InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Infinite And One Night ❯ The Tales of the Lost I ( Chapter 5 )

A/N: Okay, ladies & gents, after having carefully read through the bunch of sweet opinions and certainly justified constructive criticism ( thanks for that ^^ ) I came to the conclusion that rewriting the first chapters is more than necessary. I've thought about that anyway, but wanted to do that after IAON is finished. But since IAON is believed to be extremely hard to read I think it's obligatory. I apologise greatly to all those who chucked the story away after the first few lines and considered it to be a big waste of their time. I wrote it mainly for you ( unlike my original stories, which I write mainly for myself ) and am always glad to know some people like it. However, I should probably not be such an ass and at least make sure you know who's talking ^.~ I always thought people would get to that after the first few sentences anyway and wonder who it was, but it seemed to piss more people off than to actually catch their interest.

Don't misunderstand me. I'm still sticking to the plot, the mysterious paths ahead of poor Kagome and my writing style, but making the story easier to comprehend is not contradictory. Thanks to all those who kept reading even though their eyes might have hurt and their brains might have ached out of frustration in the end.

P.S.: As for my other story Déjà-vu I've been asked about my mother tongue. Well, it's German and I only know English for about ten years ( long enough, but still ……… ), so please, whenever you see a grammatical mistake, typo or whatever, be they tiny or big don't hesitate to kick my butt ^.~ I really appreciate it ( even more so, if it's a polite notice ^.~ ).

So ……… back to the story: here it is: the long ( or not-so-long ^.~ ) anticipated Chapter V with the first tale ^^ You're to see how everything's about to be worked out. I believe this will be in for a few surprises ^____^ Anyway, just a remark of mine: I don't know, if anyone realised it, but nearly all of my titles have secondary meanings. Such as the first one: 'Plain Forgiveness'. On the one hand, it might mean 'Simple Forgiveness', however, on the other it was a little twist of one of the four important virtues ( immeasurable love, never-ending care, shared faithfulness and beautiful forgiveness ). Again the second might mean 'Secret Proposal' in the sense of a marriage proposal or as the actual creation of a secret plan, idea or suggestion. Well, the third is a little more difficult °^___^° 'White', as a opposed to "our" ( I'm from Europe ^^ ) culture, where it's supposed to be hopeful and a somewhat cheering colour, is the colour of death and mourning in Japan. Understood? White, morning, wedding? The actual feelings you're supposed to have on your wedding as opposed to the feelings Kagome has?

I hate to spell everything out, but nobody mailed to tell me they got it, so I felt this needed to be said. Let's just open an Easter Egg hunt ( I know, that's over now o.O ) and see, if you find some other titles of mine with subtle meanings. Okay, there won't be too much in this one and the next ^___^ But, let's just see.

Sorry, for my ramblings. Enjoy the chappie.

P.S.: Quite a few of you have read the original Arabian tales, which I would certainly recommend. However, from now on, I prefer to put the emphasis more on Inu Yasha. Just so that you know.

Disclaimer: ………

Chapter V

The Tales of the Lost

Part I

Words could not describe the joy one may feel due to nothingness. But this sentiment may prove to be just as deceiving as delightful. Who can guarantee your safety? Who can possibly be sure of your well being? And before you know it you have to fight for adulthood.

"Sit straight, boy. Your mother would have been ashamed of you."

The young son that was being accused of behaving childishly and foolishly straightened and looked up at his imposing-appearing father ……… or at least: he tried to. However, the stern gazes he was being awarded with made him cower in fear and respect.

"What a wuss. How can anyone possibly behave that way?!"

"It's a kid, Inu Yasha. And more importantly: it's a tale."

"But still - "

"Inu Yasha, who's being the storyteller here? May I be allowed to continue?"

The following silence confirmed Kagome in her actions and she was just about to continue her earlier telling, as -

"I would never let anybody - "

"Inu Yasha!"

"Keh!"

"'That better?" The child-like voice, which would have poured down any listener's ears with ease, wanted to know, directing an innocent look towards his father, receiving gentle gazes and a faint smile in return, as he regained his composure.

"A lot. Now ……… you like lunch?"

