InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Third Rate Romance ❯ Aftermath - Current Era 3 ( Chapter 9 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: RebaJean 
Sixteenth century hanyou and miko in the twenty-first century?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.28.2004 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 671 | Status: Completed
Sixteenth century hanyou and miko in the twenty-first century?
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Hentai / Comedy | Type: Continuation | Uploaded On: 05.28.2004 | Pages: 3 | Words: 5.9K | Visits: 671 | Status: Completed
Third Rate Romance
Reba Jean 3/2/04
Email to: rebajean@writing.com
Category: Parody/Humor/Romance
Rating: R/NC
Disclaimer: Characters based on "Inuyasha" ? 1997 by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan, Inc.
Aftermath - Current Era - Part 3
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Kagome lay back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling in boredom. One thing that had not changed in all the centuries that she had known him, was Sesshoumaru's obsessive care of his beautiful hair. She guessed it was worth it though, she had never seen its like. She began to daydream of times long past. Her thoughts turned to the days following the battle with Naraku.
She had spent a comfortable night in Sesshoumaru's campaign tent at his troops' camp by the lake. Apparently the taiyoukai was not averse to luxury in the field. His quarters were spacious enough to house a large futon and travel chests containing his equipment in the rear half of the tent. There was even a travel tub for bathing. A low campaign table surrounded by floor pillows occupied the front of the tent. A circular fire pit filled the center beneath the smoke hole. Silken draperies patterned with fantastical beasts hung from the ceiling dividing the two sections. Tatami mats and luxurious Chinese and Middle Eastern carpets covered the ground.
Kikyo and Inuyasha had been deposited on a mat under the front awning of the tent. Jaken hovered nearby watching the sleepers. Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Shippou, Sango, Miroku, Rin and Kaede, brought from her village, gathered inside for a morning meal of soup and rice. The front walls of the tent were pulled back to let in the morning sunlight of a fine clear day.
Kikyo stirred and pushed herself up into a sitting position. The woman who rose from the dead was far different from the angry, bitter, hate-filled clay shell she had been. Her original quiet, gentle spirit had been restored. She shrank from the awareness of the actions of her hate-filled shell. Kikyo sank to the ground, prostrating herself in front of the watching group, begging for forgiveness. She declared that she did not deserve a second chance to live.
A muffled, "Kikyo?" came from the pile of blankets next to the now weeping, prostrate woman. Inuyasha crawled out, shook himself, and stood shakily. His eyes filled with a joyful light as he saw Kikyo's restored humanity. He sank down and pulled her into his arms. "You're alive. I never thought I would see you alive again. You are my only love," he murmured.
An angry snarl filled the tent. "You owe the restoration of your bitch as well as your own worthless life to Kagome's pleas for mercy, you ungrateful baka. The woman you scorned and mistreated for years still cares enough to wish for you to be happy," Sesshoumaru snapped.
"It's all right, Sesshoumaru. I'm happy we were able to bring them back," soothed Kagome. She leaned against the angry taiyoukai and wrapped her arms around him. "I have you; how could I wish for anything more?"
"There is something you can do to help us," Kagome told Kikyo. "Even though the Shikon no Tama is whole again, that won't stop the evil creatures seeking its power. I have responsibilities in this time and wish to remain. And my 'lord' forbids me to leave," she paused, glancing at Sesshoumaru's smug expression.
Inuyasha fidgeted, shifting his weight, folding his hands inside his sleeves, and snorted disdainfully, "Keh, like she'd actually obey 'You' without arguing. She never listened to me when I told her what to do."
Sesshoumaru raised one eyebrow, "And that, dear brother, is simply one more difference between us." His innuendo that their comparison was unfavorable remained unvoiced but was clearly implied.
Inuyasha looked suspiciously back and forth at the observers' amused expressions. Even Kikyo hid a smile behind her hand. Shippou laughed, "He got you, baka."
Inuyasha growled and moved threateningly toward the fleeing kitsune. Kagome raised her voice, "Inuyasha, don't make me say it." He grumbled something under his breath and sat back down sullenly.
"Mate, you may resume the miko's instruction," Sesshoumaru commented imperiously.
"Since I'm not returning to my own time and sealing the well, it will remain open. Kikyo will need to go to the other side to guard the portal and defend it from evil," Kagome continued.
Sesshoumaru cut in, "Miko, you shall go to the future in Kagome's stead and stand guard until the times converge."
Inuyasha shouted, "No way! She can't go there and leave me here alone."
Sesshoumaru sniffed, "Go with her then, or remain here in your forest and sulk. It is of little consequence what you do."
Kagome offered, "If you go with Kikyo you can help her protect the well and guard my family. Jichan is getting old; he could really use your help taking care of the shrine. Maybe you and Kikyo could even fix up the old groundskeeper's apartment over the garage and have your own place. Then you wouldn't have to camp out in Souta's room."
Kaede, Sango, and Miroku nodded. It seemed to be a sound and reasonable plan. Kaede addressed her revived sister, "It seems a most generous offer, considering . . . "
Sesshoumaru added, "Since Kagome has learned the mysteries of returning to a particular point in time, we shall undoubtedly make several visits to her family over the next few centuries, especially when our pups are young. You shall perhaps be permitted to return here while we journey to the future."
Kikyo seemed overwhelmed and she answered, "I am grateful for the chance to serve. But I know naught of life in such a far off time."
"Keh, it's not so hard," Inuyasha dismissed her hesitation. "It's noisy, smelly, and way too crowded. You have to be careful of the magic metal carriages on the roads; they move even faster than Sesshoumaru."
Even Sesshoumaru listened to his brother's comments. Although Kagome had told him a bit about her time, he had not yet had the opportunity to travel there himself.
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Kagome roused herself from her musings. Glancing at the clock, she noted that she still had at least half an hour before Sesshoumaru used up all the hot water washing his hair. Perhaps the taiyoukai had added more to his computer journal about the same days she had been remembering.
< -- Weblog - 200x.5.27 -- Travels of the Taiyoukai -- >
'The preparations were complete; the time had come to journey to the future. I instructed my forces to break camp and return to the western stronghold. The sooner the miko business was taken care of, the sooner we could return home. Awaiting my attention there were the negotiations with the Southern lord over the fate of the Southern rebels taken by the Western forces.
As the magical well was little over a half day's journey by foot, the distance was quickly covered. Sending the children with Jaken on Ah-Un, I gathered Kagome close and flew there in short order. The monk, exterminator, and old woman followed on the transformed fire cat. Inuyasha and his bitch brought up the rear, trailing in behind the rest of the group. After what seemed an inordinate amount of time for good-byes, Kagome's friends left for their respective villages.
