InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Time After Time ❯ The Knowledge of a Demon Tree ( Chapter 7 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: kanna37 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.10.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 498 | Status: Work In Progress
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Drama / Adventure / Action | Type: Divergence | Uploaded On: 03.10.2011 | Pages: 2 | Words: 3.5K | Visits: 498 | Status: Work In Progress
Chapter 7: The Knowledge of a Demon Tree
Sugimi watched, fascinated, as the well flared with soft blue light and powerful magic, and almost shuddered in pleasure when Kagome's aura swelled over all those in the clearing. He knew both his son's had caught his reaction when they both looked at him, but funnily enough, it was Inuyasha that looked angered, while Sesshoumaru merely cocked a brow.
Yes, he was aroused by her scent and aura, and he had no intention of hiding that fact from either son – if they didn't like it, too bad. He glanced back at Inuyasha as the boy growled at him when he made to move towards the well, and growled back demandingly, before reaching a hand into the darkness and helping the sexy miko from its depths.
She appeared surprised to see everyone already standing in the clearing, obviously ready to leave, and looked up at the daiyoukai with a blush as she asked, “We're leaving now?”
He smiled down at her, thinking how charming she looked with that shade of cranberry crossing her cheeks, and said, “Yes – is there perhaps a reason not to?”
She stepped back and he let go her hand, reluctantly. “Uhm, no, not at all, it's just we don't usually leave so soon – after all, it's just after sunup. But I don't mind!” she finished with a cheery smile. She looked at everyone, letting them all bask in her smile, before looking back up at a seemingly entranced Sugimi. “So... where are we going first?”
Inuyasha glared at the two, pissed as hell as he smelled the old dog's arousal at Kagome's nearness, jealousy almost choking him as he spit out in an acid tone, “Keh! We're goin' lookin' for some stupid tree so he can get a sheath for his sword instead of searching for shards like we should be!”
Sugimi turned on his son in an instant, growling out a demand for submission, and Inuyasha growled back, but turned away, submitting to his father's will as he had ordered. “Inuyasha, you will apologize for speaking in such a tone to a lady, now!” he snapped.
Kagome stared up at the daiyoukai in stunned wonder, shocked that someone was standing up for her – and in such a demanding manner, too!
Feh,” the hanyou said with disgust, “sorry.” Everyone could tell it wasn't really genuine, as the hanyou moved towards the back of the group with a sulky look on his face, but Kagome was so surprised that he'd actually said it that she didn't even respond.
Sesshoumaru, though, looked positively happy as he cast a gloating look back at his brother – he was absolutely loving watching his boor of a half-brother getting disciplined by their powerful father.
Once the hanyou moved to the back of the pack, Sugimi nodded down at the tiny priestess and smiled again. “Despite his disrespectful tone of voice, Inuyasha was correct. We are going to Bokuseno to gain a sheath for my sword, and then from there, we will continue on with the search for shards. How many days do you have supplies for?”
Kagome's eyes widened. “Oh! That's right, I almost forgot.” She turned to look back at Inuyasha. “I gathered supplies to last a month, but I couldn't carry them all, Inuyasha – would you go through the well and grab the rest? The bags are sitting in the well-house,” she finished.
His eyes narrowed, but the hanyou wasn't about to argue – the more supplies, the longer they could spend searching, and the less time she'd be wasting at home, away from him. “Fine,” he huffed. “I'll be right back.”
As Inuyasha hopped through the well, and Sugimi watched with fascination once again, Kagome grinned at her friends, holding her arms out for Shippo, who jumped quite happily into them. “Did you bring me some candy, Kagome?” he asked.
“Sure did, Shippo – as well as some for Rin, and some sweet-grass for Ah-Uhn,” she replied, moving over to the little girl that was already seated on Ah-Uhn, she reached up and gave her a hug, then settled Shippo up in front of her. “When we stop for lunch, I'll let you have some after you eat, okay?”
“Okay, Kagome,” the overly-happy child said, visions of pocky and suckers and chocolate running through his little mind. That didn't last long, as Rin promptly pulled him from those thoughts with a request to know what 'candy' was. His explanations took a while.
Kagome chuckled as she watched her little friend go off into raptures about the wonderful, miraculous tastes of things from Kagome's time, and walked back over towards Sango and Miroku. “So, guys,” she said, casting a quick, amused glance at Sugimi and Sesshoumaru staring into the depths of the well, “anything happen while I was gone?”
