InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Separation ❯ Propositions ( Chapter 3 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: King Baka 
Inuyasha and Kagome continue their adventures, meet new people, and endure unwelcome propositions.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.03.2008 | Updated On: 10.14.2013 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Completed
Inuyasha and Kagome continue their adventures, meet new people, and endure unwelcome propositions.
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action / Romance | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 08.03.2008 | Updated On: 10.14.2013 | Pages: 4 | Words: 6.6K | Visits: 1.7K | Status: Completed
Disclaimer: I don’t own Inuyasha or any of the publicly known characters, plot, etc. I’m just renting them from Rumiko Takahashi, Viz, etc. I do own the plot of this story and any original characters I’ve created. I will make no money from this fic; I write for my own enjoyment and the enjoyment of my readers.
Fanfiction of the Week: Bond of Blood, by The MOUSE
Propositions
“HENTAI!!!” CRACK!
Inuyasha sighed heavily. Those two are at it again? It had been a long two days…or had it been three? All he knew was that their journey to the mountain had been unpleasant to say the least. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw the monk sans a hand print on his cheek; it might as well have been branded there. And Sango had been fuming so much it was a wonder her hair hadn’t been singed off yet. He grimaced at that mental image. Still, he knew everyone was just dealing with Kagome’s absence in their own way. Who new Miroku had been controlling his lechery? Now, instead of groping when opportunity dictated, he was going out of his way to grab Sango’s ass. The taijiya had been understandably irritable these past few days, but Inuyasha could tell something else was wrong. She hadn’t spoken more than a handful of words other than “Hentai!” and various empty threats to the monk. Before his eyes she was withdrawing from the group, distancing herself from each of them. The only other woman in the gang was gone, and Sango’s loneliness was a palpable thing. Shippou had also taken Kagome’s departure hard. The familiar sparkle in his eyes had faded, and he no longer prattled merrily on during every waking moment. In fact, he too had succumbed to the silence that now seemed a closer companion than any of his friends.
And as for me…I’ve been an asshole. That was probably the best way to put it. He had been mean and nasty, snapping at everyone and everything while taking his frustrations out on his friends. When Shippou had tried to hitch a ride on his shoulder, he had smacked the kit and told him to walk like the rest of them. That was the moment he was least proud of, but there had been others. Their little group was slowly coming apart at the seams. Who new Kagome was so essential to harmony and happiness? It was quickly becoming apparent that the young miko was the glue that held their gang together. What he wouldn’t give to have Kagome back among them. His rare robe of the fire-rat? I could walk around naked. The Tetsusaiga? What good is a sword without anyone to protect? Feh…it’s not like I have much to give, anyway. But he did have friends, and he knew each of them would do anything to get Kagome back, as well. So why couldn’t they get along? Inuyasha was sick of the suffocating tension, tired of the awkward silence. So when Miroku reached forward to grope Sango again, he snapped. In the blink of an eye he had the surprised monk pinned up against a nearby tree, his hand still extended in grab-ass position.
“Bouzu! The next time you even think about groping anybody, I’m gonna rip off your ‘cursed hand’ and shove it down your fucking throat!”
He shot the monk one final menacing glare before turning to the Sango and Shippou. “And you two!” he shouted, motioning to each of them. “Quit moping around! Just because Kagome’s gone doesn’t mean you have to act like fucking corpses!” Tirade over, Inuyasha dropped Miroku on his ass and began stomping up the path.
“And what about you?!” the slayer’s voice rang out. “You’ve been biting our heads off every time we go near you!”
“I know that!” After a brief pause, Inuyasha continued softly. “And it’s gonna stop. I will do better, so you guys better snap out of it too!”
The other members of the inu-gang were stunned, but they all knew an Inuyasha apology when they heard one. They stood around, looking at each other and contemplating the most recent development. Finally, Miroku nodded his head sharply and resumed the trek, followed by Shippou. Sango also acknowledged the silent agreement and turned back to the path, but Inuyasha’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.
“Look, Sango,” he said awkwardly, “I know it’s hard for you, being the only woman around. But if you…well, you know…ever need to talk to someone…I can listen.”
Then he released her, distancing himself as quickly as he could, his face reddening. I can’t believe I just did that! When did I become so soft? It’s all Kagome’s fault! She would be proud of me, though... That last thought only cause him to blush harder. Despite his embarrassment, Inuyasha was still pleased with how their little ‘group talk’ had gone. Hopefully the rest of the journey would be of a more amicable nature. Right on cue a small weight landed on his shoulder in the form of a small kitsune child. Testing the waters already, is he?
“Fine. You get a free ride as long as you don’t bug the crap out of me.”
“Deal.”
Kagome awoke to the piercing sound of her alarm clock. Turning the infernal contraption off, she rolled groggily out of bed and began to dress. She had studied all Sunday afternoon, and now it was Monday morning, the first day of her exams. Up until last night she hadn’t known if she would be able to go to school, but she had felt better before going to bed. Her illness turned out to be just a bad cold, which had almost completely vanished by this morning. It was just as well; she was tired of being cooped up inside the house. At one point yesterday she had been unable to stand it. She went outside, scrounged an old bow and arrow from the shrine storage area, and fired a couple purifying arrows into the well. She knew it wouldn’t work; her miko senses told her that much, but she had to at least try. Naraku was pure evil, but he wasn’t stupid; there was no way he’d create a seal that she could undo with her spiritual energy. But it had been something to do, a distraction from her misery. Yes, school would be a welcome sight indeed, once she wiped the cobwebs out of her eyes.
Her tests, on the other hand… She grimaced. She felt reasonably confident about most of the subjects, but her old arch enemy—math—was causing her much anxiety. She swore whole pages of her textbook were written in French or some other mysterious language. Oh, well, I’ll just do the best I can. After finishing getting ready, Kagome rushed down the stairs, downed a light breakfast, and whisked out the door. As she descended the shrine steps, her thoughts drifted back in time, to a certain hanyou from the feudal era. Inuyasha…what are you doing now? I feel so useless going to school when you’re probably off on some new adventure. After school I’ll go meet this guy Jii-chan told me about. Hopefully he’ll be able to help me. But even if she did succeed in reopening the well, would Inuyasha still be there when she returned? Kagome shook her head; thinking like that wouldn’t help her cause. She would just have to have faith in Inuyasha and his loyalty to her. He had always been there when she really needed him; why should this time be any different? I hope he’s thinking of me, too…
“Kagome!”
Blinking dumbly for a few moments, Kagome turned her gaze towards the source of the exclamation. What the…I’m at school already? I must have been spacing out pretty good. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi were currently bearing down on her, and judging by their body language she was in for quite an interrogation. Sigh…it begins.
