InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Just to Be With You ❯ The Western Lands ( Chapter 5 )

Just settling things: Neither I, nor my kitten sisters own any of the characters used in this work. We just needed something to pass the time.

Oneesan Neko (Mrou)

 

Just to Be With You

 

Chapter 5: The Western Lands

 

"So, Inu-Yasha, how well do you know Sesshomaru's territory?" Kagome asked, while placing more food in her pack.

 

"It's the traditional territory of the great demon of the west. I was born there." he replied.

 

Sango looked up. "So fairly well, given demon memories?"

 

"I can get you to the palace, and from there I can track Sesshomaru. That good enough for you two?"

 

"Just asking, Inu-Yasha." Kagome soothed.

 

"Yeah, don't be all mean about it Inu-Yasha"

 

Miroku looked at him. "Shippo is quite correct in asking you to be more polite towards the ladies Inu-Yasha."

 

"Keh, like you would know monk."

 

"Enough. You four need to be on you way, so stop arguing and finish packing." Kaede calmed as she walked into the room.

 

Thank you Kaede, we do need to get going." Kagome stood and lifted her pack.

 

"My pleasure Kagome."

 

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"Tomorrow we will enter Sesshomaru's territory. We will pass through, but we will not make trouble, and we will not attack any demons while on this land." Inuyasha stopped and set down his pack.

 

"Inu-Yasha? Are you feeling okay?" Kagome asked as she drew up beside him.

 

"Keh. Listen girl. This land is Sesshomaru's. He is a demon lord, and all creatures dwelling within his territory may claim his protection unless he revokes it. If we are attacked I will handle it. The rest of you are not to get involved."

 

"But . . ." Kagome looked at him.

 

"Quiet Kagome. The greater demons have their own codes of etiquette regarding territory and the demons and humans there in. Inu-Yasha may not show it, but like all high demon children he has been drilled in it since birth." Miroku said, also dropping his belongings and coming to join them.

 

"The monks right. Sesshomaru has the right to deny us passage at any time. I don't like it, but we need his help, and if we follow the rules he is more likely to hear us out, if for no other reason that curiosity."

 

"Alright, so what do we do?" Kagome asked.

 

"We need to be as inconspicuous as possible. Technically, as my brother has no heir I am prince, but throwing that around will upset my brother, so we go quiet."

 

"Which means?"

 

"We need to get you a proper kimono, or miko robes and a quiver and bracers, as you will still carry a bow. Miroku and Sango will have to be slightly submissive to the demons, and one of you will be the brats nurse."

 

"Ummmm." Sango looked nervous.

 

"Is that truly necessary Inu-Yasha?" Miroku questioned, coming to her defense.

 

"Look monk, we don't want to stand out, but no one should question us when we say we're heading to the castle. That means wardrobe changes, and what demons will see as proper behavior."

 

"And where will we find the necessary clothing?" Miroku asked.

 

"My mothers village is just over the border. We can obtain disguises there."

 

"Is it safe?"

 

"As long as you stay with me"

 

"Ok. So the idea behind all this is?" Kagome asked, looking irritated.

 

"Sesshomaru thinks of you as my entourage. If we plan this right, so will everyone else. It is considered odd for a prince to associate with humans but, I'm half demon, everyone knows I'm eccentric and half mad." Inu-Yasha scowled, glaring at nothing in particular.

 

"So, we'll be the eccentric demon prince and entourage traveling to see your brother?" Kagome asked.

 

"That was the idea. Keh, stupid girl."

 

Kagome glared furiously, eyes flashing. "SIT!"

 

"Owwww. Cool your temper girl, and for the sake of our cover, please don't do that while we're in Sesshomaru's territory." Inu-Yasha continued, muttering under his breath as he dragged himself off the ground.

 

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"Hello and . . . Inu-Yasha! Prince, it's been so long. How have you been? You just disappeared for half a century . . .." The balding older demon ran up to them, chattering excitedly.

 

"It's a long story Hishii, and one not to be told here.” Inu-Yasha said. “For now, I require clothing for the lady Kagome."

 

"Ah, yes, her garments are most strange. What does she require?" Hishii walked back into his shop, spreading a scroll on the counter.

 

"One yukata, a basic travel kimono, and a miko's robes."

 

Hishii's brush raced down the page. "Any thing else?"

 

"I will require a set of formal robes."

 

The brush continued with a fourth line. "What do you have in payment?"

 

“50 Wolf teeth, 2 firefox tails, 8 coin."

 

Hishii nodded. "Acceptable. Your clothing will be ready tomorrow."

 

"Excellent.” Inu-Yasha turned to leave. “Is my mother's residence still empty?"

 

"Yes. You will stay there?"

 

"Yes. Keh, come on idiots let's go."

 

"Inu-Yasha!" Kagome sounded mad

 

"Kagome, must you shriek like that?"

 

"Sorry.” She blushed “It hurt my ears too."

 

"Serves you right. Now let's go, we need to stop by the tannery, and I want to check the place for leaks before the rain starts."

 

"Alright"

 

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“So?” The shopkeeper hissed, draping himself over the counter.

 

“Looks good enough.” Inu-Yasha straightened. “I need an archery bracer for the lady Kagome, and a pair of court slippers.”

 

“Payment?”

 

“2 coin”

 

“Fair,” The snake like demon undulated to the floor. “They will be ready in 2 days time.”

 

“Acceptable. Send notice to the old Himiko residence.” Inu-Yasha turned. “Come on, let's go.”

 

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Miroku stared at the small, elegant manor. “This was your home Inu-Yasha?”

