InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Guardian Cu' ❯ Chapter 13 ( Chapter 13 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: Cu Cebhfhion 
in which those who engage in metaphysical discussions realize they should pay attention to what is going on around them
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Drama / Fantasy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.25.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 153 | Status: Work In Progress
in which those who engage in metaphysical discussions realize they should pay attention to what is going on around them
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Comedy / Drama / Fantasy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 04.25.2010 | Pages: 3 | Words: 4.1K | Visits: 153 | Status: Work In Progress
The Characters and World of InuYasha belong entirely to the admirable and talented Rumiko Takahashi. I in no way lay claim to them or make any money off of them.
Cu' the Guardian, aka GinCu' is mine, so is his meadow and the plot of this story.
Chapter Thirteen
I really have no intention of getting into a scrap with you, Cu' said mildly as he swung Shippou off his knee and onto the ground. Before InuYasha could react the gray clad man's left index finger had already reached out and lightly tapped the half demon in the center of his forehead. This simple action instantly transformed the hanyou's fierce scowl into a far off, expressionless stare.
What did you just do to him? Kagome demanded as she worriedly searched her companion's face for any lingering sign of awareness. Is he alright ? The clear note of anxiety highlighting the girl's voice caused both Miroku and Sango to spring up from where they had been sitting, ready to defend their suddenly silent friend if needed.
Quickly motioning at the small group with an abrupt right handed gesture demanding their silence, Cu' knelt down on one knee and repositioned InuYasha's face so that he could look directly into the boy's blank yellow eyes. A profound feeling of serenity enveloped the half demon's concerned friends as they heard their strange host begin to speak in a deeply soothing tone, Be calm now Child. You have endured such grievous misfortune for so very long a time. A considerable amount of enmity has been stored in your heart, an animus which helped you to grow strong and survive. That old life of resentful loneliness though has recently changed for the better. So great a wealth of anger is now detrimental to your survival. Now, you must let some of it go.
Once again using his left index finger, Cu' traced a small circle between InuYasha's eyes. In this hour has come the time to understand that you are truly no longer all alone.
Slowly the half demon's yellow eyes began to focus on Cu's silver ones. He blinked once..twice then said softly, I thought you were only part of an old dream, GinCu'.
You remember me now?
InuYasha nodded, his face alight with an amiable expression quite unlike the one that normally graced his features. Yes, you gave me all the fish and rice I could eat one night...when I was very little. I remember that. You killed an Oni which was coming after me. I remember that too. It is good to see you again, GinCu'.
Cu' sat back down next to the fire, a broad smile on his face. It is good to see you again as well, InuYasha, now that you are in a more rational state of mind.
I remember... a mischievous twinkle suddenly sparkled in the depths of the hanyou's large yellow eyes, You.. You kissed Sesshoumaru. The recollection of that particular memory caused InuYasha to nearly collapse under a paroxysm of cackling laughter. You're one lucky bastard, you know? It's a miracle your lips didn't burn right off...
What?... Huh, he did what?... He kissed who?.... Ewww...and I thought he was smarter than InuYasha.. Exploded as an inquisitive chorus from the temporarily forgotten spectators ranged around the fire.
It wasn't like THAT at all. Cu' calmly watched the half demon's shoulders continue to shake as he unsuccessfully tried to stifle another loud guffaw. Perhaps if I kissed you in the same way that would put things into proper perspective for everyone here.
The unrestrained laughter ceased with Cu' realizing at the same time that he was now only gazing at empty air. Glancing around he quickly found the hanyou's hiding place as the crouching half demon peeked at him cautiously from behind Kagome's right shoulder.
It's plain to see that you apparently haven't matured very much at all, the gray clad man stated dryly.
Well Duh... Kagome loured back over her shoulder, pinning the cowering InuYasha in place with an exasperated frown, Just what do you think you're doing?
Uh..I,uh.. As he stared up sheepishly into her deep brown eyes, trying to find voice for an excuse that wouldn't thoroughly emasculate him in front of his friends, InuYasha's countenance became infused with a look of mature awareness that Kagome had never seen on his face before. He gazed back into her eyes, as though actually seeing her for the first time and a smile of happy recognition played at the corners of his mouth. Grabbing the girl around the waist with both arms, InuYasha sat up and unceremoniously pulled Kagome backwards into his lap. With an impassioned sigh he embraced her in a fervent hug, buried his face in the junction of her neck and shoulder then whispered tenderly I'm doing this.
Gack! Alarmed by his unexpected display of affection, Kagome's body stiffened instantly as her cheeks flared brightly crimson beneath a pair of overly wide brown eyes that would have put a startled owl to shame. What? What are you...Inu.... she vainly tried to push herself up out of the tight band of his enfolding arms in a wild flurry of movement, InuYasha.. stop... it...SI..