We gathered at the well. Inuyasha held the now fully human Kikyo, whose usually calm face bore a trace of unease or fear. Though I still found little to commend her for, she was able to still her features and guard her expressions as befits a warrior. Of course being human, her control was in no way comparable to my own. Rin and Shippou bounced excitedly in Kagome's arms. After all six members of our party had clambered down into the close confines at the bottom of the well, Kagome chirped, "Group hug." We all squeezed together in a most distasteful manner and a blue light flashed around us. The sensation was not unlike hitting turbulence when flying. Almost as soon as our eyes began adjusting to the flash of light, we were in darkness once more.
The sky overhead was replaced with a wooden structure. For once Inuyasha was correct, the normal scents of open field and nearby forest were replaced with something distinctly artificial. The metallic tang of a smithy or iron works, the aroma of tar or pitch, perhaps from a nearby shipbuilder, and the pervasive stench of innumerable humans hung heavily in the air. The constant background clamor spoke of a large, crowded city and many of the random noises were simply unidentifiable.
We emerged from the shed covering the dry well into the stone courtyard of a small temple complex on a hillside. Buildings surrounded the central plaza. A woman greatly resembling Kagome stood shaking a cloth off the steps of the two-storied wooden structure. Although her kimono was shortened to the length favored by commoners for working their fields, she apparently did not share my mate's fondness for indecently short garments. Though I do not object to them in the privacy of our chambers, they are unacceptable for public wear. In the flurry of breaking camp that morning, the camp laundress had finally managed to "lose" the last of the despicable costumes.
The woman finally noticed our presence and ran toward us shouting, "Kagome, you're back!" She squashed Kagome with Shippou between them until the kitsune squealed. "You must be Shippou; Kagome has told us about you. Is that Sango over by Inuyasha? And who is this gorgeous 'elf', ... person holding the adorable little girl?" she asked in a rush. She peered at me closely, "You look a lot like Inuyasha. Are you related to him?"
It was most annoying to be so addressed, compared to my idiot half-brother, and all without proper introductions. Kagome seemed amused and clarified. "This is the kit I adopted, Shippou." She handed Shippou to her mother, who hugged the little kitsune.
Inuyasha interjected self-importantly, "This is Kikyo, my mate, not Sango."
Kagome's mother seemed surprised, looking over the group in confusion. Rin reached toward Kagome and she took her absently. Rin announced cheerfully, "Kagome is my new Okaa-san. She lives with Rin and Sesshoumaru-sama, my Otou-san, now."
"Kagome?" The woman questioned. She was interrupted by the noisy arrival of a younger boy, dashing up the steps, followed by a complaining old man.
"Mom, I'm home! Kagome, you're back! Inuyasha! Who are all these people? Who's the lady in the fur coat that looks like Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha and Shippou snickered as I growled angrily; this was a most insolent, rude and disrespectful pup that needed disciplining. I started forward but was seized by Kagome, who wrapped her arms around me tightly. "He doesn't mean anything, Sesshoumaru. Souta just has never seen anyone quite like you," Kagome defended her brother. "They are my family, my younger brother, my mother, and my grandfather. Please don't hurt anyone."
Did she think that I would harm her family in their own lands? I glanced over at Inuyasha; or did she know me all too well. I blinked. Breathing deeply, I willed myself to calmly overlook the errors in protocol these humans were bound to commit.
Kagome turned and addressed her family, "This is Lord Sesshoumaru, the Taiyoukai of the Western Lands, and Inuyasha's older half-brother." She blushed brightly and added, "And like Rin said, he is my mate. A lot of things have happened since the last time I was home."
The old man was muttering something about demons taking over. "What is this world coming to? Who ever heard of a miko marrying a full demon?"
He started to chant a warding spell but fell silent as the woman admonished him, "Jichan! Stop that right now! These people are family now and you will be polite to all of them." She turned and bowed respectfully, to the degree appropriate when one is unsure of another's station, and offered, "Please come in and join us for tea."
I nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for the rabble to follow her into the house. As I was entering the house, I whirled as I felt a tug on my tail. Growling, I glared at the offending party. The boy Souta quickly dropped his hand, "Sorry, I didn't know it was part of you. Are you really some kind of youkai royalty? Does that make my goofy sister a princess? Do you want to play video games later with me and Inuyasha?"
He chattered on incessantly as Rin was prone to do at times. The similarity was notable and so I deigned to answer the boy. "Your sister is now Lady of the Western Lands. I believe it may be similar in rank to what you would call a duchess in this time. In my time, she is indeed to be considered a princess."
I had occasioned to glance through Kagome's history, government, and science books at times while awaiting her awakening. They touched upon things all too briefly, hinting at mysteries and magics unheard of in my time. There was much I was curious to see first hand.
I continued to address the boy, "I am not familiar with these 'video games', but perhaps you can entertain the children while I speak with the elders of your family."
The boy grinned and ran down the hall shouting, "Shippou, Rin, Inuyasha, let's go upstairs and play."
As I took my seat at the table beside Kagome, it was amusing to see that Inuyasha's ears twitched with the desire to go play games rather than sit in conference with the 'adults'. He was restrained only by the demand of his bitch to remain at her side in this house of strangers.
Kagome told her family an edited version of the occurrences of the past few weeks. She spoke of her shard hunting expeditions, the alliances formed to fight Naraku, the final battle against him, reviving Kikyo and Inuyasha, and the need for them to guard the well in this future time. She barely mentioned the mortal dangers she faced daily or the circumstances surrounding our union. Her family's curiosity about this affair was obvious, as was her desire to avoid their questions.
I decided to provide suitable clarification. "Kagome, has downplayed her role and the dangers which she faced. In normal times our alliance would have been formally negotiated before the final contract was signed between our houses. The war-torn times necessitated otherwise. The southern lord and I have just resolved a lengthy civil war along our borders. The trouble caused by the usurping hanyou Naraku has inflamed the northern and eastern regions of the Western Lands. Joined as we are, our powers were more effective together in defeating Naraku. Inuyasha and Kikyo did not survive the final battle. They were revived using Tenseiga and the restored Shikon no Tama."
The old man looked disturbed. "Kagome should return home now that her quest is over. A miko should not be joined with a demon," he stated flatly. He stared at me as my youki flared in anger. Though his spells were ineffective, he was able to sense my wrath.
Controlling my expression to one of neutrality, I stated, "Kagome is my mate; her place is at home with our children."
Kagome, somewhat surprisingly, did not argue, but agreed, "Rin and Shippou need me. I want to stay there with them, . . . and with Sesshoumaru."
Kagome's mother placed a hand on her arm. "Will he take good care of you? Do you love him?" she asked. Inuyasha harrumphed and started to but in; I growled, admonishing him to remain silent in the language of the Inu. I too wished to hear what Kagome would say.
