InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Inutaisho Legacy ❯ The Clues Unravel ( Chapter 11 )

And you're in for more of chaos from this inu's head. I hope you find something of use from this chapter after I've picked the fluff from my brain. Yeah I got to update before New Years! Hope you enjoy.

 

All thanks must extend to the wondrous InuSkye for supplying the basic plot for this sequel. Really, nothing would be happening if it weren't for her, she is my muse for this inu tale! Give her a hand, people.

 

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Fanfiction dot net:

 

Angeldreamer21: Happy holidays to you and thanks again for the kind words ^_~ I love seeing your name here.

 

Inuyasha's chick: Haha all I can say is “you'll see”… I must continue to be cryptic! You're calling me wise? Wow, I really will get a big head…. Wise guy maybe ^_~

 

The best author, etc: Hope you found this when you get back online! Thanks for searching for my story (bounces around happy-like)

 

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Adult Fanfiction dot net:

 

Inuskye: you get two mentions! Double kudos for my inu, inu-love!

 

Sal: (wince) I realize I made Inuyasha into a real butt, didn't I! I kind of reread it and winced. Like above. (hehehe….) See, its reviews that make me see any slights on my part, so I like hearing what everyone has to say! I love ya, dude. (That's why Yash is more contrite here…like the family man he is! He was just on his human pms in the last chapter or something)

 

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Shadowhawk: Yes you are very accurate! A nice kid makes all the difference for estranged family members. Little Sword should be able to bridge a lot of stuff…..

 

Syko: Well heheh I guess Inutaro's a little crazy. Or he can see Sesshmo won't harm him one bit. Sessh let him bite him and everything!

 

SapphireBlade: Best wishes to you! I hope you enjoy this one and happy new year! May your family be blessed.

 

Inugrrrl: (kowtows to the insanity master) Yesssss! Once again, our inugrrl has spread the craaaaziness! Sorry if I bugged you, I hadn't checked reviews for days, kind of lost my mind in rl stuff…. But I hope you like this one! Sorry, no slipping on dick in this one…. (snaps fingers) Darn!

 

Flicker and Blaze: Oooh a new name. Well, you shall be honored here. Thank you for reviewing! A fan? Of my work? (looks around) I'll really get a big head today…

 

Morgan: Blessed be! Happy (western) new year to you! Hope you enjoy this. (bounces around) Well-written? Come on, I know I should accept compliments as they are, but I cant' fit through the front door anymore! (laugh)

 

Disclaimer: Penpaninu does not claim to own Inuyasha in any way shape or form, nor is making any profit off of writing this dribble. Nor does penpaninu own the notion of roasted newt being a delicacy: that was solely from Miyazaki's Spirited Away.

What are you doing reading this? You'll make me think this story is good or something!

 

 

“The Inutaisho Legacy” chapter eleven

The Clues Unravel

 

Stillness. Emptiness. Kagome opened her eyes to it and welcomed the still shades of gray and white. A tone dripped like water striking a single drop. The sound reverberated though nothingness. Kagome turned and walked, following the path to the sound's origin. She thought it was passing strange that she could not see where she was going, but knew how she must get there.

Kohaku was waiting for her, tapping the tip of his scythe against the rock he was sitting on. Kagome stopped opposite him and smoothed her long kimono. It was a splendid garment of royalty that trailed a foot behind her when she walked. Yet it was not heavy to move in at all.

 

Kohaku looked up and his face split into an easy grin, though his kind eyes were slightly pained. He was not guarded near her, Kagome found, he just held the sadness enlightenment can bring when faced with humanity once more.

“Lady Kagome,” he greeted and sprang to his feet. Kohaku tucked away his weapon through his shirt's sash and stood ready, his thin legs long and bare as usual. Kagome looked surprised as the specter of the boy bowed low at the waist.

 

“Lady Kagome….” Numerous bodiless voices murmured with Kohaku. “Lady Kagome….”

“What is this place?” Kagome came straight to the point as she knew she must. Somehow, she knew this must be a dream and she did not have enough time.

“It is where the wishes are gathered and made. Only the pure of heart may enter now,” Kohaku chirped, his voice bright. His intelligent eyes lit with a somber and old light however.

 

“I don't understand,” Kagome said. An inkling of an answer nagged at the corner of her subconscious but for now the answer eluded her. Kohaku's old eyes watched Kagome slowly.

“It will come to you, Lady Kagome. The answer is ever close to you.”

“What answer?”

 

Kohaku went on as if he hadn't heard. His voice held the timbre of a thousand: men, women and youkai all.