“Hey, Kagome,” greeted Yuka. “We didn’t expect to see you in school, what with your rabies and all.”
Kagome felt her eyebrow twitch. Rabies! If that’s Jii-chan’s idea of a joke, it’s not funny! Inuyasha’s never bitten me… No, that only occurred in her very wildest fantasies, where in the heat of passion the hanyou would nibble her neck, perhaps her ear… A delightful shiver worked its way up her spine, and she could practically feel his hot breath on her neck. She loved Inuyasha so of course she fantasized about him, though perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to do it out in public.
“Kagome, are you okay? Your face is all red.”
“Yeah, and your eyes don’t look focused.”
“Are you sure you shouldn’t be back home in bed?”
Shaking her head free of her steamy thoughts, Kagome managed to sputter a reply. “N-nope! I’m fine! I was just, uh, thinking of something unimportant.” Her three friends exchanged quizzical looks; what could have made her blush like that?
“Hey! I bet you were thinking of that white-haired boyfriend of yours,” Eri hinted suggestively. At Kagome’s deepening blush, she exclaimed, “I knew it! What happened? Did he kiss you?” And just like that all three girls were crowding around Kagome like the romantically-starved teenagers they were. They backed up slightly when Kagome’s expression turned crestfallen.
“No, no, nothing like that,” the young miko mumbled softly. But she knew her friends wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer. “We had a fight, and then he had to leave Tokyo on family business. I don’t know when he’ll be coming back.” She hated lying to her friends, but her quick thinking had allowed her to tell at least a partial truth. Inuyasha was gone, and she really did have no idea when, or even if, she would see him again. The other three girls were speechless for a moment, the wind having been effectively knocked out of their sails.
“Don’t worry, Kagome,” Ayumi assured her. “I’m sure he misses you, too. If you guys are meant to be together, you’ll see each other soon.”
Kagome managed a small smile. “Thanks, Ayumi. I hope you’re right; I really do miss him.”At that point her friends decided to change the subject.
“So, Kagome, are you ready for today’s exams?” From then on the conversation was more pleasant, but eventually the bell rang and the four schoolgirls headed off to class. Kagome only hoped the rest of the day would be less stressful than its beginning.
“Higurashi, wait up!”
Kagome grimaced as she recognized the voice. The front doors were not ten feet away, and she briefly contemplated simply continuing on as if she hadn’t heard it. The problem with that was that she had already stopped in her tracks upon hearing her name, and she didn’t have a rude bone in her body. Resigning herself to her fate, she turned and plastered on her brightest, most artificial smile.
“Hello Hojo-kun, how are you?”
“I’m fine. Are you feeling any better? Were you able to get rid of the fleas?”
Hojo had whispered that last part, and Kagome felt a vein pop in her forehead. Fleas! I’m going to kill Jii-chan! Can he just make up something that’s not gross?
Hojo plowed ahead, unaware of Kagome’s homicidal thoughts. “My mother had a bad case of fleas a few years ago. I brought you some of the special medicine she used, in case they ever come back.”
Taking the proffered gift, Kagome expressed her gratitude through gritted teeth. Wow, a gift from Hojo that might actually be useful…if I ever get FLEAS!!!
“Did I say something wrong, Higurashi? You look kind of angry.”
Kagome once again adopted her trademark forced smile. “No, Hojo-kun. I just don’t feel well all of a sudden. I’d better get going. Bye, Hojo-kun!”
The confused boy quickly found himself standing alone as the dust settled from Kagome’s sudden departure. Aw, I didn’t even have a chance to ask her out this weekend. But I’ll ask her tomorrow. Brightening, Hojo headed home.
Looking down at the slip of paper in her hand, she checked the address one more time before glancing up at the sign above the doorway. Swaying Geisha Magic Shop…yep, this is the place. The lettering was written in black, but on the far left of the all white sign danced the red figure of a woman clothed in traditional geisha clothing. The symbol also adorned the shop’s small windows. Great, I’m already creeped out and I haven’t even gone inside yet! The shop’s rusty, worn-down appearance didn’t help. In fact, the entire street seemed as though it had been forgotten by Tokyo, left unchanged for a century. Or longer. Gathering her courage, Kagome stepped through the door…
And into a very nice, clean room. The owner evidently put forth much more effort maintaining the inside of his store than the outside. Bookshelves along each wall were neatly lined with jars and vials containing various substances, and several display cases stood about waist-high in the center of the room. Spell books and sutras were visible through the glass, some of which looked like they might actually work. From the ceiling hung a variety of charms and talismans. A fire crackled from a small hearth on the opposite wall, its flickering glow giving the store a supernatural air. Footsteps alerted Kagome to the owner’s approach before he entered via a door in the back corner.
“Well hello, young lady, is there something I can help you with?”
The speaker was of medium height, perhaps a little under six feet, and of slim build. He was also quite handsome, Kagome was forced to admit. Mid-length, unruly auburn hair topped his head, and hazel eyes seemed to glow with an inner light. His lips were quirked in a friendly grin, and overall he seemed like a nice person. She could sense no hostility from him, but there was something about his voice, a certain familiar quality to his posture that set her on edge.
“Um, I’m Higurashi Kagome. My grandfather said—”
“Ahh, so you are Kagome! Please follow me, your grandfather tells me we have something important to discuss. Oh, and you can call me Daisuke.”
“May I have your family name?” she asked, not entirely comfortable with referring to a virtual stranger in such a familiar manner.
Daisuke chuckled. “Please don’t worry about such formalities. Your grandfather and I are old friends.” Motioning for her to follow, he led Kagome through the back door and into an immaculate, modern office. Seeing her stunned expression, he said, “Yes, I am aware that we live in the twenty-first century, though I like the store to have a rustic atmosphere.” Seating himself behind the desk, he offered Kagome the seat across from him.
Kagome fidgeted nervously. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to assume—”
Daichi’s laughter cut her off. “Don’t worry, my dear, I was only joking. Everyone is surprised when they first come back here. Now, let’s get down to business. Tell me, how can I be of service?”
When the girl before him hesitated, however, Daisuke jumped to the correct conclusion. “You’re worried that I will not believe you, that I’m some kind of fake magician, are you not?”
Kagome blushed, then nodded.
“Well, I can assure you that is not the case. Your grandfather already informed me of your dilemma with the time portal. An evil being sealed it, correct?” He watched in amusement as Kagome’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping in shock.
“And you…believe all that?” she inquired with wonder in her tone. Then a rather disturbing though occurred to her: if her grandfather had told this man about the well, what else had he revealed?
“How much did he tell you,” she demanded.
“Not much, just that you have friends in the past. He also mumbled something about youkai. I wasn’t supposed to hear that, but the old man doesn’t realize how sharp my hearing is.”
