InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Lost Gods ❯ As Deep as the Mind Allows ( Chapter 2 )

Disclaimer: Despite my best efforts to turn myself into a nice Japanese lady with wonderful drawing capabilities, I have yet to become Rumiko Takahashi. It was the drawing…and the Japanese part… Unfortunately for me, this means that I still don't own Inuyasha.

 

 

AN: Watch out for Inuyasha's potty mouth…or is it mind?

 

I also wanted to thank my two lovely betas for this chapter Shaid and Gen - you both made this chapter so much better! Cookies all round!

 

 

 

Lost Gods

Chapter Two - As Deep as the Mind Allows

 

 

 

 

Everything was right with the world once more. Kagome was back and she had brought him pocky and pads of paper and new crayons. It all proved that she loved him best. But Kagome's attention was diverted due to an annoying inu hanyou. Said hanyou was deliberately keeping his Kagome away with his ridiculous behaviour.

 

The two had been glaring at each other for the better part of the afternoon and the interaction was keeping Kagome from appreciating Shippou's latest pieces of art. Eyeing Inuyasha's stiff back, Shippou made his way to the hanyou.

 

The way Shippou saw it, Inuyasha's problem was that even after all this time, nearly two of what Kagome called years, he still didn't know one of the great truths of the world. It was up to him to inform the ignorant hanyou.

 

“You know what your problem is Inuyasha?”

 

Amber eyes glared at him through a heavy curtain of silver strands, “You?”

 

Pretending that he didn't hear the hanyou's response, Shippou crossed his little arms, balancing perfectly on Inuyasha's shoulder. “You just have to accept it, Inuyasha; no matter what you do, Kagome still loves me best.”

 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Inuyasha's jaw drop in amazement. His voice sounded strangled and Shippou wondered if it was possible to choke on air. “What did you say?”

 

“You heard me! Kagome loves me best, so you better stop hogging all of her attention with your stupid…” The kitsune child racked his brain for the appropriate word. Kagome's voice drifted into his head, “…all your stupid shenanigans!”

 

“My stupid what?” Inuyasha had stopped walking, effectively drawing the entire group's attention on them.

 

“Ugh!” Shippou flicked a finger against Inuyasha's ear. “Are these just for show or something? Stop hogging Kagome!”

 

“Hogging? Hogging?! What the hell are you talking about, runt? You think I like getting sat? Why the fuck would I want a stupid girl like her hanging all over me? Fuck!”

 

Inuyasha was so caught up in his attempts to set Shippou straight that he failed to notice that the air behind him was crackling with barely suppressed rage. Shippou, much more in tune to his adoptive mother's presence, managed to leap off of Inuyasha before her voice rang out.

 

“Inuyasha, sit!”

 

“Gah! Damn it, bitch!” Inuyasha continued to swear from his position on the ground, glaring up at the raging miko.

 

Yep, life was good for Shippou right now. He looked up at Kagome adoringly as she let loose with several more subjugations.

 

 

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“I hope you don't mind the clutter, Ishimaru-san.”

 

“Nonsense, Michiyo; you keep a lovely home.”

 

Hearing his mother's voice, Souta dropped his control pad and bolted to his feet. Nervously running a hand through his hair, he inched closer to the doorway to get a better look at the new arrivals.

 

An elderly gentleman stood by the doorway clutching a small suitcase. His hair, though grey, was still rather full. A large hand reached up to nudge his spectacles back into place. Dark eyes perused the airy foyer of their home and soon spotted Souta.

 

“Ah! This must be your son, Michiyo.”

 

Mrs. Higurashi turned and smiled, gesturing for Souta to come nearer. “Yes Ishimaru-san, this is Souta.”

 

Souta bowed in greeting, keeping his eyes trained low so he missed the smile that lit up Ishimaru-san's face. “Well now, such a polite young man.” Ishimaru winked at Michiyo, “I hope he has a calming effect on my grandson. I must say he didn't take the tragedy too well…”

 

“I'm right here you know old man.”

 

Souta's head jerked up at the voice as Ishimaru stepped aside to reveal a young man behind him with russet brown hair which was caught in a messy ponytail. Tall and lean, he slouched against the door frame, one hand firmly tucked into his jeans pocket. Piercing green eyes, set in a sharply angular face, swept around the room. Souta couldn't help gulping as the full brunt of the intense gaze settled on him.

 

“There you are Taiki.” Ishimaru gestured for his grandson to enter the house. “Michiyo, Souta, I'd like you to meet my grandson, Ishimaru Taiki.”

 

“Hey.” Taiki set the luggage down, nodding to Mrs. Higurashi and Souta. “Where should I take this, Higurashi-san?”

