Legacy of Loss

Legacy of Loss

Chapter 4b

Fluffy vs. The Journey There





The group knelt, squatted and loomed around the small dinning table as a plain though satisfying meal was set out for them. Kirara was given a helping in her bowl while Ah and Un received a bucket each of grains and grasses. Jaken and Shippo fought over some raw poultry beside Inuyasha. The white-haired hanyou hunched possessively over his unseasoned noodles, vegetables and cooked fish. The human’s had a variety of spices in their meal.



As the meal progressed Rin, Sango and Kagome giggled and gossiped. As the three conspired Inuyasha pilfered a few of Kagome’s noodles. Shippo had attempted the same but he lost out to Inuyasha’s longer reach. Sango had felt bad for the kit and given him her last bite of greens. Jaken had taken part of Miroku’s fish without him seemingly to have noticed. The kappa was immensely pleased with his own stealth.



At the end of the meal there was but one sweet dumpling left. Inuyasha, Miroku, Shippo, Jaken and Rin locked eyes across the low table with their chop-sticks poised above the last morsel. The serving sticks having been left aside. Sango and Kagome hastily laid their chopsticks next to their plates and backed away with wary glances. The miko could have sworn she heard duelling banjos in her head as the companions stared one another down.



Shippo growled from where he stood on the table his tail puffed up. Inuyasha growled back, his ears perked forward as his chopsticks twitched in anticipation. Miroku’s dazzling sapphire eyes glimmered in challenge. His posture was refined but his hand was tense as he measured his opponents’ strike time preparing to intercept. This was the perfect reflex honing exercise. To try and remove food from the territorial omnivorous fox and hanyou. Little Rin was leaning over the table. Her impeccable manners forgotten as she prepared to grab the dumpling with her chopsticks. They were tasty and everyone else seemed to be having fun so why should she sit back? Her tongue protruded slightly from her lips as she bit it in concentration. Lord Sesshoumaru would be made proud of her stealthy grabbing techniques! The last of the duellers had his buggy yellow eyes narrowed. His hand shaking as it hovered over the dumpling. No inferior half-breed or human would take his treat!



Kirara’s eyes blinked in fascination as she observed from her nest in the mokomoko. Which was tossed over Ah and Un’s back.



Chopsticks twitched. A bead of sweat trickled upon a focused brow. Lips quivered with desire to close on the sweet helping. Bodies tensed in eager anticipation of action. A soft warning growl was given to the competition. Eyes flashed in determination and focused. An epic battle of wills was in progress across the table.



Shippo was the first to break. His sticks lashed out with a shout of pure glee, “It’s mine! Hey!” Miroku’s chopsticks expertly intercepted and twisted Shippo’s to the side before he could make full contact with the dumpling.



“You should use more stealth in announcing your moves Shippo, your opponent can too easily intercept them. Wha?” As he was preaching Shippo he had lost his opening.



Jaken lunged in and caught the prize to hold it aloft with glee between his chopsticks. “Foolish children, you must have patience to await the right moment and get the prize!” He squeaked and his bug eyes opened wide as he flailed.



“All your yakking makes ya lose focus! Just act!” Inuyasha had pinned the Kappa’s sticks between his own and squeezed. This sent the dumpling into the air. He lunged, doing a flip over the table and would have caught it perfectly except for Miroku lashing out and sending the morsel spinning to the side. It skidded to a landing on the table between Rin and Shippo. The children scurried, their sticks jousting for possession of the treat. Jaken once again managed to angle between they sticks with his and snag the dumpling. To once again having it knocked away this time by Miroku. The monk lifted his arm back out of reach of his smaller and eager companions. But Inuyasha yoinked it away from behind him with his quick chopstick fingers.



The hanyou prepared to push the dumpling into his mouth after growling at Miroku but paused with it inches from his lips. Miroku had flicked his beads from his hand and with a brief flash of his wind tunnel, barely a blink; the dumpling was yanked from Inuyasha’s awaiting lips and back into play.



“What the hell! You could have killed us!”



“I didn’t though.”



Rin obtained the dumpling mid air with a pleased gasp. Only to have it yanked away by Jaken who glided past her sliding along the table top. He crashed into the monk and in the flail of limbs Shippo emerged triumphant with the dumpling held high. “Ha! Mine!” he grinned.



“I will never surrender!” Jaken called as he left to his feet and tackled the kit. This action sent the dumpling flying into the air.



Inuyasha caught it with a deft flick of his wrist. “Didn’t Lord pretty pants ever feed you lot?” he sneered.



“He taught us how to fend for ourselves and we were never without!” Jaken wailed as he tried to jump up to get the dumpling. “Don’t you get enough to eat, Lord” he gagged. “Inuyasha, or are your gathering and hunting skills lacking?! Gah!” He squeaked as he was stepped on by Miroku who reached out a long arm and elegantly took possession of the dumpling.