Cu' darted forward and tapped the struggling girl on the forehead with his right index finger a second before she could reflexively utter the one word that would, in this case, do irreparable damage to herself. You really do need to learn not to retaliate with that command quite so often, Child, he said with a grin.
A feeling of blissful contentment stole over Kagome as she relaxed and leaned back into the warm comfort of InuYasha's arms. Reaching up with her hand she gently rubbed behind his right ear. I've missed you.. so very much..
InuYasha snuggled in closer, nuzzled her right cheek, inhaled deeply and replied, I've missed you too, there was a small catch in his voice as he added, It's been so long...why has it been so long?
Swiveling around to fully encircle his neck within her arms, Kagome gazed into InuYasha's shining yellow eyes. I don't know, she whispered softly bringing her lips to brush lightly against his, but quit talking, we have much to make up for..
Except for a softly chuckling Cu', the young couple's open mouthed companions all stood around in shocked amazement, unsure of exactly how or why the dynamic between the pair had changed so dramatically. Predictably it was the resourceful monk who recovered his wits first, unfortunately his common sense didn't see fit to accompany them. With a not so innocent smile Miroku turned expectantly to the young woman sitting next to him. My dear Sango, he said in an unmistakably suggestive manner, the glitter of a roguish twinkle lighting up his dark eyes, Since InuYasha and Lady Kagome have so thoughtfully broken the ice...Why don't we..
Uh,oh..Now, you've done it, the Kit's muttered aside presaged by only a heartbeat the almost simultaneous sounds of a sharply ringing, heavy-handed smack accompanied by the dull 'Kerthump' of a body dropping bonelessly into the dirt. Spooked into silence by such noisy competition the crickets in the bushes and the night croakers down by the river ceased their gently harmonious twilight serenade He never learns... Shippou shook his head wearily and rolled his eyes for emphasis as he looked up at Cu'.
Is this bunch always so volatile when it comes to showing their affection for each other? Cu' asked while at the same time watching as the now somewhat giddy monk, sporting one very bright red cheek, slowly tried to pick himself up off the ground.
Pretty much, Miroku gets slapped a lot, InuYasha gets sat a lot ...See what I have to put up with? The Kitsune hopped back up on Cu's knee. So, that story you were telling us...It really was about InuYasha's parents?
Cu' nodded, regarding the child with level silvery gray eyes. I've always thought it was quite charming the way that they met. Giving a quick sideways glance he noted that the demonslayer's anger had already cooled towards the monk who, in an attempt to avoid further injury, was apologizing to her rather profusely for his lascivious lapse in judgment.
If you're the only one besides InuYasha who knows about them meeting like that then.. the Kitsune gave Cu' a speculative look, then you must have had a hand in their getting together.
Let's just say I gave InuYasha's father a shove in the proper direction at the right time.
A low throaty growl masking a seductively low keyed murmur was answered by Kagome's lighthearted giggle.
Shippou sighed heavily, Even so, it's still a story with a sad ending, if it's about InuYasha's parents.
Not at all. A minor tragedy here in the mortal world means nothing at all in terms of eternity. They are both very happy with each other, even now.
Another feminine giggle from the opposite side of the camp echoed the first.
Really? there was a hint of undisguised wonder in the fox boy's voice.
Really, as are your parents. Cu' gave the child a gentle smile.
That simple statement made Shippou grin broadly. My Mama and Papa are together and they're happy?
Yes, they most certainly are. Muffled laughter from both sides of the camp counterpointed Cu's quiet answer to the Kitsune's question.
Shippou's bright green eyes narrowed as he leaned back to get a better look at Cu's face. How would you know?
Because I am a Guardian of Souls and know everything about those entrusted to my care. Why do you think you and your friends accepted my presence here so easily? It was I who released your souls to be born into this world, Child and I who will be there to greet them upon their return.
InuYasha, wasn't so accepting at first, Shippou pointed out.
Well He is a bit of a special case ...
That big idiot's special alright.. Thinking he had grumbled that little remark soundlessly under his breath, Shippou jumped as Cu' thumped him smartly on the top of the head.
Don't speak snidely about what you are in ignorance of, it isn't becoming. The Guardian gave him a reproving frown.
Yeah, but I'm a youkai.. Shippou gave the Guardian an exaggerated scowl as proof of his innate ferocity.
Why so you are, Cu' returned the scowl with an indulgent smile, exactly as I meant you to be.
But, everyone knows Youkai are evil. So I have an excuse to be snide.. His high pitched voice trailed off on a note of uncertainty as Cu' silently mouthed an unmistakable 'No'.
But it doesn't really matter since..Well. Uh, wont I go to a...bad place anyway when I die? A woeful look crept across Shippou's cherubic face.