Seeing alarm flash across the girl’s features, he hurried to reassure her. “Don’t worry; all of this information is strictly confidential. It will never leave this office. As to your first question, yes I believe you. I believe you because I know for a fact that youkai once existed.”
“And how do you know that?” Kagome inquired uneasily, almost afraid to hear the answer.
“Because I am a youkai myself.”
With that, Daisuke removed the ring from his finger, sparking a dazzling transformation before Kagome’s eyes. His eyes brightened to luminous green, and jade highlights wove their way into his russet hair. His ears elongated to elfish points, and twin emerald stripes appeared on his cheeks. The most striking change, however, was the youkai aura which hit her so abruptly. Unable to form a coherent sentence, Kagome simply sat and stared. Finally, after several moments of uncomfortable silence, Daisuke spoke.
“I’m sure you have many questions, so let me try to answer some of them. Yes, there are youkai still surviving in this time. We have declined greatly in number, but we are still here. Most of us now choose to live peacefully among humans, using charms like this ring to hide our youkai appearance. The spell doesn’t actually transform me; instead, it creates an illusion so everyone else sees my human disguise. It also conceals my demonic aura, as I’m sure you’ve discovered.”
Kagome’s mind raced as she struggled to come to terms with the fact that the world as she knew it was an illusion. She had thought her time was safe from youkai, but here sitting before her was proof that even that safety was an illusion as well. Calm down, girl. He said most youkai want to coexist peacefully. Anyway, he wouldn’t have told me this if he intended to kill me. Then she remembered something Daisuke had stated earlier.
“Wait, you said that you were friends with my grandfather, but he said that he knew your father…” She trailed off, hoping Daisuke would fill in the blanks.
Daisuke grinned approvingly. “Very good. You are quite observant. Yes, I am not the son your grandfather spoke of. I befriended your grandfather many years ago, but back then I could not risk telling him of my demonic heritage. Eventually I did what all youkai do nowadays: I faked my own death and assumed another persona. It is a necessary deception; after all, humans live for decades, not centuries.”
“So why are you telling me all this?”
He shrugged. “You have been exposed to youkai in the past, and though you have miko powers you obviously hold no prejudice toward us. I just thought you deserved to know.” He could see that Kagome was still in shock over the whole situation, so he changed the subject. “Now, about your well problem. I will have to see the seal myself before I know if I can undo it. Neither service is cheap; I charge top dollar for my advice and potions. How do you intend to compensate me?”
Kagome grimaced. “I don’t have much money.”
“That’s quite alright,” Daisuke replied wolfishly. “Money is not what I desire from you, anyway.”
“What do you want?” Kagome asked suspiciously.
Daisuke adopted a positively lecherous smirk. “What would any man want from a beauty such as yourself?”
It took Kagome a moment to catch on to his request, but he could tell the moment she did. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw set in fury. These things did not worry him, but when her miko aura flared around her, making his skin tingle, he knew he had made a dangerous mistake.
“Wait! Wait! I was only kidding! It was a joke!”
He held his hands up in a placating gesture, hoping she would calm down before purifying his ass. Kagome did so slowly, her aura receding, and Daisuke chuckled nervously before repeating his previous sentiment.
“It really was just a joke. Why don’t you come back tomorrow; I’m sure I’ll have thought of a way you can pay me by then.”
Kagome favored him with a death glare, one that promised copious amounts of agony should he voice any more of his ‘jokes.’ Without a word, she rose from the chair and stalked out of the office. It wasn’t until he heard the front door slam that Daisuke released the breath he’d been holding.
Phew! I could sense that she was a miko, but I never expected her to be that strong! When she got mad, her aura just exploded. That girl is the most single powerful miko I’ve ever met. And yet her grandfather doesn’t have an ounce of spiritual power in his entire body. The sound of the front door creaking open made him worry that perhaps Kagome had returned to teach him a painful lesson, but the scent which drifted through the doorway calmed his fears. It was just his old friend Hotaka coming to check on him, and undoubtedly to tease him as well. As the tall man entered the office, he removed his charm revealing his true bear-youkai heritage.
“So you’re still alive, eh Daisuke? That was a mighty strong miko aura I sensed coming from your store. I half expected to come in and find you burnt to a crisp.”
“Come now, old friend. You know a woman would never be able to kill me.”
The bear youkai chuckled, a low booming sound that never failed to bring a smile to Daisuke’s face. “Yes, because you’re so irresistible to women,” he declared sarcastically. “I wonder what you could have done to make her so angry…”
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Daisuke replied innocently.
“Uh-huh. You asked her to bear your children, didn’t you?”
“Not true! I merely suggested mutual pleasure as a method of payment for my services.”
“Oh, and that’s so much better.”
Daisuke sighed. “I don’t understand it, Hotaka. You’d think women would want to experience the act of making love, especially with a fine male specimen such as myself.”
Hotaka shook his head. “You just don’t understand humans, do you? You’d get plenty of action if you weren’t such a pervert.”
“How am I a pervert?”
“How are you not? You ask every pretty lady you meet to have sex with you.”
“Is not the act of making love a beautiful thing?”
“Yes, when there’s something else behind it. Instead of asking for sex, try asking if she wants to go out for coffee or something first.” When Daisuke just stared blankly at him, Hotaka smacked himself in the forehead.
“I’m sorry for trying, old friend, but not all of us have a two-hundred year old wife who’s still as fine as the day she got married.”
“Hey! You keep your eyes off my wife.”
“I don’t know if I can mange.”
“You lecher! Am I gonna have to kick your ass?”
Daisuke snickered. “If I remember correctly, you’ve tried that several times before. How have those attempts worked out for you?”
“Shut up. You always use some dirty magic on me. The last time you stuck my foot to the ground and made me listen while you rehearsed pickup lines. I’ll never forget that awful day.”
“Yes, well you’ll never need any of those lines either. Everyone knows your wife has eyes only for you.”
“Yeah, I’m one lucky youkai,” Hotaka said with a smile. Seeing his friend begin to get depressed at his own ‘misfortune’ with women, the bear youkai changed the subject. “So, how are you gonna have the miko pay you?”
Putting his head in his hands, Daisuke replied miserably, “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“Hey! Maybe she can help you with your job?”
“No, that won’t work. What would I have her do, dust the shelves?”
“No, your other job,” Hotaka stated meaningfully.
Daisuke thought for a moment. Hmm…that might not be a bad idea at all.
“Maybe she can, old friend. Maybe she can.”
To say Kagome was steaming would be an understatement. Fellow pedestrians on the sidewalk gave her a wide berth, not wanting to be scalded by the hot vapor spouting from her ears. ‘A joke,’ my foot! Would it have been a joke if I had hopped into his lap and said, ‘Take me?’