Her brow shot up when the two sent each other uncertain looks, and she frowned at them. “Okay, no hiding things from me. What went on here?”
Miroku sent an uneasy look towards their new leader, looking relieved when he moved away from the well and came towards them to answer Kagome's question.
“The only thing of interest that happened was me taking Inuyasha off and teaching him who was boss... making him understand who was alpha, and what was expected of him. And giving him a few lessons in swordsmanship,” he finished with a shrug.
She looked at him suspiciously. “And just how badly hurt was he?” she asked.
“Don't matter, wench, just drop it. I'm fine, and we need to be leaving now,” came Inuyasha's voice, as he hopped out of the well and moved to tie off the bags of supplies on Ah-Uhn's saddle.
He was met with a narrow-eyed glare from his father. “Boy, I will not tell you again! That is no way to address a lady, and if you cannot speak decently, then as I said before, do not speak at all!”
Kagome was watching, wide-eyed, honestly enjoying the fact that for the first time, ever, she wasn't the one having to discipline her friend. By now, she'd have already had to sit him more than once, but with his father there... there was no need.
Snapping his mouth closed, Inuyasha glared at everyone, especially his brother, then once more moved to the back of the now moving pack, and sulked the morning away.
It just wasn't fair... maybe he should think about leaving everyone and going off to find Kikyou – maybe he could travel with her.
But then, if he did that, his father would move in on Kagome even faster...
And he wasn't about to allow that. No way in hell.
---sSs---
Kagome was really beginning to feel like ants were crawling up and down her spine as she walked along beside Sango, and it was all because Inuyasha was staring at her back as though he were trying to drive nails through it. She didn't understand why, though... it wasn't like she'd done anything to him – for heaven's sakes, she hadn't even sat him!
Sango noticed her uncomfortable look, and peeking behind, she soon knew just what was causing it herself – she could see Inuyasha's scowl plastered squarely to her best friend's back.
She leaned closer to Kagome and whispered, “Why is he staring so hard at you?”
With a shrug of discomfort, Kagome said softly, “I don't know. I haven't even spoken to him since I got back - he's been sulking back there all day! How did he act while I was gone?”
Sango grimaced. “Well, truthfully, he was out of it for an entire day after fighting with his father. And when he did wake up, he was his usual belligerent self, though Sugimi-sama settled him right back down before he could go too far with it.”
Kagome was awed. “Wow – he was out for an entire day? His daddy must have really kicked his butt,” she whispered, not wanting to have an overly sensitive hanyou hear what she was saying.
With a nod, Sango said, “Yeah, he was pretty beat up. I mean, I've seen him worse off, of course, but still...”
“But that still doesn't say why he's glaring at me so steadily – it's not as if I'm the one that did it.”
Sugimi, walking just ahead of them and conversing easily on diverse topics with Miroku, heard the conversation between the two women, and wondered inwardly what the reaction would be if he told them what was wrong with his son. Walking at the back or not, he could easily scent the boy's emotions out – he was jealous.
It was even easier to deduce what he was jealous of. The boy might be a hanyou, but even his lesser senses were powerful enough to scent the attraction and arousal that he, Sugimi, felt towards the young miko, and that's why he was staring so hard at her. He was watching. It looked as though he'd be having another battle with the whelp, only this time, over the priestess, because as sure as he was alpha, he was not about to step aside for his son – especially when the boy had already lost her due to his own stupidity in choosing a dead woman over her.
No, Inuyasha would just have to get over himself, and learn not to interfere. Kagome was a free woman, and could choose for herself where her interests lay. Not to be too cocky about it, but he was more than aware that she was just as attracted to him as he was to her, and he had every intention of pursuing said attraction.
With that in mind, he began to slow his pace, allowing the two women to catch up. He was fairly certain they were too caught up in their conversation to notice, and he was right, as Kagome ended up bumping into him, looking up at him wide-eyed and with a sweet blush gracing her cheeks when she did. He put out a hand to catch her so that she did not stumble, allowing some of his musk to gather on his hand and scenting her with it... sure enough, the moment the boy caught a hint of what he was doing, his temper went through the roof and a jagged, sub-sonic growl burst from him.
Growling back in the same register, he let the boy know in no uncertain terms to back off, then smiled down at the girl that now carried a hint of his own scent. “I'm sorry, Kagome – I was rather engrossed in my conversation, and did not realize I was walking slower. I did not mean to make you stumble.”