The kitsune nodded gratefully, while attempting to take another sip from the soup. He didn't want to disappoint his father. He would never even dream of hurting his feelings in any way, but ……… an important part had gone missing ever since his mother had passed away and gone to where all youkais had to go at one point or another a while ago. Compared to a human he could probably be old enough to be called sensible, but being what he was ……… that was a whole different story. So, that made him perfectly capable of remembering the beloved, soothing voice his mother possessed, when talking to him, telling stories or even when she spared usual, completely unspectacular exclamations. Her eyes were composed of profound love and comprehension and her instant reaction to the mean bullies, that were trying to make his life a lot tougher than it already was, were things he still dreamed of. No nightmares ……… just gentle dreams that clothed him warmly and safely, as if it meant to be carefully taken by the hand.

The boy exhaled yet another deep sigh.

Kagome felt she was being disrupted in her continuous flow of storytelling as the person before her emitted a sigh in union with her mind's offspring. She couldn't help herself, but be sure it wasn't the fault of possible harshness in her words or a dissonant rhythm of her voice. It was something she said. And it didn't make her feel comfortable at all.

Inu Yasha's eyes seemed to have wandered off somewhere where she couldn't reach him and the girl felt that was due to the mention of a mother ……… and her death. Kagome mentally slapped herself. How could she be so inconsiderate? Whatever went through Inu Yasha's twisted mind right now ……… it was a melancholy she'd caused.

However, yet another thought caught up with her selfless distress: just why was she being so understanding? Wasn't it him who intended to kill her off like worthless swine?! Kagome became aware of the sensation of anger and rage surfacing again. He suffers? Well, he would do so even more.

Just as she intended to continue her silent, and artistically hidden torture, another notion caught up with the girl: If she was trying to stir restlessness and discomfort within the daimyou, thus worsening his state of mind, she would most likely be worsening her chances to get out of this adventure alive. And she would prove what she was capable of.

Kagome realised the strange boy had turned his attention on her again, eyeing her with a strange, suspicious look, as if wanting to read her mind. She carefully inhaled a deep breath, letting it appear as if she was simply trying to tickle tension and suspense.

The one trait, however, he missed most right now, was his mother's ability to wake the dead with her food. Gruesome wars would be put to an end whenever an appeasing wind would carry the sweet scent of her cakes and cookies, before finally being devoured by the heath and fading grass. It even stopped the bullies from doing what they could do best: well ……… bully.

He nodded yet again in the direction of his guardian, praising the food before him with a gentle nod. He had his father. That was all that mattered.

"Shippou, you like to have some more?"

"Err ……… thanks, but I'm ……… stuffed", he replied with a meek smile, patting his empty stomach in the process.

"I think I'm going off to play."

"Have fun and ……… take care."

Shippou turned around as his father finished the last remark. It left behind a rather confused and probably irritated kitsune. It was impossible for any parent to take over the role of the one that was missing, but hearing words and phrases out of the mouth of the someone that just mustn't say them was difficult to bear. It had always been his mother, who had brushed over his soft mane, tickling his furry tail, before giving him a light kiss and a small nudge in the side, as if wanting to say: 'I'm there. I'm waiting. Come home.'

There was nothing wrong with that. In fact, ……… in felt somewhat wonderful.

Of course she would get the obligatory grimace and a pained expression, saying 'Leave it be', but really it made him feel all fluffy inside. And it was good.

Hearing something close to it out of the mouth that was supposed to shout stern, respectful remarks, putting him back into place ( what he'd done in the past anyway! ) was just ……… wrong and twisted.

His father was one of the most respected fox youkais around. He was feared and loved at the same time and nobody dared to approach him with the intention of provoking his anger. Only the bravest ……… and the most dim-witted did so. It was even weirder, considering that his only offspring had never even shown the slightest interest and/ or talent in following his father's example. When having been about the kitsune's age, the strong warrior had sown dread and admiration alike in his opponents and faithful and obliging followers already. Shippou, however, seemed to have more in common with the latter - a follower with a mind that was at peace.

Rather distressing ……… A thought that passed the older youkai's mind just before his son left their humble abode to go outside to play ……… alone.

