InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Price ❯ Heart of Stone ( Chapter 18 )

Disclaimer: I don't own InuYasha; Rumiko Takahashi and a large publishing conglomerate hold his leash.

 

A/N: This chapter is dedicated to the memory of my dear friend Neko-sama, who recently lost her battle with cancer.

 

Bouquets to my foxy betas, Ranuel and SilverontheRose.

 

Warnings: Coarse language.

 

The Price

Chapter Eighteen: Heart of Stone

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Saturday morning…

 

It was mid-morning before Kagome stumbled into the kitchen of Wisteria House, following the appetizing aroma of miso soup. “There you are, sleepy-head,” Sha gently chided, smiling at the rumpled young woman.

 

Kagome squinted against the light, again checking the silhouette of his aura for the outlines of both canine ears. Reassured as to their presence, she fidgeted with the hem of her pyjamas. “I'm so sorry about last night….”

 

Sliding a cup of tea across the counter, Sha shrugged. “It wasn't the first and it won't be the last… you really impressed Sess, and that's hard to do.”

 

The young woman took a long sip of tea. “Is that `impressed' as in `whoa, she's powerful', or as in `whoa, not good'?”

 

A steaming bowl of soup was topped with a lid and added to the plated food waiting on a tray. “Bit of both, I think.” She reached to steal a sample of the freshly-grilled fish and promptly had her fingers smacked with the extra-long chopsticks Sha held in his grip. “Uh-uh. Weekends are the only time I can have breakfast with you… just the two of us… so come sit down with me and eat like a civilized human.”

 

“As opposed to the uncivilized ones,” she chuckled, following with her tea as he carried the tray into the main room and set it on the kotatsu.

 

“Speaking of uncivilized… do you like natto?” he asked, placing an array of small bowls and plates in front of her as she tucked herself under the quilt.

 

“Um, sometimes. Why?”

 

“I can't stand the smell, so I don't have it in the house.”

 

“I think I can live without it,” she smiled, picking up her chopsticks. “Isn't a marriage about give and take?”

 

They had just finished eating when a runner arrived in the foyer. “Excuse me, please, but Lady Kagome's presence is requested by Lord Nishiki.”

 

“Right now?” the hanyou demanded.

 

“My lady has a visitor.”

 

Kagome stood up, self-consciously smoothing her wrinkled pyjamas as Sha growled, “Tell my brother that we'll be there in ten minutes.” The runner bowed and disappeared.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

“Your promptness is appreciated,” Sesshiro intoned as the couple entered his study.

 

“Where's the fire?” Sha grumped, intently assessing the impeccably dressed stranger. A hanyou… not a predatory species… some kind of herbivore?

 

“Lord Sha and Lady Kagome, this is Dr. Bakumon Ueda.”

 

“A pleasure to meet you both,” Dr. Ueda said, bowing deeply, and Kagome was struck by the distinct wheezing quality of his deep voice. His long, homely face and unruly forelock gave him an approachable air, although his barrel chest hinted at imposing strength. A spring-green aura surrounded his burly form.

 

A youkai… but what kind, and why does his name sound familiar? Oh! “Are you the son of Miss Mifune's housekeeper?” she asked.

 

The horse-hanyou's dark brown eyes twinkled. “Yes, my lady. I understand that you are interested in pursuing traditional medicine as a career?”

 

“Y-yes, I am.” Kagome looked from Dr. Ueda to Sesshiro and back again. “Er, is this about a placement at your clinic? I'm not exactly close to graduation.”

 

Sesshiro gestured. “Dr. Ueda is here to consult on a course of action regarding the Shikon-no-Tama.”

 

“Oh! Do you have any suggestions, Doctor?” she eagerly asked while Sha leaned forward, his expression intent.

 

The newcomer folded his large hands in his lap. “This is a unique case, but I believe that I can help. My recommendation is a two-fold course of action to treat both the symptoms and their root cause.” Contemplating the young woman for a long moment, he continued, “You have suffered a number of traumatic experiences in a very short period of time. First, a mild herbal-based sleeping draught to reduce the Shikon-no-Tama's explosive propensities during your sleep cycle, and second, counselling with my colleague, Dr. Daisuke Sanada.”

 

“Why?” Sha growled.

 

“Dr. Sanada is not only a gifted psychologist but also human, so if the Jewel were to activate during a session, he would remain unharmed.” Smiling at Kagome, Dr. Ueda added, “He is very good. Miss Mifune is also utilizing his services.”

 

Kagome hesitated. “Um… I'm not entirely sure…,” she said uneasily.

 

Giving her an understanding look, the horse-hanyou assured, “Seeking assistance for mental health concerns is considered a sign of weakness in some circles, but I believe counselling will assist you in attaining your goal of controlling the Shikon-no-Tama's power and putting it to better use.”

 

The young woman made up her mind on the spot and briskly nodded. “Meditation has also been suggested.”

 

“Meditation is one component of Dr. Sanada's program.” Dr. Ueda brushed his forelock out of his eyes. With a sideways glance at Sesshiro, he said, “Exploring the possibility of surgical removal of the Jewel has also been discussed.”

 

Kagome's hand flew up to cover the centre of her chest. “Is that even possible?”

 

“We won't know until the Shikon-no-Tama's position relative to your internal organs is determined. A scan can be scheduled as early as Monday afternoon, if you like.”

 

“Please. After four o'clock would be best.”

 

“Very good. May I also introduce you to Dr. Sanada?” When she nodded again, Dr. Ueda smiled approvingly. “I will have the recipe for the sleeping draught delivered this afternoon; your housekeeper is fully capable of preparing the mixture. How does four-thirty for your scan sound?”

 

“Thank you very much!” Kagome exclaimed. “Monday can't come fast enough!”

 

“It is my pleasure to assist the House of the West.” Bowing deeply to Sesshiro and then to Sha and Kagome, the horse-hanyou was ushered out. The air currents of his departure had barely calmed before Mrs. Nishino poked her head around the door frame.

 

“Lady Kagome! May I have a word?”

 

Kagome positively beamed at both dog-youkai before scampering out the door. “She is remarkably resilient,” the taiyoukai remarked.

 

“That's my girl,” Sha curtly replied. “Speaking of girls… how'd it go with Miss Mifune last night?”

 

Instead of treating the hanyou to the expected icy glower, Sesshiro rubbed his hand over his face. Carefully choosing his words, he murmured, “She is very young.”

 

“Yeah… and?”

 

The taiyoukai pressed his fingertips to his temples and closed his eyes. “Miss Mifune has more in common with my sons.”

 

“Shit, give yourself a break! She'll grow up before you know it,” the hanyou spluttered, stunned by his brother's obvious stress.

 

“I envy your relationship with the Lady Kagome.”