“Our skills are quite adequate Master Jaken, we are merely growing boys with insatiable…appetites to feed.” He sent a wink in Sango’s direction.



The slayer blushed prettily, “Miroku!”



Inuyasha looked momentarily confused, “What the hell are you talking about, monk?”



“Miroku’s being a perv again,” Shippo scoffed.



“I am not, I was merely stating a fact.” He said in his defence.



There was a clank of chopsticks and the soft crunching of pastry followed by a sigh of contentment. “Distraction, the key to overpowering a stronger opponent. Divide and conquer, right?” Kagome said around her last swallow of dumpling.



The males and Rin all glared at her and uttered various complaints.



“What? I never said I didn’t want it. So, Jaken, I guess this means you’re omnivorous too?” Kagome asked as the group began to resettle around the table. The temple keepers had been kind enough to bring them a late dinner despite the fact they had already eaten themselves. Kagome had offered to help clean up, but they had told her not to worry herself. They would return in due time to lead the group to a bath and somewhere to sleep. They would be happy to clean up their guests plates later.



“Um…niv…whore…is?” Shippo asked in confusion. “What’s that Kagome?”



Kagome made a face, “Omnivorous, Shippo. Humans are and it seems foxes, dogs and most canines are too. It would seem so are their demons. It’s when someone can eat both meat and vegetables. I thought most demons were carnivores, most the ones we come across are. Carnivores eat just meat. Like most cats, and snakes. Ah and Un are herbivores, they eat only vegetation. Like a cow. I was just curious about Jaken since he’s not really an animal type demon, or a spirit one, he’s kind of humanish? But fishier…”



The looks around the table went from amusement on Rin’s bright face. Then to curiosity on Miroku’s handsome features, to utter horror on Jaken’s.



“I am nothing like a human you…you…you insulting child!” He humphed. “How dare you make such a despicable comparison? There is no respect for one of my venerable station!”



“I respect you Master Jaken.” Rin assured him.



“Thank you Rin,” Jaken mumbled.



“I never really cared about what a demon ate…just as long as it wasn’t me.” Inuyasha growled. Kagome was weird like that. She’d beat the crap verbally out of you one second for saying something then the next second she’d ask about the oddest most innocent thing. Or start worrying about you and go fussing all around and making sure you were alright. He’d given up trying to understand her ages ago.



Sango spoke up quietly. Her encyclopaedic knowledge of demon behaviour coming in handy once more. Knowing what foods were agreeable or poisonous to certain demons was something slayers needed to know. “Jaken is a member of an unusual demon race. They are rumoured to swim in bodies of water and to eat young children. Though, apparently they prefer cucumbers above anything…”



Jaken’s eyes went starry, “I do not eat children….mmm…cucumbers…” he began to salivate.



“Yes,” continued Sango. “I have rarely actually heard of that happening. I believe it must have only been a handful of desperate kappas that got that rumour started. For the most part they are a reclusive, shy race when it comes to interacting with non-kappas. They are extremely loyal and equally mischievous. It is also said they have a form of bone breaking martial art called Koppo, but I have never seen it in practice. They also respond well to good manners. For the most part they like to make things. Or to take things apart to see how they work. They are scavengers…of materials and food. I believe a Kappa will eat just about anything. “She paused thoughtfully. “I have never had to exterminate any. Merely to drive them away from a few villages when they became too meddlesome. Usually, they run from a loud noise or bright light. A fire work will often do the trick. It would seem that Jaken is a more formidable member of his race, to be able to wield the staff of two heads without fear.”



“Of course I am. I was Lord Sesshoumaru’s retainer!” He puffed up proudly. “And I will not just eat anything, silly human! I have standards!”



“Rin once saw Jaken eat a stick.”



“It was bamboo you impudent child.”



“And a frog too,” she wrinkled her nose.



“A delicacy to my kind!” he defended.



“Is that why he looks like a toad?” Inuyasha asked under his breath.



“A beetle.” She continued. “Rin tried one too, but it was too crunchy. Lord Sesshoumaru told Rin to be more mindful of what I ingested.”



“Beetles are perfectly eatable Rin, even for a human.” He crossed his webbed hands against his chest. “Despite being scavengers, we have a very distinguished sense of taste. And I have a sensitive stomach. Lord Sesshoumaru trusted my knowledge and capabilities to find what was eatable for Rin from my vast years of experience.”



“But, why did Master Jaken try to eat Lord Sesshoumaru’s old boot?” Rin asked innocently.



The rest of the group looked amused. “His boot?” Kagome asked in wonderment.



“…”



“Rin saw Master Jaken embracing and rubbing his face against Lord Sesshoumaru’s worn boot when he discarded it for a new pair. Master Jaken was drooling on it and Rin wondered why he would eat a boot.”



“Ew.” Kagome said. Sango’s face was expressionless. Miroku chuckled and Inuyasha shuddered. There was a mental image none of them needed.