His favourite place, somewhere where he could find peace and silence, was a shelter a concealing boulder created, while nearly blocking half of the clear mountain river. There was a comforting air about the location. Even the presence of a few birds that secretly knew of the perfect spot to take a bath in summer was highly unlikely. Shippou was mostly on his own. And he liked it. Certainly. Digging into the sandy soil that formed the few boundaries of the usually unbounded crystal stream, trying to find gem-like rocks and sticks ……… observing the happy fishes that loved to show off their bliss and strength by encircling the boulder two or three times before disappearing in the watery wonder again ……… putting the few snails that had gone lost on their way in order to find a partner back into the bushes ………

The young kitsune emitted a slighty flat sigh, not sure if it was boredom or ……… discontent hidden in it. Nature was beautiful and vivid and worth being loved, but it was no substitute for talking people. Nice, talking people.

The sudden uproar of laughter caught Shippou off-guard and he violently felt himself being dragged into a puddle by his surprise. The few shouts and snickers did not suffice in order to recognise the voices that were approaching. Of the sound of them ……… there seemed to be three, no! - four.

The small child suddenly felt the sensation of cold sweat trickling down his neck, covering his whole, tiny back. There was only one group of four people he knew and who lived around here.

Better to stay hidden and to avoid any sound at all. He wouldn't dare to let them know about his beloved place. He would then only be deprived of his secret and the heartening support.

Be quiet. No sound.

Shippou's hard pulsating heart suddenly skipped a beat or two ……… or possibly even ten, as the voices made for the rock ……… in his direction. Never ever had he considered breathing or the throbbing of warm blood in his veins to be painful or loud. Right now it was absolutely deafening.

"What d'ya reckon? We try it out?" A rigid voice exclaimed. The faint snicker couldn't hide the brute behind it though.

"Well ……… yeah, promises to be good fun." A second person replied calmly and collected, but the tone left no doubt about the actual rank in the pecking order, he seemed to be entitled to have.

However, if Shippou thought that would be all that were to talk, he was greatly mistaken. Yet another individual jumped in, as if desperately trying to avoid being left out.

"It will certainly be good enough for a good laugh!"

"Don't you think ……… it's kinda, well ……… dangerous?"

"Danger? Hah, whoever invented that word must have been truly bored." The second voice interjected again, intending to wash away the forth and final companion's - obviously, seemingly - irrelevant worries. Shippou decided to listen intently.

"I'd say we just go in, take it, and disappear as quickly as we've come. Like shadows in the night, blossoms in the wind, birds - "

"Hey, you're being very poetic here."

"Just something I caught from Shippou-boy. He tends to spread such crap."

"Ah, right."

Shippou's interest immediately vanished as his limbs went stiff in shock. This happened whenever someone talked about him ……… badly ……… behind his back. It was like whenever your name was being mentioned, it equalled a cold stab in the heart, even when you tried to banish the sensation completely. It was something he felt, whenever he overheard talks his father shared with the neighbours and friends and youkai companions.

A sudden noise caused Kagome to stop instinctively. She'd started to get absorbed in her own story and had completely concentrated on Shippou and his adventure, but Inu Yasha's strange sigh brought her back to her current situation. At first, she'd meant to put the daimyou back into place, accusing him of interrupting all the time, but an intense look at his glassy gaze prevented her from doing so ……… This time - again - it seemed to have been something she said. About the mention of the name? Inu Yasha was far too devoured in the alternative world to realise the short silence that flew about the chamber. He didn't appear to be all unhappy. So maybe her plan was working after all. Sudden hope blossomed in her heart, but she didn't want to place her complete trust in it just now. There was nothing worse than being deprived of your last hope.

The thought of her plan got her concentration on the story again. Maybe Shippou and Inu Yasha had more in common than she'd thought. Strange ………

His father's voice would turn all sour by then, but forgiving at the same time, when saying things such as 'He's a kid. Maybe he'll get around. He's already using his foxfire. Good sign that is.' But every assuring, compromising word that tumbled over his father's and sometimes even over the conversation partner's lips was pure scorn in poor Shippou's ears. They seemed to want to soothe themselves with it, knowing nothing would turn out the way they would have wanted it to.