 

“Taiki, please allow Souta to help you; he can show you to the rooms as well.”

 

Souta felt his apprehension draining as an oddly weary smile lightened up Taiki's face. Leading the older boy up the stairs Souta caught his mother's voice, “I'm sure he'll be fine Ishimaru-san.”

 

“I'm sure he will be too, Michiyo. And please, it's Riku.”

 

 

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Still fuming, Kagome walked ahead; Sango keeping pace beside her. Their little band was oddly quiet. Both Kagome and Inuyasha refused to speak to each other while Shippou hummed happily on Miroku's shoulder. Despite his stony countenance, Inuyasha kept sneaking glances over at Kagome who pretended not to notice his attention. Miroku, who was not as discreet as Inuyasha, made no attempt to hide the grin that threatened to split his face. Trying to exchange a suggestive look with Sango he was thwarted when the taijiya glared at him.

 

Casting a quick glance over her shoulder at the kitsune, Kagome was reminded of his overly enthusiastic greeting that morning.

 

“Sango, can I ask you now about Shippou?”

 

Sango sighed, shifting her Hiraikotsu to settle more comfortably between her shoulder blades. “He's been having nightmares again Kagome.”

 

Kagome sucked in her breath. It had been a while since Shippou had been plagued by his nightmares and Kagome was beginning to hope that they were gone for good. When she and Inuyasha first came upon the kitsune child, there was not a single night he slept peacefully. Kagome would be roused by the child's terrified screams as he called out for his father. As time went on the dreams seemed to diminish in their intensity and soon Shippou was sleeping like the baby he still was.

 

It was about a year ago when the dreams seemed to revisit the child.

 

“Was he calling for his father?”

 

Sango chewed on her lip for a moment, “At first he was, then…” Sango turned her face away, she sighed and bit her lip.

 

“What is it Sango?” Getting concerned over Sango's reaction, Kagome inched closer to the taijiya.

 

Sango sighed, “He was calling out for you Kagome.”

 

Startled, Kagome looked back at Shippou who was at that moment showing Miroku several new pictures. “For me? Was he dreaming?”

 

Sango nodded, “Yes, it seemed that he was afraid that he would lose you.”

 

“Oh.” Kagome's gaze strayed to Shippou again, “He's been with us for two years now and still that day haunts his dreams.” Her brow creased in worried concern, Kagome kept her voice purposely low so as not to draw the kitsune's attention.

 

“It's understandable Kagome; he lost the only family that he knew.” Something in Sango's voice made Kagome turn her attention back to the taijiya. It seemed as if a shadow had fallen over Sango's face; the darkness in her eyes urged Kagome to reach out to touch her friend's shoulder. Sango offered her a sad smile before turning to continue walking.

 

Kagome sighed. Every once in a while she was struck by the enormity of the damage Naraku had inflicted on her friends. What were her sacrifices compared to theirs?

 

 

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“You know, Inuyasha, you'll have to apologize to Kagome-sama sooner or later.”

 

“Keh! Why the hell should I apologize? I always have to fucking apologize!” Inuyasha tucked his arms firmly into the sleeves of his haori, glaring at the monk.

 

“That's cuz you're always wrong, Inuyasha!” Shippou called out in a taunting voice, momentarily safe on Miroku's shoulder.

 

Growling, Inuyasha scowled at the kitsune but refrained from ripping him away from Miroku and beating the stuffing out of him like he wanted to. Feh! And they all said that he had no impulse control. Shippou would have been dead ten times over if he really couldn't control his impulses.

 

“Shut the fuck up!”

 

Miroku rolled his eyes, “Inuyasha, from what I know of women…”

 

“What? Their asses?”

 

“They appreciate a man who is unafraid to admit when he is in the wrong.” Miroku continued smoothly, pretending that he hadn't heard Inuyasha's artless interjection.

 

Inuyasha snorted, “You mean women blame men for everything and men suck up to them by taking it.”

 

“Yes. Now go and suck up to Kagome.” The soft clinking of the rings on Miroku's staff did little to hide the sniggering laughter coming from the kitsune on his shoulder.

 

“That's bullshit.” Inuyasha stated flatly. The sharp aroma of salty tears hit his nose at that moment and all thought fled his mind. Every other scent faded into a dull background as the hated perfume of her tears grabbed hold of him. Instinct seized hold of his feet and urged him forward.

 

Ignoring Miroku and the still giggling Shippou, Inuyasha increased his speed to catch up to Kagome. His ear twitched when he heard a tiny sniffle. Shit. Did she overhear him again? He had thought that she was too caught up in her conversation with Sango to notice his own with Miroku.

