InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The worth of a friend ❯ A friend in need ( Chapter 1 )

The worth of a friend

 

A/N: I sadly do not own Inuyasha, and can only lay claim to my char, Hoshiko. But let me state that the Inu brothers are very kawii ^_^

 

At the beginning of each chappie I'll let you know what rating it will be. The over all with be Y-X due to language and sexual themes. This one is rated A.

 

Chapter one

 

As the troupe of shard hunters neared the little village nestled next to the forest known as `Inuyasha's forest' they all heaved a silent sigh of relief as their latest journey was drawing to a close. Tired, weary and dirty the small group was all looking forward to a little r'n'r and the chance to let the wounds from the last battle heal. As they passed through the bustling village they all smiled and greeted villages on their way, until the group came to a stop outside a small hut where an elderly woman dressed in red and white garb greeted them.

 

“Welcome back everyone!” Keade greeted them merely from the doorway. “Ye all look worn out and in need of my services by the looks of things. Ye all better rest thy weary bones inside.”

 

“Thanks Keade!” Kagome answered cheerfully as Sango, Miroku and Shippo headed for the hut. “Though I'm sorry to say I wont be staying long. I promised mama I'd go and see her as soon as I returned.”

 

“Aye child, that is quite alright.” Keade soothed as she ignored the now bristling hanyou that stood next to the teenager before bounding off into the forest to sulk. “Though let this old woman look ye over first before ye go.”

 

After an hour of settling in and having wounds treated Kagome tiredly stood with her nearly empty backpack slung over one shoulder. “Well, I'm off now guys. Take it easy while I'm gone and I'll see you soon.” Waving over her shoulder to her friends she quickly left, her weary mind wondering where Inuyasha had gone off too.

 

Every time I'm going home he always goes off in a huff. Humph, men!

 

After walking in silence for a while she smiled as the old well came into view, the small gesture growing as the familiar red clad figure was recognised sat leaning against the wooden structure. Hurrying her pace she knelt in front of her friend who returned her smile with one of his own.

 

“Hey Inu, don't be sad ok.” Kagome pleaded as she reached out a hand to caress one cheek. “I'll only be gone a week or two. You know I haven't seen mama and the others in more than six weeks.”

 

With a dejected sigh Inuyasha pulled her closer by the hand still on his face, his arms wrapping protectively around her. “I know Kagome. I know everyone will need this time to recover before we go back on the hunt, what with Naraku disappearing again.” Breathing her scent deeply through his nose he sighed again. “I'll miss you though.”

 

Smiling into his shoulder and letting out a little giggle Kagome pulled reluctantly away. Looking into his sad golden eyes she flashed him that warm smile that was only for him. “I know you will Inuyasha, I'll miss you too. But we can both use this time to gather ourselves and think on what was said.” Leaning into him again she pecked him softly on the lips before rising to her feet. Sat on the edge of the well she swung her legs over to dangle into the void below, and looking over her shoulder one last time she smiled and blew him another kiss before leaping in.

 

Peering over the side after the blue light of the well disappeared Inuyasha smiled and sighed tiredly to himself as he let the words he'd confessed to her only a few days ago slip through his lips. “Come back soon Kagome…I love you.”

 

~*~*~

 

Pulling her tired body out of the well on the other side the time travelling miko smiled happily. With a new burst of energy she bounded up the well house steps and outside, running to her family home with a big grin on her face.

 

“MAMA, I'M HOME!” She yelled as she entered the front door. Kicking her shoes off she headed for the kitchen where she knew her to be, but stopped dead in her tracks when she saw her subdued looking mother comforting a long pink haired girl her own age.

 

Wait…pink hair…

 

“Hoshiko…” Kagome whispered in surprise and awe. Dropping her bag in the doorway she rushed to her childhood friends side when she saw the tears streaking down her face when Hoshiko looked at her with mournful eyes. Wrapping her arms around her Kagome looked at her mother for answers as she rocked her crying friend soothingly.

 

“Kagome dear…you better sit down.” Mrs Higurashi advised as she got up to refresh their teas and pour one for her daughter.

 

“What's happened mama, why's Hoshi upset so?” Kagome nearly wailed, her miko powers letting her sense her distraught friends grief.

 

Taking a deep breath her mother went on to tell her about the tragic fire that ripped through Hoshiko's home, claiming the lives of her parents and her two younger brothers. Miraculously she was staying with a friend after gym practice that same day.