 

Sha nearly gaped at Sesshiro's admission before regaining his composure. “I'd hardly call it a relationship… yet. We're still kinda figuring each other out.”

 

“But there is already a high level of trust… and obvious attraction… between you.”

 

Scratching his invisible ear, Sha had to admit Sesshiro was right. “I got lucky.”

 

Exhaling deeply, the taiyoukai rolled his shoulders and changed the topic. “If removing the Shikon-no-Tama from your wife's body is possible, then we must have a contingency plan for securing it.”

 

“Seal it in a lead box and sink it in the Marianas Trench,” Sha declared. “Tenmaru was working on the `right wish'; has he found anything yet?”

 

“The oldest and most detailed document to date was an inventory of the sacramental saké. For such a small shrine, it went through barrels of the stuff in the Warring States era.”

 

“Thirsty work, praying to the gods.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Later that afternoon…

 

“This is so frustrating,” Kagome muttered, pushing away from her homework. The kotatsu's wooden top was scattered with diagrams of bones and textbooks.

 

“Tell me about it,” Sha commiserated, paging through a dog-eared tome. “What's your peeve?”

 

“Too many things on my mind. Yours?”

 

“I'm looking for some info on a particular Heian era sword smith and the distinguishing marks of his forge. There's a really nice sword coming up for auction, but I think it might be a fake.” He glanced up to see Kagome regarding him with a thoughtful expression.

 

“May I ask you something?” she finally queried.

 

Marking his page before closing the book, Sha gave her his full attention. “Fire away.”

 

“Will you tell me the full story about the day that you were sealed?”

 

More than a little surprised, even though her scent had forewarned him the question might be tricky, he carefully asked, “Why do you want to know?”

 

“If the meditation works and I can tap into Lady Kikyo's emotions, I think it would be a good idea to have more information.”

 

“I'm not sure that's a good idea….”

 

She gave him a long, solemn look. “Please? I already know how she felt, but I want to know what happened to make her feel that way.”

 

Raking his fingers through his dark bangs, he sighed and gave in. “Not much more than you heard the other day,” he reluctantly began. “We'd agreed that I'd make the wish and become human, so Kikyo promised to bring the Jewel up to the meadow… the area around the shrine's well house… the next morning.” Sha shifted uneasily. “I was so damn excited about finally having a place to belong and someone to belong to that I hardly slept that night.”

 

“And?”

 

“At dawn, I washed up in the river and headed into the forest, where Kikyo… I mean, Naraku… ambushed me.”

 

Kagome thought long and hard. “That must have been after he attacked her, because I've seen how fast you can move,” she said. “Naraku wouldn't have had time to put the Jewel back into the shrine if he'd shot at you while wearing her appearance first… not unless he could teleport.”

 

“He also had to make sure that I left the area quickly, because if I'd smelt Kikyo's blood, the game would've been up.”

 

Silence hung heavy for a few moments before Kagome finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. “What made you immediately jump to the conclusion that she'd betrayed you?”

 

“Ya gotta understand, Kagome… in those days, hanyou were objects of fear and loathing. I was rejected by my mother's people and my brother didn't exactly welcome the `family scandal' with open arms. It wasn't until after my sealing, when he met Rin and produced his own hanyou brats that his attitude changed. I loved Kikyo, but when that first arrow thudded into the tree next to my head, I switched back into survival mode because it had been my nature for so long.”

 

The young woman nodded. “So you stormed the village, grabbed the Jewel and were retreating to make a wish when the real Lady Kikyo intercepted you?”

 

“Yeah. The Goshinboku was about fifty feet or so from the meadow through the undergrowth, so she only had to stagger a short distance. It was pure coincidence that I passed the tree at that moment and within her range.”

 

“Did you say anything to her? Or was the sealing instantaneous?”

 

“I didn't even notice her because I was so focussed on the Jewel in my hand… and my head was pretty messed up, too. I heard my name and half-turned, just as her arrow slammed me into the tree.” Sha paused for a moment, rubbing the left-hand side of his chest. “It hurts like hell, getting shot through the heart. I dropped the Jewel and smelled her blood just as everything went dark for a few hundred years.”

 

“Did she say anything?”

 

Chewing his lip, the hanyou slowly replied, “Something like, `to betray me for such a thing'.”

 

“And yet, she didn't purify you to dust, or even curse you.”

 

“Trust me… being in limbo, neither fully dead nor fully alive, is definitely a kind of curse,” he snorted.

 

“I wonder why she didn't kill you, since she was so close to death herself? You might've been reincarnated together and had another chance at happiness.”

 

“She was so disappointed by my apparent betrayal that she never wanted to see me again,” he said flatly. “Her emotions were strong enough to have survived five centuries, don't forget.”

 

“And yet, here we are,” Kagome murmured. “Her plan to cheat destiny obviously didn't work.”

 

His smile was warm, if a bit wistful, as he gazed at her. “Keh.”

 

“Answer another? If you had made the wish after Naraku tricked you, what would you have wished for?”

 

“To be a full-blooded youkai,” he instantly replied.

 

“If my mom's right, the Jewel would've punished you for a selfish wish,” Kagome pointed out. “You might've turned into a three-hundred-year old human and died instantly… or been stuck in dog-form for the rest of your life.”

 

Sha looked distinctly bemused. “So, you're saying that it was a good thing that I ended up sealed?”

 

“Well… sort of,” she hedged.

 

The hanyou's soft expression made her want to kiss him. “Meeting you was definitely a `good thing', Kagome, so it wasn't too bad after all. Oi… what did Mrs. Nishino want?”

 

“To discuss the menu for my family's visit tomorrow.”

 

He made a face. “Guess I'll have to be on my best behaviour for your gramps, huh?”

 

“Do you want to try a sip of Dr. Ueno's sleeping draught to stay calm?” she mischievously suggested.

 

“I'd rather have a beer, thanks.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Very late that night, Sha had to admit the doctor's prescription worked extremely well in terms of keeping Kagome free of nightmares and in one place on the futon, but it also raised other issues. She's completely out of it! If someone attacked us right now, she'd be a sitting duck! However, he noted that Kagome's defensive aura was still working; if he moved too close, the pale pink energy thickened and brightened warningly.

 

He watched her breathe for a while longer, before stretching out beside her futon with his chin propped on his fist. Sha was rather surprised when the young woman, who had been fairly motionless until now, rolled onto her side and reached out for him in her sleep. Fuck. Looks like the nightly keep-away game is starting… just later than usual. However, Kagome's movements remained slow, almost languid, until her hand encountered his trailing hair. Burying her fingers in the thick tresses, she sighed contentedly and smiled before slipping back into a deeper sleep.