“The answer that will bridge the house of your family. Brothers should be united and the next generation will close the gap they have surely made.”

“Do you mean Rin? Or….” Kagome began.

Kohaku spread his palms beatifically and smiled apologetically. His dark eyes glowed with the light of an enlightened star.

 

“I am sorry, Lady Kagome. That is all that is allowed for you at this time.” The smile on the boy's lips hinted at simpler times long past. “Please tell my sister that I am truly sorry for all that has happened with Naraku.”

Kohaku's thin form gleamed as bright as the sun.

Kagome shielded her eyes with her wide sleeves.

 

“Wait!” she called desperately. “Tell me what to do! Kohaku-san!”

“I cannot,” the being that was Kohaku faded, the timbre of a thousand androgynous voices mixed as one. “We make our own pure wish that you succeed where brothers have failed.”

“Wait!”

The sun burst.

 

Kagome woke gently, her sleepy eyes staring at the ceiling. A slow tear wound down her cheek. She would have to tell Sango about the obvious part of this vision, but the rest…. the rest was new material. At her side, Inuyasha slumbered deeply, his thin chest rising and falling with his doggish snores. Kagome pressed close to his side, slinging an arm over his waist under the coverlets. Strange, the scar in her side where the Shikon had come from was red hot to the touch. It ached to be held.

Kagome closed her eyes to rest. She would have a headache enough from these brothers as it was.

 

* * * *

 

Breakfast was a noisy affair as usual. Inuyasha and Sesshomaru battled verbally back and forth while Rin cooed over Inutaro, taking him at off times so Kagome could get a bite or two in. Jaken stomped up and down when Inutaro spewed up on him, adding to the cacophony. Sesshomaru thrust one boot under the low table and knocked his retainer on his back with one smooth kick. Inuyasha wound up guffawing at the goblin's misfortune as Rin and Kagome chided him and helped Jaken to his feet.

 

“My lord, you could be more lenient to him!” Rin gently chastised her mate. Sesshomaru raised one fine eyebrow and regarded Rin coolly. Rin knew he would allow her the moment to smooth over their servant so she brushed off Jaken's tunic carefully.

Jaken went cross-eyed and leaned on his Staff. “My thanks, Rin-sama!”

 

“That is all right, Jaken-sama,” Rin smiled brightly. Kagome juggled Inutaro against her shoulder and brought her chopsticks to her mouth. Inutaro giggled and tried to stop the food from reaching his mother's mouth. Inuyasha wound up laughing even more. At a cool angry look from her mate, the hanyou took his son and flew him up and down in the air.

 

“Waaaaaaah!….Waaaaaaah!” Inutaro crowed as he was lifted high above his father's head, then down to his chest and back again. Sesshomaru's pointed ears twitched and a headache threatened to form between his eyes.

“Must you rile him so, Inuyasha?” Sesshomaru murmured lowly. Kagome was too busy filling her mouth while she had the chance to add a comment. Inuyasha glared righteously at his half brother and patted Inutaro's back. His pup made hiccupping giggling sounds, somewhat out of breath, but he was all right.

 

“I bet you a bucket of roasted newt that you'll be doing the same thing when you get your own kid,” Inuyasha said smoothly. Sesshomaru watched Inuyasha quietly as was his way. Kagome only coughed, stared then beamed. Inuyasha really was making an effort!

When Sesshomaru leaned over to exchange a quiet word with her, it still made Kagome flinch, and Inuyasha noticed each moment that happened. But he was making an effort to be civil since she was, and more importantly Sesshomaru was.

 

“Kagome-sama, shall we do our stretches this morning?” Rin asked softly. Kagome looked over at the younger woman and nodded.

“Light clothing again. I have something you can borrow,” she offered. Inuyasha growled at his brother.

“No looking at them while they're half dressed,” he warned. Inutaro gave an experimental hiss, and stuck his tongue out. Sesshomaru's eye twitched.

“I believe this Sesshomaru is entitled to see his Lady at any time of day no matter what she may be doing.”

 

Inuyasha groaned good-naturedly and buried his face into his son's shoulder. Inutaro patted the top of his head softly and murmured a babble to soothe him.

“Either way, just no looking!” he insisted. Sesshomaru decided to humor his brother, especially with Rin watching so intently.

 

“This Sesshomaru has many meetings this morning. Does that satisfy you?”

Inuyasha pretended to think long and hard.

 

“Yeah, it does.”

 

“Very well,” Sesshomaru added. The two stared at each other. Kagome coughed and she and Rin rose up together.