“Oh, don't worry about it,” she chuckled nervously, waving a hand at him. “I wasn't really watching where I was going, either.” She sent a giggling Sango a glare as the dai smiled at her again and turned back to his own conversation, too embarrassed at her reaction to him touching her to do more than that.
Inuyasha was pissed as hell and getting more pissed by the minute. How dare that bastard scent Kagome! She wasn't his! I don't care who alpha is, Kagome's mine! She promised to stay by my side, not his, and I'm gonna hold her to that!
Sesshoumaru was enjoying the hell out of the whole mess, though he'd never admit it if asked. While he was still uncertain how he felt about his father's more than obvious attraction to the little miko, he was sure that watching his brother getting his ass handed to him, and possibly even losing the priestess to their father, was more than amusing.
He had to admit, though, that if his father was determined to find himself another human, he'd rather it be this particular woman than any other. At least she was honorable, decent, clean, caring and intelligent – and she was nowhere near powerless, unlike a certain hanyou pest's mother had been. Hime or not, she had brought nothing to the relationship besides a pretty face, as far as he was concerned, he'd never understood what his powerful father had seen in her.
There was one thing, though, that he was curious about...
He moved forward to where the older male was talking with the monk, and asked, “Father, what do you intend to do about mother?”
The sudden silence from everyone save Sugimi was deafening. The daiyoukai himself simply growled – it was clear what his answer to her would be.
-sSs-
Several days later, the group finally made their way into Bokuseno's wood, and Sugimi grinned in anticipation – he would definitely enjoy seeing his old friend again, not to mention it would be good to finally get a fitting sheath made for his long sword. Though most swords the size of his didn't have sheaths, his would, and once he had it, his sword would be carried over his back rather than by his side, as it was rather awkward doing so due to it's size.
He was also most interested in finding certain things out – things that the old tree might actually have the answer to... such as, where were the last shards of the jewel hiding? And... where was the spider? At the very least, Bokuseno would have a good idea of where the shards were, especially if they were not being held by youkai. If they were hidden anywhere within the landscape, the oldest living youkai would know of it.
With an almost gleeful expression, he stepped into his old friend's clearing, followed by the rest of the group, and waited, knowing the tree would soon waken.
“Ah, my friend, the Inu no Taisho. So, Sesshoumaru actually followed my instructions and gathered his brother in order to wake you. I have to admit, I did not believe that he would do so,” the old tree said, rattling his branches with a sleepy amusement as his face appeared suddenly within the ridged bark.
Sesshoumaru cocked an annoyed brow as his father chuckled, casting an amused glance back at him. “Hn,” was all he could think of to say, since he originally hadn't followed those instructions.
“Yes, well, that is not why we came, Bokuseno, though it is amusing to see Sesshoumaru unsettled.”
The tree met his gaze calmly. “Then why did you seek this one out?”
“Two reasons. First, I am in need of a special sheath for my new sword.” He drew Kumoriyaiba, letting Bokuseno get a good long look at it. “I wish to carry it over my shoulder, as I once did Sou'unga.”
Branches rattled together fiercely for several long moments as an eerie breeze sprung up out of nowhere and a powerful youki began to radiate from the tree, only to die down in less than a minute as a long, elegant sheath suddenly descended to the ground before the daiyoukai. He bent to pick it up, running an appreciative hand over the smooth wood, straightening when Bokuseno spoke again.
“And the second reason?” he asked, letting his eyes run over his friends companions.
“I would know if you have heard anything about the location of any jewel shards – and what you may know of Naraku, and his whereabouts.”
The tree chuckled, letting his eyes be drawn back to the smaller female of the combined pack with curiosity. “As for the shards of the Shikon that you seek, I know of two: one lies in the north, buried deep in the earth - because of that, it has maintained its purity – but the other lies within the eastern lands, in a tree in the foothills to the mountains, and this shard is corrupt, as is the tree.” He eyed the miko again, then looked back at Sugimi. “Naraku... now that is another matter altogether. Do you recall the tree where you sealed Hyoga? The Tree of Ages? After your son defeated his son, Menomaru, there, the tree was destroyed – but a gaping crater was left, and it is surrounded by a deep, evil forest. It is dangerous on it's own, and that is where the spider has taken up residence. It will not be easy to reach him there.”