 

Sha admired the patterns made by his spell-blackened strands curling over Kagome's pale skin… and dreamed of the night when more than just his hair could touch her.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Sunday afternoon…

 

“My goodness, Kagome… this is quite the place!” Mrs. Higurashi exclaimed, lingering by the decorative koi pond to gaze appreciatively around the gardens.

 

“It'll be very pretty in a few weeks when the cherry blossoms are out,” Kagome agreed. “I can't wait to see the wisteria in bloom; Mrs. Nishino says that some of the racemes are nearly two feet long.”

 

“What colour?” she asked, turning her attention to the silvery stems twining all over the decorative arbour in front of Wisteria House.

 

“White.”

 

Yayoi giggled. “Long, white and flowing… just like someone's hair?”

 

Kagome snickered. “Or fur, maybe. I have no doubt that was a factor in the gardener's choice!” Moving closer, she lowered her voice. “Did Sota sneak the replacement hibachi into the storerooms?”

 

“Oh, yes… tucked up safe and sound. It's so similar to the original that I had to look twice; I have to say, my son is becoming rather good at faking his grandfather's handwriting. I'm not sure if I'm pleased or concerned!” As the young woman chuckled and tucked a stray strand behind her ear, the sunlight caught on the ring adorning her finger. Mrs. Higurashi took hold of her daughter's hand and admired the simple band. “So beautiful, my dear… and such a wonderful gesture for your husband to wear a matching one.”

 

“I wish Grandpa had been a little more enthusiastic.”

 

“He's not well,” Yayoi sighed, squeezing before letting go. “Careful, Miss Buyo! I think that fish is bigger than you!”

 

The cat-youkai meowed in acknowledgement, but didn't budge from her perch on one of the rocks edging the pool. Tail swishing, she crouched even lower as the large orange-and-white carp glided closer… and closer… before whipping its tail and shooting into the depths.

 

“Maybe it's a carp-youkai?” Kagome suggested, earning a grumpy yowl in response.

 

“Too many stairs for my old bones,” announced a shrill voice from behind, and the women both donned patient smiles before turning to see Genma Higurashi and Sha standing on Wisteria House's veranda. The old man glared down at them as if the flight of wooden steps leading to the ground was all their fault.

 

Sha schooled his temper with visible effort. “We can take the walkway over to the main house,” he suggested. “You might find it easier since it's all one level.”

 

Genma squinted at the covered connector, so new that the last nail had only been driven that morning, and petulantly groused, “It's a longer walk.”

 

Kagome swore she heard a layer of enamel being ground off Sha's teeth. “Long and level or short and steep… what's your preference?” When Genma took too long to decide, he added, “Mrs. Nishino made honey castella; Kagome says that it's your favourite.”

 

“Nagasaki castella is superior,” the old man sniffed, but then seemed to recall exactly which formidable lady he was so carelessly insulting and added with poor grace, “I'm sure your housekeeper's version will be more than adequate.” The two women exchanged appalled glances as Genma tottered down the stairs; when Yayoi stepped forward to assist him down the last few risers to the gravelled path, Kagome smiled brightly up at Sha, who looked positively murderous. “I still don't see why we had to bring the cat,” Genma muttered querulously as he passed the feline, who regally ignored him.

 

“A cup of tea would be lovely!” Yayoi enthused, firmly steering her father-in-law towards the main house. “Mrs. Nishino's castella is bound to be delicious!”

 

Genma's reply was lost to Kagome's ears because as soon as the old man was far enough away with his back turned, the hanyou cleared the staircase in one leap. “Fucking old goat,” he seethed, then scowled down at Buyo. “What the fuck are you doing here, anyways?”

 

The cat-youkai merely slitted her eyes and put her nose in the air, then stretched elaborately before circling Kagome three times and then running up the stairs to Wisteria House. Once on the veranda, she meowed imperiously and crooked her paw at the young woman. Sha made to follow, but Buyo hissed warningly.

 

“We'll be there in a couple of minutes,” Kagome soothed her irritated husband. “You'd better help Mom peel Sota away from Tenmaru's video game stash!”

 

Sha bared his fangs at the cat-youkai before muttering, “Don't be too long. If your gramps doesn't smarten up and remember whose house he's insulting, I won't be held fucking responsible for my actions.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Once inside the house, Buyo had barely transformed before she exclaimed, “Do you know that Lord Genma actually tried to put me in a pet carrier?”

 

“Er, maybe he was afraid that he'd lose you?” Kagome said, hiding a smile as she led Buyo into the tatami room.

 

The cat-youkai shook herself. “Lord Sota managed to convince him that it would be better for everyone's sake if I sat on Lady Yayoi's lap. Lord Genma then suggested a leash.” Smoothing her long, black-streaked chestnut hair, Buyo growled, “I am a very tolerant creature, but sometimes…!” Glancing around the elegant room, she pinched her nose and grimaced. “The place positively reeks of dog.”

 

“Why did you come today?” Kagome asked, watching the train of Buyo's flowing robes twitch in a distinctly tail-like fashion.

 

“Because my lady sounded very unhappy the other night, and I wished to see her situation for myself.”

 

Kagome rubbed the back of her neck. “I guess I came across as a little desperate, huh?” she sheepishly admitted.

 

“Desperately lonely, perhaps. Does Lord Sha often leave you to your own devices?”

 

“Oh, no. We spend most of our time together when I'm not in class; he's even joined us for lunch this past week,” Kagome hastily replied, recognizing the underlying criticism. “I haven't been away from home very often… you know that… and that first night here was more than a little overwhelming.” Smiling bravely, she stoutly continued, “I'm feeling much better now. Mom was right; it took a couple of days to fit into my new house and new routine.”

 

“Good. I am also here at the behest of Lord Sota; I may be able to help you achieve success with meditation.”

 

The young woman blinked rapidly. “How?”

 

Buyo adopted a superior air. “Felines are noted for their ability to easily attain a zen-like state,” she announced.

 

Kagome's lips twitched. “So, when you see a cat sitting in a sunbeam for hours on end with its eyes closed, it's actually meditating?”

 

“Some of them are,” Buyo conceded, chuckling. “Here… this is a focus point.” Reaching into her sleeve, she spun a pebble across the kotatsu's surface; as Kagome grasped for it, the cat-youkai stiffly commented, “Lord Sha has good taste in jewellery.”

 

Pleased at the compliment to her ring, Kagome replied, “Yes, he does. I like it very much,” as she inspected the small granite stone, rich with black, grey and white crystals. While weighing it in her palm, she asked, “How does this work?”

 

“It is volcanic rock from Mount Fuji,” Buyo answered. “Its origin deep within the earth is supposed to `ground' you.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Maybe.” The cat-youkai winked. “If you find concentrating difficult for the length of time to reach a centred state, then perhaps the stone will be useful to focus your thoughts. Examine the patterns created by the crystals, lose yourself in the colours….”