At least she had put him in his place. Yes, the fact that he was basically begging for mercy had been the only thing that allowed her to reign in control of her unruly miko aura. What seemed so familiar about him? That he was a youkai or a pervert? It had probably been a combination of the two. Kagome had always prided herself on her ability to judge a person’s character. Back when she first met Miroku, she could tell that he was a good guy at heart. Even after he groped her, she knew that he would never carry his lechery any further, at least not without her consent. She was getting the same vibe from Daisuke: a harmless hentai constantly in search of a choice piece of ass for a fling or two. Still, there was no way she’d be letting her guard down around him. She was actually glad he was a youkai; if he tried anything, she could just purify his sorry ass, a tactic that wouldn’t work on a human. Yes, if the pervert didn’t have a more suitable answer ready for her tomorrow, then she would name her own price. And Daisuke definitely wouldn’t like it.
It took them long enough to notice. Inuyasha’s sensitive nose had first picked up the unpleasant odor of ash and sulfur awhile ago, but the humans were just detecting it now. “Relax. It means we’re almost there.”
Soon the mountain loomed before them, seeming to come out of nowhere as they reached the edge of the blanketing forest canopy. The smoke was now thick around them, impairing even Inuyasha’s superior vision, and the humans were suffering. Sango’s mask and Miroku’s spiritual training could provide only a limited defense, and neither mortal had been able to stop coughing for some time. The heavy smog was bothering him as well, but his youkai body was able to bear the strain. Turning toward his friends, he addressed them seriously.
“You two need to turn back. I’ll keep going and talk to this youkai alone.”
Sango and Miroku opened their mouths to object, but all that came out was wracking coughs.
“See!” he declared. “You guys can’t even stop coughing long enough to argue with me.”
Reluctantly, the monk and slayer nodded their consent to Inuyasha’s decision.
“Good. Kaede-babaa said there’s a human village east of here. Go get some rest and I’ll meet you there. Shippou, go with them.” When the kit merely shook his head in defiance, Inuyasha gritted his teeth. “Runt…”
“No! I can handle it. I want to go with you, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou paused, taking in the kit’s determined expression and deciding it wasn’t worth fighting over. It would be nice to have a little company, and maybe the youkai living on the mountain would have more respect for them if a full-youkai made the request. Even a kitsune runt of a full-youkai.
“Fine, but you gotta do what I say. We don’t know what’s up there. And Kagome ain’t here to save you from my fist if you make me rescue your ass. Kirara, get them out of here,” he ordered, motioning to Miroku and Sango.
Then they were alone, the fox and the hound. Shippou leapt up onto Inuyasha’s shoulder, and the hanyou began jogging around the base of the mountain, looking for a suitable path. Finding one, he took off full bore deeper into the mist. Over time the cloud of vapor seemed to solidify into a solid wall, forcing him to slow his pace to a crawl. Just as he was beginning to worry about the small fox clinging to his haori, the mist broke, revealing a dazzling view. Sunlight glistened off snow-capped peaks, temporarily blinding Inuyasha as his eyes adjusted to the new light.
“You okay, runt?”
“Yeah,” Shippou replied, still a little breathless.
Glancing behind him, Inuyasha glimpsed from above what he had just climbed through. All of the land lower than his current elevation was blanketed by a forbidding haze, perhaps hundreds of feet deep in places. Turning his attention back to the journey ahead, Inuyasha scanned the mountains before him, looking for the tallest peak. There it was, perhaps a mile away, and he could already make out the opening of a cave near the summit. He had no doubt their final destination was there. Leaping into motion again, he sped across the terrain, his feet barely leaving footprints in the snow.
The sun was nearing the western horizon by the time Inuyasha and Shippou reached the cave. It had been a difficult climb, and Inuyasha was feeling fatigue start to nip at the corners of his eyelids. Truth be told, he had not slept much since Kagome had been gone, not that he ever slept very well when she was not by his side. But he could sleep after he got some answers. Entering the cave, he kept his senses on high alert, but nothing moved in the dark confines of the cavern.
“Be gone, half-breed. You are not welcome here,” a strange voice boomed suddenly, the owner sounding like a tired old woman.
Not intimidated in the least, Inuyasha responded steadily. “I seek a youkai who specializes in magic potions and seals.”
“That youkai is not interested in helping you. I repeat, be gone. You are not welcome.”
Inuyasha growled in annoyance, his hand drifting down to rest on Tetsusaiga’s hilt. “And how the fuck do you know what that youkai’s interests are, old hag?!”
“Because I am the youkai you seek.” Stepping from the shadows, the old demonness revealed herself. She appeared small and frail, but her aura was powerful, and her magenta eyes glowed brightly in the darkness. Her wrinkled skin betrayed her age, but her face was intelligent and alert, something which Inuyasha could not say about some of the other elderly youkai he knew.
In an authoritative voice, she repeated her demand. “Leave at once, half-breed, and I shall not have to soil my home with your blood.”
Bristling at the threat, Inuyasha responded by wrenching Tetsusaiga from its sheath and brandishing it fiercely in front of him. “Listen, old hag! If you think I’m leaving empty-handed you’ve got another thing com—”
“That sword! It carries the aura of the late Inu no Taisho!” In a flash her demeanor had changed, hostility replaced by curiosity. “Tell me, hanyou, what is your name?”
“Inuyasha,” he replied hesitantly, a little put off by the sudden shift in their conversation.
“Ah, so you are the half-human son of the late Inu no Taisho,” the demonness declared, smiling knowingly. “Put your sword away; I will not harm you.”
Inuyasha glared distrustfully at her, but nevertheless sheathed Tetsusaiga. The old demonness studied him for several moments, seemingly coming to a decision. “Your aura is strong, hanyou, stronger than most of the full youkai I’ve encountered. I can sense a great inner power within you. That sword was originally your father’s, but you have made it your own.”
Inuyasha shifted awkwardly under her gaze, unused to receiving compliments from anyone, let alone from full-youkai.
“So what’s your point?”
“You can call me Shinobu. My point is that I will help you if you agree to one condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“You must take my daughter as your wife.”
Fanfiction of the Week: Bond of Blood, by The MOUSE
Propositions
“HENTAI!!!” CRACK!