“Can you still watch Inutaro, Inuyasha?” Kagome asked sweetly. Her mate's eyes softened and he nodded. He knew he had been out of line before he had his fun beating up some youkai maids the other day. Kagome needed his support for doing this one thing she really didn't have to and he had just been so obstinate.

 

“Course I can, mate! Me an' the little guy will have fun,” Inuyasha said. Inutaro hugged his neck and closed his eyes. Sesshomaru swept out of the dining hall with Jaken in tow. Rin took in his warm gaze and bowed her head gracefully when he passed. Kagome followed Rin out into the gardens.

 

Alone at the low table that could easily sit a hundred, Inuyasha held his son up to his face. “I hope you don't take any bad attitude from your old man. Now your mama….” At the magic word, Inutaro looked around with his bright eyes and pouted when he didn't see her. Inuyasha chuckled and tapped his son on the nose. “Your mama is a gift from her kami, and your old man is lucky she decided to love a lost pup like me.”

Inutaro yawned widely and pressed against Inuyasha's neck.

 

“And your old man is lucky to have gotten you off your mama….”

 

* * * *

 

Hida huffed and knelt down to pull a few weeds. Shippou lay on his back, one ankle crossed over his knee and waved one finger. A pair of screaming shrieking magic mushrooms bounced over and helped Hida yank up an especially tough to get weed. Hida growled in triumph and regarded his future son-in-law with a wary glare.

 

Shippou grinned in response. Hida barked in laughter.

“Maybe your fox tricks aren't so bad! My daughters in for some time of it with you for a husband.”

“My thanks, Father-in-law…. I think,” Shippou said wryly. Hida chuckled and ambled down to sit next to the prone kitsune.

“Tell me, Shippou-kun…. Tell me what those hunter's intentions are to my Akane and Satsuki?” Hida demurred. Shippou swallowed and looked up at the immense mountain of a human.

 

All of a sudden he couldn't get the image of Kyoko's sleek thighs or her pert breasts out of his mind's eye and he tried not to pant at the memory of such sweet caress. But could you tell that to your future in-law?? Shippou coughed and turned red as his topknot, sitting up to clear his throat.

“Ah!…That is…. Blah!” Shippou's head flew between his spread knees as Hida clapped him HARD on the back.

“Out with it, fox boy! You sure choke on words easily,” Hida observed. Shippou coughed and looked up through reddened eyes.

`No, but I'm sure you'll make me choke on your fist if I don't answer well enough…..'

 

“I'm sure their intentions are honorable enough, Hida-san! That Daisuke-kun, you don't have to worry about him. He's a regular straight arrow, you can't deter him from his path.” Shippou said. His words were filled with confidence for his friend's mature status.

Hida scowled immediately. “And the other one?”

 

“Shun…..” Shippou breathed a sigh of relief that Miroku hadn't sent Ataru or Yusaku. Those two were always trouble for the ladies. “Well, Shun needs more focus…but he's a hunter of honor. Those two, will guard your daughters as well as the village.”

 

Hida nodded, gruffly satisfied. “It is time I was off to see what my Megumi was making for dinner. You will join us tonight, won't you Fox boy?”

Shippou nodded and picked up a bamboo broom. “Of course I will Father-in-law.”

Until the marriage was held, the couple spent alternating nights eating alone in Shippou's hut which would house them and future offspring, or with her family to appease her parent's that time would be spent before she had a family of her own.

 

“Maybe I should find those daughters of mine…” Hida grumbled as he ambled off between the rows of rice paddies back to his hut. Shippou caught a glimpse of dark hair behind a hedge and smiled. Satsuki, or Akane more than likely. He was intent on following their path until Kyoko surprised him with a hug and he turned his attention to the woman he loved.

 

* * * *

 

Daisuke walked along the village perimeter and smiled, hearing the soft tread of Akane's bare feet behind him. She tried to sneak up on him, but every time his sharp ears and observation pointed her out. Akane could only pout and claim she would surprise him one time. For now, he would let her think she had the upper hand. When the soft patter ended right at his back, Daisuke turned and swept one arm quickly around the girl's slender waist.

 

“Daisuke-san!” Akane gasped, then pouted, pushing on his shoulder. “You heard me the whole time! And you let me think I had you….”

Daisuke regarded her seriously and set her back down. “But you do have me. You have me right where you want me,” he said passionately. Akane blushed and stroked a lock of hair out of her eyes.

“I think you're right, Daisuke-san…but what should I do with you” she asked. Daisuke's heart swelled at her frank innocence and he sat down against a tree at the edge of the forest. He leaned his yari back against the tree and looked up at the girl who found him a catch.