 

A delicate hand reached up to wipe discreetly at her eyes. Fuck. She really was crying.

 

“Oi! Bitch! Would you stop moping around? You've been doing it all day!” There that should do it.

 

Instead of lashing out at him, Kagome merely sighed again. “Oh Inuyasha, I'm not moping…I just…” Suddenly her back stiffened as her head snapped up. “Inuyasha! Jewel shards!”

 

At those words, the group sprang into action. Kirara transformed, into the air as Sango gracefully swung onto her back. Miroku ran to catch Kirara as Inuyasha kneeled for Kagome to climb onto his back.

 

“Damn bastards…which way Kagome?”

 

“That way!”

 

In moments they were engaging in battle.

 

 

 

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“Kagome is such a delicate girl, yes.”

 

Riku nodded gravely at his friend. “It is unfortunate that she suffers from such ill-health.” His eyes strayed back to the photo of Michiyo with her children. “Such a lovely girl.”

 

Makoto sighed. He really didn't like lying to a friend of so many years, but what choice did he have? Disturbed by their topic of conversation, he attempted to turn it away from Kagome. “Your grandson looks like a nice young man.”

 

Riku's lips twisted in a sardonic smile, “He usually is a nice young man, but I'm afraid he did not take his parent's death very well.”

 

“I am so sorry, Riku; it certainly was a tragedy. They were so young.”

 

“Yes, but they were not strong.”

 

Makoto noticed that his friend was staring out at Goshinboku with a pensive expression on his face. “You know you are welcome to stay as long as you need.”

 

“Thank you, my old friend. I do not think we will be imposing on you for long, perhaps a few months…”

 

“Think nothing of it!” Hearing his daughter calling them in for dinner, he didn't fail to notice the way Riku's eyes lingered over Kagome's picture, a sad gleam in his eyes.

 

 

 

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The exhausted band of warriors sluggishly made camp that night under the cover of stars. The fight had been longer then any of them expected. The youkai they encountered were strengthened by not one but three shards of the Shikon no Tama and it had only been through their finely honed team work that they had managed to bring them down.

 

Kagome had pulled out the ramen and Inuyasha wasn't the only one salivating for it. Inuyasha had been torn between being wildly happy at the thought of eating his favourite food twice in one day and the sight of his rapidly depleting supply. Miroku had tried to placate the hanyou but ended up distracted by Sango. A slap and a subjugation later, they were tucking themselves into bed.

 

Despite her weariness, Kagome was finding it hard to fall asleep. The combination of the muggy night air and her own restless mind had Kagome tossing fitfully in her sleeping bag. Unbidden, the thought of her odd encounter with the strange old man who had helped her retrieve her groceries came to mind. Kagome turned to find Miroku leaning over a sleeping Sango.

 

“Miroku!”

 

Blinking at her with owlish innocence, the monk projected the perfect image of subservient piety. “Yes Kagome-sama?”

 

“Don't even think about it, or I will slap you.” She hissed through clenched teeth.

 

“I am so misunderstood.” Miroku sighed dejectedly but obediently moved to rest his back against the tree once more.

 

Kagome glared at him some more, but when Miroku showed no sign of indulging in his lechery she sighed and scooted her bag closer to him. Checking to make sure that Sango was still slumbering peacefully, her eyes sought out the hanyou perched high above her. Squinting to get a better look at him, she was satisfied when she spied the closed eyelids and his chest rising and falling with deep even breaths.

 

“Miroku, may I ask you a question?”

 

Alerted by the seriousness of her tone, Miroku shifted his staff to his other shoulder before nodding. “Of course Kagome-sama, ask away. I will do my best to answer.”

 

Remembering the cold shiver that had raced down her spine at the old man's touch, Kagome wondered how to begin. “My time is peaceful, we have our share of warfare and crimes but to a great extent the average man is sheltered from it.”

 

When Kagome didn't speak more, Miroku exhaled slowly. “Knowledge of your time has always given me great comfort - to know that one day man will not be plagued by times as hard as these.”

 

Kagome nodded, “There are no youkai in my time, at least those who make themselves known. How could things change so? I mean, sure magic exists, mostly faded remnants from this time but my world is so different from this. How could this be?”

 

The firelight flickered in the rising wind as Miroku contemplated Kagome's question.

 

“I confess that despite the many proofs you give us of your time's advances, the entirety of how different the world will be eludes me. My mind cannot wrap around it. All I can say is that times change; perhaps the world changes in such a way that youkai cannot possibly exist in the forms they do in this time. How that change comes about, why it does… I am afraid I cannot answer.”