 

“It's still up to me, though,” Kagome sighed.

 

“It isn't magic, my lady; you must find a technique that works best for you.”

 

“I'm between a rock and a `happy place', aren't I?” Kagome quipped, then sobered.

 

Buyo clapped her slender hands. “How about when you sight down an arrow at the target? Success in archery requires complete concentration on a single point… you close out all distractions in pursuit of your goal, correct?”

 

Rubbing her thumb over the slightly roughened surface of the pebble, Kagome said, “I never really thought of it that way, but finding the `zone' before I release the arrow is kinda similar to what Coach Sagara says about meditation.”

 

“Some people find that visualization is a great help.”

 

“I tried imagining a box and then sealing the Jewel inside, but that didn't work.”

 

“When was that?”

 

“On Monday night, when the Jewel was trying to attack Tenmaru on the way down the mountain to Oshima Town.”

 

“Hmm. You… and therefore, the Shikon Jewel… have calmed down enough now that perhaps you stand a better chance of success.”

 

“Good point. I'll give it a try later.” As Buyo nodded, Kagome eagerly leaned forward. “Tomorrow after classes I'm going to Dr. Bakumon Ueda's clinic for a chest scan.”

 

“Why?”

 

“To see if the Jewel can be surgically removed.”

 

The cat-youkai's expression became guarded. “So long as the Jewel is inside you, it is in a secure location. If it is possible to remove it… then the risks of it escaping our custody increase dramatically!”

 

Stung by Buyo's less-than-enthusiastic reaction, Kagome said, “It'll be guarded just as heavily, but I won't be a danger to anyone with youkai blood who wants to give me a hug.”

 

“I wonder… the pack is loyal to you as the ranking beta female, but I wonder how their attitude might change if something that could make the lowliest gardener the new Inu-no-Taisho… or ruler of the entire world… were up for grabs?”

 

“What are you saying?”

 

“I believe that the Jewel was reborn inside you for a reason. To remove it might invite karmic retribution.” Noting Kagome's appalled expression, Buyo hastily added, “Of course, I am no expert in these matters… I am merely stating my opinion.” At that moment, the house phone rang and Kagome ran to answer it.

 

“What's taking you?” Sha bluntly demanded.

 

“Isn't it traditional to send a runner?” she stalled, determinedly shoving Buyo's concerns into the back of her mind.

 

“My patience is `running' a little fucking thin.”

 

“On our way!” Replacing the receiver, Kagome squared her shoulders and turned to Buyo. “They're waiting for us.”

 

The cat-youkai eyed the young woman's crackling aura, a dead giveaway as to her agitated state, and bowed deeply. “I did not intend to upset you, my lady. Please forgive me.”

 

“Oh, no… it's just more food for thought.” Kagome smiled weakly. “Thank you for the stone; I'm sure it will come in handy, one way or another.”

 

As they left the foyer, Buyo transformed and ran lightly ahead, pausing to reconnoitre the lazily-circling occupants of the koi pond once more before leaping up the stairs of the main house, where she waited for Kagome to precede her into the building. Once inside, the cat-youkai took possession of Sota's lap for a brief time as the teen talked animatedly with Tenmaru about tactics and life points while both youths practically inhaled Mrs. Nishino's excellent baking.

 

The tea party was in full swing when Sha covertly watched Buyo sidle out of the main room and pad down the corridor. He easily heard the staffs' startled reaction when she coolly invaded the kitchen; low words were exchanged. When he stuck his head around the doorframe, he saw the now-humanoid cat-youkai disappearing down the corridor in the direction of Tsugane's room, a tea tray in her hand. What I'd give to listen in on that conversation… it's bound to be way more interesting than this one! With a mental sigh, he turned his attention back to the disparate group; catching Kagome's eye from across the room, he winked cheekily at the girl as she waited on Genma. Wonder where Sess disappeared to? He's gonna miss the fun if he doesn't return soon.

 

“These wagashi are absolutely wonderful!” Yayoi gushed, selecting another delicate sweet from the porcelain tray. “Did you make these as well as the castella, Mrs. Nishino?”

 

“Oh, no… we deal with a specialty shop in Kyoto. They've supplied the House of the West for over one hundred years,” the housekeeper replied, wielding her teapot with panache.

 

“Ah, Kyoto… I remember a trip to Mimuro Kimono with my mother and father to purchase my furisode kimono,” Yayoi reminisced. “It's the same one that Kagome wore to the betrothal ceremony last week.”

 

“Lord Nishiki's lady mother patronizes Mimuro as well,” Mrs. Nishino said. “Have you seen their modern line? Very striking colours and patterns.”

 

“I still don't understand why the cat had to come, too,” Genma suddenly grumbled.

 

“It was a nice gesture, Grandpa; I've missed her very much,” Kagome quickly said.

 

“Why not keep her here, then?”

 

Kagome had a brief image of Buyo and Sesshiro's faces if they heard the suggestion, but before she could answer, Yayoi protested, “That wouldn't be fair to Miss Buyo; she considers the Shrine her home.”

 

“And another thing… why is she now `Miss'?”

 

“I decided that she deserved an honorific,” Sota piped up. “She's a very special cat… er, where is she, anyways?”

 

“Probably mooching snacks from the kitchen,” Sha fibbed easily. “She isn't far.”

 

Sesshiro arrived at that moment and Genma appealed to him. “A fine home like this doesn't seem complete without a cat, Lord Nishiki, and my granddaughter misses hers… would you like to keep Buyo here?”

 

The taiyoukai just managed to not curl his lip as he waved away a cup of tea. “Western House is no place for a feline, Mr. Higurashi. If pets were kept here, canine companions would be preferable, such as the Shiba and the Akita.”

 

“Ah,” the old man nodded wisely. “Very clever, those Shiba… said to be very cat-like in their intelligence and habits.”

 

Kagome choked on her tea and Sota developed an instant coughing fit, which drew Genma's attention away from Sesshiro and Sha's expressions, which ranged from icy distaste to downright disgust at the comparison.

 

“The Shrine Guardian is here?” Sesshiro demanded in an undertone, his nose twitching.

 

“She's in Tsugane's room,” Sha supplied. “Where in all the hells have you been, by the way?”

 

“Having tea with Miss Mifune.”

 

“That explains the outfit,” the hanyou said, eyeing the taiyoukai's Western-style trousers and casual zip-neck sweater that certainly gave the appearance of fine wool.

 

“Tenmaru gave his approval.”

 

“Waitaminute… are those real clothes?”

 

Sesshiro looked down his nose. “Of course not.” Casting Genma a significant glance, he commented, “I'm surprised that you've lasted this long.”