Like the some seven leveled hell, eternal torment, fire, brimstone, pain everlasting, sit around for eternity bemoaning the fate of your sad sorry ass kind of bad place?
Somewhere nearby something heavy hit the ground with a thump, there was another giggle and an answering moan. A couple of seconds later the sounds were repeated a short distance away.
Well, yeah.. the Kitsune's lower lip trembled slightly, Everyone says youkai automatically go there cause we're evil..
A place of eternal torment in the afterlife is purely a mortal construct designed by the religious to keep believers in line. It is a place that many fear, few think they truly deserve and most spend their spare time wishing others into. While some souls do choose to have that particular experience after the death of their corporeal body, as soon as they grow tired of it they come right back to me. A good little soul like yourself has nothing to worry about.
Greatly relieved to find out that he wasn't in any danger of passing eternity sprinting across burning hot rocks while trying to extinguish his flaming furry tail, Shippou thoughtfully reflected on what Cu' had told him a few moments before asking, But what about the really evil ones..like Naraku?
Good and evil are merely two ways to reach an end. Before each reincarnation a soul purposely chooses which path to take in order to best learn those lessons it needs to obtain enlightenment. Those beings that you would consider truly evil have been enthralled by Chaos and are no longer free to follow either path. While most of them are infant souls that were easily captured because of a combination of inexperience and naivety, a dangerous few, like Naraku, are more mature and were warped into Chaos through outright trickery. Such souls are unable to evolve in a normal manner. They remain trapped at their current level, doomed to repeat the same negative mistakes over and over each time they reincarnate. Part of my job is to eventually reclaim them all.
I bet InuYasha's brother is one of those lost ones, he's pretty evil, the Kitsune said with certainty.
Sesshoumaru? No, not at all. His soul is actually quite old, and not at all evil, in spite of how most seem to view it's present manifestation. Like all of you, he is here for a specific reason.
Shippou's eyes widened at this unexpected tidbit of news. He sure acts evil, if you ask me. Still not entirely convinced of the Daiyoukai's well hidden innocence, the child decided to change the subject, So, if we are here for a reason...what is it?
Cu' arched an eyebrow in amusement as he regarded the inquisitive little boy perched on his knee. You're quite the nosy fellow, aren't you?
If you don't ask questions, you never learn anything..that's what Kagome told me, Shippou stated flatly, crossing his arms across his puffed out chest.
Nodding thoughtfully the Guardian looked the Kitsune in the eye as he replied, You are here to help InuYasha and Kagome aid me in preventing Chaos from claiming more infant souls.
Sango and Miroku too?
Sango and Miroku too.
Shippou was visibly surprised. I thought we were just trying to gather up the shards of the Shikon Jewel.. that and defeat Naraku.
The Jewel is a potent Chaos nexus. It's continued existence in this mortal realm means more and more souls will be enslaved and unable to return to Bliss. With it's eradication the enslavement will be broken, freeing those souls to progress once again and Chaos will have to sit back, take a headfull of lumps and patiently wait for another opportunity to piss me off.
You make it sound like stuff like this happens all the time.
Oh it does. It has, it is and it will again. The cycle is endless. But this particular world is one that has been dedicated to order, that is why life flourishes here. While a certain amount of chaos is necessary to promote the evolution and growth of the souls bound to an orderly realm, the annihilative type of disruption that the Shikon Jewel represents is entirely detrimental to the balance of this world.
Uh..Cu', Shippou cut his eyes away from the Guardian's face to look across the campfire. You know I'm only a little kid, right? the bright green eyes glanced back up at Cu' then cut away again, I think I'm about to see some things I really shouldn't..
Cu' looked over in the direction the kit was indicating and promptly clamped his hand over the fox boy's eyes. Oh my, no wonder it's grown so damn quiet around here.
I don't think it's going to stay that way for long, the Kit said as he tried to pry himself a decent sized peephole between a pair of the long fingers effectively blindfolding him.
The Guardian rapidly waved his other hand, making a short chopping gesture at the young couple, who only moments before had been whispering of their of love for one another. The effect was instantaneous as they both fell deeply asleep in a tangle of limbs and partially discarded clothing before they could finish acting out what they had been professing so ardently. A furtive movement and a sigh over to his left alerted Cu' to the more than friendly reconciliation of the other pair as well and they too were sent down into sleep with another quick wave of the gray clad man's hand.
Peeking up at him with a partially uncovered eye, Shippou asked curiously, Why are they behaving this way? When Kagome and Sango wake up like that things are gonna get pretty ugly around here for InuYasha and Miroku.
Cu' stood up. Firmly tucking Shippou rump forward under his left arm, so that the Kitsune's head was completely covered by the long cascade of the Guardian's thick silver gray hair, he casually strolled over to assess exactly how far along certain things had progressed.