"Yes, Mama, I do. I belong with him now," she answered simply. Her cheeks flushed rosily. I glanced at her knowingly, one eyebrow raised questioningly, one side of my mouth almost lifting into a smirk.
Inuyasha made a gagging sound, "Puleeze, I think I'm going to be sick."
"Well, at least I never rutted with a corpse," I sniped in Inu in return.
Inuyasha barked and growled, "Kikyo's not a corpse. So do you think they'd like to know how you got Kagome drunk and seduced her when we were at the castle to plan for the battle, huh?"
I sniffed, "I did no such thing."
"Like maybe you expect me to believe she found her way to your bed on her own? I don't think so," he snarled back.
Kagome glared at us in turn. "I don't know what you're saying, but I know I don't like it. So why don't both of you just shut up!" She yelled, slapping her hands on the table and rattling the tea service and half-consumed cups of tea.
"Sesshoumaru, do you understand me?" she growled. I glanced away; the whole scene had become an embarrassment.
Inuyasha started to open his mouth. She warned, "Inuyasha, one more word and I'll say it."
Kikyo and the old man looked amused as Inuyasha shrank down, as if expecting to be dropped to the floor. Her mother just shook her head and said disgustedly, "Boys . . ."
Inuyasha's annoying interruptions quelled, I decided to continue the discussion. Addressing the mother's concerns, I stated, "Kagome will lack for nothing. The Western Lands are fertile for raising crops and rich in game. House Inu's rule is uncontested. Were your family nearby, I would provide a detachment of troops for your protection and funds for the proper maintenance of your household if necessary. Circumstances being as they are, the services of the miko Kikyo and my unworthy half-brother must suffice. I wish to return to my lands to cement the peace as soon as they are settled here."
Tapping one claw on the table edge, I recalled Kagome's offer. "Are there not unoccupied servant quarters that could be readied for the miko and hanyou?"
The woman answered affirmatively, "The groundskeeper's cottage was partially converted to a garage. The living quarters on the second floor are just full of old junk."
"As there are no nearby forests full of game or fields for Inuyasha to till, I would not wish you to be burdened with their maintenance. Hopefully this will suffice for now. More can be provided later as needed," I added as I tossed a small pouch of gold coins and small gems on the table.
Kagome's mother gasped as she looked inside, "Wow, he's a keeper, Kagome. He's not only well mannered, intelligent, and drop dead gorgeous, he's rich too." The woman was obviously teasing her daughter. Her words were nothing but the simple truth; however, her observations most perceptive.
Her expression changed to a serious one. She turned and stared into my eyes, "But the most important thing I'd like to know is if you love my daughter."
Inuyasha crossed his arms and glared challengingly, silently daring me to answer. "Yes, with a heart undivided," I answered firmly.
For once the silent miko spoke possessively, "And you are mine alone, Inuyasha." The miko, her human emotions restored, was obviously as tired of the hanyou's wavering attention as Kagome had been. An ally, as unlikely as it seemed. I could not resist a small triumphant smirk.
"Keh," his eyes slitted and ears laid back, Inuyasha studiously ignored my taunting gaze. Perhaps he was beginning to learn the virtue of silence at last.
Plans were finalized. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the porch battling the old man at go and other games of strategy, whilst the females occupied themselves with readying the servant's quarters. Inuyasha and Souta were drafted and staggered up and down the stairs to the garage storage area with the rejected boxes and furnishings. Shippou and Rin amused themselves playing tag in the courtyard or pestering Inuyasha and Souta with their "helping". Had not Rin been forbidden from picking the few blooms in the courtyard planters, they would have been garlanded with flowers as well.
Though wealthy in material possessions and 'electronic gadgets', apparently the Higurashi family lacked sufficient funds to hire even the minimum of three or four servants normal for a holding of this size. Or perhaps performing such manual labor was considered a religious discipline in these times. They seemed to do for themselves many tasks more suited to the lower classes. Inuyasha should fit in well enough. Even with the many magical 'labor saving' machines, his brute strength should be of use.
Their curious devices seemed simple enough to use that even Inuyasha had mastered their workings. Neither Kagome nor any of her family was able to explain the magics enlivening the devices however. Kagome claimed the working principles involved mechanics and 'electricity' rather than magic. It seemed that the youkai and humans of this time were not so very different from those of the Sengoku Jidai; the craft guild masters and learned wizards still jealously guarded their secrets from the common folk.
After the old man nodded off for the third time, he finally retired to nap until the evening meal. I wandered about and investigated as much of the household and shrine grounds as I wished to see. Periodically I was accompanied by Rin, Shippou, or the annoying fat feline ball of fur whose all pervading odor marked the entire holding as his territory. More than once I rescued Shippou's tail or my own from his treacherous claws. He would have made an excellent projectile for a catapult and I would have been more than happy to load the weapon myself. Feline scents so pervaded the grounds, I wondered that Inuyasha had never remarked upon it. There were traces that hinted at larger wild cats or youkai as well. The human smells overwhelmed all, however.
Out of boredom, I deigned to finally visit the 'garage' dwelling to see if the females were finished. It seemed that they had arranged the living quarters and the separate bathing and sleeping rooms to their satisfaction. The rooms still seemed disgustingly dusty and dirty to my standards. Kagome sighed, pleading fatigue, and begged to continue the 'cleaning' on the morrow. Her face was rather pale; my mate had over-worked herself when out of my watchful eye. "Kagome, you will rest. You should not be pushing yourself so hard," I warned her.
Addressing the miko, "Why do you not perform a simple cleaning spell to finish this task?" I questioned.
Kikyo replied, "That is not a spell that I know. My studies were concerned with magical protection and medicinal herbal lore."
Kagome and her mother gave us both blank looks. I sighed, "Well it is but a small matter. I shall do it myself this once. Watch and learn." I nodded in satisfaction as the last of the whirling dust cloud blew out the door.
Kagome exclaimed happily, "So that's how you stay so clean all the time!" It seemed she had considered such a commonplace matter a great mystery.
I swept up Kagome and carried her to her room. After depositing her on her bed, I admonished her to rest until the evening meal. The next hour was passed tediously watching an absurd play on the box in the corner of the 'living' room. Pathetic humans overcoming powerful youkai attacking from the sky - ridiculous.
Apparently the instruction of the miko in the use of their cooking devices was not entirely successful, from the burning odor pervading the house. The 'takeout' that was delivered was less than pleasing. I had certainly never encountered such 'Chinese' food during any of my travels in China. While the fish dish was edible, the main courses had tasteless farm-raised meats and fowl. Without the residue of the struggle between the spirits of predator and prey, animal-based food provides no nourishment for one's youki.