 

“Perhaps we should sit awhile,” Daisuke urged. Akane blushed and knelt at his side, smoothing her yukata over her knees. Daisuke wore only a haori tied over his fundoshi today and she had gotten glimpses of his strong thighs. Daisuke spread his knees and watched the girl's red face.

 

“Here now, you'll turn red as a tomato,” Daisuke said, smoothing a thumb down Akane's flushed cheek. Akane stammered and smiled.

“It is only because you are…so wonderful,” she said and Daisuke's heart sank at her curious naivety.

“If Miroku-san asks my friend and I back, would you like I asked your father if I could come back solely to see you?” Daisuke asked suddenly. Akane's heart leaped and she nodded quickly.

 

“I would like that so very much!” she chirped. Daisuke nodded, his eyes darkening and he cupped Akane's face, bringing her lips close to his.

“And I would like to keep seeing you….” Akane shivered and clung to her hunter as he helped her explore the careful edges of passion he could invoke between them. He made her feel so safe, as was his profession, but his hands and arms could make her feel she was the only person in the world he could see in this way.

And it made Akane feel happy. She could only mildly wonder if her sister felt the same way chasing after Hunter Shun. But Daisuke's kisses made her forget anyone's situation but her own and she hugged him round the neck, happy to be pulled into his lap.

 

Well across the village, Shun and Satsuki were locked in a similar embrace, hidden from Hida's watchful gaze.

 

* * * *

 

Kagome and Inuyasha visited Sango and Miroku on the way home to the Bone Eater's Well, and took their time in the modern era to adjust to the comforts a five hundred year difference could have for nerves and availability. Kagome had school and Inuyasha, whatever fool errand Jii-chan thought was accurate penance or `work'.

As the two eased back into a patterned schedule that routine helped dictate, Kagome could only wonder over her intense dream walking to meet Kohaku. Kohaku had been healed and joined with the Pure Shikon Jewel. How could he have met her in her dreams to talk to her, even for a moment? Everything had happened so fast after her exhausted heart had made her pure wish after Naraku and Inuyasha's fall to death, that she knew not what had happened to the Jewel.

Nobody, Kagome reflected, could begin to tell her what had happened to it. She had fainted after making her wish and everyone had been surprised by Sesshomaru's abduction of her unconscious person, to even want to fathom or notice the Jewel's whereabouts. Had it vanished? Flown off into the heavens? Attracted a traveling child or priest, someone of pure heart to hold it safe?

 

Kagome had always thought the Jewel would be no more after it's quest was completed. There was no use for it, even the pure of heart should not rely on finding it to serve pure wishes. Even the most innocent and more honest of wishes could not be guaranteed by a holy item of immense power. Kagome knew the answer would be in one owns powers, but she only grimaced when she came to that conclusion. The Jewel was around wasn't it? Is that how Kohaku could reach out to speak to her with cryptic words of undulating riddles?

 

“I really think the kami have a screw loose when they send someone to talk to us mortals…” Kagome muttered. She flipped a page in her textbook and ran her toes over her son's belly. Inutaro clutched her bare foot and hugged it, cooing up at her. Kagome smiled down at him and watched her son rock back and forth holding onto her toes.

“You should wear yourself out, instead of your papa,” Kagome whispered. Inuyasha was passed out on her bed, a pillow pressed over his eyes. His open mouth sprayed a line of drool down his chin.

 

Inutaro giggled and rocked over on his side, pushing Kagome's foot away. “Brrrrrrrrm,” he answered seriously. Kagome chewed on the end of her pencil and reached down to pick up the baby.

 

“Somehow, I don't think the answer for your aunt-in-law is going to be solved with herbs and plants,” Kagome confided. Inutaro bobbed a nod and clung to her shoulders with small fists.

“I think the answer is far more simple in some ways….”

 

“Huh whad't ya say, Kagomaaay?” Inuyasha mumbled, eyes still closed. Kagome patted his knee and cradled Inutaro against her shoulder.

“I'm trying to figure out this puzzle…” Kagome said. Inuyasha snored in response. Kagome sighed and patted her son's back.

 

“Thanks for the help, husband….” She muttered. Inutaro crowed in response. Kagome reflected deeply that each kind moment she and Sesshomaru shared to discuss the Lady Rin's delicate situation, that her answer was closer at hand in the orbs of the Inu Lord's contrite golden eyes.