Inuyasha sighed heavily. Those two are at it again? It had been a long two days…or had it been three? All he knew was that their journey to the mountain had been unpleasant to say the least. He couldn’t remember the last time he saw the monk sans a hand print on his cheek; it might as well have been branded there. And Sango had been fuming so much it was a wonder her hair hadn’t been singed off yet. He grimaced at that mental image. Still, he knew everyone was just dealing with Kagome’s absence in their own way. Who new Miroku had been controlling his lechery? Now, instead of groping when opportunity dictated, he was going out of his way to grab Sango’s ass. The taijiya had been understandably irritable these past few days, but Inuyasha could tell something else was wrong. She hadn’t spoken more than a handful of words other than “Hentai!” and various empty threats to the monk. Before his eyes she was withdrawing from the group, distancing herself from each of them. The only other woman in the gang was gone, and Sango’s loneliness was a palpable thing. Shippou had also taken Kagome’s departure hard. The familiar sparkle in his eyes had faded, and he no longer prattled merrily on during every waking moment. In fact, he too had succumbed to the silence that now seemed a closer companion than any of his friends.
And as for me…I’ve been an asshole. That was probably the best way to put it. He had been mean and nasty, snapping at everyone and everything while taking his frustrations out on his friends. When Shippou had tried to hitch a ride on his shoulder, he had smacked the kit and told him to walk like the rest of them. That was the moment he was least proud of, but there had been others. Their little group was slowly coming apart at the seams. Who new Kagome was so essential to harmony and happiness? It was quickly becoming apparent that the young miko was the glue that held their gang together. What he wouldn’t give to have Kagome back among them. His rare robe of the fire-rat? I could walk around naked. The Tetsusaiga? What good is a sword without anyone to protect? Feh…it’s not like I have much to give, anyway. But he did have friends, and he knew each of them would do anything to get Kagome back, as well. So why couldn’t they get along? Inuyasha was sick of the suffocating tension, tired of the awkward silence. So when Miroku reached forward to grope Sango again, he snapped. In the blink of an eye he had the surprised monk pinned up against a nearby tree, his hand still extended in grab-ass position.
“Bouzu! The next time you even think about groping anybody, I’m gonna rip off your ‘cursed hand’ and shove it down your fucking throat!”
He shot the monk one final menacing glare before turning to the Sango and Shippou. “And you two!” he shouted, motioning to each of them. “Quit moping around! Just because Kagome’s gone doesn’t mean you have to act like fucking corpses!” Tirade over, Inuyasha dropped Miroku on his ass and began stomping up the path.
“And what about you?!” the slayer’s voice rang out. “You’ve been biting our heads off every time we go near you!”
“I know that!” After a brief pause, Inuyasha continued softly. “And it’s gonna stop. I will do better, so you guys better snap out of it too!”
The other members of the inu-gang were stunned, but they all knew an Inuyasha apology when they heard one. They stood around, looking at each other and contemplating the most recent development. Finally, Miroku nodded his head sharply and resumed the trek, followed by Shippou. Sango also acknowledged the silent agreement and turned back to the path, but Inuyasha’s hand on her shoulder stopped her.
“Look, Sango,” he said awkwardly, “I know it’s hard for you, being the only woman around. But if you…well, you know…ever need to talk to someone…I can listen.”
Then he released her, distancing himself as quickly as he could, his face reddening. I can’t believe I just did that! When did I become so soft? It’s all Kagome’s fault! She would be proud of me, though... That last thought only cause him to blush harder. Despite his embarrassment, Inuyasha was still pleased with how their little ‘group talk’ had gone. Hopefully the rest of the journey would be of a more amicable nature. Right on cue a small weight landed on his shoulder in the form of a small kitsune child. Testing the waters already, is he?
“Fine. You get a free ride as long as you don’t bug the crap out of me.”
“Deal.”
* * *
Beep! Beep! Beep! Kagome awoke to the piercing sound of her alarm clock. Turning the infernal contraption off, she rolled groggily out of bed and began to dress. She had studied all Sunday afternoon, and now it was Monday morning, the first day of her exams. Up until last night she hadn’t known if she would be able to go to school, but she had felt better before going to bed. Her illness turned out to be just a bad cold, which had almost completely vanished by this morning. It was just as well; she was tired of being cooped up inside the house. At one point yesterday she had been unable to stand it. She went outside, scrounged an old bow and arrow from the shrine storage area, and fired a couple purifying arrows into the well. She knew it wouldn’t work; her miko senses told her that much, but she had to at least try. Naraku was pure evil, but he wasn’t stupid; there was no way he’d create a seal that she could undo with her spiritual energy. But it had been something to do, a distraction from her misery. Yes, school would be a welcome sight indeed, once she wiped the cobwebs out of her eyes.
Her tests, on the other hand… She grimaced. She felt reasonably confident about most of the subjects, but her old arch enemy—math—was causing her much anxiety. She swore whole pages of her textbook were written in French or some other mysterious language. Oh, well, I’ll just do the best I can. After finishing getting ready, Kagome rushed down the stairs, downed a light breakfast, and whisked out the door. As she descended the shrine steps, her thoughts drifted back in time, to a certain hanyou from the feudal era. Inuyasha…what are you doing now? I feel so useless going to school when you’re probably off on some new adventure. After school I’ll go meet this guy Jii-chan told me about. Hopefully he’ll be able to help me. But even if she did succeed in reopening the well, would Inuyasha still be there when she returned? Kagome shook her head; thinking like that wouldn’t help her cause. She would just have to have faith in Inuyasha and his loyalty to her. He had always been there when she really needed him; why should this time be any different? I hope he’s thinking of me, too…
“Kagome!”
Blinking dumbly for a few moments, Kagome turned her gaze towards the source of the exclamation. What the…I’m at school already? I must have been spacing out pretty good. Eri, Yuka, and Ayumi were currently bearing down on her, and judging by their body language she was in for quite an interrogation. Sigh…it begins.
“Hey, Kagome,” greeted Yuka. “We didn’t expect to see you in school, what with your rabies and all.”
Kagome felt her eyebrow twitch. Rabies! If that’s Jii-chan’s idea of a joke, it’s not funny! Inuyasha’s never bitten me… No, that only occurred in her very wildest fantasies, where in the heat of passion the hanyou would nibble her neck, perhaps her ear… A delightful shiver worked its way up her spine, and she could practically feel his hot breath on her neck. She loved Inuyasha so of course she fantasized about him, though perhaps it wasn’t such a good idea to do it out in public.
“Kagome, are you okay? Your face is all red.”
“Yeah, and your eyes don’t look focused.”
“Are you sure you shouldn’t be back home in bed?”
Shaking her head free of her steamy thoughts, Kagome managed to sputter a reply. “N-nope! I’m fine! I was just, uh, thinking of something unimportant.” Her three friends exchanged quizzical looks; what could have made her blush like that?
“Hey! I bet you were thinking of that white-haired boyfriend of yours,” Eri hinted suggestively. At Kagome’s deepening blush, she exclaimed, “I knew it! What happened? Did he kiss you?” And just like that all three girls were crowding around Kagome like the romantically-starved teenagers they were. They backed up slightly when Kagome’s expression turned crestfallen.