Kagome wished to show us around her city. I overrode her offer; she was too fatigued to travel about on foot or in a carriage through the streets. Inuyasha and Kikyo would have plenty of time to explore on their own. Souta and the old grandfather could take Rin and Shippou, suitably disguised, on the proposed outing to the Ueno zoo and 'amusement' park on the morrow.
After darkness fell, I relented somewhat and agreed that Kagome might point out sites of interest as we flew about the city. The lights of the buildings and the vehicles moving below were quite dramatic. I refused her pleas to land in the Ginza shopping district, however. After hearing tales of Chichiue accompanying Inuyasha's mother on trips to the shops and markets in the capital, I determined not to repeat his foolishness in going "shopping" with my own human mate. We landed on the observation deck of a tall tower lighting up the skyline near the waterfront. Kagome indicated that it was patterned after a similar edifice in Paris in Europe far to the west.
On our return to Kagome's home, the disgusting noise of my idiot half-brother rutting with his bitch, assaulted our ears. It was so loud that it must have disturbed the people attempting to sleep on the first floor below. A distressed expression flitted across Kagome's face briefly and I growled angrily that his actions still had the power to upset her. I snarled a command for silence as we passed the closed door to her brother's room. The sound of both male and female laughter followed us down the hall until I slammed shut Kagome's door. I ensured that Kagome's screams of pleasure echoed many times throughout the night, muffled so they were audible only the keen canine ears down the hall. I was certainly not so poor a guest as to rudely disturb the sleep of my hosts.
The next morning I was most pleased to observe Inuyasha's lecture on "proper behavior for a guest" delivered in no uncertain terms by Kagome's mother. While the boy did not treat the old grandfather with the proper respect due the head of the house, his fear of Mrs. H's displeasure made a most gratifying display.
Kagome was determined to spend the next day showing me the "tourist" attractions listed in her tour book of the city. I refused to don the drab peasant garb she wished me to wear and to leave behind my swords. After much whining, begging, and pleading on her part, I did agree not to kill any passersby unless they attacked first. A marginally acceptable costume was found in her late father's trunks. A black silk competion gi and hakama provided a suitable excuse for carrying the swords. Kagome had a similar outfit with a white gi and black hakama. Unfortunately they were decorated with profusely with the "Striking Tiger Dojo" legend and logo. We criss-crossed the city in noisy, smelly, and crowded "buses" and "trains".
Departing the last train station to make our way back to her house on foot, I asked why she believed that there were no youkai in her time. She looked bewildered and said that she had never seen any except during the mask incident and the centipede woman when she was transported through the well for the first time. I surveyed the crowds around us, pointing out a pair of kitsune, disguised with a glamour, on the platform across from us. I added, "At least one of every five or six people around us carries at least a trace of youkai blood. It seems that intermingling between youkai and human has become more common than in my time."
As we were leaving, a dragon lord caught my eye, nodding in recognition and approached us. "Lord Sesshoumaru, what a surprise. I thought you would be out of the country for several years. And this must be your lovely mate, Kagome."
Racking my memory of boyhood trips to youkai gatherings, I finally recalled his name. "Kagome, I'd like to present Lord Quetzalcoatl of the New World Dragon Clan." We indulged in a few moments of polite conversation with vague allusions to apparently common business interests. I of course had no idea of what he was discussing, but gathered that we must still be alive in this time.
His parting remark was most curious, "Too bad things didn't work out with that boy of yours and my daughter. In our day, the youngsters never even thought of arguing against a match arranged for them." A strange and unsettling conversation.
Our walk through the park and along the streets toward the house was uneventful until Kagome stopped and stared at a large warehouse building. "I don't remember this being here; it was a department store before."
The storefront was black glass except for the lettering and logo on the door, a large white dog leaping to attack across a navy crescent moon on a background of dark silver. Lettering announced in kanji, Chinese, and English, the hours of operation for the "White Dog Dojo".
"We have to go in and see it! That dog looks just like your battle form," Kagome exclaimed excitedly.
The interior appeared to be that of a typical martial arts dojo except the wooden floored sword practice area was large enough for transformed youkai to spar. Smaller rooms covered with mats were set up for hand to hand combat and there was also an archery target range. Two tall young men garbed similarly to Kagome, looked up at us in surprise as we interrupted their conversation.
They were upon us in a flash, squeezing Kagome between them. I froze in mid draw at their yells of, "Okaa-san! Otou-san! What are you doing here? We thought you weren't coming home to Japan for another two years."
Kagome regarded them in silent amazement. I smirked, neither of "our sons" were malformed, misshapen oddities, or even ill-favored. Both had platinum blond hair, expressive golden eyes, pointed ears, and slightly elongated fangs and claws. Their features were not so pronouncedly youkai as to draw attention in a crowd of humans. The taller boy had short spiked hair, while the younger looking one had his pulled back in a shoulder-length tail. "I don't believe we are exactly who you take us to be," I began cautiously. "This is our first trip to Tokyo since the defeat of Naraku, to bring Inuyasha and Kikyo to this time."
They seemed disappointed but remained friendly and curious. The older boy, Tai for short, was apparently more impulsive, reminding me a bit of Inuyasha, and grinned, "So do you want to spar?"
A most enjoyable match ensued. The first round was against the eldest boy, the second followed against the younger brother, with a final bout of two on one. Kagome finally brought the fun to a halt, insisting that it was time to eat. The two acquitted themselves well, displaying youkai-like speed, and using many unfamiliar sword techniques.
After discussing the state of the family briefly, I asked if the family business could provide an income for Inuyasha and his mate. Perhaps they might teach at the dojo.
Sho laughed, "We're rich, Otou-san. The company is worth billions. I'm the chief financial officer and should know."
I smirked, "Let them have enough to be comfortable, but not so much as to get in too much trouble. Your uncle is impulsive and hot-headed and I don't think he has any idea of how to handle money."
Sho grinned slyly, glancing at Tai, "After cleaning up Tai's messes; I doubt he can be any worse. After I get through tutoring him; he could be an accountant."
I chuckled at the thought, "You will have your work cut out for you. I doubt that Inuyasha can even count higher than the number of his fingers and toes."
We reluctantly took our leave; it would be years before we would see our family grown to adulthood. I smiled at my mate, "It's not often one gets to see how your yet unborn pup will turn out."
Late that day, Kagome took tearful leave of her family. I reminded them, "It will not be for long. We will visit next after Kagome is delivered and she and the pup are ready to travel."
A storm of exclamations, speculations on gender and if the child would have "cute puppy dog ears", and more rounds of tears ensued. It seemed that Kagome had neglected to announce the upcoming arrival of the first Higurashi grandchild. Our departure was postponed for several more days for consultations with physicians and the obligatory "baby shower" ritual. I departed heavily laden, to the sound of Kagome's mother ordering Inuyasha to carry the other six loads of "supplies" through the well.'