Sugimi frowned thoughtfully, his eyes distant as he considered Bokuseno's words. He did, indeed, remember sealing Hyoga, and he definitely remembered that forest. He was, however, curious about one thing...
“Sesshoumaru, you defeated Menomaru?”
At that, an irate hanyou's voice popped up. “Oi! Hell no, that bastard didn't defeat the other bastard – me'n Kagome did!”
At that, Sugimi's eyebrows shot up into his bangs, and he turned to look first at his son, then questioningly at Kagome. She nodded. “It's the truth. Menomaru had managed to gain his father's power, and was a very dangerous threat. Inuyasha and I combined our power to defeat him, while Sango, Kirara, Miroku and Shippo fought off his hordes of lower demons.”
“Hm. I have to admit, Inuyasha,” he looked up at his son, “I am impressed.” He met Kagome's gaze. “By you as well, miko,” he said softly, chuckling when she flushed. Then he turned back to Bokuseno. “So, then, what can you tell me of this forest?”
With a sigh, the tree settled a little into the earth, and rustled his branches again. “It is an ancient forest, but has seen much loss at the hands of man and youkai. Most of the trees there have forgotten themselves – they were once like me, but have lost much of their minds, and more of their identities. They know only hatred.” He smiled slightly at Miroku's fascinated gaze. “It is a forest of many evil talents, there will be illusions, and creatures of myth and legend within it's confines that will hunt you mercilessly. As dangerous as it is, you must be more dangerous, and not allow it to take hold of your mind. And also consider – one such as the spider will make it even deadlier by adding his own traps and pitfalls.”
Kagome and Sango exchanged concerned glances, then both looked at Miroku, before looking towards the children. This journey sounded very dangerous, and it probably wouldn't be wise to take them with the group when they went to chase down Naraku.
Sugimi thought about what they'd been told, then nodded gratefully at his old friend. “This one thanks you for sharing your knowledge, and your wood,” he said, almost formally.
Bokuseno smiled enigmatically. “This one was pleased to do so,” he said. As the group turned and moved out of the clearing, he blinked at the daiyoukai, and asked, “Another one, my old friend? What is it with you and human females?”
Sugimi winked back, not surprised that the tree had picked up on his interest, and said, “That, I cannot tell you – since I have no idea myself. But you must admit, she is something else again, is she not?
And Bokuseno had to admit, Sugimi was right.
The young miko really was something else again.
Converting /tmp/phpy3GVRZ to /dev/stdout
Sugimi watched, fascinated, as the well flared with soft blue light and powerful magic, and almost shuddered in pleasure when Kagome's aura swelled over all those in the clearing. He knew both his son's had caught his reaction when they both looked at him, but funnily enough, it was Inuyasha that looked angered, while Sesshoumaru merely cocked a brow.
Yes, he was aroused by her scent and aura, and he had no intention of hiding that fact from either son – if they didn't like it, too bad. He glanced back at Inuyasha as the boy growled at him when he made to move towards the well, and growled back demandingly, before reaching a hand into the darkness and helping the sexy miko from its depths.
She appeared surprised to see everyone already standing in the clearing, obviously ready to leave, and looked up at the daiyoukai with a blush as she asked, “We're leaving now?”
He smiled down at her, thinking how charming she looked with that shade of cranberry crossing her cheeks, and said, “Yes – is there perhaps a reason not to?”
She stepped back and he let go her hand, reluctantly. “Uhm, no, not at all, it's just we don't usually leave so soon – after all, it's just after sunup. But I don't mind!” she finished with a cheery smile. She looked at everyone, letting them all bask in her smile, before looking back up at a seemingly entranced Sugimi. “So... where are we going first?”
Inuyasha glared at the two, pissed as hell as he smelled the old dog's arousal at Kagome's nearness, jealousy almost choking him as he spit out in an acid tone, “Keh! We're goin' lookin' for some stupid tree so he can get a sheath for his sword instead of searching for shards like we should be!”
Sugimi turned on his son in an instant, growling out a demand for submission, and Inuyasha growled back, but turned away, submitting to his father's will as he had ordered. “Inuyasha, you will apologize for speaking in such a tone to a lady, now!” he snapped.
Kagome stared up at the daiyoukai in stunned wonder, shocked that someone was standing up for her – and in such a demanding manner, too!
Feh,” the hanyou said with disgust, “sorry.” Everyone could tell it wasn't really genuine, as the hanyou moved towards the back of the group with a sulky look on his face, but Kagome was so surprised that he'd actually said it that she didn't even respond.