 

“Everything is all taken care of now Kagome. With no other living relatives that Hoshiko could go too I…no we have adopted her. So from now on she will be living here with us.” Wiping her tears away and with a new resolve that only a determined mother could possess Mrs Higurashi stood up from the table and swiftly ushered the two somewhat calmer girls out of the kitchen. “Why don't you two go upstairs and talk, while I get started on dinner. Souta should be getting home soon from school.”

 

Nodding her head Kagome led Hoshiko up to her room and noted on the way there that Hoshiko's belongings were already unpacked and away in the spare room next to hers. Sat next to each other on her bed they held hands, offering each other silent comfort to one another as they talked quietly about random things until Mrs Higurashi called them down to eat.

 

A week later after Kagome came home from her feudal era adventures Hoshiko was now settled in. Even though the memories of her loss were still fresh she only had to look to her dear friend for a shoulder to cry on or an ear to talk into. Through the last few days they had both confided their deepest secrets to each other, Hoshiko's being that she had actually wished her family dead after her mother remarrying and the grief she had endured through the squabbles and stress, and Kagome's being her second life on the other side of the well. At first Hoshiko was a little disbelieving and then jealous of her friends good life, but as the two girls reacquainted themselves and talked more that feeling quickly turned to happiness, and on more than one occasion she expressed to Kagome that she wished she could go with her on her treks through time.

 

“Why would you want to Hoshi?” Kagome had asked the first time it was mentioned as they sat under the Goshinboku.

 

With a heavy sigh Hoshiko started to play with the laces of her trainers. “I don't really know to tell you the truth Kags. I guess I'd rather travel with you and your friends than stay here by myself.”

 

Shaking her head in disbelief the black haired girl pulled her pink-headed friend close. “You won't be by yourself silly. Mama, Souta and Gramps will be here with you. And I can get my way with Inuyasha and come back regularly and stay a bit longer.”

 

“I know they'll be here, but it's still not the same. They have their own lives to lead, and I'll be on my own, wondering around like a lost soul.”

 

Realising her friend was right and not having anything to say in return to offer her comfort Kagome held her tighter, her mind racing with anything to try and make her feel better and take her mind off of what she was feeling now.

 

I know! We'll go shopping. It always used to work before when we were together, before she moved.

 

Happy with her little plan Kagome would later wish she hadn't even thought of it and instead kept her friend at home where she'd be safe.

 

~*~*~

 

“COME ON KAGS YOU SLOW POKE. HURRY UP WILL YA!” Hoshiko shouted up the stairs to her dawdling friend before heading back to the living room again where her new little brother Souta was sat in front of the TV.

 

“Hey Hoshiko, don't forget to fetch me that comic.” Souta implored as he gave her the puppy eyed look as she leaned over the back of the sofa.

 

Looking up at him after checking for the tenth time to see if she had her purse she just shook her head in reply, then smiled as Kagome finally entered, dressed and ready to go.

 

“Finally. Come on Kags, let's go before all the really good stuff disappears.”

 

Saying farewell to their mother and brother they headed off on their shopping trip hand in hand. The day quickly past them by and found them taking a leisurely walk home, laden down with bags but with lighter purses and spirits lighter still.

 

“Oh my god!” Hoshiko half moaned half cried. “I can't believe how much we've spent today Kags. Moms gonna…” Quickly catching the old phase in her throat Hoshiko suddenly felt the familiar sting of new tears and turned to her friend as she bit her lip.

 

Biting her own lip as she saw the pain flash across Hoshiko's face Kagome freed up her arm nearest to her and wrapped it round her shoulder. Hugging her with that arm she kissed her comfortingly on the cheek as the first tears broke free.

 

“Its ok Hoshi…I'm here.”

 

Choking on a sob Hoshiko buried her head in her sister's shoulder and cried. “Kags…I feel so…dirty…spending the life…insurance mom left.” And with an anguished wail she added venomously. “I wish I'd burned with them!”

 

Feeling the shock course through her at the bitter admission Kagome dropped her bags and wrapped both arms around her, cocooning her in friendly warmth. “Don't ever say that Hoshiko!” She whispered heatedly as her hold tightened around her. “It would have hurt me more if you had. With that surprise she left you your mother in her own way was telling you she still loved you, no matter who she married.”