And it left the kitsune feel guilty. Horribly guilty. It was quite a burden to live with after all.

"You heard that?"

Shippou instantly went rigid once again, as he realised, while being absorbed in thought, that his right foot had slipped and accidentally kicked one of his precious stones back in the water.

"Maybe just a fish?" The answer was more a question or an inquiry than an actual suggestion.

"Idiot, show me a fish that is that big and heavy and I swear I'll be your servant for the next few weeks. No ……… it was something different ………"

The kitsune could feel the heavy steps of the companions that tread the grassy way in order to reach the stream ……… and the boulder, his hiding place.

They would find him. They just had to.

It was a thought Shippou repeated over and over again, desperately hoping and wishing the exact opposite might occur. They were silent pleas and prayers. To let them pass. Or to let him use his transformation spells. But like the many times, his father had more or less been stressing the truth, when it came to his abilities. The foxfire still only appeared at random and he transformed, when his concentration was completely bundled, but now ……… Shippou could barely keep his thoughts together, let alone focus them.

"What a surprise. What have we here? I thought fishes were too stupid and slimy to be able to walk and talk."

The kitsune's eyes went up, meeting with a rather intimidating cat youkai. There was a deceiving elegance that surrounded him and made it difficult for anybody who hadn't met him to distinguish between the friendly facade and the dark abyss-like personality. Shippou ( or better: his portion of lunch for a week ) had already had the pleasure of being introduced to him.

"Err ……… hi ……… Oken."

"Hi Shippou. Lovely day? Isn't it?"

"Hmm", it was nothing more than a fading nod the kitsune gave as a reply, but it still sufficed to provoke further actions.

"Lovely day to swim, isn't it?"

"Probably ………", he managed to mutter quietly, while pressing his back against the cold surface of the hard rock, reminding him of where he was and that he could never go and visit his secret hideout again. But no thoughts and worries could be wasted on the future, if one did not survive the present.

"I heard air swims. Let's see, if it does so now." Out of a sudden Shippou encountered the horribly painful sensation of a brutal force getting hold of his fluffy tail, squeezing it in the process. There was no time for the boy to ask himself if that was deliberate or a side bonus, since his mind was only set on one thing: escape.

He could fly. If his poor transformation skills allowed him to. He could dive. If the spells decided to work. But he could barely swim. Good enough to take a bath in the hot springs, but not enough to fight against the fast and hurtful uproar of an untamed river. The situation scared the wits out of the poor boy, but the squealing seemed to even encourage and fuel his opponents' content and determination to go right ahead with the fulfilment of their twisted plan.

"Quit that, youkai filth", Oken spat. "What would your daddy think if he saw you like this? All high and mighty, but not even owning suitable genes to create a rightful offspring?" The teenage youkai's tone of voice suddenly changed in intensity and began to drip with venom and condescending hatred. "I don't care if you're a disgrace to your family, but it's intolerable to accept a disgrace to the race of youkais. You know why the great demon leaders are called gardeners?"

Shippou had his big, innocent eyes tightly shut, as he shook his head in fear and wonder. "Because they care for the blooming flowers ……… and root out the weeds."

The last thing the kitsune knew was the aching impression of having hit stone paths out of a height of a hundred yards. It seemed to crush his skull and his insides, before he realised it was water that enclosed his golden brown hair and plagued his fur. With each passing second did he seem to gain weight and lose his strength and will to get out alive. It was then that his blurry, water vision started to hurt and itch before he finally passed out, happy he didn't need to bear anything of this anymore ………

In all honesty, it seemed to have taken ages until his tiny, feeble hands came into contact with the sensation of cold rock and smooth pebbles again. At first, poor Shippou thought he was in heaven, awaiting his mummy and tasting more of her lovely pie and hearing more of her beautiful voice. But this would mean he had to leave his dad behind and that got him close to life again. His eyes slid open, slowly and very carefully, as if trying to avoid the painful sensation of radiant sunlight entering too quickly, but only a dim and damp atmosphere greeted him. It was not yet evening, but the day was drawing to an end. The kitsune wondered if his father had already gone looking for him, suddenly feeling his worry being replaced by guilt and shame.