Sesshoumaru, though, looked positively happy as he cast a gloating look back at his brother – he was absolutely loving watching his boor of a half-brother getting disciplined by their powerful father.
Once the hanyou moved to the back of the pack, Sugimi nodded down at the tiny priestess and smiled again. “Despite his disrespectful tone of voice, Inuyasha was correct. We are going to Bokuseno to gain a sheath for my sword, and then from there, we will continue on with the search for shards. How many days do you have supplies for?”
Kagome's eyes widened. “Oh! That's right, I almost forgot.” She turned to look back at Inuyasha. “I gathered supplies to last a month, but I couldn't carry them all, Inuyasha – would you go through the well and grab the rest? The bags are sitting in the well-house,” she finished.
His eyes narrowed, but the hanyou wasn't about to argue – the more supplies, the longer they could spend searching, and the less time she'd be wasting at home, away from him. “Fine,” he huffed. “I'll be right back.”
As Inuyasha hopped through the well, and Sugimi watched with fascination once again, Kagome grinned at her friends, holding her arms out for Shippo, who jumped quite happily into them. “Did you bring me some candy, Kagome?” he asked.
“Sure did, Shippo – as well as some for Rin, and some sweet-grass for Ah-Uhn,” she replied, moving over to the little girl that was already seated on Ah-Uhn, she reached up and gave her a hug, then settled Shippo up in front of her. “When we stop for lunch, I'll let you have some after you eat, okay?”
“Okay, Kagome,” the overly-happy child said, visions of pocky and suckers and chocolate running through his little mind. That didn't last long, as Rin promptly pulled him from those thoughts with a request to know what 'candy' was. His explanations took a while.
Kagome chuckled as she watched her little friend go off into raptures about the wonderful, miraculous tastes of things from Kagome's time, and walked back over towards Sango and Miroku. “So, guys,” she said, casting a quick, amused glance at Sugimi and Sesshoumaru staring into the depths of the well, “anything happen while I was gone?”
Her brow shot up when the two sent each other uncertain looks, and she frowned at them. “Okay, no hiding things from me. What went on here?”
Miroku sent an uneasy look towards their new leader, looking relieved when he moved away from the well and came towards them to answer Kagome's question.
“The only thing of interest that happened was me taking Inuyasha off and teaching him who was boss... making him understand who was alpha, and what was expected of him. And giving him a few lessons in swordsmanship,” he finished with a shrug.
She looked at him suspiciously. “And just how badly hurt was he?” she asked.
“Don't matter, wench, just drop it. I'm fine, and we need to be leaving now,” came Inuyasha's voice, as he hopped out of the well and moved to tie off the bags of supplies on Ah-Uhn's saddle.
He was met with a narrow-eyed glare from his father. “Boy, I will not tell you again! That is no way to address a lady, and if you cannot speak decently, then as I said before, do not speak at all!”
Kagome was watching, wide-eyed, honestly enjoying the fact that for the first time, ever, she wasn't the one having to discipline her friend. By now, she'd have already had to sit him more than once, but with his father there... there was no need.
Snapping his mouth closed, Inuyasha glared at everyone, especially his brother, then once more moved to the back of the now moving pack, and sulked the morning away.
It just wasn't fair... maybe he should think about leaving everyone and going off to find Kikyou – maybe he could travel with her.
But then, if he did that, his father would move in on Kagome even faster...
And he wasn't about to allow that. No way in hell.
---sSs---
Kagome was really beginning to feel like ants were crawling up and down her spine as she walked along beside Sango, and it was all because Inuyasha was staring at her back as though he were trying to drive nails through it. She didn't understand why, though... it wasn't like she'd done anything to him – for heaven's sakes, she hadn't even sat him!
Sango noticed her uncomfortable look, and peeking behind, she soon knew just what was causing it herself – she could see Inuyasha's scowl plastered squarely to her best friend's back.
She leaned closer to Kagome and whispered, “Why is he staring so hard at you?”
With a shrug of discomfort, Kagome said softly, “I don't know. I haven't even spoken to him since I got back - he's been sulking back there all day! How did he act while I was gone?”
Sango grimaced. “Well, truthfully, he was out of it for an entire day after fighting with his father. And when he did wake up, he was his usual belligerent self, though Sugimi-sama settled him right back down before he could go too far with it.”