 

Nodding her head in understanding and crying harder now the two friends were so caught up in each other that they didn't see the man approach them, until with a jerk he had grabbed hold of Kagome's purse before turning to flee. With gasps of alarm they both pulled away and watched him run.

 

“Hoshiko, no wait!” Kagome wailed when her sister suddenly dashed off in hot pursuit. Quickly grabbing their bags she took off after her, the added load slowing her down. Seeing that Hoshiko had caught up to the thief and was now trying to wrestle the stolen purse off of him she gasped in fright and alarm when she saw the flash of sunlight off of steel. Dropping the bags she ran full out towards them, one arm outstretched in hopes of warding off the attack, but in slow motion she watched in terror as the man plunged the knife into Hoshiko's chest.

 

“NO!” Kagome screamed, her miko powers reacting to her sudden jump in emotion, which strengthened the power of the blow she dealt the thug as she swung a fist at his face. Ignoring him as he slammed into a wall and crumpled to the floor she turned her attention on the figure of her friend turned sister as she lay bleeding and gasping at her feet. Kneeling near her head she turned her onto her back and gasped in alarm as she saw the stab wound was directly over her heart. With anguished tears running down her face and sobbing uncontrollably she tried to stop the blood flowing with one hand while the other smoothed the pink hair out of Hoshiko's face.

 

“Hoshi…can you still…hear me?” She managed to ask, and silently thanked the Kami's when she felt hands grasp the one on her chest.

 

“Kags…I…don't….want to…die…” Hoshiko gasped out as blood stained her lips, her hazel eyes imploring her as they locked with her sisters blue-grey ones, before sliding shut as she lost unconsciousness.

 

Thinking frantically Kagome was suddenly distracted when she felt the jewel shards that were still around her neck pulse frantically. With a determined look on her suddenly calm face the miko pulled the small bottle out of her shirt.

 

I'll make your wish come true Hoshi.

 

Retrieving a single shard she placed it in the open wound and closed both hands over it, and closing her eyes she started to pray with all her might.

 

Midoriko…please help me. Don't let her die!

 

Three things all happened at once; one her prayer was answered and the shard she'd placed in her sister reacted and started to heal the fatal wound that was dealt to her, two both of their bodies suddenly started to glow brightly with her miko aura, and three Inuyasha suddenly appeared out of nowhere, having lost the will to wait for her and had come to find where she was.

 

Opening her eyes that she hadn't remembered closing in the first place Kagome looked down at her blood covered hands as she removed them. Smiling in joy when she saw the wound was closed she finally registered her hanyou friend was there. Snapping her head to him she couldn't stop the tears from flowing as he knelt down next to her.

 

“Kagome…what…happened?” Inuyasha growled as he looked from her to the pink haired woman lying before her. “Why'd you put a jewel shard in her?”

 

Looking at her still unconscious sister she laid a hand on her chest and sighed deeply when she felt her heart beating slowly but steadily. Not looking up at him she gave him the brief version of what had transpired before ordering him to help carry Hoshiko home. With the limp girl cradled carefully in his arms he looked at the guy that was still out of it slumped against the wall at his back.

 

“What do you want me to do with him?” Inuyasha growled lowly, his protectiveness moving to the girl in his arms as he glared down at the thief.

 

With shopping bags and purses retrieved Kagome didn't even spare the guy a second glance as she walked past him. “Leave him Inu. He can rot in hell for all I care.”

 

Baring his teeth in a snarl at the man one last time Inuyasha motioned for Kagome to climb onto his back, and when he was happy she was secure he bounded off home.

 

~*~*~

 

Two hours later found them cleaned up and huddled in Kagome's room, with Hoshiko still out of it on the bed. During that time Kagome had filled in the gaps of what had happened since she departed him for her own time. Feeling sorrow and sympathy for the unconscious girl Inuyasha rested one clawed hand on the girl's leg as he watched Kagome check her over again. Hearing a quiet moan come from the girl he quickly removed his hand and watched her eyes flutter open.

 

“Kags….” Hoshiko murmured as her surroundings came into focus. Swiftly realising where she was and that she wasn't dead she tried to sit up. “What…happened?”

 

Helping her sibling up she pushed cushions behind her and explained what she'd had to do after she'd lost consciousness.

 

“I couldn't let you die Hoshi!” Kagome suddenly wailed and nearly suffocated her in a hug.