 

“It's the closest thing I've got.” He opened the front door. “Someone kept it up. Come in.”

 

Shippo looked around. “Wow Inu-Yasha. It's bigger than the places Miroku finds for us.”

 

“Shippo, enough. I don't think it's something Inu-Yasha wants to talk about.” Kagome chastised. “How would you feel if we all came into your parent's old den and started commenting?”

 

Shippo looked at the floor. “Sorry Kagome.” He turned to face Inu-Yasha “Sorry Inu-Yasha.”

 

Inu-Yasha looked offended. “Keh, it's nothing brat. Kagome's just to sensitive for her own good. Come on, I'll show everyone where they can sleep.”

 

Sango smiled “Thank you Inu-Yasha. How long do you think we will be here?”

 

“Maybe 2 or 3 days at the most. As soon as I have everything settled we need to get going.” Inu-Yasha replied as he began to walk down the hall. “You and Kagome can have this room,” he pointed to a door on the left. “Miroku, Shippo and I will be 2 doors down on the right. Bathing room is right across the hall, hang the sign beside the door when someone's in there.”

 

“Thank you Inu-Yasha.” Kagome said, “Do you want me to make something to eat for tonight?”

 

“Sure,” he snorted. “I'll show you to the cooking area as soon as I show the others to their room.”

 

“Okay, I'll stay here then.”

 

“Fine,” Inu-Yasha turned “Miroku, Shippo this way please.”

 

“Inu-Yasha?”

 

“Yes Miroku”

 

“I truly do feel as if I am intruding on your privacy. Perhaps you would prefer the lady Kagome share your room and I stay with . . . Ow”

 

“Shut up pervert. And be glad I don't tell Sango and let her deal with you.” Inu-Yasha smirked slightly, “And here we are, the room in which we will stay so that I can keep an eye on you.”

 

Miroku tried to look offended. “Inu-Yasha are you suggesting that I would be anything but a proper man of the cloth with regards to the purity of our traveling companions?”

 

“No priest, I'm saying I don't trust you within 30 yards of any female of reasonable human appearance. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to show Kagome to the kitchens. Shippo, keep an eye on him.” With that Inu-Yasha walked out of the room and back down the hall.

 

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“Kagome?” Inu-Yasha called, standing outside the door to the girls' room.

 

“Inu-Yasha?” Kagome's head appeared at the door. “I'll be out in a minute and you can show me where the kitchens are.”

 

“Keh. Alright girl, I'll be here.” Inu-Yasha settled in to wait, standing loosely relaxed opposite the door.

 

“Thanks Inu-Yasha,” her voice replied a few minutes later as she stepped out of the room carrying her pack. “Which way to the kitchens?”

 

“This way.” He said, setting off down the hallway, towards the courtyard in the center of the house.

 

“Inu-Yasha?” Kagome asked as they crossed through the slightly overgrown courtyard. “Where are we going?”

 

“The kitchens are in the back of the house, by the rooms for the live in servants.”

 

“Oh, ok,” Kagome went silent once again.

 

“Here,” Inu-Yasha opened a door at the back of the courtyard. “This is the entrance. There used to be an herb garden here for the cooks.”

 

“Umhm. Is there any wood for the fire? I figured we could stew up some of the dried provisions, but I need to boil water for that.”

 

“I'll bring you some.” Inu-Yasha turned to leave, “After dinner we'll finalize our plans before sleeping.”

 

“Ok.”

 

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“This is very good Kagome!” Shippo bounced in his seat.

 

“Thank you Shippo. Does anyone else want more?”

 

“No Kagome,” echoed from 4 mouths

 

“Well then, perhaps it is best if we begin to discuss our plans for the coming days.” Miroku stated as Sango begin collecting dishes.

 

“Keh. Whenever your ready” Inu-Yasha's impatience with the matter was evident.

 

“Alright then, as soon as Sango returns” Kagome stated.

 

“Fine.”

 

Sango walked back into to room “So, what's the plan?”

 

“We already discussed that you will be traveling as my entourage,” Inu-Yasha said. “There are still some small details to work out. It will take 5 to 7 days to reach to reach the palace from here, and we will probably stop at other towns along the way to supervise the state of the lands as will be expected of me.”

 

“That makes sense” Kagome frowned, “But it's pretty straightforward, so what else needs to be discussed?”

 

“Mostly, what will be expected of the four of you. Most of it is the same as manners among humans, and we can say Kagome is human raised, though you should still defer to her. As my entourage you obey no one but me, but you should act shy, or submissive if approached by outside demons, and tell them to speak to me. If someone questions your right to bear weapons say we have been on Vengeance, no one will question you further. Mostly just try to stay close to Kagome or I, and keep Shippo out of trouble.”

 

“Are you sure this is necessary Inu-Yasha?” Kagome questioned. “I doesn't seem right to make the others obey.”

 

“Kagome, humans in the Western Lands are to be treated well by my father's order, but not everyone holds the law in high respect. As my entourage Sango and Miroku need obey no one but me, and in my presence no one can harm them. It is the best protection I can offer.”

 

“It is all right lady Kagome.” Miroku cut in, “We understand the necessity and will do as you suggest Inu-Yasha.”

 

“Thank you Miroku. And . . .” Inu-Yasha ducked his head. “Perhaps, while we were here it would be best you address me as lord Inu-Yasha. It is a title for which I have no fondness, but formalities must be observed.”

 

Sango scowled. “I understand. But once we're out of here, I'm going to have Kagome sit you so hard you break something.”

 

“Keh”