He'd yet again been a horrible disgrace to his family and the tribe. His wandering thoughts turned on abandoning the lands again, but that only filled his head with greater sorrow, for that would only confirm his cowardice. Should he just give up or shouldn't he?

It seemed to be a question with a sure answer, but it proposed to be just as impossible for him to act upon it as to leave it ignored.

He couldn't possibly go back home and face his father again. Shippou had lost against Oken and his gang once again, while his father would be coming back from work and talk of his glorious victories. The little hand touched the back of his head as his mind was absorbed in thought. Something needed to be done about this situation. He couldn't bear the shame. He wouldn't.

Maybe ……… he needed to prove himself of some sort. Make sure those cat youkais would not forget about him. Especially since they didn't belong to his tribe, he needed to take care of maintaining the kitsunes' pride and honour.

Shippou had learned: 'To a warrior pride and honour is everything.' A phrase he knew by heart and which caused most of his distress. What was there that could be done? He needed a plan. An idea of some sort. A sudden, striking inspiration. He couldn't just surprise the gang and take them on single-handed. Strength and courage were extremely important, but he needed to be a little realistic.

It was then that his thoughts turned back on the conversation he'd overheard before. What had Oken and the others been talking about? Having good fun? Doing something dangerous?

His mind was set. The little aspiring proud kitsune warrior was to find out what they had been talking about. Maybe it was something he could to before them. Preferably right under their nose. He might not be strong, but he was definitely swift.

Shippou's little, but 'impressingly'-fast feet rushed as quickly as they could bear his body, trying to win against time. The sun was nearing its bedroom hour, which lay behind the many imposing trees, leaving him all alone without the necessary light. If he were to lose the race, his idea would be hard to put into action. Because ……… even if he didn't want to actually admit it, he was slightly afraid of the dark. A fact that could possibly cost his victory.

The rough and laughing voices drew nearer. He just hoped the guys hadn't fulfilled the task they'd set themselves already or otherwise his whole idea and determination would prove to be worthless. Shippou carefully hid behind a large, thus concealing oak with warm wood, which seemed to pulsate, whenever he leaned against it. He could see their shadowy outlines on the other side of the little field and Oken appeared to be engaged in some kind of discussion.

Gladly Shippou's sensitive hearing didn't require concentration, since it worked even when his attention started to slip.

"……… a bunch of idiocy. Whose idea was this anyway?"

"Well, as far as I know it was yours."

Oken's clear laugh could be heard above the bushes, before it got lost somewhere in the rattling foliage.

"These guys are dangerous."

"Didn't know they were such a pain in the ass."

"Still, would have been a fun thing."

"Stop it," Oken suddenly spoke up, "I'd say you of all should be glad you managed it out alive. From what I've heard these Thunderbrothers are not to messed with."

Shippou's heart was instantly being squeezed to death by a bunch of merciless glaciers as the mention of the name sank in. The Thunderbrothers. Oken wasn't the only one who'd heard certain stuff about them. Everybody knew who they were: ruthless, dreadful murderers that didn't stop at anything to get what they wanted. One of them girls. The other one hair. And both of them power. Hiten and Maten. Names he'd learned to fear.

What on earth had they wanted to do anyway?

"……… imagine your father's face." One of the cats chuckled delightfully.

"Yes, what a trophy," a reluctant sigh came as the answer, "we shouldn't get our hopes up too high. Especially since they've been shattered already."

Oken snorted quietly at the dumb remark, but Shippou was able to hear the tiny noise, nonetheless.

"Imagine, Oken, their staff in our possession. The whole tribe would burst with pride."

"Yes, yes, Eztak. I think we've had enough time to think about that. But as you can see: this is as far as we could go. Maybe we should not waste another thought on it and think about something sensible."

Oken earned himself a few appreciative nods and snorts, which soon caused the others to turn on subject matter that no longer held any interest for Shippou. He'd gotten to know what he wanted. And they hadn't succeeded.

Still, did that help him in any way?

Unfortunately, it did not.

If it had been their mother's apple pie or even the mayor's great, magical necklace - that would have been completely all right and perfect for Shippou, but the Thunderbrothers - as Oken had put it so pointedly himself - were not to be messed with.