“No, no, nothing like that,” the young miko mumbled softly. But she knew her friends wouldn’t be satisfied with that answer. “We had a fight, and then he had to leave Tokyo on family business. I don’t know when he’ll be coming back.” She hated lying to her friends, but her quick thinking had allowed her to tell at least a partial truth. Inuyasha was gone, and she really did have no idea when, or even if, she would see him again. The other three girls were speechless for a moment, the wind having been effectively knocked out of their sails.
“Don’t worry, Kagome,” Ayumi assured her. “I’m sure he misses you, too. If you guys are meant to be together, you’ll see each other soon.”
Kagome managed a small smile. “Thanks, Ayumi. I hope you’re right; I really do miss him.”At that point her friends decided to change the subject.
“So, Kagome, are you ready for today’s exams?” From then on the conversation was more pleasant, but eventually the bell rang and the four schoolgirls headed off to class. Kagome only hoped the rest of the day would be less stressful than its beginning.
* * *
Ugh…thank Kami that’s over. It had been a long, mind-numbing day. The math test had nearly killed her, though she knew she had at least passed all the others. The worst part was that she had another day of exams tomorrow. Normally after a day like this she would make a beeline for home and a hot bath, but today she had other plans. She surreptitiously ducked out of class as soon as the bell rang in an effort to avoid her friends. She would have a really hard time explaining to them why she was going to some magic shop. Unfortunately, her escape attempt was not as stealthy as she hoped. “Higurashi, wait up!”
Kagome grimaced as she recognized the voice. The front doors were not ten feet away, and she briefly contemplated simply continuing on as if she hadn’t heard it. The problem with that was that she had already stopped in her tracks upon hearing her name, and she didn’t have a rude bone in her body. Resigning herself to her fate, she turned and plastered on her brightest, most artificial smile.
“Hello Hojo-kun, how are you?”
“I’m fine. Are you feeling any better? Were you able to get rid of the fleas?”
Hojo had whispered that last part, and Kagome felt a vein pop in her forehead. Fleas! I’m going to kill Jii-chan! Can he just make up something that’s not gross?
Hojo plowed ahead, unaware of Kagome’s homicidal thoughts. “My mother had a bad case of fleas a few years ago. I brought you some of the special medicine she used, in case they ever come back.”
Taking the proffered gift, Kagome expressed her gratitude through gritted teeth. Wow, a gift from Hojo that might actually be useful…if I ever get FLEAS!!!
“Did I say something wrong, Higurashi? You look kind of angry.”
Kagome once again adopted her trademark forced smile. “No, Hojo-kun. I just don’t feel well all of a sudden. I’d better get going. Bye, Hojo-kun!”
The confused boy quickly found himself standing alone as the dust settled from Kagome’s sudden departure. Aw, I didn’t even have a chance to ask her out this weekend. But I’ll ask her tomorrow. Brightening, Hojo headed home.
* * *
Kagome sighed. She felt guilty for bailing on Hojo like that, but it had to be done. It was the same old routine: he would ask her how she was feeling and if she felt well enough, he would ask her out on a date. She really didn’t feel like turning him down, but accepting his offer was an even less appealing alternative. Dates with Hojo were just so boring. Plus on her past dates she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about Inuyasha. I’m too nice sometimes; all I have to do is say ‘no thanks, not interested’ and that’ll be the end of it. But she couldn’t stand to see the guy disappointed. It was the same reason she let Kouga continue to call her ‘his woman.’ She certainly didn’t have any romantic interest in either the wolf-youkai or the schoolboy. In the end, she had settled for avoiding Hojo’s question by feigning illness and running away. She knew that she would eventually have to tell Hojo that she didn’t like him that way, but procrastinating sounded good for the time being. Besides, she had a more important task to accomplish today. Looking down at the slip of paper in her hand, she checked the address one more time before glancing up at the sign above the doorway. Swaying Geisha Magic Shop…yep, this is the place. The lettering was written in black, but on the far left of the all white sign danced the red figure of a woman clothed in traditional geisha clothing. The symbol also adorned the shop’s small windows. Great, I’m already creeped out and I haven’t even gone inside yet! The shop’s rusty, worn-down appearance didn’t help. In fact, the entire street seemed as though it had been forgotten by Tokyo, left unchanged for a century. Or longer. Gathering her courage, Kagome stepped through the door…
And into a very nice, clean room. The owner evidently put forth much more effort maintaining the inside of his store than the outside. Bookshelves along each wall were neatly lined with jars and vials containing various substances, and several display cases stood about waist-high in the center of the room. Spell books and sutras were visible through the glass, some of which looked like they might actually work. From the ceiling hung a variety of charms and talismans. A fire crackled from a small hearth on the opposite wall, its flickering glow giving the store a supernatural air. Footsteps alerted Kagome to the owner’s approach before he entered via a door in the back corner.
“Well hello, young lady, is there something I can help you with?”
The speaker was of medium height, perhaps a little under six feet, and of slim build. He was also quite handsome, Kagome was forced to admit. Mid-length, unruly auburn hair topped his head, and hazel eyes seemed to glow with an inner light. His lips were quirked in a friendly grin, and overall he seemed like a nice person. She could sense no hostility from him, but there was something about his voice, a certain familiar quality to his posture that set her on edge.
“Um, I’m Higurashi Kagome. My grandfather said—”
“Ahh, so you are Kagome! Please follow me, your grandfather tells me we have something important to discuss. Oh, and you can call me Daisuke.”
“May I have your family name?” she asked, not entirely comfortable with referring to a virtual stranger in such a familiar manner.
Daisuke chuckled. “Please don’t worry about such formalities. Your grandfather and I are old friends.” Motioning for her to follow, he led Kagome through the back door and into an immaculate, modern office. Seeing her stunned expression, he said, “Yes, I am aware that we live in the twenty-first century, though I like the store to have a rustic atmosphere.” Seating himself behind the desk, he offered Kagome the seat across from him.
Kagome fidgeted nervously. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to assume—”
Daichi’s laughter cut her off. “Don’t worry, my dear, I was only joking. Everyone is surprised when they first come back here. Now, let’s get down to business. Tell me, how can I be of service?”
When the girl before him hesitated, however, Daisuke jumped to the correct conclusion. “You’re worried that I will not believe you, that I’m some kind of fake magician, are you not?”
Kagome blushed, then nodded.
“Well, I can assure you that is not the case. Your grandfather already informed me of your dilemma with the time portal. An evil being sealed it, correct?” He watched in amusement as Kagome’s eyes widened, her jaw dropping in shock.