 

* * * *

 

A week later, Kagome decided to have a meeting with a similar woman about her continuing dreams. Kohaku did not visit as vividly as the first time, but his words were ever plaguing her dreams. And Kagome felt she should tell his sister about Kohaku's presence in her subconscious.

 

“Kagome, Inuyasha, welcome!” Sango waved. Miroku wore Nozomi in a sling around his front and waved with his staff as the exterminator ran up ahead to catch the other woman in a tight hug.

Kagome laughed and squeezed Sango close, the two women giggling together. Inuyasha sighed, but indulged their time together. Inutaro wriggled in his own sling on his father's back and cried out to be brought closer to Nozomi. The little girl's eyes brightened and she craned her head around to find him.

 

“How have you been?” Sango asked, giggling. Hikaru hugged her leg and was carried along with the hunter's strong stride. Kagome linked arms with her best friend as their men took care of the rest of the children.

“Well, it's about a few dreams I've had….about Kohaku…”

 

* * * *

 

Days passed. Kagome and Inutaro were staying at the Inu palace once more. Inuyasha groused to himself that his mate had become far more secretive on her planning to solve the situation. She may be onto something, or she may be going crazy, Inuyasha thought. He hoped Kagome would handle her spiritual concerns carefully.

He was sitting in Sesshomaru's study. Lord Sesshomaru's study, as the trappings and decorations boasted and claimed. Inuyasha crossed his arms and sat on his knees, waiting for his pompous sibling's arrival. Why had he called him here? Sometimes Sesshomaru really gave him indigestion….

 

Jaken trotted in front of the Inu Lord and cleared his throat. “His Lordship, Sesshomaru-sama, Lord of the Western Lands and Holder of its…”

“Jaken,” Sesshomaru rumbled, sweeping past the toad. His kimono flared with the movement. Jaken quailed and threw himself on his knees.

“Yes, Sesshomaru-sama! This Jaken will be silent….”

 

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, copying Sesshomaru's example, and regarded him.

“So what is this about? Huh?”

 

Sesshomaru knelt opposite his brother and rested his only hand on his knee. Rather idle conversation was exchanged until a question that Inuyasha was burning to know the answer to flew out of his lips.

 

“Just why did you take Rin for your mate? How…how can you think you can treat Rin right after the way you hate humans?” Inuyasha licked his lip, as silence reigned in the study. Sesshomaru watched his brother with timeless golden eyes and parted his lips to answer.

 

“You misunderstand the feeling, if there is supposed to be a feeling for it,” the composed lord said. “This Sesshomaru does not hate humans. This Sesshomaru does not hate anyone, as everyone is beneath this Sesshomaru.”

Sesshomaru watched the hanyou bristle in response, as if he had called him unworthy of his attention. Best to continue. “This Sesshomaru is cool towards humanity for attempting to bring themselves to his level, but that is beside the point. Inuyasha. Have you known absolute loyalty from anyone?”

 

Inuyasha looked confused. “Of course! Kagome! Who else?” he demanded, clasping his knees. Sesshomaru nodded, glad his sibling could see the point.

“The most simple loyalty is the most pure and by far the most strong, and Rin who has followed this Sesshomaru has always held that for her lord. That is why I have chosen her for Lady of the Western Lands.”

 

Inuyasha shook his head. There was more to it than that! Couldn't Sesshomaru see that at all? “She shouldn't be your follower, but your equal!”

A pregnant pause stretched a mental eternity. Sesshomaru spoke once more as Inuyasha's impassioned words had time to sink into his brain several times and leave their impact and truth.

 

“She became the equal of this Sesshomaru's heart, even if she is seen as merely a follower in court Father left this Sesshomaru,” Sesshomaru murmured. Inuyasha's jaw dropped slightly, then he recovered himself. What was his half-brother becoming? He had never acted this way before! Inuyasha would always be wary of a trick or a battle, but he decided to hear Sesshomaru's words and trust their meaning.

 

“You know, brother, even with the fact you are Lord of the Western Lands, you still don't deserve her.” Inuyasha gruffly said.

 

Sesshomaru stood and moved to Inuyasha's side, to pass him and continue on. He paused and looked the other way as his words gushed out of his throat.

“Yes, I know.… my brother.” Sesshomaru's sole hand came down to rest on his sibling's shoulder and then he moved on. Inuyasha stared at his brother's retreat.

 

Sesshomaru walked out the door.

 

End for now

Whew, glad to finish here before the first. Happy new years everyone! Like it? Hate it? Please review. Reviews are crack for us fanfiction authors. We eat them up by the wordful.

 

Most sincerely yours, penpaninu 12/30/05