Singer In The Night

*The Singer In The Night – chapter 1*

“Come on, you lazy bums! We are not going to sit around all day; there are shards that need collecting!” Inuyasha barked at the people seated in the grass in front of him.

Today was Inuyasha’s birthday and Kagome, along with Miroku, Sango and Shippou, insisted on celebrating. Kagome had made a quick jump through the well the day before and bought a small cake and a few gifts for Inuyasha. So while Inuyasha had his little tantrum, Kagome lit the candle she had stuck in the top of his little chocolate cake.

“What exactly is the significance of the candle Kagome?” Miroku inquired as he scooted closer to her.

“Well, in my time whenever someone has a birthday we put candles on their cake. However old the person is, that is how many candles you put on. Then you light them and they make a wish when they blow them out.” Kagome explained, all the while trying desperately to light the little candle even though the breeze was blowing roughly.

“And I can’t fit hundreds of candles on this thing so Inuyasha will just have to deal with one.” Kagome added as the candle finally caught fire. At that point Shippou bounded up on her shoulder, eying the cake.

“Do we get some cake too?!?!” Shippou asked excitedly. Ever since Kagome had brought him little chocolate candies back from her time, he had an addiction. The little kitsune could smell chocolate from two miles away and would do just about any, short of killing a man, to have some. He relaxed a little when Kagome laughingly assured him that he would get his fair share. Just then, Inuyasha strolled over and plopped down in front of the cake and frowned.

“It’s my birthday and it’s my cake, why should he get any?” He asked with a snotty tone of voice. Kagome shot him a look and explained to him that he had to share with everyone even though it was his birthday.

“And if you don’t like it you’ll get a great big ‘sit’ for your birthday.” Kagome added and smirked. Sango and Miroku both giggled at Inuyasha’s exasperated sigh.

Inuyasha really didn’t mind sharing; of course he would never tell them that. He was kind of touched when he saw Kagome come back through the well with all this stuff for him. Now as he sat surrounded by his friends and their gifts for him, he couldn’t remember a birthday that came close in comparison. He was especially glad he could share it with Kagome.

‘I have come so close to losing her so many times, but she is still here. I am such an idiot though; I can’t tell her how I feel for her now. I haven’t thought about Kikyou in months. Kagome is all that’s on my mind. And now her little birthday party for me just reminds me of how wonderful she really is.’ Inuyasha thought to himself.

He was brought out of his inner thoughts by Kagome’s cute rendition of the birthday song. When it was over, everyone encouraged him to blow out the candle. With a smirk, Inuyasha leaned over and in one, big breath he blew it out.

“Yay! Can we have some cake now?” Shippou asked impatiently. Kagome and Sango laughed at him as Miroku ruffled the little fox’s hair.

“We will eat in a few minutes, first let Inuyasha open his presents. "How about it Inuyasha?” Kagome asked smiling. He nodded and smiled at her as she handed him the first gift.

***


Kagome had brought him some snacks from her time that she knew Inuyasha liked and had promised him she would give his hair a good brushing with the hairbrush she had brought him. As they had been eating their cake, Myouga showed up with a big birthday blood-sucking for Inuyasha. After getting yelled at and getting squished, he joined the gathering and wished Inuyasha a happy birthday. For the moment Inuyasha had forgotten about the shards and was actually enjoying sitting and spending time with his friends. He glanced over to Kagome and smiled. She was petting Kirara and smiled back at him.

‘Today is a good day.’ Inuyasha thought to himself, feeling satisfied.

“Is this a private gathering or may I visit for a moment?” A voice behind them asked.

Everyone’s head shot around to look at the speaker who had snuck up on them. No one was expecting to find what they did. Standing before them was possibly the most beautiful man they had ever seen. He was tall and slim with smooth, fair skin that was like porcelain. He also had long, dark grey hair. It was poker straight and reached down to mid-thigh. The mysterious man’s eyes were dazzling. A clear, dark blue with glassy, black pupils they were almost hypnotic. His ears came to a delicate point so it was obvious he was not human. His robes were dark blue and grey and finely made. In his arms he held a parcel wrapped in black cloth.

“It has been a very long time.” Inuyasha said softly, never breaking eye contact with the stranger.

“Yes it has, happy birthday Inuyasha.” He replied in a soft voice. His voice was just as enchanting as the rest of him, if not more so. It was masculine and soft, but it beautiful and ethereal as well.

“Who is that?” Sango leaned over and whispered to Myouga, who was sitting on Miroku’s shoulder.

“A nightingale youkai!” The old flea replied excitedly. He bounced up and down. Before he could hurry over to him, Miroku caught him.

“I remember being told that all nightingale youkai were female.” Miroku stated, being somewhat confused. Both Sango and Shippou looked back at the flea, awaiting his answer.

“Yes Miroku, that is true. All except one are female, and that one male is he. He protects the females. As fair as youkai are concerned he is quite peaceful and calm, but I would not tangle with him. He is very wise and calculating, and a very skilled warrior.” Myouga explained, still excited to be in the presence of the demon.

“Oh my.” Sango breathed. She looked over to Miroku and he too gave her an equally surprised expression.

“That’s not all, as you can imagine, him being a nightingale youkai, he sings. His voice can pacify the angriest demon into calmness or even slumber.” Myouga added with a certain element of delight. Then he bounded off to greet the mysterious guest to their birthday celebration.

Kagome, noting that this person didn’t pose any danger since Inuyasha hadn’t attacked or anything, got up on her feet and walked over to where Inuyasha and the youkai were standing.

“Hello, my name is Kagome.” She said brightly and, since she was in feudal Japan, bowed to show her respect. He returned her smile and gave a small bow in return.

“Hello Kagome, I am Jindoro.” He said softly. Kagome looked back at Inuyasha, but she could not read his expression. It was blank but she could tell that the wheels were turning up stairs.

“How do you know him Inuyasha?” Kagome inquired good-naturedly. After a moment of looking at Jindoro, he turned and looked at Kagome and replied.

“He saved my life.”