“I was not eating it you foolish girl!” Jaken glared at her.



“Then what were you doing?” She pressed.



“None of your business!” He snapped at her.



“You certainly loved your Lord, Jaken,” Miroku mused.



“Of course I loved my exquisite, clever, formidable, eloquent Lord Sesshoumaru! How could you not? He was perfect in everyway! He saved me in numerous times! Oh…my most divine Lord Sesshoumaru…why?! Why did you leave me alone with these unworthy wretches?” Jaken began a fresh triad of wails and tears regarding the miserable state of affairs.



“Um…so…what did Lord Sesshoumaru eat?” Kagome asked in hopes of stopping the green blob’s theatrics. The piercing wail was hard on the nerves and poor Inuyasha’s ears were plastered to his skull as he stared at the wall distractedly. Upon hearing the question his ears perked slightly and his large golden eyes opened with curiosity.



“Lord Sesshoumaru does not eat human food,” Rin quoted diligently. “Rin has not seen him eat at all.”



“Yeah, I know, he said the same thing to me once.” Inuyasha grumbled. “When I was little, after mom had died, I had a fish and I’d managed to get a fire going to cook it. Sesshoumaru came waltzing through my spot as usual. Keh. Stupid me. I tried to talk to the bastard. I got excited to see my brother come through and all. Got over that real quick. I always hoped he’d let me go with him but the asshole always just insulted me, beat me up a bit and sent me on my way. If he acknowledged me at all. The fucker rarely saw me. Maybe once every couple a years or something. Anyway, I asked if he wanted some of my fish and he said the same thing, ‘This Sesshoumaru does not eat meagre human food, such as yourself half-breed.’ He went on to tell me he was amazed I was still alive and shit. But yeah, I never knew what he ate. I figured it was raw meat like most youkai.” Inuyasha found everyone staring at him keenly and he flushed at the attention, “What’s your problem?!”



“Inuyasha, I’ve never heard you say so much about your past before.” Kagome murmured. “It must have been hard, being on your own.” She lightly reached out and squeezed his hand. Her heart went out to her friend. He really did have a crappy life after his mother died. It wasn’t so great before then, but after it was down right awful. He had been all alone, fighting to survive against everyone including nature. Then he’d met Kikyo, who learned to care for him…well…Kikyo could also be considered a crappy aspect to his life, Kagome thought darkly.



What Priestess devotes herself to protecting the jewel and then wants to make her love use it to be human and get rid of the thing? What person devotes themselves to the care of others, then eats their souls to stay alive when they should be dead, and vow to take the love of her life to hell when she was resurrected? Did she have some selfish hate thing to make up for or what? Even now, they knew Naraku had betrayed the two and set them against each other and it was not their fault, the woman still had no relief from her anger issues. She clung to life by draining others and seemed to switch sides on a dime. No, that wasn’t true, Kagome thought. She was only on her own side. Doing things to serve her own purposes. Yet, she often saved innocent people and seemed to have a good heart as well as to be attracted to Inuyasha. But…she lived by destroying souls. And she kept hurting him even though she knew he never actually hurt her. How could she really justify that? How do you bandage up the wound of a man, as you devoured the soul of his dead wife? How do you keep hurting the person you said you loved for a pain when you find out he never actually hurt you?



The need to survive at all costs was strong…but…gah! The woman was confusing and contradictory. Kagome kind of felt pity for her other self, though mostly it was just anger at her for being so…hypocritically righteous. Kagome had given up trying to understand her. She was just worried the Priestess would do something terrible to the emotionally fragile hanyou. He would follow her willingly because he was so loyal to those who showed him kindness. Kagome had to protect him…from…her past self. Though, honestly, they were nothing alike!



“Indeed, it was refreshing to hear, my friend.” Miroku’s calm voice added. Sango nodded from his side, she knew how hard it could be to talk about unpleasant pasts.



“Well, don’t make a big deal of it. Sheesh. It ain’t special,” he growled shrugging off Kagome’s hand and jamming his into his sleeves. “And of course it was hard! But I handled it just fine. Keh. Not like I’m the only one who grew up alone.”



“Oh, you’re special alright,” Shippo playfully said.



Inuyasha glared down at the kit, “Come over here and say that, runt!”



“You two, knock it off.”



“Perhaps, Lord Sesshoumaru, merely said he did not eat human food because he had no desire to take Inuyasha or Rin’s when they were in need of it?” Miroku theorized.



“Keh. Maybe he was just too lazy to make human food.” Inuyasha shrugged.



“Lord Sesshoumaru was not lazy you cretin! And he did no eat human food. He could if he wanted to, but my Lord followed a very strict regime to maintain his perfect body balance. He took no more than was required to sustain him. He fed on blood once a week, and every month he took a spiritual feeding from the land. It was a private practice and he would go off alone to do so. On occasion he would consume morsels of human or demon food to be polite when visiting a dignitary or some such. But it was not necessary and did not satisfy his needs.” Jaken’s head was held high as he spoke of his Lord. “Being able to eat as he did was a great show of strength! Very few demons can manage it and no human can! Of course, he drank water. No living thing can function without it.”