 

“I'm here for Kagome's sake. Since Miss Mifune's an orphan, you don't have to deal with the joys of in-laws.”

 

“On the contrary. Miss Mifune comes equipped with legal guardians in the form of an uncle and aunt; I met them today. They've been away in Europe for the past two months.”

 

“How'd it go?”

 

“They seemed more concerned about retaining access to her inheritance than anything else.”

 

Sha snickered. “Real charmers, huh? That might work to your advantage… she could be happy to escape their grasp.”

 

“The lesser of two evils? Thank you for that vote of confidence, Brother. I shall retrieve the cat,” Sesshiro said and stalked off down the corridor with the air of a man about to do battle. He returned several minutes later as the party in the main room began breaking up, a rather smug-looking feline following demurely at his heels. Buyo immediately jumped into Genma's lap and began purring madly, rubbing her cheek against his jaw and generally fawning all over him.

 

“The Shrine would be empty without you, my girl,” he murmured, lifting her into his arms.

 

Over Genma's shoulder, Buyo impudently rolled her eyes before snuggling shamelessly; Sota surreptitiously tweaked her ear as he helped the old man to his feet. Mrs. Nishino pressed a box of extra wagashi into Yayoi's hands, along with a verbal invitation to the hanami picnic at the end of March as the Higurashis took their leave.

 

“Kagome seems happy enough,” Mrs. Higurashi sighed as she settled back into the limousine's luxurious leather seats several minutes later. “She and Sha make a fine couple.”

 

Across the passenger compartment, Sota grinned. “You shoulda seen Sha's stockroom… it was like an arsenal!”

 

“Was the Inuyasha-no-Tetsusaiga there?” Genma quavered.

 

“No, Gramps; it was in his room at Wisteria House. Didn't you notice it? It was on a display stand in the wall niche.”

 

“My eyes aren't what they used to be,” the old man sighed mournfully, petting the purring cat-youkai curled in his lap. “I hope that Kagome doesn't take too long to make me a great-grandfather, so that I may at least see the child's face before I pass on.”

 

Sota tried not to make a face and failed. “Buck up, Gramps… if Mrs. Nishino's castella is any indication, the menu for the hanami picnic is definitely worth living for!”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

Monday afternoon…

 

“Ya sure this address is right?” Sha asked doubtfully, squinting through the windshield.

 

“Father double-checked it,” Tenmaru responded. “We're on the right street, in the right block….”

 

“Why don't you just ask someone?” Kagome suggested with some asperity from the back seat, then rolled her eyes when the two males exchanged one of `those' looks. “Honestly,” she muttered under her breath, knowing that they could hear, then looked carefully at something outside the rear passenger window. “There it is!”

 

“Not very well-marked for a clinic,” Tenmaru grumbled, instantly jockeying for a parking spot.

 

A few minutes later, Sha inspected the tasteful cast-bronze nameplate attached to the granite post of a sturdy-looking gate… and the neatly uniformed security guard in a forecourt filled with the eponymous flowering bushes. “Ajisai Clinic. This is it, all right… do you have your weapon, brat?”

 

“Yes, Uncle… for the third time.”

 

“May I help you?” the guard asked; as soon as he heard `Nishiki', the trio was escorted straight into reception while he radioed ahead.

 

“Welcome!” Dr. Ueda called cheerily, looking even more imposing in a white lab coat as he strode down the hall towards them. “Right this way, please.”

 

Sha adjusted the strap of Tetsusaiga's case across his chest, glancing warily around as he followed Tenmaru and Kagome deeper into the building. Exits are clearly marked if we have to make a break for it. Under the common and somewhat acrid odours of a medical clinic, he identified many, many different youkai scents mingling with hanyou and full humans. “Big place, for just two doctors,” he commented sharply.

 

“Oh, no, Lord Sha. Like our clinic name suggests, we are a clustering of human and youkai medical professionals, ranging from paediatrics to plastic surgery and everything in between.” Dr. Ueda smiled, showing off particularly large, square teeth. “We also have a state-of-the-art medical imaging department, which is where we are headed.”

 

“Do you use moxibustion in your practice?” Tenmaru asked out of the blue.

 

“For some of my more traditional clients, yes… but it tends to set off the smoke alarms. However, acupuncture is available if you're interested, young lord.”

 

“Thank you, but no; I have no desire to voluntarily imitate a pincushion,” the dog-hanyou replied.

 

“So you're saying that I should scratch you off my list of practice partners when I hit that section of my studies?” Kagome grinned.

 

Tenmaru gave her a wry look. “A human partner would be a better bet, Aunt… unless this scan gives us hope for a permanent solution.”

 

“Here we are; the staff will have you set up in no time.” Dr. Ueda ushered them into a pastel waiting room, where a couple of uniformed techs bowed. “I'll let Dr. Sanada know that you are here.” After taking down Kagome's health information, one of the techs was about to lead her away to the changing area, but Sha let out a ferocious growl.

 

“Where she goes, we go.”

 

“Er, of course, my lord.”

 

The scan itself didn't take that long; twenty minutes later, Kagome was dressed and on her way to the psychologist's office, where they were met by Dr. Ueda. “The analysis will be complete in half an hour or so; in the meantime, may I introduce Dr. Daisuke Sanada?”

 

A slightly-built man, who looked even smaller next to Dr. Ueda's bulk, came forward and bowed; Kagome blinked at his startlingly coloured… for a human… sandy-red hair, but his mischievous smile was infectious. As he studied the young woman over the rim of his glasses, he said, “I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Mrs. Nishiki. The Shikon miko's recent exploits have enlivened the water-cooler talk in the building.” When her smile faded, he added kindly, “I hope that I may be of service in easing your concerns.” Ushering her into his treatment room, he was nonplussed when Sha and Tenmaru made to follow. “Would you mind waiting outside, gentlemen? I can assure you that the lady is in no danger.”

 

Sha's brows lowered. “We trust no-one… not when her safety's involved.”

 

Dr. Umeda raised his hands in a placating gesture. “Of course. However, my patient must be able to speak freely, and she may be inhibited by an audience. Doctor-patient confidentiality is also an issue.”

 

“Yeah, well… this is just a meet an' greet, so I don't think that the same rules apply.”

 

“Perhaps a compromise, Uncle?” Tenmaru suggested. “We can wait out here, but the door to the inner room remains slightly ajar. With your hearing ability, that should suffice.”

 

Still the elder hanyou hesitated. “What do you think, Kagome?” he finally asked.

 

“I'll be fine,” she answered, suddenly very sure of this human. “There isn't any darkness in his heart.”

 

Dr. Sanada bowed. “I thank you for that vote of confidence, Mrs. Nishiki. Shall we?”