< -- end journal entry -- >
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Reba Jean 3/2/04
Email to: rebajean@writing.com
Category: Parody/Humor/Romance
Rating: R/NC
Disclaimer: Characters based on "Inuyasha" ? 1997 by Rumiko Takahashi/Shogakukan, Inc.
Aftermath - Current Era - Part 3
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Kagome lay back against the pillows and stared at the ceiling in boredom. One thing that had not changed in all the centuries that she had known him, was Sesshoumaru's obsessive care of his beautiful hair. She guessed it was worth it though, she had never seen its like. She began to daydream of times long past. Her thoughts turned to the days following the battle with Naraku.
She had spent a comfortable night in Sesshoumaru's campaign tent at his troops' camp by the lake. Apparently the taiyoukai was not averse to luxury in the field. His quarters were spacious enough to house a large futon and travel chests containing his equipment in the rear half of the tent. There was even a travel tub for bathing. A low campaign table surrounded by floor pillows occupied the front of the tent. A circular fire pit filled the center beneath the smoke hole. Silken draperies patterned with fantastical beasts hung from the ceiling dividing the two sections. Tatami mats and luxurious Chinese and Middle Eastern carpets covered the ground.
Kikyo and Inuyasha had been deposited on a mat under the front awning of the tent. Jaken hovered nearby watching the sleepers. Kagome, Sesshoumaru, Shippou, Sango, Miroku, Rin and Kaede, brought from her village, gathered inside for a morning meal of soup and rice. The front walls of the tent were pulled back to let in the morning sunlight of a fine clear day.
Kikyo stirred and pushed herself up into a sitting position. The woman who rose from the dead was far different from the angry, bitter, hate-filled clay shell she had been. Her original quiet, gentle spirit had been restored. She shrank from the awareness of the actions of her hate-filled shell. Kikyo sank to the ground, prostrating herself in front of the watching group, begging for forgiveness. She declared that she did not deserve a second chance to live.
A muffled, "Kikyo?" came from the pile of blankets next to the now weeping, prostrate woman. Inuyasha crawled out, shook himself, and stood shakily. His eyes filled with a joyful light as he saw Kikyo's restored humanity. He sank down and pulled her into his arms. "You're alive. I never thought I would see you alive again. You are my only love," he murmured.
An angry snarl filled the tent. "You owe the restoration of your bitch as well as your own worthless life to Kagome's pleas for mercy, you ungrateful baka. The woman you scorned and mistreated for years still cares enough to wish for you to be happy," Sesshoumaru snapped.
"It's all right, Sesshoumaru. I'm happy we were able to bring them back," soothed Kagome. She leaned against the angry taiyoukai and wrapped her arms around him. "I have you; how could I wish for anything more?"
"There is something you can do to help us," Kagome told Kikyo. "Even though the Shikon no Tama is whole again, that won't stop the evil creatures seeking its power. I have responsibilities in this time and wish to remain. And my 'lord' forbids me to leave," she paused, glancing at Sesshoumaru's smug expression.
Inuyasha fidgeted, shifting his weight, folding his hands inside his sleeves, and snorted disdainfully, "Keh, like she'd actually obey 'You' without arguing. She never listened to me when I told her what to do."
Sesshoumaru raised one eyebrow, "And that, dear brother, is simply one more difference between us." His innuendo that their comparison was unfavorable remained unvoiced but was clearly implied.
Inuyasha looked suspiciously back and forth at the observers' amused expressions. Even Kikyo hid a smile behind her hand. Shippou laughed, "He got you, baka."
Inuyasha growled and moved threateningly toward the fleeing kitsune. Kagome raised her voice, "Inuyasha, don't make me say it." He grumbled something under his breath and sat back down sullenly.
"Mate, you may resume the miko's instruction," Sesshoumaru commented imperiously.
"Since I'm not returning to my own time and sealing the well, it will remain open. Kikyo will need to go to the other side to guard the portal and defend it from evil," Kagome continued.
Sesshoumaru cut in, "Miko, you shall go to the future in Kagome's stead and stand guard until the times converge."
Inuyasha shouted, "No way! She can't go there and leave me here alone."
Sesshoumaru sniffed, "Go with her then, or remain here in your forest and sulk. It is of little consequence what you do."
Kagome offered, "If you go with Kikyo you can help her protect the well and guard my family. Jichan is getting old; he could really use your help taking care of the shrine. Maybe you and Kikyo could even fix up the old groundskeeper's apartment over the garage and have your own place. Then you wouldn't have to camp out in Souta's room."
Kaede, Sango, and Miroku nodded. It seemed to be a sound and reasonable plan. Kaede addressed her revived sister, "It seems a most generous offer, considering . . . "
Sesshoumaru added, "Since Kagome has learned the mysteries of returning to a particular point in time, we shall undoubtedly make several visits to her family over the next few centuries, especially when our pups are young. You shall perhaps be permitted to return here while we journey to the future."
Kikyo seemed overwhelmed and she answered, "I am grateful for the chance to serve. But I know naught of life in such a far off time."
"Keh, it's not so hard," Inuyasha dismissed her hesitation. "It's noisy, smelly, and way too crowded. You have to be careful of the magic metal carriages on the roads; they move even faster than Sesshoumaru."
Even Sesshoumaru listened to his brother's comments. Although Kagome had told him a bit about her time, he had not yet had the opportunity to travel there himself.
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Kagome roused herself from her musings. Glancing at the clock, she noted that she still had at least half an hour before Sesshoumaru used up all the hot water washing his hair. Perhaps the taiyoukai had added more to his computer journal about the same days she had been remembering.
< -- Weblog - 200x.5.27 -- Travels of the Taiyoukai -- >
'The preparations were complete; the time had come to journey to the future. I instructed my forces to break camp and return to the western stronghold. The sooner the miko business was taken care of, the sooner we could return home. Awaiting my attention there were the negotiations with the Southern lord over the fate of the Southern rebels taken by the Western forces.
As the magical well was little over a half day's journey by foot, the distance was quickly covered. Sending the children with Jaken on Ah-Un, I gathered Kagome close and flew there in short order. The monk, exterminator, and old woman followed on the transformed fire cat. Inuyasha and his bitch brought up the rear, trailing in behind the rest of the group. After what seemed an inordinate amount of time for good-byes, Kagome's friends left for their respective villages.