“A spiritual feeding from the land? What is that practice?” Miroku inquired curiously. In fact, all the members of the small gathering were paying rapt attention to the diminutive green youkai at that moment.



Jaken was basking in the attention. Beaming in pride that his knowledge of his beloved Lord Sesshoumaru was so sought after by these plebeians. That they were listening to him respectfully as he went on about his favourite subject even! Of course, these creatures truly were too unworthy to know anything about the complex inner workings of his beloved Lord’s that only Jaken had been entrusted with. The imp frowned. Lord Sesshoumaru had trusted him. Maybe he shouldn’t share such information of the Lord with these disgraceful creatures. This was one of the few things Jaken held that was only between his Lord and himself. A thing to be treasured. “You are not worthy to know!” he bit out vehemently.



“Heh. Figures, the runt doesn’t know what he’s talking about.” Inuyasha dismissed and went back to his study of the wall. Picking at a loose string on his sleeve absently. He had hoped there would be a glimmer of insight into his brother’s life of which he had been forcefully unaware.



“I do to know what I’m talking about! I just don’t want to share any of my Lord’s private information with the likes of you!” he snapped.



“Master Jaken! Rin thinks you should share and that wasn’t a very nice thing to say.” The girl scolded.



“Why should I? Lord Sesshoumaru never shared anything!” He squawked.



“Feh. That’s for sure,” Inuyasha muttered.



“So, he was just like you then, right Inuyasha?” Shippo chided and Inuyasha growled.



“The bastard was nothing like me!”



“That’s for certain! Lord Sesshoumaru had elegance, wisdom, proper breeding! You’re just a filthy uncouth hanyou,” Jaken preached in annoyance.



“That’s enough Jaken!” Kagome warned though not before the green imp suffered a few well placed blows to the head from the irate and defensive half-demon.



“Shut up! You know nothing!” he snapped, his fist shaking.



Jaken mumbled something incoherent and most assuredly nasty as he rubbed the growing welts on his cranium. Inuyasha’s ears twitched as did his left eye. “Say that again, runt.”



“Now, now, there is no need to continue to fight in our generous hosts’ temple of peace. This is a place of placid worship and acceptance for all. Our hosts may fear to interrupt our conversations to guide us to our promised bath and bed. It would be prudent to wait quietly.” Miroku suggested with his charming, soothing voice.



Kagome rubbed her temple tiredly, “I agree. I’m getting a headache from all this yelling.”



Inuyasha plopped back down to sit and wait, he grumbled at the girl, “Maybe it was from that dumpling. Would serve ya right.”



“Inuyasha…” Kagome said sweetly. Miroku, Sango and Shippo all cringe as one preparing for the impact. Inuyasha’s ears went back and his eyes widened briefly before squeezing tightly shut. His body tensed for motion. “Please settle yourself. I know you’re having a hard time, and the green toad’s mouth is worse than yours at times for insults, but can we just try to relax tonight? We’ve got a lot to face in the next few days. We need to be alert, sharp and rested. Especially you.”



Jaken squawked at the insult and went back to muttering under his breath. Rin just smiled brightly at them all.



Inuyasha peeked open a golden eye before he relaxed. “I’m fine damnit, stop fussing. There’s nothing I can do about it.” He promptly turned up his nose and shoved his hands into his sleeves.



“We’re here Inuyasha, whatever you need.” Sango assured him and Miroku nodded in agreement.



“Like he could get rid of us,” Shippo grinned.



Rin’s cherubic features broke into a warm smile, “Just like family.” The comment earned her looks of surprise and amusement from the group.



“A messed up family…but the best there is.” Inuyasha confessed before blushing. “But don’t get all sappy!”



Miroku smirked; he felt much the same as Inuyasha. It was difficult to form lasting relationships with a hole that devoured everything in its path in your palm. People tended to be a little wary to be near him. Other than Mushin and Hachi, he’d been alone a long time. The beautiful women warmed him for a little while, but none would stick around once they saw his curse.



Sango’s gaze was tender as she regarded Inuyasha. Yes, they were a mess. But these were her friends and family now hers had been taken from her. These were the people who supported and encouraged her in her now. She sighed and looked at her hands. If only her brother were free…



Shippo too could agree. Kagome and Inuyasha had taken him in like a brother after his family had been killed after all. They helped him get his revenge. “I thought for sure you were going to sit him there Kagome,” he wondered aloud. Somewhere off to the side there was a small mew of agreement.