 

Wrapping her own arms around her she let her own tears fall, and looking over Kagome's shoulder she suddenly realised they weren't alone.

 

Smirking slightly when Hoshiko's eyes met his Inuyasha gave a curt nod from his position sat on the floor by the bed. “Hey Kagome, you know what this means don't you?” He suddenly inquired to break the silence and change the mood.

 

Letting go of her Kagome brushed away her tears and looked over at him. “Yeah…I know. Hoshiko can't possible stay here with that shard in her. She'll have to come with us.” Turning her attention to her sister she smiled and took in her expression as the spoken words started to sink in.

 

Gasping in alarm and newfound hope Hoshiko looked from Kagome to Inuyasha then back again. Then with a squeal of joy she tackled her sister, causing them to both fall next to the hanyou on the floor. Hugging her fiercely she then lunged at Inu and gave him the same treatment, making his arms and legs flail and his eyes bulge out with the strength of the hug.

 

“Whoa…ease down would ya!” Inuyasha gasped out, surprised with how much she was crushing him.

 

Releasing him and pulling away sheepishly Hoshiko blushed and mumbled her apologies, but then stilled as she realised how hard she'd held the half demon. Looking to her sister for answers she saw her rubbing her side tenderly.

 

“Sorry Kags. Don't know my own strength.” She joked. Getting to her feet she sat back down on the bed again. “So what happens now?”

 

Getting up herself and making a mental note of the sudden increase in her sisters strength she walked over to her closet and pulled out an orange backpack similar to her own yellow one. “First I help you pack Hoshi. Then when mama gets home we tell her what's going on. Then tomorrow morning we leave for the feudal era.”

 

Biting her lip Hoshiko looked at her sister as she pulled a spare sleeping bag out and placed it next to the bag at her feet. “I don't want mama knowing about the attack Kags. There's been enough heartache already.”

 

Nodding her head with the reasoning Kagome went on with her task, all the while wondering what her friends on the other side of the well would think of Hoshiko when they returned.

 

~*~*~

 

“Are you sure this is something you want to do Hoshiko?” Mrs Higurashi asked worriedly as they sat around the table eating dinner.

 

“Yes mama. I know it sounds selfish of me but I can't bare to be apart from Kagome. And I need something different to take my mind off of what has happened.” Hoshiko replied solemnly as she took in the looks of the rest of the family around her.

 

Nodding and smiling a little in return Mrs Higurashi looked at her other daughter and then Inuyasha. “You two will watch out for her, won't you?”

 

Inuyasha finished with his meal crossed his arms in the usual fashion before answering. “Don't worry Higurashi-san, I'll protect Hoshiko the same way I do Kagome.”

 

Suddenly excusing himself from the table Gramps left the room with an `I have something to attend too' mumbled under his breath. Before he left he flashed a small quick smile at the two girls as he disappeared out of sight.

 

“Well then, that settles it. You three better get yourselves off to bed then, and get a good nights sleep.” Mrs Higurashi suddenly replied as she started collecting the dirty pots from the table.

 

~*~*~

 

Turning the light on in the storage shed Grampa Higurashi coughed once into his hand as he walked slowly amongst the shelves of artefacts and such.

 

“Now where did I put it again?” He mumbled under his breath, looking in a few boxes that were stacked upon the floor. Looking up from them a silvery white, oblong shaped box covered in dust suddenly caught his eye, and with a clap of victory the old man reached for it.

 

Holding it gently between his hard worn hands Gramps blew the dust off of the top to see the engravings of the cycle of the moon across it. Looking quickly around him he tried again to open it, but wasn't surprised when it held shut, just like the first time he'd tried when he'd received the box over thirty years ago.

 

Remembering the cloaked stranger that had suddenly appeared on the shrine grounds one rainy night Grampa Higurashi placed the box to the side for the moment and pulled out an aged scroll that was given to him along with the box.

 

Thirty years from this day a young girl will venture into the bone eaters well along with another. Before she departs you must give this box to her, as what it contains is the remainder of her legacy. She is the only one that can open it.

 

Sighing tiredly he put the parchment away and slipped the box into a sleeve of his kimono, before leaving and shutting up the shed again. Entering the house through the back door so his daughter wouldn't interrupt him from his goal Grampa made his way silently up the stairs. Seeing that Hoshiko wasn't in her assigned room he quickly found himself before Kagome's door, and with another heavy sigh quickly knocked.