We gathered at the well. Inuyasha held the now fully human Kikyo, whose usually calm face bore a trace of unease or fear. Though I still found little to commend her for, she was able to still her features and guard her expressions as befits a warrior. Of course being human, her control was in no way comparable to my own. Rin and Shippou bounced excitedly in Kagome's arms. After all six members of our party had clambered down into the close confines at the bottom of the well, Kagome chirped, "Group hug." We all squeezed together in a most distasteful manner and a blue light flashed around us. The sensation was not unlike hitting turbulence when flying. Almost as soon as our eyes began adjusting to the flash of light, we were in darkness once more.
The sky overhead was replaced with a wooden structure. For once Inuyasha was correct, the normal scents of open field and nearby forest were replaced with something distinctly artificial. The metallic tang of a smithy or iron works, the aroma of tar or pitch, perhaps from a nearby shipbuilder, and the pervasive stench of innumerable humans hung heavily in the air. The constant background clamor spoke of a large, crowded city and many of the random noises were simply unidentifiable.
We emerged from the shed covering the dry well into the stone courtyard of a small temple complex on a hillside. Buildings surrounded the central plaza. A woman greatly resembling Kagome stood shaking a cloth off the steps of the two-storied wooden structure. Although her kimono was shortened to the length favored by commoners for working their fields, she apparently did not share my mate's fondness for indecently short garments. Though I do not object to them in the privacy of our chambers, they are unacceptable for public wear. In the flurry of breaking camp that morning, the camp laundress had finally managed to "lose" the last of the despicable costumes.
The woman finally noticed our presence and ran toward us shouting, "Kagome, you're back!" She squashed Kagome with Shippou between them until the kitsune squealed. "You must be Shippou; Kagome has told us about you. Is that Sango over by Inuyasha? And who is this gorgeous 'elf', ... person holding the adorable little girl?" she asked in a rush. She peered at me closely, "You look a lot like Inuyasha. Are you related to him?"
It was most annoying to be so addressed, compared to my idiot half-brother, and all without proper introductions. Kagome seemed amused and clarified. "This is the kit I adopted, Shippou." She handed Shippou to her mother, who hugged the little kitsune.
Inuyasha interjected self-importantly, "This is Kikyo, my mate, not Sango."
Kagome's mother seemed surprised, looking over the group in confusion. Rin reached toward Kagome and she took her absently. Rin announced cheerfully, "Kagome is my new Okaa-san. She lives with Rin and Sesshoumaru-sama, my Otou-san, now."
"Kagome?" The woman questioned. She was interrupted by the noisy arrival of a younger boy, dashing up the steps, followed by a complaining old man.
"Mom, I'm home! Kagome, you're back! Inuyasha! Who are all these people? Who's the lady in the fur coat that looks like Inuyasha?"
Inuyasha and Shippou snickered as I growled angrily; this was a most insolent, rude and disrespectful pup that needed disciplining. I started forward but was seized by Kagome, who wrapped her arms around me tightly. "He doesn't mean anything, Sesshoumaru. Souta just has never seen anyone quite like you," Kagome defended her brother. "They are my family, my younger brother, my mother, and my grandfather. Please don't hurt anyone."
Did she think that I would harm her family in their own lands? I glanced over at Inuyasha; or did she know me all too well. I blinked. Breathing deeply, I willed myself to calmly overlook the errors in protocol these humans were bound to commit.
Kagome turned and addressed her family, "This is Lord Sesshoumaru, the Taiyoukai of the Western Lands, and Inuyasha's older half-brother." She blushed brightly and added, "And like Rin said, he is my mate. A lot of things have happened since the last time I was home."
The old man was muttering something about demons taking over. "What is this world coming to? Who ever heard of a miko marrying a full demon?"
He started to chant a warding spell but fell silent as the woman admonished him, "Jichan! Stop that right now! These people are family now and you will be polite to all of them." She turned and bowed respectfully, to the degree appropriate when one is unsure of another's station, and offered, "Please come in and join us for tea."
I nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for the rabble to follow her into the house. As I was entering the house, I whirled as I felt a tug on my tail. Growling, I glared at the offending party. The boy Souta quickly dropped his hand, "Sorry, I didn't know it was part of you. Are you really some kind of youkai royalty? Does that make my goofy sister a princess? Do you want to play video games later with me and Inuyasha?"
He chattered on incessantly as Rin was prone to do at times. The similarity was notable and so I deigned to answer the boy. "Your sister is now Lady of the Western Lands. I believe it may be similar in rank to what you would call a duchess in this time. In my time, she is indeed to be considered a princess."
I had occasioned to glance through Kagome's history, government, and science books at times while awaiting her awakening. They touched upon things all too briefly, hinting at mysteries and magics unheard of in my time. There was much I was curious to see first hand.
I continued to address the boy, "I am not familiar with these 'video games', but perhaps you can entertain the children while I speak with the elders of your family."
The boy grinned and ran down the hall shouting, "Shippou, Rin, Inuyasha, let's go upstairs and play."
As I took my seat at the table beside Kagome, it was amusing to see that Inuyasha's ears twitched with the desire to go play games rather than sit in conference with the 'adults'. He was restrained only by the demand of his bitch to remain at her side in this house of strangers.
Kagome told her family an edited version of the occurrences of the past few weeks. She spoke of her shard hunting expeditions, the alliances formed to fight Naraku, the final battle against him, reviving Kikyo and Inuyasha, and the need for them to guard the well in this future time. She barely mentioned the mortal dangers she faced daily or the circumstances surrounding our union. Her family's curiosity about this affair was obvious, as was her desire to avoid their questions.
I decided to provide suitable clarification. "Kagome, has downplayed her role and the dangers which she faced. In normal times our alliance would have been formally negotiated before the final contract was signed between our houses. The war-torn times necessitated otherwise. The southern lord and I have just resolved a lengthy civil war along our borders. The trouble caused by the usurping hanyou Naraku has inflamed the northern and eastern regions of the Western Lands. Joined as we are, our powers were more effective together in defeating Naraku. Inuyasha and Kikyo did not survive the final battle. They were revived using Tenseiga and the restored Shikon no Tama."
The old man looked disturbed. "Kagome should return home now that her quest is over. A miko should not be joined with a demon," he stated flatly. He stared at me as my youki flared in anger. Though his spells were ineffective, he was able to sense my wrath.
Controlling my expression to one of neutrality, I stated, "Kagome is my mate; her place is at home with our children."
Kagome, somewhat surprisingly, did not argue, but agreed, "Rin and Shippou need me. I want to stay there with them, . . . and with Sesshoumaru."
Kagome's mother placed a hand on her arm. "Will he take good care of you? Do you love him?" she asked. Inuyasha harrumphed and started to but in; I growled, admonishing him to remain silent in the language of the Inu. I too wished to hear what Kagome would say.
"Yes, Mama, I do. I belong with him now," she answered simply. Her cheeks flushed rosily. I glanced at her knowingly, one eyebrow raised questioningly, one side of my mouth almost lifting into a smirk.