Hey, I can't see anything but a big wad of hair, Shippou protested loudly, as he tried unsuccessfully to squirm out of Cu's unyielding grip.
You're a little kid, you aren't supposed to see anything. Now quit wiggling, you're not getting down. Carefully surveying both pair of entwined couples the Guardian satisfied himself that no one had actually managed to reach a point they would most certainly regret, if only out of embarrassment, should they ever be made aware of it.
In answer to your question..they are behaving this way because of my presence. Cu' took a deep breath and with palm held rigidly upright swept his hand across the area of the camp while at the same time loosening a little of his aura. A bright white light briefly flashed around him, making Shippou suddenly thankful for the convenient protection his eyes were afforded by the dark silver curtain of hair in front of his face. Your four friends are bound souls, my dear Shippou.
What are bound souls? Once the light died away, Shippou began trying to push his way through Cu's hair so that he could at least see something. He figured that asking questions might divert the Guardian's attention away from what he was doing.
Cu' felt the tiny fingers sifting through his hair and smiled at the kit's tenacity. They are souls who reincarnate together, growing closer with each lifetime until they ultimately become one single perfect entity. The souls of Kagome and InuYasha are very close to becoming just such a soul.
Shippou stopped parting hair, That can't be right...InuYasha loves Kagome, but the big moron is in love with Kikyou too.
His mortal self may have some confusion on the issue, but his essence does not. His soul is bound to Kagome's. With me here, they are able to freely recognize each other in a way that they presently can't at this point in their mortal lives.
Swinging the kit around, Cu' set the child down on the ground beside him. The limb entangled couples spilling out of their disarrayed clothing had vanished. Miroku and Sango were sleeping peacefully in their respective bedrolls at a respectable distance from each other. Kagome lay curled up in the downy comfort of her sleeping bag and InuYasha could be seen draped along the thick lower branch of a large tree just at the edge of the campfire's glow. It all looked perfectly normal, perfectly ordinary and Shippou sighed with disappointment.
Sure wish I had my crayons right now..
It's probably better that you don't. If I understand it correctly, your artistic endeavours this afternoon were the major cause of a bit of a fuss. Cu' smiled down at him, and if you're thinking about immortalizing tonight at some future date...
Shippou flashed a sly little grin, then quickly composed his face into a mask of sweet innocence.
You wont remember a bit of it, Cu' finished with a smirk.
Huh? Whadda you mean by that?
That's another effect of being around me in while in a corporeal body, you never remember the experience except maybe as a pleasant dream. Why do you think I told you all this stuff?
Because I wont remember any of it? A small scowl darkened the Kit's normally sunny face. Well that just sucks.
I know you hang around InuYasha but try not to pick up too many of his crude verbal habits. Gently Cu' herded the child over to where Kirara lay sleeping between Miroku and Sango. Now snug down and make yourself comfortable, You have a long road ahead of you tomorrow.
I wont remember anything? Shippou flopped down next to the Firecat and leaned against her side.
I have already given you and the others suggestions that will serve to tweak your personalities for the better so that you may work together more cohesively as a group. I will leave each of you with a few final instructions before I go. These will come to you as ideas that you will believe to be entirely your own. Cu' knelt down next to the Kitsune and watched as he started to settle down for the night.
Uh oh, Shippou abruptly sat back up and pointed toward the far side of the clearing where a pair of glowing white snake-like forms could be seen sinuously floating in and out among the trees. If InuYasha wakes up and sees those Soul Collector's, he'll run off after them to find Kikyou.
Not tonight he wont, nothing will disturb my Children from their peaceful dreams, Cu' reassured the boy. Reaching over with his left hand, he closed the Kitsune's wide green eyes then bent forward and kissed him lightly on the forehead. Have a good sleep little Shippou, he whispered before getting to his feet and visiting all the others with a similar benediction. Not even InuYasha stretched out unconsciously upon his leafy roost was exempt from Cu's parting blessing.
Only Kirara cracked open one large red eye when Cu' returned to the center of the little camp. With a wistful smile, the Guardian looked over at the Firecat and asked softly, Was she indeed happy?
Kirara's quiet mew of assent satisfied him.
Drawing his slender curved sword from the silver scabbard on his hip, Cu' brandished the glowing blade aloft, swung it around in an encompassing circle, then shoved the sharp point into the dirt between his feet. A dome of pale light completely covered the camp and it's sleeping occupants, providing them with an unyielding shield against the unwanted attentions of anything malevolent which might happen by during the night.
I wont be gone long, He told Kirara, who upon hearing this whispered reassurance contentedly lay her head back down on neatly folded paws and returned to her briefly disturbed sleep.
Cu' walked out to greet the Soul Collectors, beckoning them with open palms meet him half way. Obediently they did just that, coming to rest their sharp snouted heads on each of his outstretched hands. It wouldn't do for you to return empty handed. Shall we go visit your mistress?