 

~*~*~

 

All three of them were sat camped out in Kagome's room, the girls cuddled up on the bed and Inuyasha in his usual position on the floor by the window when there was a quiet knock at the door. All three sat up at attention as Kagome replied with a `come in'.

 

Coming into the room Gramps had to smile at the cosy scene of his two granddaughters cuddled up together on the bed. Nodding in greeting to the hanyou in the corner he strode over to the girls, pulling a pretty silver box from the sleeve of his kimono.

 

“Hoshiko, I found something in the shed that I think will aid you and keep you safe on your journey.” He started as he sat on the edge of the bed.

 

“Don't forget old man, I'll be there to keep her safe.” Inuyasha counted, his eyes trained on the mysterious object in Gramps hands, his nose and sensors telling him that the old man was keeping something from them. I'll find out later when the girls are asleep.

 

“I don't doubt that Inuyasha. But humble this old fool and set his fears aside with this.” Handing it to Hoshiko he felt a small shiver of energy pass through him when her fingers touched it, and watched her intently as she studied the box first, running her fingers over the top and the carvings there, before with eager eyes she pulled the lid off, to reveal a very large dagger that was the length from elbow to finger tips. Taking it out to show the others they could all see that the same carvings that were on the lid of the box were etched into the blade sheath, and nestled into the top of the hilt was a single clear gem.

 

“What a strange dagger Gramps. How will this help me?” Hoshiko asked as she turned the small weapon over in her hands.

 

“It is called a moon dagger. It says that when the owner is threatened or in danger the small blade glows like the moon itself and enlarges, growing longer than your body. It will come in very handy might I add.” Gramps explained, choosing to ignore the mumbled `yeah, if it works' from Inuyasha.

 

Smiling warmly and her eyes shiny with tears Hoshiko rose from her position on the bed and hugged him in thanks.

 

Patting her on the back Gramps reluctantly pulled away and stood. Blessing them all and wishing them good luck for the journey in the morning he bid them goodnight before leaving the room, closing the door silently behind him. As the silence stretched on around the three they each slowly fell asleep, minds consumed with worries of what was to come.

 

~*~*~

 

When Inuyasha was sure the girls were sleeping he silently stood and exited the room, following his nose till he reached another door slapped with useless ofuda's like the ones Grampa would sometimes slap on him. Knowing he had the right room the hanyou knocked on the door and stood waiting while he listened to the old man shuffle about before coming to answer. When the door opened Inuyasha greeted him with arms crossed and a steady glare fixed on his face.

 

“We need to talk old man.” Inuyasha growled lowly so as not to wake the other people in the house.

 

Sighing tiredly Grampa just nodded his head and motioned the boy into his room, shutting the door behind him when they were safely inside again. “I knew you'd have something else to say about that blade.”

 

“Where did you get such a powerful weapon?” He asked next as he continued to stand. “That is a demon made blade old man, and it has no business being in the hands of humans.”

 

“Even if it is meant for one?” Grampa answered back quietly, quickly pulling out the old parchment that came with the box and handing it to the hanyou. “Before you ask any more questions you better read this.”

 

Taking the scroll from him Inuyasha swiftly unrolled it and read the brief message that was written, before rolling it up and handing it back. “That still doesn't explain much old man.”

 

Rubbing his tired face Grampa waved the comment off. “That is all I have to offer you. I was given that box and scroll thirty years ago, by a cloaked figure that appeared on the grounds one night. Never said a word, just handed the items too me and disappeared into thin air.” Feeling the anger coming from the boy he added. “I would never give Hoshiko something that I knew would cause her harm Inuyasha. Can you not sense the lack of an evil aura within that blade, and that it responds only to her. There was proof when she managed to open the box. I myself have tried unsuccessfully twice and have failed on both attempts.”

 

With one final growl Inuyasha turned on his heal and headed for the door. With one hand on the handle he added over his shoulder before he left. “Your right about not sensing any evil within it, but if I feel that its endangering her life in any way then I won't hesitate to destroy it.”

 

Sat alone again in his room Grampa Higurashi sighed wearily and laid down on his bed, silently hoping and praying that the three of them would be alright when they returned to the feudal era in the morning.

 

Keep safe my children. Keep safe.

 

~*~*~

 

A/N: Well that's the first chappie. Not bad if I do say so myself. Remember RNR, and all reviews will get a mention at the end of the next chappie!