Kagome was awed. “Wow – he was out for an entire day? His daddy must have really kicked his butt,” she whispered, not wanting to have an overly sensitive hanyou hear what she was saying.
With a nod, Sango said, “Yeah, he was pretty beat up. I mean, I've seen him worse off, of course, but still...”
“But that still doesn't say why he's glaring at me so steadily – it's not as if I'm the one that did it.”
Sugimi, walking just ahead of them and conversing easily on diverse topics with Miroku, heard the conversation between the two women, and wondered inwardly what the reaction would be if he told them what was wrong with his son. Walking at the back or not, he could easily scent the boy's emotions out – he was jealous.
It was even easier to deduce what he was jealous of. The boy might be a hanyou, but even his lesser senses were powerful enough to scent the attraction and arousal that he, Sugimi, felt towards the young miko, and that's why he was staring so hard at her. He was watching. It looked as though he'd be having another battle with the whelp, only this time, over the priestess, because as sure as he was alpha, he was not about to step aside for his son – especially when the boy had already lost her due to his own stupidity in choosing a dead woman over her.
No, Inuyasha would just have to get over himself, and learn not to interfere. Kagome was a free woman, and could choose for herself where her interests lay. Not to be too cocky about it, but he was more than aware that she was just as attracted to him as he was to her, and he had every intention of pursuing said attraction.
With that in mind, he began to slow his pace, allowing the two women to catch up. He was fairly certain they were too caught up in their conversation to notice, and he was right, as Kagome ended up bumping into him, looking up at him wide-eyed and with a sweet blush gracing her cheeks when she did. He put out a hand to catch her so that she did not stumble, allowing some of his musk to gather on his hand and scenting her with it... sure enough, the moment the boy caught a hint of what he was doing, his temper went through the roof and a jagged, sub-sonic growl burst from him.
Growling back in the same register, he let the boy know in no uncertain terms to back off, then smiled down at the girl that now carried a hint of his own scent. “I'm sorry, Kagome – I was rather engrossed in my conversation, and did not realize I was walking slower. I did not mean to make you stumble.”
“Oh, don't worry about it,” she chuckled nervously, waving a hand at him. “I wasn't really watching where I was going, either.” She sent a giggling Sango a glare as the dai smiled at her again and turned back to his own conversation, too embarrassed at her reaction to him touching her to do more than that.
Inuyasha was pissed as hell and getting more pissed by the minute. How dare that bastard scent Kagome! She wasn't his! I don't care who alpha is, Kagome's mine! She promised to stay by my side, not his, and I'm gonna hold her to that!
Sesshoumaru was enjoying the hell out of the whole mess, though he'd never admit it if asked. While he was still uncertain how he felt about his father's more than obvious attraction to the little miko, he was sure that watching his brother getting his ass handed to him, and possibly even losing the priestess to their father, was more than amusing.
He had to admit, though, that if his father was determined to find himself another human, he'd rather it be this particular woman than any other. At least she was honorable, decent, clean, caring and intelligent – and she was nowhere near powerless, unlike a certain hanyou pest's mother had been. Hime or not, she had brought nothing to the relationship besides a pretty face, as far as he was concerned, he'd never understood what his powerful father had seen in her.
There was one thing, though, that he was curious about...
He moved forward to where the older male was talking with the monk, and asked, “Father, what do you intend to do about mother?”
The sudden silence from everyone save Sugimi was deafening. The daiyoukai himself simply growled – it was clear what his answer to her would be.
-sSs-
Several days later, the group finally made their way into Bokuseno's wood, and Sugimi grinned in anticipation – he would definitely enjoy seeing his old friend again, not to mention it would be good to finally get a fitting sheath made for his long sword. Though most swords the size of his didn't have sheaths, his would, and once he had it, his sword would be carried over his back rather than by his side, as it was rather awkward doing so due to it's size.
He was also most interested in finding certain things out – things that the old tree might actually have the answer to... such as, where were the last shards of the jewel hiding? And... where was the spider? At the very least, Bokuseno would have a good idea of where the shards were, especially if they were not being held by youkai. If they were hidden anywhere within the landscape, the oldest living youkai would know of it.
With an almost gleeful expression, he stepped into his old friend's clearing, followed by the rest of the group, and waited, knowing the tree would soon waken.