“And you…believe all that?” she inquired with wonder in her tone. Then a rather disturbing though occurred to her: if her grandfather had told this man about the well, what else had he revealed?
“How much did he tell you,” she demanded.
“Not much, just that you have friends in the past. He also mumbled something about youkai. I wasn’t supposed to hear that, but the old man doesn’t realize how sharp my hearing is.”
Seeing alarm flash across the girl’s features, he hurried to reassure her. “Don’t worry; all of this information is strictly confidential. It will never leave this office. As to your first question, yes I believe you. I believe you because I know for a fact that youkai once existed.”
“And how do you know that?” Kagome inquired uneasily, almost afraid to hear the answer.
“Because I am a youkai myself.”
With that, Daisuke removed the ring from his finger, sparking a dazzling transformation before Kagome’s eyes. His eyes brightened to luminous green, and jade highlights wove their way into his russet hair. His ears elongated to elfish points, and twin emerald stripes appeared on his cheeks. The most striking change, however, was the youkai aura which hit her so abruptly. Unable to form a coherent sentence, Kagome simply sat and stared. Finally, after several moments of uncomfortable silence, Daisuke spoke.
“I’m sure you have many questions, so let me try to answer some of them. Yes, there are youkai still surviving in this time. We have declined greatly in number, but we are still here. Most of us now choose to live peacefully among humans, using charms like this ring to hide our youkai appearance. The spell doesn’t actually transform me; instead, it creates an illusion so everyone else sees my human disguise. It also conceals my demonic aura, as I’m sure you’ve discovered.”
Kagome’s mind raced as she struggled to come to terms with the fact that the world as she knew it was an illusion. She had thought her time was safe from youkai, but here sitting before her was proof that even that safety was an illusion as well. Calm down, girl. He said most youkai want to coexist peacefully. Anyway, he wouldn’t have told me this if he intended to kill me. Then she remembered something Daisuke had stated earlier.
“Wait, you said that you were friends with my grandfather, but he said that he knew your father…” She trailed off, hoping Daisuke would fill in the blanks.
Daisuke grinned approvingly. “Very good. You are quite observant. Yes, I am not the son your grandfather spoke of. I befriended your grandfather many years ago, but back then I could not risk telling him of my demonic heritage. Eventually I did what all youkai do nowadays: I faked my own death and assumed another persona. It is a necessary deception; after all, humans live for decades, not centuries.”
“So why are you telling me all this?”
He shrugged. “You have been exposed to youkai in the past, and though you have miko powers you obviously hold no prejudice toward us. I just thought you deserved to know.” He could see that Kagome was still in shock over the whole situation, so he changed the subject. “Now, about your well problem. I will have to see the seal myself before I know if I can undo it. Neither service is cheap; I charge top dollar for my advice and potions. How do you intend to compensate me?”
Kagome grimaced. “I don’t have much money.”
“That’s quite alright,” Daisuke replied wolfishly. “Money is not what I desire from you, anyway.”
“What do you want?” Kagome asked suspiciously.
Daisuke adopted a positively lecherous smirk. “What would any man want from a beauty such as yourself?”
It took Kagome a moment to catch on to his request, but he could tell the moment she did. Her eyes narrowed and her jaw set in fury. These things did not worry him, but when her miko aura flared around her, making his skin tingle, he knew he had made a dangerous mistake.
“Wait! Wait! I was only kidding! It was a joke!”
He held his hands up in a placating gesture, hoping she would calm down before purifying his ass. Kagome did so slowly, her aura receding, and Daisuke chuckled nervously before repeating his previous sentiment.
“It really was just a joke. Why don’t you come back tomorrow; I’m sure I’ll have thought of a way you can pay me by then.”
Kagome favored him with a death glare, one that promised copious amounts of agony should he voice any more of his ‘jokes.’ Without a word, she rose from the chair and stalked out of the office. It wasn’t until he heard the front door slam that Daisuke released the breath he’d been holding.
Phew! I could sense that she was a miko, but I never expected her to be that strong! When she got mad, her aura just exploded. That girl is the most single powerful miko I’ve ever met. And yet her grandfather doesn’t have an ounce of spiritual power in his entire body. The sound of the front door creaking open made him worry that perhaps Kagome had returned to teach him a painful lesson, but the scent which drifted through the doorway calmed his fears. It was just his old friend Hotaka coming to check on him, and undoubtedly to tease him as well. As the tall man entered the office, he removed his charm revealing his true bear-youkai heritage.
“So you’re still alive, eh Daisuke? That was a mighty strong miko aura I sensed coming from your store. I half expected to come in and find you burnt to a crisp.”
“Come now, old friend. You know a woman would never be able to kill me.”
The bear youkai chuckled, a low booming sound that never failed to bring a smile to Daisuke’s face. “Yes, because you’re so irresistible to women,” he declared sarcastically. “I wonder what you could have done to make her so angry…”
“I haven’t the slightest idea,” Daisuke replied innocently.
“Uh-huh. You asked her to bear your children, didn’t you?”
“Not true! I merely suggested mutual pleasure as a method of payment for my services.”
“Oh, and that’s so much better.”
Daisuke sighed. “I don’t understand it, Hotaka. You’d think women would want to experience the act of making love, especially with a fine male specimen such as myself.”
Hotaka shook his head. “You just don’t understand humans, do you? You’d get plenty of action if you weren’t such a pervert.”
“How am I a pervert?”
“How are you not? You ask every pretty lady you meet to have sex with you.”
“Is not the act of making love a beautiful thing?”
“Yes, when there’s something else behind it. Instead of asking for sex, try asking if she wants to go out for coffee or something first.” When Daisuke just stared blankly at him, Hotaka smacked himself in the forehead.
“I’m sorry for trying, old friend, but not all of us have a two-hundred year old wife who’s still as fine as the day she got married.”
“Hey! You keep your eyes off my wife.”
“I don’t know if I can mange.”
“You lecher! Am I gonna have to kick your ass?”
Daisuke snickered. “If I remember correctly, you’ve tried that several times before. How have those attempts worked out for you?”
“Shut up. You always use some dirty magic on me. The last time you stuck my foot to the ground and made me listen while you rehearsed pickup lines. I’ll never forget that awful day.”
“Yes, well you’ll never need any of those lines either. Everyone knows your wife has eyes only for you.”
“Yeah, I’m one lucky youkai,” Hotaka said with a smile. Seeing his friend begin to get depressed at his own ‘misfortune’ with women, the bear youkai changed the subject. “So, how are you gonna have the miko pay you?”
Putting his head in his hands, Daisuke replied miserably, “I haven’t the slightest idea.”
“Hey! Maybe she can help you with your job?”
“No, that won’t work. What would I have her do, dust the shelves?”