“No, he’s obviously feeling crappy. Plus, he just ate. You know it upsets his stomach so soon after a meal. I’m not that mean,” Kagome explained. “He’s just being Inuyasha and showing his upset with violence. Like he always does. He really doesn’t need a sit right now Shi- oops! Sorry!” Kagome winced as a crater was placed in the floor and filled with red and white.



The blob groaned from his prone position in the floorboards.



“Are you alright?” Kagome asked worriedly as she knelt beside him.



“What do you think?”



“Let me help you up, I didn’t mean to, I’m really sorry!” She gushed out as she helped separate him from the floor with concern.



“I know, I‘m fine Kagome…urgh.” He made a face as his full, bloated belly made an unhappy noise in response to his bravado.



“Do you require a bucket?” Miroku asked.



“No.” Inuyasha glared as he sat back down, easing his stomach. “I ain’t no weak human, I’m a -”



“Half-demon, I can handle it.” The room chorused.



“Keh. Well, if ya know, then stop askin’!” He sulked, slouching in on himself and glaring at his friends.



A screen door opened and a monk bowed in greeting to the group. He led them to two rooms they’d be sharing and showed them to the bathing facilities. A couple large tubs filled with steaming water with soap were waiting for them. Humble, but effective.



The girls took one room and tub. While Miroku, Inuyasha and Jaken claimed the other. Ah and Un just curled up outside in the courtyard. Dreaming of his Master’s silken voice and a field buffet of bamboo shoots to eat.



Inuyasha basked in the soothing warmth of the bath. A soft blush covered his honeyed flesh as he lounged in the steaming basin that was large enough for five men to sit comfortably in. Six wouldn’t be so comfortable. The soaps were pleasant smelling. Not too strong for his nose or too girlie for his sensibilities he thought as he sniffed at one. He took his time here, leaning back with his eyes closed. Completely ignoring Jaken’s loud sputters. The toad couldn’t even bath quietly it would seem. Plus, he had no desire to see the green blob naked. There were some mysteries in the world best left unsolved.



Jaken was insulted, sharing his water with a well-endowed human with no shame and a dirty, worthless hanyou! Inuyasha’s svelte, strong young body was no where as beautiful, matured and sculpted as his Lord’s perfect body had been! There was no comparison! How he missed his Lord.



Miroku rushed through his bath, claiming he wished to go for meditation and that they should not wait for him. He would be gone most the night. The hanyou had his suspicions. True they were in a temple, but there were women around in the village. Where there were women, there was Miroku trying to spread his good will.



The dog-eared youth was not stupid by any means. Many assumed him as such but he was actually quite clever. It was his lack of interaction with others - except to fight - over his life that had left him rather naive in many ways. He often took things in the most literal sense and innuendo was completely lost on him. Not from a lack of swiftness, but because he was lacking the social experience to pick these things up. His natural response was defence and gruff anger to most things. It covered his uncertainty in situations and it also protected him from getting too close to anyone. His gruff demeanour didn’t let them stick around to get into his fragile heart. It kept him from getting hurt.



His friends had gotten in. They cared about him and understood him more or less. They were also teaching him in their own ways about interacting with others. He was even beginning to pick up on some of Miroku’s many sexual innuendos and what they actually meant. Though Inuyasha wondered if it was better that he remain unaware. Honestly, the man was always horny. Always! That scent of arousal was normal on him. The few times the scent wasn’t active Inuyasha had feared for Miroku’s health.



Whatever the pervert was doing now, Inuyasha was certain it involved sex. Then again, the monk did train and meditate in occasion. So, who really knew?



Jaken scuttled out of the tub and waddled to the room. He was out cold the moment his green little head hit the futon. Snoring loud enough to wake a mountain.



Inuyasha pried himself from the cooling waters and followed after. Wringing out his hair carefully and dressing before heading to the sleeping room. Absently, he touched the hilt of his blade before settling down on the floor. His back to the wall and his legs crossed under him. His ears perched atop his head twitched after noises beyond the halls without paying much real attention. Habitually he hugged his father’s fang to his chest and sighed as he closed his tired golden eyes.



His treacherous thoughts kept drifting to his brother in the stillness of the room.



It was going to be a long night.



Miroku glanced around the corridor quickly. Sango and Kagome were still in the bathing chamber helping Shippo put away his toys. Perfect.



Young Rin was setting up her blankets for the night and Kirara was seated beside her, watching curiously. Miroku entered the room knelt on one knee in front of Rin, his beautiful dark blue eyes glimmering with mischief. “My dear Lady Rin, my sincerest apologies for disturbing you before bed but I have a most essential request. Would you permit me to borrow the mokomoko for a few hours? I would like to try looking into the pelt’s aura as I am most fascinated by it.”



“Of course you may Master Monk, just be nice to it. Good luck!” Rin chirped as she lifted the fluffy length to the monk’s eager fingers.



“My most humble gratitude, Lady Rin.” He looked at the girl thoughtfully for a few moments before smiling brightly down at her. “Tell me, would you do me the honour of bearing my children when you’re older?” The mokomoko began to twitch in irritation in the monk’s hands.