Giving them both a gentle push, he sent the pair heading back in the direction they had come from, cast one glance over his shoulder at the quiet camp slumbering under the glow of a softly crackling fire, then followed Kikyou's pale messengers into the shadows beneath the trees.
Cu' the Guardian, aka GinCu' is mine, so is his meadow and the plot of this story.
Chapter Thirteen
I really have no intention of getting into a scrap with you, Cu' said mildly as he swung Shippou off his knee and onto the ground. Before InuYasha could react the gray clad man's left index finger had already reached out and lightly tapped the half demon in the center of his forehead. This simple action instantly transformed the hanyou's fierce scowl into a far off, expressionless stare.
What did you just do to him? Kagome demanded as she worriedly searched her companion's face for any lingering sign of awareness. Is he alright ? The clear note of anxiety highlighting the girl's voice caused both Miroku and Sango to spring up from where they had been sitting, ready to defend their suddenly silent friend if needed.
Quickly motioning at the small group with an abrupt right handed gesture demanding their silence, Cu' knelt down on one knee and repositioned InuYasha's face so that he could look directly into the boy's blank yellow eyes. A profound feeling of serenity enveloped the half demon's concerned friends as they heard their strange host begin to speak in a deeply soothing tone, Be calm now Child. You have endured such grievous misfortune for so very long a time. A considerable amount of enmity has been stored in your heart, an animus which helped you to grow strong and survive. That old life of resentful loneliness though has recently changed for the better. So great a wealth of anger is now detrimental to your survival. Now, you must let some of it go.
Once again using his left index finger, Cu' traced a small circle between InuYasha's eyes. In this hour has come the time to understand that you are truly no longer all alone.
Slowly the half demon's yellow eyes began to focus on Cu's silver ones. He blinked once..twice then said softly, I thought you were only part of an old dream, GinCu'.
You remember me now?
InuYasha nodded, his face alight with an amiable expression quite unlike the one that normally graced his features. Yes, you gave me all the fish and rice I could eat one night...when I was very little. I remember that. You killed an Oni which was coming after me. I remember that too. It is good to see you again, GinCu'.
Cu' sat back down next to the fire, a broad smile on his face. It is good to see you again as well, InuYasha, now that you are in a more rational state of mind.
I remember... a mischievous twinkle suddenly sparkled in the depths of the hanyou's large yellow eyes, You.. You kissed Sesshoumaru. The recollection of that particular memory caused InuYasha to nearly collapse under a paroxysm of cackling laughter. You're one lucky bastard, you know? It's a miracle your lips didn't burn right off...
What?... Huh, he did what?... He kissed who?.... Ewww...and I thought he was smarter than InuYasha.. Exploded as an inquisitive chorus from the temporarily forgotten spectators ranged around the fire.
It wasn't like THAT at all. Cu' calmly watched the half demon's shoulders continue to shake as he unsuccessfully tried to stifle another loud guffaw. Perhaps if I kissed you in the same way that would put things into proper perspective for everyone here.
The unrestrained laughter ceased with Cu' realizing at the same time that he was now only gazing at empty air. Glancing around he quickly found the hanyou's hiding place as the crouching half demon peeked at him cautiously from behind Kagome's right shoulder.
It's plain to see that you apparently haven't matured very much at all, the gray clad man stated dryly.
Well Duh... Kagome loured back over her shoulder, pinning the cowering InuYasha in place with an exasperated frown, Just what do you think you're doing?
Uh..I,uh.. As he stared up sheepishly into her deep brown eyes, trying to find voice for an excuse that wouldn't thoroughly emasculate him in front of his friends, InuYasha's countenance became infused with a look of mature awareness that Kagome had never seen on his face before. He gazed back into her eyes, as though actually seeing her for the first time and a smile of happy recognition played at the corners of his mouth. Grabbing the girl around the waist with both arms, InuYasha sat up and unceremoniously pulled Kagome backwards into his lap. With an impassioned sigh he embraced her in a fervent hug, buried his face in the junction of her neck and shoulder then whispered tenderly I'm doing this.
Gack! Alarmed by his unexpected display of affection, Kagome's body stiffened instantly as her cheeks flared brightly crimson beneath a pair of overly wide brown eyes that would have put a startled owl to shame. What? What are you...Inu.... she vainly tried to push herself up out of the tight band of his enfolding arms in a wild flurry of movement, InuYasha.. stop... it...SI..
Cu' darted forward and tapped the struggling girl on the forehead with his right index finger a second before she could reflexively utter the one word that would, in this case, do irreparable damage to herself. You really do need to learn not to retaliate with that command quite so often, Child, he said with a grin.