 

Kagome was silent, dark eyes following every lick of the dying flames. Her mind racing as she contemplated the question that was circling her mind ever since that faint touch of youki in modern Tokyo touched her soul. She wondered if it was possible to ever answer her question.

 

 

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“But you just got back!”

 

The distressed young voice rang clearly through the village, halting the work of many a villager. They sighed and shook their heads; some concerned over the young kitsune who had become so firmly attached to the miko while others murmured that Kagome-sama truly was pure of heart.

 

“I'm sorry Shippou, but I can't stay long, I've got tests coming up and they're very important.” Kagome tried pleading with Shippou who stared up at her with watery eyes. She absolutely hated leaving him, especially after Sango's revelation a week ago.

 

“You always have tests! Tests, tests, tests! I hate them! I hate school!” Shippou unable to stop himself any longer launched himself at Kagome's legs.

 

“Shippou…” She felt as if her heart was breaking as Shippou's wails got louder. She bent over to sweep him up into a tight embrace.

 

“Stupid baby! She stayed here all week, just for you and now you're whining at her?”

 

The gruff voice startled her. The last thing she expected to see was Inuyasha standing over them with a scowl masking the concern on his face.

 

“I'm not a baby!” Shippou pressed himself harder against Kagome, trying to block out Inuyasha's presence.

 

“Yeah you are. Look at you, sobbing for your mommy.” Inuyasha turned his nose up in mock disgust.

 

Shippou sniffled against her stomach before looking up at her. “I'm not a baby, Kagome.”

 

She smiled gently at him. “I know you're not Shippou.”

 

“Yeah, he is! Bet he can't even catch a stupid rabbit,” Inuyasha taunted.

 

Kagome snuck a glance at Inuyasha from the corner of her eye. He stood with his back to them, hands invisible under the fabric of his clothing. She couldn't help but allow the smile that was tugging at her lips to break free.

 

Apparently, though, the insult was too much for the kitsune. Bristling, he wrenched free of Kagome's hold, spinning to face the hanyou. “I can too!”

 

“Feh. There's a reason why I provide dinner around here, you're such a weakling! You probably can't even sniff your way out of a sack,” Inuyasha sneered at Shippou. He seemed to be making an effort not to meet Kagome's eyes.

 

Shippou's chest puffed out. “I can too! I'll show you! I'll catch the fattest rabbit you've ever seen. Fatter then anything you can catch!”

 

With a backward glance at Kagome to seeing her encouraging smile, Shippou bounded off into the surrounding field. He stopped at the edge of the village, his little teeth gnawing nervously at his lower lip. “Kagome?” he whispered.

 

“Yes, Shippou?”

 

“You'll be back won't you?”

 

Her eyes softened at the tremor in his voice; behind her Inuyasha snorted but she couldn't shake off Shippou's question so easily. Solemnly, she nodded and Shippou beamed at her before diving into the tall grass.

 

“Thank you, Inuyasha.” The words were spoken barely above a whisper, but Inuyasha's ear twitched and he snorted again. “Three days, I'll be back in three days.” Slowly she got to her feet. “You won't even have to come looking for me.”

 

“That'll be the day, wench.” Inuyasha turned his back on her and she could've sworn she heard him muttering something about keeping an eye on the ignorant brat.

 

 

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“Buyo! Why do you keep running in here?” Souta grumbled as he slid the door of the well house further open. He had come to the conclusion long ago that their cat was evil and purposely exploited Souta's fear of the darkness, specifically seeking out the well house for the boy's maximum discomfort.

 

A flash of blue light momentarily blinded him. Forgetting all about the cat and his fear, Souta ran forward eagerly. “Nee-chan? Is that you?”

 

“No, Souta, it's a scary youkai out to get you.” Kagome's sarcastic voice floated up from the bottom of the well.

 

Souta laughed and held out hand to his sister as she climbed out. “Is Inuyasha-nii-chan with you?”

 

Rolling her eyes, Kagome ruffled her younger brother's hair, “What? I don't even get a `how are you' anymore? Just straight to Inuyasha, huh?”

 

He felt a flush rising up on his cheeks, “No! It's not that…”

 

“Uh huh.” Kagome dusted the dirt from her skirt as she walked up the stairs.

 

“Oh! Nee-chan! I just remembered we have guests!”

 

“Guests?” Kagome half-turned on her way up the stairs, when the door behind her slid open.

 

“Souta? What the heck are you doing in here?”

 

 

 

 

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Quick note: I am using the word youki similarly as one would use the word spirit or aura, but one that is specific to youkai. The chapter's title refers to an old saying that goes: “Fear is only as deep as the mind allows.”

 

I hope you are all enjoying this so far!