“Ah, my friend, the Inu no Taisho. So, Sesshoumaru actually followed my instructions and gathered his brother in order to wake you. I have to admit, I did not believe that he would do so,” the old tree said, rattling his branches with a sleepy amusement as his face appeared suddenly within the ridged bark.
Sesshoumaru cocked an annoyed brow as his father chuckled, casting an amused glance back at him. “Hn,” was all he could think of to say, since he originally hadn't followed those instructions.
“Yes, well, that is not why we came, Bokuseno, though it is amusing to see Sesshoumaru unsettled.”
The tree met his gaze calmly. “Then why did you seek this one out?”
“Two reasons. First, I am in need of a special sheath for my new sword.” He drew Kumoriyaiba, letting Bokuseno get a good long look at it. “I wish to carry it over my shoulder, as I once did Sou'unga.”
Branches rattled together fiercely for several long moments as an eerie breeze sprung up out of nowhere and a powerful youki began to radiate from the tree, only to die down in less than a minute as a long, elegant sheath suddenly descended to the ground before the daiyoukai. He bent to pick it up, running an appreciative hand over the smooth wood, straightening when Bokuseno spoke again.
“And the second reason?” he asked, letting his eyes run over his friends companions.
“I would know if you have heard anything about the location of any jewel shards – and what you may know of Naraku, and his whereabouts.”
The tree chuckled, letting his eyes be drawn back to the smaller female of the combined pack with curiosity. “As for the shards of the Shikon that you seek, I know of two: one lies in the north, buried deep in the earth - because of that, it has maintained its purity – but the other lies within the eastern lands, in a tree in the foothills to the mountains, and this shard is corrupt, as is the tree.” He eyed the miko again, then looked back at Sugimi. “Naraku... now that is another matter altogether. Do you recall the tree where you sealed Hyoga? The Tree of Ages? After your son defeated his son, Menomaru, there, the tree was destroyed – but a gaping crater was left, and it is surrounded by a deep, evil forest. It is dangerous on it's own, and that is where the spider has taken up residence. It will not be easy to reach him there.”
Sugimi frowned thoughtfully, his eyes distant as he considered Bokuseno's words. He did, indeed, remember sealing Hyoga, and he definitely remembered that forest. He was, however, curious about one thing...
“Sesshoumaru, you defeated Menomaru?”
At that, an irate hanyou's voice popped up. “Oi! Hell no, that bastard didn't defeat the other bastard – me'n Kagome did!”
At that, Sugimi's eyebrows shot up into his bangs, and he turned to look first at his son, then questioningly at Kagome. She nodded. “It's the truth. Menomaru had managed to gain his father's power, and was a very dangerous threat. Inuyasha and I combined our power to defeat him, while Sango, Kirara, Miroku and Shippo fought off his hordes of lower demons.”
“Hm. I have to admit, Inuyasha,” he looked up at his son, “I am impressed.” He met Kagome's gaze. “By you as well, miko,” he said softly, chuckling when she flushed. Then he turned back to Bokuseno. “So, then, what can you tell me of this forest?”
With a sigh, the tree settled a little into the earth, and rustled his branches again. “It is an ancient forest, but has seen much loss at the hands of man and youkai. Most of the trees there have forgotten themselves – they were once like me, but have lost much of their minds, and more of their identities. They know only hatred.” He smiled slightly at Miroku's fascinated gaze. “It is a forest of many evil talents, there will be illusions, and creatures of myth and legend within it's confines that will hunt you mercilessly. As dangerous as it is, you must be more dangerous, and not allow it to take hold of your mind. And also consider – one such as the spider will make it even deadlier by adding his own traps and pitfalls.”
Kagome and Sango exchanged concerned glances, then both looked at Miroku, before looking towards the children. This journey sounded very dangerous, and it probably wouldn't be wise to take them with the group when they went to chase down Naraku.
Sugimi thought about what they'd been told, then nodded gratefully at his old friend. “This one thanks you for sharing your knowledge, and your wood,” he said, almost formally.
Bokuseno smiled enigmatically. “This one was pleased to do so,” he said. As the group turned and moved out of the clearing, he blinked at the daiyoukai, and asked, “Another one, my old friend? What is it with you and human females?”
Sugimi winked back, not surprised that the tree had picked up on his interest, and said, “That, I cannot tell you – since I have no idea myself. But you must admit, she is something else again, is she not?
And Bokuseno had to admit, Sugimi was right.
The young miko really was something else again.
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