka-sama.”

The girl jumped slightly before meeting his gaze. “They are unique. I can understand why Kagome would keep them from my father. He would have tried to use you. I doubt that would have gone over well.”

Sato's chuckle held little mirth. “I do believe you are right, but the Lady has treated us well, and we are grateful.”

Yuka nodded slightly. “I would love to see more of this place, if that is permitted.”

“Of course it is. After all, Kagome-sama brought you here, and that means that you can be trusted.”

Yuka flushed and the meal finished in companionable silence. Inuyasha, Yuka, and Asano followed Sato out into the village while Kagome left with Sango. It was an hour before the sun would set before Kagome rejoined them. She gave Inuyasha a weary smile before addressing the others.

“We need to get going. Yoshi will wonder if we take too long.”

Inuyasha nodded slightly. Asano also gave consent and they began the return journey. They were well into the woods before Asano spoke. “Kagome-sama, I scent tears, though not your own.”

“Sango's. She was crying.”

“If it is not too impertinent…may I ask why?”

“You may, but I will tell you that I cannot say. I have taken a vow to keep this secret. Her tears were not tears of sadness, you need not worry yourself over such things.”

“It does my heart good to know that, but you are still worried for her.”

“Of course I am. I worry for all of them, but she is like a sister to me. There is not anything I wouldn't do for her. I am afraid that she does not fully understand what she is getting into.”

“Such fears are hard to put aside.”

“Yes, that they are.”