A feeling of blissful contentment stole over Kagome as she relaxed and leaned back into the warm comfort of InuYasha's arms. Reaching up with her hand she gently rubbed behind his right ear. I've missed you.. so very much..
InuYasha snuggled in closer, nuzzled her right cheek, inhaled deeply and replied, I've missed you too, there was a small catch in his voice as he added, It's been so long...why has it been so long?
Swiveling around to fully encircle his neck within her arms, Kagome gazed into InuYasha's shining yellow eyes. I don't know, she whispered softly bringing her lips to brush lightly against his, but quit talking, we have much to make up for..
Except for a softly chuckling Cu', the young couple's open mouthed companions all stood around in shocked amazement, unsure of exactly how or why the dynamic between the pair had changed so dramatically. Predictably it was the resourceful monk who recovered his wits first, unfortunately his common sense didn't see fit to accompany them. With a not so innocent smile Miroku turned expectantly to the young woman sitting next to him. My dear Sango, he said in an unmistakably suggestive manner, the glitter of a roguish twinkle lighting up his dark eyes, Since InuYasha and Lady Kagome have so thoughtfully broken the ice...Why don't we..
Uh,oh..Now, you've done it, the Kit's muttered aside presaged by only a heartbeat the almost simultaneous sounds of a sharply ringing, heavy-handed smack accompanied by the dull 'Kerthump' of a body dropping bonelessly into the dirt. Spooked into silence by such noisy competition the crickets in the bushes and the night croakers down by the river ceased their gently harmonious twilight serenade He never learns... Shippou shook his head wearily and rolled his eyes for emphasis as he looked up at Cu'.
Is this bunch always so volatile when it comes to showing their affection for each other? Cu' asked while at the same time watching as the now somewhat giddy monk, sporting one very bright red cheek, slowly tried to pick himself up off the ground.
Pretty much, Miroku gets slapped a lot, InuYasha gets sat a lot ...See what I have to put up with? The Kitsune hopped back up on Cu's knee. So, that story you were telling us...It really was about InuYasha's parents?
Cu' nodded, regarding the child with level silvery gray eyes. I've always thought it was quite charming the way that they met. Giving a quick sideways glance he noted that the demonslayer's anger had already cooled towards the monk who, in an attempt to avoid further injury, was apologizing to her rather profusely for his lascivious lapse in judgment.
If you're the only one besides InuYasha who knows about them meeting like that then.. the Kitsune gave Cu' a speculative look, then you must have had a hand in their getting together.
Let's just say I gave InuYasha's father a shove in the proper direction at the right time.
A low throaty growl masking a seductively low keyed murmur was answered by Kagome's lighthearted giggle.
Shippou sighed heavily, Even so, it's still a story with a sad ending, if it's about InuYasha's parents.
Not at all. A minor tragedy here in the mortal world means nothing at all in terms of eternity. They are both very happy with each other, even now.
Another feminine giggle from the opposite side of the camp echoed the first.
Really? there was a hint of undisguised wonder in the fox boy's voice.
Really, as are your parents. Cu' gave the child a gentle smile.
That simple statement made Shippou grin broadly. My Mama and Papa are together and they're happy?
Yes, they most certainly are. Muffled laughter from both sides of the camp counterpointed Cu's quiet answer to the Kitsune's question.
Shippou's bright green eyes narrowed as he leaned back to get a better look at Cu's face. How would you know?
Because I am a Guardian of Souls and know everything about those entrusted to my care. Why do you think you and your friends accepted my presence here so easily? It was I who released your souls to be born into this world, Child and I who will be there to greet them upon their return.
InuYasha, wasn't so accepting at first, Shippou pointed out.
Well He is a bit of a special case ...
That big idiot's special alright.. Thinking he had grumbled that little remark soundlessly under his breath, Shippou jumped as Cu' thumped him smartly on the top of the head.
Don't speak snidely about what you are in ignorance of, it isn't becoming. The Guardian gave him a reproving frown.
Yeah, but I'm a youkai.. Shippou gave the Guardian an exaggerated scowl as proof of his innate ferocity.
Why so you are, Cu' returned the scowl with an indulgent smile, exactly as I meant you to be.
But, everyone knows Youkai are evil. So I have an excuse to be snide.. His high pitched voice trailed off on a note of uncertainty as Cu' silently mouthed an unmistakable 'No'.
But it doesn't really matter since..Well. Uh, wont I go to a...bad place anyway when I die? A woeful look crept across Shippou's cherubic face.
Like the some seven leveled hell, eternal torment, fire, brimstone, pain everlasting, sit around for eternity bemoaning the fate of your sad sorry ass kind of bad place?
Somewhere nearby something heavy hit the ground with a thump, there was another giggle and an answering moan. A couple of seconds later the sounds were repeated a short distance away.