 

It didn't take long before Kagome forgot that Sha and Tenmaru were lurking out in the waiting room, and spoke frankly to Dr. Sanada about how her life had turned upside down since Mistress Centipede had tried to tear her in half exactly two weeks previously. Tears prickled when she mentioned Abihime, and she bit her lip in mid-sentence.

 

“Why do you stop?” the doctor asked.

 

“I promised myself that I wouldn't cry any more.”

 

“For what reason?”

 

“Because it doesn't solve anything.”

 

He smiled quietly and handed her a tissue. “A good cry releases mental and physical tension, and it's much better to let it out rather than bottling it up… but I understand that part of your stress is related to the fact that your husband can't physically comfort you without acute personal danger.”

 

Kagome wiped at her cheeks. “N-no. I'm untouchable by anyone with youkai blood. Sha could literally die if he tried to hold me… and that's with his concealment spell firmly in place. The Jewel would vaporize him on sight if he took off his necklace.”

 

“We humans… and most youkai… thrive on touch, on physical as well as emotional connection with others.” Tapping his chin, he finally said, “This is a real conundrum, but we will do our best. First, we must give you the tools to achieve a tranquil state of mind.”

 

Rolling the granite pebble across Dr. Sanada's desk, Kagome said, “I was given this to use as a focus point, because I've had trouble concentrating in the past.”

 

Picking up the stone between long fingers, Dr. Sanada inspected the patterns made by the large quartz crystals. “The process of achieving the appropriate mental state is highly individualistic; having something tangible to focus on could definitely help.” Dropping the speckled rock into her palm, he said, “Shall we try a couple of basic breathing exercises?”

 

Kagome was just sliding into a state of profound calm, listening to Dr. Sanada's soothing voice coaching her through a series of ever-deeper and ever-slower inhalations and exhalations when someone politely coughed and jerked her back to reality.

 

“My apologies for interrupting, but the scans are ready,” Dr. Ueda said.

 

The psychologist huffed irritably, pushing his glasses back up his nose. “Just when we were making progress, too… wouldn't you agree, Mrs. Nishiki?”

 

Still blinking to clear her mind, she smiled gamely. “It really did seem to work. My brain feels… quieter, somehow.”

 

“Have you ever tried meditating alone before now?”

 

“Er, no. It was always in a group situation at my archery club, and I swear someone's stomach rumbling from across the room could distract me.”

 

“I wonder… Mr. Nishiki, would you please come in?” Dr. Sanada called. When the hanyou obliged, the sandy-haired doctor asked, “Are you a patient man, sir?”

 

A dark eyebrow arched, then twitched when an amused snort was heard from out in the waiting room. “I'm not exactly known for it,” Sha curtly replied. “Why?”

 

“Pity. Your wife could benefit from a meditation partner to help her achieve success when at home.” Turning his attention back to the young woman, he said, “You did very well today; how often are you able to come in?”

 

“Um… two, three times per week… maybe?” she floundered.

 

“Here's my card; call for an appointment as soon as you've checked your schedule. I look forward to our next session.”

 

Bows were exchanged, and the group trundled down the hall after Dr. Ueda. As soon as they reached his office and the door was closed, Sha demanded, “Well?”

 

“Unfortunately, my news is not encouraging. I had one of the cardiologists look at the scans to confirm my suspicions.” The doctor's dark eyes fixed on Kagome, who had gone rather pale. “The Shikon-no-Tama appears to be firmly embedded in the anterior wall of the left ventricle of your heart.”

 

“It's inside her heart?” Tenmaru spluttered.

 

“Part of the sphere actually protrudes outside the muscle wall. Removing it would create a golf-ball sized hole, and I have been informed that successfully patching an opening of that size during open-heart surgery is next to impossible.” Tugging on his forelock, Bakumon murmured, “I am very sorry, Lady Kagome.”

 

Squaring up her slumping shoulders, the young woman sighed, “It was worth a try, anyhow. Thank you, Dr. Ueda; I really appreciate it.”

 

“Are you finding the sleeping draught to be helpful?”

 

“Yes… at least, Sha hasn't mentioned if I'm still trying to zap him in my sleep….”

 

As she looked to her husband for confirmation, Tenmaru smirked. “So you're no longer a nocturnal `chick magnet', Uncle?”

 

“Brat… I swear, one of these fucking days…!”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

While lying in bed that evening, waiting for Sha to finish in the bathroom, Kagome found herself choking up and desperately sought to head off the tears… to no avail. Rolling over, she buried her face in her pillow and tried to muffle her sobs, but her hanyou was there within seconds. He remained silent, however, and let her finish; when she finally sat up to face him, Sha tossed her a damp cloth to wipe her cheeks.

 

“What's up?” he asked, his brusque tone not quite hiding the depths of his frustration.

 

She drew a shaky breath. “I'm just so… disappointed that the Jewel can't be removed. I was really hoping….”

 

“Wanting to get rid of the Jewel is kinda selfish, so I can't help but wonder if you would've been punished somehow if it was taken out of your body.”

 

“Miss Buyo said removing it might invite `karmic retaliation',” she admitted.

 

“The Jewel's a mystical object, with good and evil constantly at war inside it. While it's inside you, good always has the upper hand… but it isn't gonna make our lives easy,” he growled. “All you can do is try your best to contain it.”

 

Blowing her nose, Kagome nodded. “I will. In fact, I'm going to practice visualizing a box and sealing the Jewel inside it right now. I tried before and failed, but maybe this time….” Smiling bravely, she laid back down and composed herself.

 

Sha pulled on her blanket; when Kagome looked over, he blew her a kiss. “Good luck.”

 

“Thanks.” However, despite her best intentions, her brain for some reason decided that a bottle would be better than a box as the sleeping draught kicked in and she fell fast asleep.

 

The watching hanyou cursed a blue streak and retrieved a book to fill the long hours until dawn.

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Thursday evening…

 

“You are making progress, Sister. When is your next appointment with the psychologist?”

 

“Monday afternoon.” Kagome rolled her shoulders and flexed her neck. “The breathing exercises do seem to be getting easier…your help is much appreciated, Elder Brother.”

 

Sesshiro inclined his head as he rose to his feet. “I am happy to assist, since your husband is unable to do so.”

 

She giggled as she also stood up and pocketed the granite stone. “He fidgets like a little kid!”

 

“I am sure that he now regrets not paying more attention to his mental training when he was a whelp,” the taiyoukai said. “Clearing one's mind in order to focus on an enemy is an essential component of swordsmanship.”

 

“He admitted to being a bit of a punk when he was younger.”

 

“Our ancestral fortress still bears the scars of his youthful enthusiasm with the Tetsusaiga.”

 

“Dinner is ready!” Mrs. Nishino called; Kagome bowed to Sesshiro before they exited his study and walked down the corridor towards the main room. Sha and Tenmaru were already seated; her hanyou gave Kagome a searching look.