Maybe he should just go home, wait for another day and another opportunity. Especially now that they knew of his secret place of escape, he couldn't just go and hide there anytime soon. And where was the sense in having a secret hideout, if it wasn't secret at all? Shippou felt his head spin. His attention turned on his father, his tribe, the cat bullies and the dreaded Thunberbrothers.

'To a warrior pride and honour is everything.'

And what would pride or honour be, if there were no courage?

Maybe he could just slip in quickly, go looking for the certain staff and then quietly get out of their lair again ……… He didn't necessarily need to fight them after all ………

The way led out of the safe and beautiful forest up a longer, winding and rather rocky path. Shippou could just spot their hovel, towering highly over the hills and trees of the area. If he turned around, he could see his very own home, only visible to his accurate fox eyes. The whole 'house' was dark. He could faintly trace the outline of where his abode was supposed to be, but the kitsune was still wondering what his father was doing right now. Was he already at home? Or was he even going round, looking for him?

A sudden pang of conscience and hope came up, which was soon to be drowned by a numb feeling that strangely felt a lot like disappointment. His father was probably far too busy. He was probably off hunting or fighting and - of course - winning. Maybe he would just spent some quality time on his own, wishing Shippou was to still stay away for a while.

In fact, that was the behaviour he expected of him. Stern, respectful talk and no motherly wishes and kisses. That had somehow shattered his already disorientated world anyway.

Shippou didn't obviously believe in his father's phrases. They just sounded so ……… out-of-place, so unreal. He was too little and too confused to name all this and he was only sure of one thing: he would need to get this staff, if he was to sleep tight and well this night.

The kitsune turned around without another word and continued to walk up the solid path, as opposed to the humid soil of the forest, which made it increasingly difficult to find a disguise. Wandering and moving bushes and branches would be too obvious. Shippou just thanked his parents for the first time for having been born so small. That made a lot easier for him.

The darkness had already advanced on him and encircled him like vulnerable prey, as the hovel appeared to be just a few yards away. Even though the night had clearly overcome the sunny autumn day by now, Shippou was still able to trace the outlines of the Thunderbrothers' abode. It looked more like an abandoned villa than inhabited headquarters. Nobody had lived through the sensation of having met the two. Their selves were a mystery and their life a total secret. Girls and other people would randomly disappear, but there wasn't really anybody that cared a great deal, since humans seemed to be their preferred choice of victim. The cat and fox youkais were thus quite safe after all. Hiten and Maten weren't all that eager on picking fights with other demons - which suited everyone. Nobody was really interested in starting a war. As long as the two stayed secluded nobody needed to think about that option.

And now some little kid tried to invade their home.

Oh, the odd irony of the day.

Shippou carefully approached the entrance of the hovel, thus resembling a human ninja a little bit. He of course wasn't as stupid as to enter their home through the front door, but he wanted to make sure nobody could see him. The kitsune turned his head a few times, making sure he was alone, before quickly crawling up the rough exterior of the villa. His puny hands would sometimes get tantalised by already wilted rose and ivy thorns, but not even small rivulets of blood could keep him from continuing his mission. He would fulfil his mission - or die trying. Probably literally. But he prevented the thought from fully entering his head.

A window on his right slowly drew nearer as he finally decided that would be the perfect opportunity to enter. Shippou carefully observed the scenery indoors, but since there didn't appear to be anyone and the chamber was completely abandoned, he dared to crawl inside. At first, he feared to meet some random bad guy that would pop up and shatter his hopes, but luck seemed to be on his side for now, which he believed to be a good thing.

It wasn't a lot he intended to do after all. Just crawl inside, get the staff and get out again. The two could have it back later. Not too much of a deal.

He just needed to impress Oken and the rest for now. It wasn't as if he planned on keeping it.

These were the thoughts that passed his mind as the small kitsune walked past the unadorned walls, hoping they would perfectly justify his motives and actions. It didn't really make him feel a lot better, it was more like he was lying to himself, but he felt a lot more secure. Which was all that mattered.