Well, yeah.. the Kitsune's lower lip trembled slightly, Everyone says youkai automatically go there cause we're evil..
A place of eternal torment in the afterlife is purely a mortal construct designed by the religious to keep believers in line. It is a place that many fear, few think they truly deserve and most spend their spare time wishing others into. While some souls do choose to have that particular experience after the death of their corporeal body, as soon as they grow tired of it they come right back to me. A good little soul like yourself has nothing to worry about.
Greatly relieved to find out that he wasn't in any danger of passing eternity sprinting across burning hot rocks while trying to extinguish his flaming furry tail, Shippou thoughtfully reflected on what Cu' had told him a few moments before asking, But what about the really evil ones..like Naraku?
Good and evil are merely two ways to reach an end. Before each reincarnation a soul purposely chooses which path to take in order to best learn those lessons it needs to obtain enlightenment. Those beings that you would consider truly evil have been enthralled by Chaos and are no longer free to follow either path. While most of them are infant souls that were easily captured because of a combination of inexperience and naivety, a dangerous few, like Naraku, are more mature and were warped into Chaos through outright trickery. Such souls are unable to evolve in a normal manner. They remain trapped at their current level, doomed to repeat the same negative mistakes over and over each time they reincarnate. Part of my job is to eventually reclaim them all.
I bet InuYasha's brother is one of those lost ones, he's pretty evil, the Kitsune said with certainty.
Sesshoumaru? No, not at all. His soul is actually quite old, and not at all evil, in spite of how most seem to view it's present manifestation. Like all of you, he is here for a specific reason.
Shippou's eyes widened at this unexpected tidbit of news. He sure acts evil, if you ask me. Still not entirely convinced of the Daiyoukai's well hidden innocence, the child decided to change the subject, So, if we are here for a reason...what is it?
Cu' arched an eyebrow in amusement as he regarded the inquisitive little boy perched on his knee. You're quite the nosy fellow, aren't you?
If you don't ask questions, you never learn anything..that's what Kagome told me, Shippou stated flatly, crossing his arms across his puffed out chest.
Nodding thoughtfully the Guardian looked the Kitsune in the eye as he replied, You are here to help InuYasha and Kagome aid me in preventing Chaos from claiming more infant souls.
Sango and Miroku too?
Sango and Miroku too.
Shippou was visibly surprised. I thought we were just trying to gather up the shards of the Shikon Jewel.. that and defeat Naraku.
The Jewel is a potent Chaos nexus. It's continued existence in this mortal realm means more and more souls will be enslaved and unable to return to Bliss. With it's eradication the enslavement will be broken, freeing those souls to progress once again and Chaos will have to sit back, take a headfull of lumps and patiently wait for another opportunity to piss me off.
You make it sound like stuff like this happens all the time.
Oh it does. It has, it is and it will again. The cycle is endless. But this particular world is one that has been dedicated to order, that is why life flourishes here. While a certain amount of chaos is necessary to promote the evolution and growth of the souls bound to an orderly realm, the annihilative type of disruption that the Shikon Jewel represents is entirely detrimental to the balance of this world.
Uh..Cu', Shippou cut his eyes away from the Guardian's face to look across the campfire. You know I'm only a little kid, right? the bright green eyes glanced back up at Cu' then cut away again, I think I'm about to see some things I really shouldn't..
Cu' looked over in the direction the kit was indicating and promptly clamped his hand over the fox boy's eyes. Oh my, no wonder it's grown so damn quiet around here.
I don't think it's going to stay that way for long, the Kit said as he tried to pry himself a decent sized peephole between a pair of the long fingers effectively blindfolding him.
The Guardian rapidly waved his other hand, making a short chopping gesture at the young couple, who only moments before had been whispering of their of love for one another. The effect was instantaneous as they both fell deeply asleep in a tangle of limbs and partially discarded clothing before they could finish acting out what they had been professing so ardently. A furtive movement and a sigh over to his left alerted Cu' to the more than friendly reconciliation of the other pair as well and they too were sent down into sleep with another quick wave of the gray clad man's hand.
Peeking up at him with a partially uncovered eye, Shippou asked curiously, Why are they behaving this way? When Kagome and Sango wake up like that things are gonna get pretty ugly around here for InuYasha and Miroku.
Cu' stood up. Firmly tucking Shippou rump forward under his left arm, so that the Kitsune's head was completely covered by the long cascade of the Guardian's thick silver gray hair, he casually strolled over to assess exactly how far along certain things had progressed.
Hey, I can't see anything but a big wad of hair, Shippou protested loudly, as he tried unsuccessfully to squirm out of Cu's unyielding grip.
You're a little kid, you aren't supposed to see anything. Now quit wiggling, you're not getting down. Carefully surveying both pair of entwined couples the Guardian satisfied himself that no one had actually managed to reach a point they would most certainly regret, if only out of embarrassment, should they ever be made aware of it.