“No, your other job,” Hotaka stated meaningfully.
Daisuke thought for a moment. Hmm…that might not be a bad idea at all.
“Maybe she can, old friend. Maybe she can.”
* * *
That hentai! That sleazy, rotten pervert! To say Kagome was steaming would be an understatement. Fellow pedestrians on the sidewalk gave her a wide berth, not wanting to be scalded by the hot vapor spouting from her ears. ‘A joke,’ my foot! Would it have been a joke if I had hopped into his lap and said, ‘Take me?’
At least she had put him in his place. Yes, the fact that he was basically begging for mercy had been the only thing that allowed her to reign in control of her unruly miko aura. What seemed so familiar about him? That he was a youkai or a pervert? It had probably been a combination of the two. Kagome had always prided herself on her ability to judge a person’s character. Back when she first met Miroku, she could tell that he was a good guy at heart. Even after he groped her, she knew that he would never carry his lechery any further, at least not without her consent. She was getting the same vibe from Daisuke: a harmless hentai constantly in search of a choice piece of ass for a fling or two. Still, there was no way she’d be letting her guard down around him. She was actually glad he was a youkai; if he tried anything, she could just purify his sorry ass, a tactic that wouldn’t work on a human. Yes, if the pervert didn’t have a more suitable answer ready for her tomorrow, then she would name her own price. And Daisuke definitely wouldn’t like it.
* * *
“Ugh, what’s that smell?” It took them long enough to notice. Inuyasha’s sensitive nose had first picked up the unpleasant odor of ash and sulfur awhile ago, but the humans were just detecting it now. “Relax. It means we’re almost there.”
Soon the mountain loomed before them, seeming to come out of nowhere as they reached the edge of the blanketing forest canopy. The smoke was now thick around them, impairing even Inuyasha’s superior vision, and the humans were suffering. Sango’s mask and Miroku’s spiritual training could provide only a limited defense, and neither mortal had been able to stop coughing for some time. The heavy smog was bothering him as well, but his youkai body was able to bear the strain. Turning toward his friends, he addressed them seriously.
“You two need to turn back. I’ll keep going and talk to this youkai alone.”
Sango and Miroku opened their mouths to object, but all that came out was wracking coughs.
“See!” he declared. “You guys can’t even stop coughing long enough to argue with me.”
Reluctantly, the monk and slayer nodded their consent to Inuyasha’s decision.
“Good. Kaede-babaa said there’s a human village east of here. Go get some rest and I’ll meet you there. Shippou, go with them.” When the kit merely shook his head in defiance, Inuyasha gritted his teeth. “Runt…”
“No! I can handle it. I want to go with you, Inuyasha.”
The hanyou paused, taking in the kit’s determined expression and deciding it wasn’t worth fighting over. It would be nice to have a little company, and maybe the youkai living on the mountain would have more respect for them if a full-youkai made the request. Even a kitsune runt of a full-youkai.
“Fine, but you gotta do what I say. We don’t know what’s up there. And Kagome ain’t here to save you from my fist if you make me rescue your ass. Kirara, get them out of here,” he ordered, motioning to Miroku and Sango.
Then they were alone, the fox and the hound. Shippou leapt up onto Inuyasha’s shoulder, and the hanyou began jogging around the base of the mountain, looking for a suitable path. Finding one, he took off full bore deeper into the mist. Over time the cloud of vapor seemed to solidify into a solid wall, forcing him to slow his pace to a crawl. Just as he was beginning to worry about the small fox clinging to his haori, the mist broke, revealing a dazzling view. Sunlight glistened off snow-capped peaks, temporarily blinding Inuyasha as his eyes adjusted to the new light.
“You okay, runt?”
“Yeah,” Shippou replied, still a little breathless.
Glancing behind him, Inuyasha glimpsed from above what he had just climbed through. All of the land lower than his current elevation was blanketed by a forbidding haze, perhaps hundreds of feet deep in places. Turning his attention back to the journey ahead, Inuyasha scanned the mountains before him, looking for the tallest peak. There it was, perhaps a mile away, and he could already make out the opening of a cave near the summit. He had no doubt their final destination was there. Leaping into motion again, he sped across the terrain, his feet barely leaving footprints in the snow.
The sun was nearing the western horizon by the time Inuyasha and Shippou reached the cave. It had been a difficult climb, and Inuyasha was feeling fatigue start to nip at the corners of his eyelids. Truth be told, he had not slept much since Kagome had been gone, not that he ever slept very well when she was not by his side. But he could sleep after he got some answers. Entering the cave, he kept his senses on high alert, but nothing moved in the dark confines of the cavern.
“Be gone, half-breed. You are not welcome here,” a strange voice boomed suddenly, the owner sounding like a tired old woman.
Not intimidated in the least, Inuyasha responded steadily. “I seek a youkai who specializes in magic potions and seals.”
“That youkai is not interested in helping you. I repeat, be gone. You are not welcome.”
Inuyasha growled in annoyance, his hand drifting down to rest on Tetsusaiga’s hilt. “And how the fuck do you know what that youkai’s interests are, old hag?!”
“Because I am the youkai you seek.” Stepping from the shadows, the old demonness revealed herself. She appeared small and frail, but her aura was powerful, and her magenta eyes glowed brightly in the darkness. Her wrinkled skin betrayed her age, but her face was intelligent and alert, something which Inuyasha could not say about some of the other elderly youkai he knew.
In an authoritative voice, she repeated her demand. “Leave at once, half-breed, and I shall not have to soil my home with your blood.”
Bristling at the threat, Inuyasha responded by wrenching Tetsusaiga from its sheath and brandishing it fiercely in front of him. “Listen, old hag! If you think I’m leaving empty-handed you’ve got another thing com—”
“That sword! It carries the aura of the late Inu no Taisho!” In a flash her demeanor had changed, hostility replaced by curiosity. “Tell me, hanyou, what is your name?”
“Inuyasha,” he replied hesitantly, a little put off by the sudden shift in their conversation.
“Ah, so you are the half-human son of the late Inu no Taisho,” the demonness declared, smiling knowingly. “Put your sword away; I will not harm you.”
Inuyasha glared distrustfully at her, but nevertheless sheathed Tetsusaiga. The old demonness studied him for several moments, seemingly coming to a decision. “Your aura is strong, hanyou, stronger than most of the full youkai I’ve encountered. I can sense a great inner power within you. That sword was originally your father’s, but you have made it your own.”
Inuyasha shifted awkwardly under her gaze, unused to receiving compliments from anyone, let alone from full-youkai.
“So what’s your point?”
“You can call me Shinobu. My point is that I will help you if you agree to one condition.”
“I’m listening.”
“You must take my daughter as your wife.”