A tiny, but ice cold breeze got caught in his fur and Shippou couldn't help but shiver at the sensation of deadly hands gripping his throat. His heartbeat barely warmed him, which was now so loud he feared anybody might actually hear him. He could feel the hot blood pulsating as cold sweat dripped down his face, but the fear of being rejected and staying an outcast and underdog for all eternity was worse than his fear of death.

Sometimes they were things that were worth dying for.

Sometimes death was the lesser evil.

All he had to give was his life and it was worth spending. At least to him.

By the time the kitsune felt his heart leave his throat he finally passed a room that looked a lot like a neglected dorm. He was still surprised nobody appeared to be at home, but the brothers were probably out hunting someone innocent or something like that. The sight that suddenly unravelled itself before Shippou, however, paid him back for everything that had wronged him in the past, as hope streamed through his veins again.

The staff.

Leaning against the table.

The two were probably far too self-centred to believe they needed it in order to take on their victims. It was probably just a burden and they'd only use it, whenever it was truly necessary.

Now, Shippou's thoughts, which were supposed to calm himself down finally succeeded at doing so and he couldn't remember to have ever been that successful in fooling himself with his own lies. His hands throbbed as they touched the firm wood the staff was composed off. It trembled beneath his fingers and felt it could jump to life any moment. The sensation of raw power in his tiny, inexperienced and aspiring hands ………

The young kitsune could finally understand why the staff was the centre of everybody's desires. Why people so desperately wanted it. Why young kids would risk their lives in order to get it. Even those that didn't need to prove anything unlike him.

Why the Thunderbrothers would never let anybody have it or even leave it unguarded.

Maybe this should have given him the final, live-saving clue, but it didn't. Hope and bliss completely blinded his senses and sense of reality. Until he felt a warm, gripping hand and his feeble shoulder. Until it was too late.

"Interesting thing you got there, young one. You're not intending to steal it are you? I'd be very sorry indeed, but ……… now that you are here ………"

~~*~*~~

Kagome's voice finally died down, leaving Inu Yasha to dwell in his own thoughts. She'd made sure it had gotten darker outside.

A day now. She'd been here for a day already.

Her heart throbbed just as dangerously as it had done a few seconds ago in Shippou's feeble torso, but while Shippou's life was at Kagome's hands and she would determine the outcome of everything, she felt her life was dangerously on the line, awaiting Inu Yasha's orders. He could take it and protect it at will, but also toss it away just as easily.

She'd never felt so vulnerable in her life as right now.

Normally, there was always something she could do. A final decision she could make in order to safe herself, but this time everything was down to somebody's random motivation.

It made her feel sick.

"Why did you stop? I didn't say you could."

Kagome forced herself to continue breathing and hoped she still held power over her tongue. She needed to collect all her might to answer reasonably.

"It is dark and I'm tired."

"Well, duh. Too bad for you. I say you have to continue."

Slowly she realised his interest was a good sign. He obviously was interested in hearing more of this. She just needed to make him understand.

"I'm sure you're eager to hear something that is worth hearing, but I cannot continue if my eyes got a life on their own. I'm too tired to keep them open."

"You talk with your tongue and not your eyes, Kagome."

"But I'm falling asleep if my eyes are closed."

The sound of doors opening suddenly caught the odd pair's attention, as Nuimo entered with a meaningless smile.

"I hope the young lady has finished her performance, for it is late already. I couldn't forgive myself if I interrupted you with anything. Sleep would be good for both of you."

Kagome had never felt so grateful in her life. She wasn't particular eager on being in Nuimo's company, but for once he did actually help her and support her point.

"Keh, I'm not tired."

"But the young lady obviously is", Nuimo interrupted carefully, eyeing Kagome strangely, giving her ……… well, the creeps again.

"Hmm ………", Inu Yasha looked at her, too, trying to make out, if she was faking, but sighed in the end, showing he was ready to give in.

"But would you consider continuing the tale, if I spared your life?" Kagome smiled - placidly in the eyes of any observer, triumphantly in her own. She awarded Nuimo with yet another thankful glance before continuing with a forgiving, yet royal response.

"It'd be my pleasure, Lord Inu Yasha ………"

A/N: Please revieeeeew ^^