Inuyasha made a gagging sound, "Puleeze, I think I'm going to be sick."
"Well, at least I never rutted with a corpse," I sniped in Inu in return.
Inuyasha barked and growled, "Kikyo's not a corpse. So do you think they'd like to know how you got Kagome drunk and seduced her when we were at the castle to plan for the battle, huh?"
I sniffed, "I did no such thing."
"Like maybe you expect me to believe she found her way to your bed on her own? I don't think so," he snarled back.
Kagome glared at us in turn. "I don't know what you're saying, but I know I don't like it. So why don't both of you just shut up!" She yelled, slapping her hands on the table and rattling the tea service and half-consumed cups of tea.
"Sesshoumaru, do you understand me?" she growled. I glanced away; the whole scene had become an embarrassment.
Inuyasha started to open his mouth. She warned, "Inuyasha, one more word and I'll say it."
Kikyo and the old man looked amused as Inuyasha shrank down, as if expecting to be dropped to the floor. Her mother just shook her head and said disgustedly, "Boys . . ."
Inuyasha's annoying interruptions quelled, I decided to continue the discussion. Addressing the mother's concerns, I stated, "Kagome will lack for nothing. The Western Lands are fertile for raising crops and rich in game. House Inu's rule is uncontested. Were your family nearby, I would provide a detachment of troops for your protection and funds for the proper maintenance of your household if necessary. Circumstances being as they are, the services of the miko Kikyo and my unworthy half-brother must suffice. I wish to return to my lands to cement the peace as soon as they are settled here."
Tapping one claw on the table edge, I recalled Kagome's offer. "Are there not unoccupied servant quarters that could be readied for the miko and hanyou?"
The woman answered affirmatively, "The groundskeeper's cottage was partially converted to a garage. The living quarters on the second floor are just full of old junk."
"As there are no nearby forests full of game or fields for Inuyasha to till, I would not wish you to be burdened with their maintenance. Hopefully this will suffice for now. More can be provided later as needed," I added as I tossed a small pouch of gold coins and small gems on the table.
Kagome's mother gasped as she looked inside, "Wow, he's a keeper, Kagome. He's not only well mannered, intelligent, and drop dead gorgeous, he's rich too." The woman was obviously teasing her daughter. Her words were nothing but the simple truth; however, her observations most perceptive.
Her expression changed to a serious one. She turned and stared into my eyes, "But the most important thing I'd like to know is if you love my daughter."
Inuyasha crossed his arms and glared challengingly, silently daring me to answer. "Yes, with a heart undivided," I answered firmly.
For once the silent miko spoke possessively, "And you are mine alone, Inuyasha." The miko, her human emotions restored, was obviously as tired of the hanyou's wavering attention as Kagome had been. An ally, as unlikely as it seemed. I could not resist a small triumphant smirk.
"Keh," his eyes slitted and ears laid back, Inuyasha studiously ignored my taunting gaze. Perhaps he was beginning to learn the virtue of silence at last.
Plans were finalized. I spent the rest of the afternoon on the porch battling the old man at go and other games of strategy, whilst the females occupied themselves with readying the servant's quarters. Inuyasha and Souta were drafted and staggered up and down the stairs to the garage storage area with the rejected boxes and furnishings. Shippou and Rin amused themselves playing tag in the courtyard or pestering Inuyasha and Souta with their "helping". Had not Rin been forbidden from picking the few blooms in the courtyard planters, they would have been garlanded with flowers as well.
Though wealthy in material possessions and 'electronic gadgets', apparently the Higurashi family lacked sufficient funds to hire even the minimum of three or four servants normal for a holding of this size. Or perhaps performing such manual labor was considered a religious discipline in these times. They seemed to do for themselves many tasks more suited to the lower classes. Inuyasha should fit in well enough. Even with the many magical 'labor saving' machines, his brute strength should be of use.
Their curious devices seemed simple enough to use that even Inuyasha had mastered their workings. Neither Kagome nor any of her family was able to explain the magics enlivening the devices however. Kagome claimed the working principles involved mechanics and 'electricity' rather than magic. It seemed that the youkai and humans of this time were not so very different from those of the Sengoku Jidai; the craft guild masters and learned wizards still jealously guarded their secrets from the common folk.
After the old man nodded off for the third time, he finally retired to nap until the evening meal. I wandered about and investigated as much of the household and shrine grounds as I wished to see. Periodically I was accompanied by Rin, Shippou, or the annoying fat feline ball of fur whose all pervading odor marked the entire holding as his territory. More than once I rescued Shippou's tail or my own from his treacherous claws. He would have made an excellent projectile for a catapult and I would have been more than happy to load the weapon myself. Feline scents so pervaded the grounds, I wondered that Inuyasha had never remarked upon it. There were traces that hinted at larger wild cats or youkai as well. The human smells overwhelmed all, however.
Out of boredom, I deigned to finally visit the 'garage' dwelling to see if the females were finished. It seemed that they had arranged the living quarters and the separate bathing and sleeping rooms to their satisfaction. The rooms still seemed disgustingly dusty and dirty to my standards. Kagome sighed, pleading fatigue, and begged to continue the 'cleaning' on the morrow. Her face was rather pale; my mate had over-worked herself when out of my watchful eye. "Kagome, you will rest. You should not be pushing yourself so hard," I warned her.
Addressing the miko, "Why do you not perform a simple cleaning spell to finish this task?" I questioned.
Kikyo replied, "That is not a spell that I know. My studies were concerned with magical protection and medicinal herbal lore."
Kagome and her mother gave us both blank looks. I sighed, "Well it is but a small matter. I shall do it myself this once. Watch and learn." I nodded in satisfaction as the last of the whirling dust cloud blew out the door.
Kagome exclaimed happily, "So that's how you stay so clean all the time!" It seemed she had considered such a commonplace matter a great mystery.
I swept up Kagome and carried her to her room. After depositing her on her bed, I admonished her to rest until the evening meal. The next hour was passed tediously watching an absurd play on the box in the corner of the 'living' room. Pathetic humans overcoming powerful youkai attacking from the sky - ridiculous.
Apparently the instruction of the miko in the use of their cooking devices was not entirely successful, from the burning odor pervading the house. The 'takeout' that was delivered was less than pleasing. I had certainly never encountered such 'Chinese' food during any of my travels in China. While the fish dish was edible, the main courses had tasteless farm-raised meats and fowl. Without the residue of the struggle between the spirits of predator and prey, animal-based food provides no nourishment for one's youki.
Kagome wished to show us around her city. I overrode her offer; she was too fatigued to travel about on foot or in a carriage through the streets. Inuyasha and Kikyo would have plenty of time to explore on their own. Souta and the old grandfather could take Rin and Shippou, suitably disguised, on the proposed outing to the Ueno zoo and 'amusement' park on the morrow.