In answer to your question..they are behaving this way because of my presence. Cu' took a deep breath and with palm held rigidly upright swept his hand across the area of the camp while at the same time loosening a little of his aura. A bright white light briefly flashed around him, making Shippou suddenly thankful for the convenient protection his eyes were afforded by the dark silver curtain of hair in front of his face. Your four friends are bound souls, my dear Shippou.
What are bound souls? Once the light died away, Shippou began trying to push his way through Cu's hair so that he could at least see something. He figured that asking questions might divert the Guardian's attention away from what he was doing.
Cu' felt the tiny fingers sifting through his hair and smiled at the kit's tenacity. They are souls who reincarnate together, growing closer with each lifetime until they ultimately become one single perfect entity. The souls of Kagome and InuYasha are very close to becoming just such a soul.
Shippou stopped parting hair, That can't be right...InuYasha loves Kagome, but the big moron is in love with Kikyou too.
His mortal self may have some confusion on the issue, but his essence does not. His soul is bound to Kagome's. With me here, they are able to freely recognize each other in a way that they presently can't at this point in their mortal lives.
Swinging the kit around, Cu' set the child down on the ground beside him. The limb entangled couples spilling out of their disarrayed clothing had vanished. Miroku and Sango were sleeping peacefully in their respective bedrolls at a respectable distance from each other. Kagome lay curled up in the downy comfort of her sleeping bag and InuYasha could be seen draped along the thick lower branch of a large tree just at the edge of the campfire's glow. It all looked perfectly normal, perfectly ordinary and Shippou sighed with disappointment.
Sure wish I had my crayons right now..
It's probably better that you don't. If I understand it correctly, your artistic endeavours this afternoon were the major cause of a bit of a fuss. Cu' smiled down at him, and if you're thinking about immortalizing tonight at some future date...
Shippou flashed a sly little grin, then quickly composed his face into a mask of sweet innocence.
You wont remember a bit of it, Cu' finished with a smirk.
Huh? Whadda you mean by that?
That's another effect of being around me in while in a corporeal body, you never remember the experience except maybe as a pleasant dream. Why do you think I told you all this stuff?
Because I wont remember any of it? A small scowl darkened the Kit's normally sunny face. Well that just sucks.
I know you hang around InuYasha but try not to pick up too many of his crude verbal habits. Gently Cu' herded the child over to where Kirara lay sleeping between Miroku and Sango. Now snug down and make yourself comfortable, You have a long road ahead of you tomorrow.
I wont remember anything? Shippou flopped down next to the Firecat and leaned against her side.
I have already given you and the others suggestions that will serve to tweak your personalities for the better so that you may work together more cohesively as a group. I will leave each of you with a few final instructions before I go. These will come to you as ideas that you will believe to be entirely your own. Cu' knelt down next to the Kitsune and watched as he started to settle down for the night.
Uh oh, Shippou abruptly sat back up and pointed toward the far side of the clearing where a pair of glowing white snake-like forms could be seen sinuously floating in and out among the trees. If InuYasha wakes up and sees those Soul Collector's, he'll run off after them to find Kikyou.
Not tonight he wont, nothing will disturb my Children from their peaceful dreams, Cu' reassured the boy. Reaching over with his left hand, he closed the Kitsune's wide green eyes then bent forward and kissed him lightly on the forehead. Have a good sleep little Shippou, he whispered before getting to his feet and visiting all the others with a similar benediction. Not even InuYasha stretched out unconsciously upon his leafy roost was exempt from Cu's parting blessing.
Only Kirara cracked open one large red eye when Cu' returned to the center of the little camp. With a wistful smile, the Guardian looked over at the Firecat and asked softly, Was she indeed happy?
Kirara's quiet mew of assent satisfied him.
Drawing his slender curved sword from the silver scabbard on his hip, Cu' brandished the glowing blade aloft, swung it around in an encompassing circle, then shoved the sharp point into the dirt between his feet. A dome of pale light completely covered the camp and it's sleeping occupants, providing them with an unyielding shield against the unwanted attentions of anything malevolent which might happen by during the night.
I wont be gone long, He told Kirara, who upon hearing this whispered reassurance contentedly lay her head back down on neatly folded paws and returned to her briefly disturbed sleep.
Cu' walked out to greet the Soul Collectors, beckoning them with open palms meet him half way. Obediently they did just that, coming to rest their sharp snouted heads on each of his outstretched hands. It wouldn't do for you to return empty handed. Shall we go visit your mistress?
Giving them both a gentle push, he sent the pair heading back in the direction they had come from, cast one glance over his shoulder at the quiet camp slumbering under the glow of a softly crackling fire, then followed Kikyou's pale messengers into the shadows beneath the trees.