“No thank you,” the girl responded with equal cheer. “Master Jaken said Rin was never allowed to have children because he would end up taking care of them and it would kill him. Rin doesn‘t want Master Jaken to die.”



“Indeed. That would be most unfortunate. Well then, you had best get to sleep young Lady. I will have this back to you in the morning, unharmed.” Miroku rose to his feet and slung the fur over his shoulder. Giving it a happy pat he found the thing oddly trying to twitch away from him. It was such a peculiar piece or raiment. It truly did fascinate him, but that was not why he was borrowing it. Perhaps he would actually try to read its aura another night. Tonight it was to serve other needs.



He walked cheerfully down the corridors until he came to the designated room. He had arranged to meet a few of the kind ladies from the village here earlier today when Sango had been distracted. These women wished to hear of some of his adventures in detail and were even more intrigued by the promise to see a rare treasure. He just had required such a treasure to show them. As he lifted his hand to open the screen he felt a twinge of guilt. Sango.



But why should he feel such guilt for this? Sango was not his after all. Sliding open the screen door he washed the uncertainty from his face and looked serenely into the room. His creative mind quickly coming up with an adequately impressive story to share.



Four young, lovely women sat there and they all turned toward him as he entered with quiet awe. “Ladies, may I show you a great wonder. A very rare and exquisite souvenir from my battles with demons. This pelt, which I have given to my daughter to keep her warm and safe.” He paused and cast his eyes downward. “Kami bless her mother, I do mourn her loss most grievously. But I don’t wish to speak of her least I fall into grief.” He looked up again and pretended to force a smile before continuing. “So, here you see, a piece of the pelt of a great canine demon. He was a fierce and brutal war-lord who ravaged and plundered the lands to the south. He destroyed towns and abducted and held captive many fine young ladies to be his concubines. It was on a spiritual quest that I passed this area and upon hearing the plight of these people I knew I had to defeat this demon and save his poor captive women so that they might return to their loved ones…” Miroku seated himself amid the young women who were all swooning at his every word. “Would you like to…touch it?” he asked playfully.



They did. For a good five hours.



The mokomoko was furious about its sudden role as Miroku’s sex toy. It would never forget this vulgar indignity.



Inuyasha rubbed the heel of his palm against his reddened eyes as he heard Miroku return to their shared room in the hours before dawn. The monk was humming to himself and wore a satisfied expression over his placid features. The drowsy sapphire eyes were ablaze with inner euphoria. Maybe sex was close to divine glee.



He often wondered why Miroku was in such a good mood. Honestly, sex couldn’t be that great. It was messy and sounded painful. The few times he had tried to jerk himself off had been awkward and uncomfortable. He couldn’t let his guard down long enough to relax and the whole process had felt…gross. But, when your dick is so hard it hurts you need to do something to relieve the ache. How a girl could possibly be comfortable and even like having a hard shaft wedged in her and throw up sticky crap the hanyou just didn’t know. Plus, how could you trust someone enough to let them that close to you while you were vulnerable? Just to let them hurt you on purpose? Sex didn’t make a whole lot of sense really. A frown pulled at Inuyasha’s lips as he sniffed the air. Yup, Miroku had been aroused and rutting. There seemed to be a few female smells around him as well. Subtle though, the lecher had washed.



Inuyasha’s frown deepened as he saw what was trembling in the monk’s hands. “Hey! Isn’t that supposed to be attached to Rin?” he growled.



“Young Rin allowed me to borrow it for the evening. It has proven to be most useful. Since it is now too late to return it to her, I brought it here until the morning.” Miroku explained as he deposited the fur next to his friend. He was a bit worried to see the tear reddened eyes of the hanyou who had obviously just forced himself to stop crying before Miroku had entered. But he said nothing. It wouldn’t due to let his proud and gruff friend to know that he recognized his grief.



Inuyasha picked up the poor fur. It was all waxy and coloured still from the crayons earlier. While smudges of dirt and oil from Kagome’s bike chain adorned the once pristine length as well. He made an attempt to gently brush off some of the mess and tenderly comb through the soft tresses with his claws to get out some of the forming mats. Sesshoumaru would have been utterly disgusted and disappointed and probably angry to boot. Inuyasha tensed his shoulders as he took a brisk sniff of the article.



Now, it smelled of Miroku’s arousal too.



Thankfully, there was still a substantial amount of Sesshoumaru on it. “Geeze, can’t you people leave this thing alone?” he snapped as he tenderly lay the Mokomoko over his lap. “And everyone says I’m disrespectful. He’s dead. This is all that’s left of him and everyone’s fucking ruining it. Fuck, all I want is to just keep the smell of ‘im on it…” he clamped his mouth shut with an angry glare as he realized he was talking.