After darkness fell, I relented somewhat and agreed that Kagome might point out sites of interest as we flew about the city. The lights of the buildings and the vehicles moving below were quite dramatic. I refused her pleas to land in the Ginza shopping district, however. After hearing tales of Chichiue accompanying Inuyasha's mother on trips to the shops and markets in the capital, I determined not to repeat his foolishness in going "shopping" with my own human mate. We landed on the observation deck of a tall tower lighting up the skyline near the waterfront. Kagome indicated that it was patterned after a similar edifice in Paris in Europe far to the west.
On our return to Kagome's home, the disgusting noise of my idiot half-brother rutting with his bitch, assaulted our ears. It was so loud that it must have disturbed the people attempting to sleep on the first floor below. A distressed expression flitted across Kagome's face briefly and I growled angrily that his actions still had the power to upset her. I snarled a command for silence as we passed the closed door to her brother's room. The sound of both male and female laughter followed us down the hall until I slammed shut Kagome's door. I ensured that Kagome's screams of pleasure echoed many times throughout the night, muffled so they were audible only the keen canine ears down the hall. I was certainly not so poor a guest as to rudely disturb the sleep of my hosts.
The next morning I was most pleased to observe Inuyasha's lecture on "proper behavior for a guest" delivered in no uncertain terms by Kagome's mother. While the boy did not treat the old grandfather with the proper respect due the head of the house, his fear of Mrs. H's displeasure made a most gratifying display.
Kagome was determined to spend the next day showing me the "tourist" attractions listed in her tour book of the city. I refused to don the drab peasant garb she wished me to wear and to leave behind my swords. After much whining, begging, and pleading on her part, I did agree not to kill any passersby unless they attacked first. A marginally acceptable costume was found in her late father's trunks. A black silk competion gi and hakama provided a suitable excuse for carrying the swords. Kagome had a similar outfit with a white gi and black hakama. Unfortunately they were decorated with profusely with the "Striking Tiger Dojo" legend and logo. We criss-crossed the city in noisy, smelly, and crowded "buses" and "trains".
Departing the last train station to make our way back to her house on foot, I asked why she believed that there were no youkai in her time. She looked bewildered and said that she had never seen any except during the mask incident and the centipede woman when she was transported through the well for the first time. I surveyed the crowds around us, pointing out a pair of kitsune, disguised with a glamour, on the platform across from us. I added, "At least one of every five or six people around us carries at least a trace of youkai blood. It seems that intermingling between youkai and human has become more common than in my time."
As we were leaving, a dragon lord caught my eye, nodding in recognition and approached us. "Lord Sesshoumaru, what a surprise. I thought you would be out of the country for several years. And this must be your lovely mate, Kagome."
Racking my memory of boyhood trips to youkai gatherings, I finally recalled his name. "Kagome, I'd like to present Lord Quetzalcoatl of the New World Dragon Clan." We indulged in a few moments of polite conversation with vague allusions to apparently common business interests. I of course had no idea of what he was discussing, but gathered that we must still be alive in this time.
His parting remark was most curious, "Too bad things didn't work out with that boy of yours and my daughter. In our day, the youngsters never even thought of arguing against a match arranged for them." A strange and unsettling conversation.
Our walk through the park and along the streets toward the house was uneventful until Kagome stopped and stared at a large warehouse building. "I don't remember this being here; it was a department store before."
The storefront was black glass except for the lettering and logo on the door, a large white dog leaping to attack across a navy crescent moon on a background of dark silver. Lettering announced in kanji, Chinese, and English, the hours of operation for the "White Dog Dojo".
"We have to go in and see it! That dog looks just like your battle form," Kagome exclaimed excitedly.
The interior appeared to be that of a typical martial arts dojo except the wooden floored sword practice area was large enough for transformed youkai to spar. Smaller rooms covered with mats were set up for hand to hand combat and there was also an archery target range. Two tall young men garbed similarly to Kagome, looked up at us in surprise as we interrupted their conversation.
They were upon us in a flash, squeezing Kagome between them. I froze in mid draw at their yells of, "Okaa-san! Otou-san! What are you doing here? We thought you weren't coming home to Japan for another two years."
Kagome regarded them in silent amazement. I smirked, neither of "our sons" were malformed, misshapen oddities, or even ill-favored. Both had platinum blond hair, expressive golden eyes, pointed ears, and slightly elongated fangs and claws. Their features were not so pronouncedly youkai as to draw attention in a crowd of humans. The taller boy had short spiked hair, while the younger looking one had his pulled back in a shoulder-length tail. "I don't believe we are exactly who you take us to be," I began cautiously. "This is our first trip to Tokyo since the defeat of Naraku, to bring Inuyasha and Kikyo to this time."
They seemed disappointed but remained friendly and curious. The older boy, Tai for short, was apparently more impulsive, reminding me a bit of Inuyasha, and grinned, "So do you want to spar?"
A most enjoyable match ensued. The first round was against the eldest boy, the second followed against the younger brother, with a final bout of two on one. Kagome finally brought the fun to a halt, insisting that it was time to eat. The two acquitted themselves well, displaying youkai-like speed, and using many unfamiliar sword techniques.
After discussing the state of the family briefly, I asked if the family business could provide an income for Inuyasha and his mate. Perhaps they might teach at the dojo.
Sho laughed, "We're rich, Otou-san. The company is worth billions. I'm the chief financial officer and should know."
I smirked, "Let them have enough to be comfortable, but not so much as to get in too much trouble. Your uncle is impulsive and hot-headed and I don't think he has any idea of how to handle money."
Sho grinned slyly, glancing at Tai, "After cleaning up Tai's messes; I doubt he can be any worse. After I get through tutoring him; he could be an accountant."
I chuckled at the thought, "You will have your work cut out for you. I doubt that Inuyasha can even count higher than the number of his fingers and toes."
We reluctantly took our leave; it would be years before we would see our family grown to adulthood. I smiled at my mate, "It's not often one gets to see how your yet unborn pup will turn out."
Late that day, Kagome took tearful leave of her family. I reminded them, "It will not be for long. We will visit next after Kagome is delivered and she and the pup are ready to travel."
A storm of exclamations, speculations on gender and if the child would have "cute puppy dog ears", and more rounds of tears ensued. It seemed that Kagome had neglected to announce the upcoming arrival of the first Higurashi grandchild. Our departure was postponed for several more days for consultations with physicians and the obligatory "baby shower" ritual. I departed heavily laden, to the sound of Kagome's mother ordering Inuyasha to carry the other six loads of "supplies" through the well.'
< -- end journal entry -- >
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