 

“How'd it go?”

 

“It's easier every time,” she answered. “And, I haven't yet fallen asleep sitting up!”

 

Sha cocked his head. “Your aura looks different.”

 

“Really?” She glanced down at herself. “You're right… I'm not glowing like a neon sign any more.”

 

As she seated herself beside him, Kagome held out her hand and impulsively urged, “Test the Jewel's tolerance?” Sha obeyed, slowly moving his hand closer to hers. Their palms were less than an inch apart before the pink energy brightened in rebuke. “Almost,” Kagome breathed, her eyes sparkling. “Maybe by next week….”

 

“How's it goin'?” rumbled an unexpected voice, and Kagome's jaw nearly bounced off the table as a dark-haired Tsugane sauntered into the room, his hands shoved into his pockets. Smiling broadly, he said, “It's amazing what a `waxing gibbous' moon can do for a man's health.”

 

The young woman stared up at him, utterly speechless, while Sha muttered, “Finally hauled your ass outta bed, huh?”

 

Tsugane's smile grew wider. “As soon as the sun set a few minutes ago… oof!” He staggered backwards when Kagome practically tackled him into the doorframe. “Easy on the merchandise, Auntie,” he teased when he caught his breath, then smirked over her head at Tenmaru. “It's good to be the `favourite nephew'.”

 

While the youngest hanyou made a rude gesture, Kagome pulled back slightly and demanded, “You're all right? You're really all right?”

 

“If I wasn't, I wouldn't be letting you manhandle me,” Tsugane replied, as Sha made low, unhappy noises.

 

Oblivious to the undercurrents in the room, Kagome grasped Tsugane's shoulders and carefully inspected his face. Catching hold of his chin, she turned his head, then sucked in a sharp breath when she saw his human ear… or what was left of it. The entire outer pinna was gone, leaving only an awkward nub. “Oh, no….” she whispered, sick to heart. Retreating a step or two, she noticed his hands were still firmly in his pockets. “Show me,” she asked hollowly, already sure of what she would see.

 

Tsugane reluctantly obeyed, and Kagome covered her mouth with her hands when she saw the charred, almost skeletal, condition of his hands. One was in much worse shape than the other, but they both eloquently demonstrated the effects of spiritual power on youkai flesh. “I'm not in any pain,” the hanyou assured the horrified young woman. “I expect that this will all clear up when my youkai blood returns tomorrow morning.”

 

“What if it doesn't?” she whimpered.

 

“That's what concealment spells are for,” he shrugged.

 

Kagome carefully took one of his crippled hands in hers. “You can see your bones,” she murmured, biting her lip to stave off tears. Reaching up to lightly touch his ruined ear, her stricken expression was replaced by determination. “This won't happen again. I'm sick and tired of the Jewel being in control,” she said fiercely. Her aura briefly flared, but was just as quickly dampened.

 

“Shall we dine?” Sesshiro calmly suggested, eyeing his seething brother.

 

After Tsugane manfully submitted to another hug, Kagome sat down next to Sha, who tried to not react negatively to the scent now covering her clothing. Mrs. Nishino set herself up next to Tsugane, and after serving the food, proceeded to hand-feed the hanyou since his injured hands were incapable of holding a bowl, never mind chopsticks.

 

“Maybe it would have been better to do this in the kitchen,” he mumbled around a mouthful of miso-marinated pork.

 

“Nonsense, my lord,” the housekeeper briskly said, readying a bite of sweet potato. “This is the last time... hopefully."

 

Once the dishes were cleared away, Kagome set up her laptop and worked on a series of questions resulting from a lab that afternoon while Tsugane paged through a textbook beside her. A thought popped into her head. “Just a sec... how did you manage to complete the assignment on the human hand that was due yesterday? You can't hold a pencil, much less type.”

 

“One of Father's secretaries scribed the written part for me,” he said. “He did the sketching and labelling as well.” When his aunt shot him a guilty look, Tsugane elbowed her. “No big deal, Auntie. We're moving on… remember?” Watching over her shoulder as she continued with her questions, he occasionally put in his two-yen worth, while wondering when the young woman was going to notice that she was practically in his lap... because his uncle certainly had.

 

Sha sat across the room, playing Go with Sesshiro, but it was plainly apparent that the elder hanyou's attention wasn't on the game. Tsugane squirmed under Sha's piercing glare while Kagome remained oblivious, until he finally poked her in the ribs and asked, “Auntie, can you give me some space?” when she leaned into his side while reading through her lab notes.

 

“What? Oh, er, sorry!” She blushed and moved a more respectable distance away. “It's just that... well... it's nice to have that physical contact. Sorry.”

 

“You're the centre of attention, and yet attention-starved,” he astutely observed. Glancing around the room he continued, “We'll have to take turns filling your touchy-feely quotas, since we're fairly well-spaced around the lunar cycle. I'm tonight, Tenmaru is in another ten days and Uncle ten days after that.” As Sha visibly bristled at the idea of `sharing', Tsugane hastily added, “Or, we can add in a daily glomp-stop at the Shrine to see your family.”

 

“Or I can control the Jewel so that I can hug whomever I want, whenever I want,” Kagome replied, looking straight at Sha.

 

“On that issue... how's the search for the `right wish' going?” Tsugane asked his brother.

 

Tenmaru shook his head. “Nothing definitive so far, and we've almost exhausted the first box of scrolls. The Sunset Shrine certainly was a favoured place to make offerings, judging by the inventory lists… and explains the packed state of the storehouses.”

 

“Our Goshinboku is considered to be one of the oldest sacred trees in Japan, and our shrine is affiliated with the Samukawa Shrine as well,” Kagome said.

 

“Your grandfather wasn't kidding when he said your family was well-connected,” Tsugane commented, then asked, “Are our professors still buying your `guest observer' schtick, Brother?”

 

“Apparently, even though I never leave Aunt's vicinity.”

 

“Damn. If my hands are still screwed tomorrow, I was planning on pressing you into service as my scribe.”

 

Kagome gently touched Tsugane's carbonized palm. “You're coming back to class?”

 

“You betcha, Auntie. Can't keep the ladies waiting!”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Sha was still looking highly disgruntled the next morning when Tsugane joined them at the table... with a pair of perky black canine ears poking out of his spell-darkened hair and healthy pink skin covering his hands, plus soft-looking claws tipping his fingers. “I tweaked my concealment, so that you can see that I'm all right,” he told Kagome, who carefully inspected the various appendages.

 

“This is for real? You didn't fiddle the spell so that it only looks like you're healed?” she asked.