Miroku sat down gracefully next to his fractious friend. His strong back to the wall and his legs stretched out before him. “The mokomoko means much to you.” The statement was a soft encouragement for Inuyasha to continue speaking.



“Yeah, well, no. It’s just a piece of fluff, right? But, it’s all I have left of my brother. All I’ve ever had of him except his distaste. It was always with him. It was important to him. Definitely more important to him than I ever was anyway. I just…I want it to stay safe.” He looked sadly down at the boa that his hand rested on. “I…I need the smell on it…it’s a bit of him still here. I know he was an asshole. But he was all I had really. He was always there even though it was just to hurt me some. He was a constant in my life. My life where I seem to lose everyone and everything eventually. He always said my life was his…hell. Kikyo said that to me once as well, though she had to wait in line ‘cause Sesshoumaru said it first. I heard from her that he told her once not long ago that my life was his. Keh. Bastard. My life is mine. Not his or hers. But, in some weird way it was almost his way of saying he cared and that I was worth something, you know? Like the toad said before. I was worth enough to him that he wanted to be the one to kill me, and he wouldn’t let anyone else. Yeah. He was an asshole. But he was my asshole, right? I know, I’m fucked up. I miss him, Miroku. And I have no idea how to be a Lord. I just…what the fuck do I do?”



Miroku studied his friend pensively. His handsome features were open and understanding as he listened to Inuyasha pour out his heart. He remained silent for a moment, before Inuyasha’s soulful golden eyes turned to him in question. The hanyou didn’t really expect answers from him, Miroku knew. But he was hoping for understanding. Miroku gave his friend what meant the most to him. The truth. “In honesty, Inuyasha, I do not know what the future holds for us. Our lives are strange. They are tangles that have been woven together in a knot of fate by Naraku’s unknowing hand.”



“I would be outright lying if I said I had any notion as to what to expect of a daiyoukai’s duties. I know you will have difficulty being accepted once more. I also have an inkling that this new responsibility will require a great deal of energy and fighting if you wish to keep it. If you do or not is only something you can decide. Though my knowledge in human power and politics is great, I know nothing of the demon responsibilities of Lord of the West. In fact, I know quite a bit less about your brother than you did Inuyasha. As I have only ever witnessed your conflicts and I have never actually spoken to or been spoken to by Lord Sesshoumaru. Which was something I was not too keen on changing since those whom he talks to tended to end up wounded or dead; but for a select few. I have heard him mentioned by other demons in passing, but only in respect or fear not regarding his duties“.



“We will remain at your side Inuyasha, no matter the circumstance that we are walking into. We will learn together and we will support you in any way we can. This may even mean that we must remain hidden from view, so as not to highlight your human relations. We will stand by you Inuyasha, as you have so loyally stood by us so many times before.” A suddenly encouraging grin brightened the monk’s face. “Considering all we have in our fight against Naraku, how difficult could a Lordship be?”



“I believe Master Jaken may prove invaluable in this. Perhaps we should call for Myoga, or Totosai? Both would be able to shed some light on a lord’s responsibilities. I would ask Hachi, except I already know he is more familiar with mischief than the workings of nobility.” Miroku’s expression remained soft and thoughtful.



“As for the mokomoko, I can see how you would be attached to it. As I am to my father’s prayer beads.” He quietly ran his fingers over the beads that sealed his wind tunnel as he spoke. For a moment his eyes seemed to focus inward in stoic remembrance. “Yes, I had not thought of that. I will endeavour to be more respectful with it in the future. I will also help to explain its importance to the others.”



“Myoga will be hiddin’ somewhere, and Totosai will fall asleep on us before he gives us a straight answer. Maybe we’ll dredge them up later. As for you guys. If they have a problem with my relations to humans they have a problem with me. You won’t be stashed away anywhere. If they have a problem, screw ‘em,” Inuyasha grumbled as he continued to gently caress the Mokomoko on his lap. “Keh. Just don’t go making a big fuss over my fucked up sentimentality.”



“Of course not Inuyasha,” Miroku turned his body slightly to face his cantankerous friend and smiled fondly. “As for your grief, it is a thing I know you have dealt with alone before. There are no words of advice I can give that you have not already lived.”



“I know that you had an unusual relationship with your brother, and I can’t truly know what you are feeling right now amid your turmoil and confusion. All I know is that it will take time, but I am certain you will figure out your feelings towards your brother’s actions. You will put that to rest at some point. For now, all I can do is tell you if you ever need to vent your thoughts, I or any of your friends, will be proud to listen and offer what thoughts we can. We are here for you Inuyasha. Whatever you need, we would do for you as you would do for us.” He gently placed his hand on the hanyou’s knee and squeezed in a friendly gesture of comfort.



Neither was prepared for the mokomoko’s reaction. It coiled up tightly on Inuyasha’s lap before it violently lashed out. Its furry end slammed audibly into the monk’s face with disturbing force. Miroku’s head went to the side and the force into his jaw sent him cart wheeling to crash into the opposite wall. He landed upside-down and blinking the tears from his eyes rapidly. Slowly he rolled back to his feet and turned to face Inuyasha with a slightly dazed expression. A large red welt was forming on his right jaw line.



Miroku straightened his robes and gingerly touched his jaw. It was throbbing fiercely. Oddly, he found that he believed he deserved a strike for his actions earlier tonight. But, not from the fur. Was his jaw cracked? It felt like he had run head long into an iron fist. This would most certainly leave a mark. “Well…that was unexpected.”



Inuyasha was staring at him wide-eyed in the dark. “Yeah…” he looked down at the fluff twitching like an irritated cat’s tail on his lap. He looked up and pinned Miroku with a narrow golden glare. The light from the moonlit window was slanting across the gleaming gold eyes in the darkness. “Exactly what were you doing with it tonight anyway?”



Miroku looked instantly guilty, “Nothing! I was just doing some deep, penetrating…meditation! Yes! That was all!”



“Why did you need Mokomoko for that?” Inuyasha demanded.



“I was…trying to get a better sense of its aura. Kagome mentioned before that it had a presence and it is most certainly alive. I was wondering if we could…communicate with it, it might know who killed your brother?”



Inuyasha snorted. “Good idea, but yeah right. I bet you deserved that hit you depraved sex monger.”



Miroku smiled dreamily, “Ah…I most likely did deserve it…but it was most certainly worth it.”



“…I don’t even want to know.”



“Hmmm, you know, Inuyasha.” Miroku was looking thoughtful again. “I really must give you a tutorial in the art of sexual pleasure someday. Considering you have two potential and worthy partners, you can’t go forever not knowing the secrets to good -”



“Would you shut the hell up?! I know what I need to know about sex. Piss off and go to sleep and leave me alone. I don’t want you thinking of that shit with Kagome or Kikyo. I don’t want either of them havin’ sex! Just ‘cause I don’t wanna know the disgusting details of your sex life doesn’t make me dumb!” Inuyasha was flushing red as he shouted at the perverted monk.



“Settle down, Inuyasha, you will wake the temple. I was not insinuating that you were unintelligent. I merely was pointing out that you have a lack of practical experience in the matter. And that sex is like swordplay in many respects. There are a great many stances and techniques that can be used to bring about pleasure. I would be more than happy to answer any of your questions on the matter.” Miroku explained patiently though he couldn’t help but notice that the fur had flexed on Inuyasha’s lap in his direction. Another thought came to the monk as he mentally reviewed Inuyasha’s response. If he didn’t want to think of Kagome or Kikyo having sex, who did he want to think about having sex? It was difficult to say how innocent in body functions Inuyasha was. But Miroku assumed he had limited experience gauging by the life he led.



“Stances and Techniques?” Inuyasha mumbled in disbelief. “Keh. Sex is Sex. The guy puts his dick in the girl’s hole and a baby comes out later. Nothing else to it. What’s there to know?” he demanded as he folded his hands into his sleeves and stared hard at the wall. He was hiding the pink blush that covered his cheeks and the bridge of his nose in the dark from the monk.



Miroku nearly keeled over at that statement. “Oh my! That is not nearly all Inuyasha! That’s only the basics! There is so, so, so much more to know and feel! There are entire sects of teaching devoted to the tantric arts of pleasure and love-making and there are those who believe the fluids of life to be sacred and that an orgasm is as close to the gods of heaven that living mortals can obtain! There is so much for you to learn Inuyasha! It need not be with a single woman, it can be with many, or even men, and many demons have different genitalia then we do. This can pose some creative problem solving. There are ways to bring an orgasm without even touching. There is so much to teach you.” The monk’s eyes had clouded over with mental images of his past experiences. Perhaps they could travel to a large town and find a few geisha willing to teach some of the various methods to his friend.



“Miroku…” Inuyasha suddenly felt too tired to give a damn. “Shut the hell up or I’ll let the Mokomoko loose on you,” he growled tiredly. One hand lightly petting the fur which seemed to twitch in an eager response to the offer.



“That will not be necessary, my friend.” Miroku quickly declined as he settled down to sleep. Jaken had slept through the entire conversation and was still snoring. “Good night, Inuyasha, if there are any questions. You have but to ask.”



“Keh.” Inuyasha grunted as he settled against the wall and closed his eyes. He made a quick check to see his sword and the fur were at his sides.



Abruptly his eyes snapped open again. He almost blurted out what Miroku had meant when he had said that guys could have sex with guys. How? There was no cun- er - girl-hole. Kagome had been sitting that word out of his vocabulary. A hand-job maybe? Nah. He opted to not ask and just forget about it. The whole conversation would be too weird. Closing his eyes with a wide yawn he drifted into a light sleep that lasted for what seemed a minute. Because when he opened his eyes it was bright outside and he felt like he hadn’t slept in days.