 

In response, Tsugane flicked his ears and flexed his fingers, wincing a little as the fresh skin pulled over the joints. “I won't lie to you, Auntie; I'm not at one hundred percent yet, but I'm whole. Once you're out of range in Wisteria House brushing your teeth, I'll unleash my youki a little bit and see if I can't finish the repair job.” He glanced at Sha. “By the time we reach the campus in an hour or so, I'll be able to take notes and hold a weapon.” While Sha merely nodded, Tsugane covered his belt buckle with his hand and muttered a rapid-fire series of spells until his canine ears disappeared and his claws vanished, leaving him looking much as he always had… a broad-shouldered, extremely handsome young man of about twenty-three. “You gonna join us for lunch, Uncle?” he asked, snagging a pair of chopsticks as he sat down to eat.

 

“Maybe,” Sha grunted. When Kagome gave him a dismayed look, he quickly amended, “Probably.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Friday afternoon…

 

“I can't believe how much homework we have! It's gonna seriously cut into my social life!” Tsugane whined, checking his cell phone for messages.

 

Tenmaru and Kagome exchanged long-suffering glances. “My heart absolutely bleeds for you, Brother,” the youngest hanyou snorted. “Perhaps you'd better create a database to make sure that you don't miss any opportunities with your female classmates.”

 

“That's a great idea!” Tsugane enthused. “All I need is a secretary to input the data… how about it, Mishi?”

 

“Forget it, Ichiko… although I get to approve the short list.”

 

“Feeling protective of your favourite nephew, Auntie? That's so sweet.”

 

“Of the girls? Heck, yeah.”

 

The trio bantered their way across the campus to the parking garage, all of them carefully avoiding mentioning the fact that Sha had failed to show all day and had his phone turned off. Tsugane had just declared his intentions of taking over as driver on Monday because Tenmaru's `old lady' tendencies were making him crazy when the three walked through the door onto the parking garage's fourth floor and straight into a trap.

 

“Shit.” The two hanyou immediately dropped their bags and drew their weapons, standing back to back with Kagome sandwiched between as they were surrounded by a gang of scruffy youths.

 

“Good afternoon, House of the West,” purred a smooth voice as a tall, green-eyed man stepped out from behind a support pillar, his knee-length vivid red braid and even longer white trench coat swinging dramatically with his movement.

 

Kagome eyed the extremely dark greenish-blue aura outlining the stranger's slender form as Tenmaru spat, “Kitsune,” and hefted his spear.

 

“I see that your nose works quite well… for a hanyou,” the stranger jibed, then smiled disarmingly at Kagome. “I am Toshiro Gintouzoku,” he announced, executing a sweeping bow.

 

“Go fuck yourself, fox,” Tsugane growled, not taking his eyes off the circling thugs. “Are all of these your lovers?”

 

The youkai sighed dramatically. “While some of my kin do indeed find males of other species extremely attractive, my taste runs to more curvaceous figures… such as the rounded surfaces of the Shikon-no-Tama.” He snapped his fingers and the gang began closing in.

 

Tsugane curled his lip. “Nice odds, asshole… is the word `fair fight' anywhere in your vocabulary?”

 

“Expediency is more important than chivalry when a prize such as the Jewel is involved.” The fox-youkai studied the apprehensive young woman. “Now then… hand her and the Jewel over, or your esteemed father will lose both his heir and the spare.”

 

Tenmaru took an experimental swipe with his spear and managed to nick one of the youths in the leg. While his first victim yelped and flailed, he tried for another target, and successfully forced back the men. “We cannot simply `hand over' our beloved aunt, because our uncle would be most displeased… and trust me, he'd kill us even more painfully than you.”

 

Tsugane leapt outwards and whacked a heavy-set teen in the side of the head with the flat of his sword blade. The man crumpled to the ground, knocked out cold. “That's the trouble with human mercenaries; they just don't have the resilience of hanyou,” he sneered as he retreated.

 

“Ah, but humans aren't bound by preferences for archaic weaponry, either,” Gintouzoku smiled. “Gentlemen?” The youths fumbled in their jackets and produced an astonishing array of handguns. Most of them were definitely neophytes, and all of them looked nervous as they handled the firearms.

 

“Guns are definitely not fair,” Tenmaru muttered, backing up as close as he dared to Kagome.

 

“Not to mention highly illegal,” Tsugane snarled, his eyes darting around the circle as he looked for an opening. Can't exactly grab Mishi and run for it, dammit!

 

The fox-youkai pointed at two of his gang, and several shots rang out. Tenmaru stumbled, blood spurting from wounds in his legs and his chest; when Tsugane whirled to protect his brother, he was shot in the back and the knees, then jumped by four men and dragged to the ground.

 

Kagome was left unmolested in the midst of the chaos, more furious than afraid. If only I had my bow and some arrows! I'm useless without weapons!

 

Gintouzoku beckoned. “Come now, dear girl… I would hate to punish your nephews if you resist.”

 

“You'll regret this,” she said forcefully. “There are more guardsmen on their way.”

 

“Ah, but they will not endanger the lives of the Western Lord's precious sons for a mere human,” he purred. “Even if she happens to be the Shikon miko.”

 

Frantic cursing from behind caused Kagome to look over her shoulder. Tenmaru and Tsugane each had at least six men pinning them down. Two more gangsters stood over them with a gun in each hand, the muzzles pressed against the brothers' spines and skulls. “What do you think you're doing?” she shouted, glaring at the red-haired youkai.

 

“As previously noted, hanyou are highly resilient; the only way to permanently immobilize them is to behead them,” Gintouzoku drawled. “However, scrambling their brains and severing their spinal columns ought to slow them down.”

 

“You wouldn't!”

 

The fox-youkai's eyes gleamed. “I most definitely would… for the Shikon-no-Tama.”

 

Ж Ж Ж Ж Ж

 

Natto - a common breakfast/snack food composed of fermented soybeans. They're usually pale brown in colour, appear to be suspended in clear sticky mucous, and have a certain `cheesy gym socks' aroma. Look them up on Google for the full visual effect.

 

Castella - a butter-free tea cake of Portuguese origin brought to Japan in the 16th century. The traditional flavouring is honey. Castella (or kasutera) is available in every food store and every price range, so is not usually made at home in modern Japan; Mrs. Nishino was really `putting on the dog' for the Higurashi visit.

 

Wagashi - delicate, strikingly beautiful Japanese sweets that are considered an integral part of the classic tea ceremony. Most are edible works of art in the form of seasonal floral or leaf shapes; I also came across a summer design that featured a tiny orange-and-white goldfish swimming in a clear, square `sea'.

 

Mimuro Kimono - is a lovely shop in Kyoto, offering everything from the most traditional bridal kimono to flashy furisode to graphic modern kimono plus all the accessories from zori to obi to kanzashi to complete your outfit.

 

Ajisai - hydrangea