The Quirks Of Curse Breaking

A/N: Fidget is thrilled at the reception he's gotten, and sends air-kisses to everyone!

Fidget gave me a small smile when I got to the mansion's library. There was still no sign of the Taisho males, so I settled next to the neko book dealer. He reached over and squeezed my hand. “Listen, I know this is a lot to take in. If you want me to keep my distance while I'm here just say the word and I'll stay out of your way as best I can, OK honey? But I'm not a mind reader, you have to tell me what you need.”

I reached over to re-capture his hand. “Anyone who cares so deeply for my father is a friend to me,” I said. “I would have it no other way, and I know he wouldn't either.”

In a graceful movement Fidget bowed formally. “Well spoken, Shimada Miroku,” he said, green eyes shining.

A thought hit me and I chuckled. “Besides, anyone who can make Sesshoumaru that uncomfortable just by smiling at him...” I broke off laughing again.

Fidget shrugged unapologetically and was about to answer when the Inu no Taisho strolled in, followed closely by InuYasha and Sesshoumaru.

“Alright Harry, ready to dazzle us with your vast well of knowledge?” asked Taisho-sama.

A sound that seemed to be half hiss and half growl escaped from the neko. “I'll dazzle you right down to the nearest vet's office and have you neutered if you call me Harry again, m'kay sweet-cheeks? Or maybe I'll just have a sudden flash of memory about that night in Rio and tell the boys here how sweet your cheeks really are-”

The Inu no Taisho interrupted him immediately. “Point taken, old friend, point taken,” he said swiftly. “Now, tell me what you make of this.”

I hadn't noticed the small lacquer box in his hand until he opened it. Fidget gasped and clutched one hand to his heart as he stared at the orb-shaped gem. Nestled in an aqua silk cradle, it couldn't have been larger than a ping-pong ball.

“It's pink,” stated InuYasha, unimpressed at our companion's dramatics.

“It's pretty,” I said.

“It's powerful,” said Fidget. “Assuming I'm right, that is.”

Taisho-sama laughed. “When have you ever been wrong?” he asked, placing the still-open box on the desk in front of us.

Fidget rolled his eyes. “When I tried to become a blonde bombshell and ended up a tragic tangerine. Word to the wise, darling,” he said, turning to me. “Never, EVER try to bleach that gorgeous black mane at home. Trust your Auntie Fidget on this one.”

“This Sesshoumaru commands that you put your vanity on hold and tell us exactly what nature this jewel possesses,” barked the younger taiyoukai impatiently, clenching his fists.

“Fine, don't get your panties in a twist. If they go any further up that sculpted behind of yours it'll take an excavation team to get them out,” sniffed Fidget. InuYasha opened his mouth to add something, but a look from his father kept him silent.

I was halfway listening to the conversation around me when a pulse of warmth passed through my right hand. As I said before ignoring the feeling there has become practically an art form to me due to nearly a lifetime of pain, icy cold, burning heat, and other varieties of curse-related unpleasantness, but this was different. This felt...good.

I looked around, but no one else seemed to have noticed anything. My eyes fell on the jewel, and the sensation washed over my hand again. It was stronger this time, counteracting the darkness lurking within me.

“Fidget, please tell me what you know about this gem,” I said.

The book dealer nodded. “Since you asked with such fine manners, then gladly. This is the Shikon no Tama, also known as the Jewel of- oh honestly, Taisho-san, do you ever turn that thing off?” he snapped, irritated that his lecture had been disrupted by a ringing cell phone.

“I'm sorry, my friend. It seems there's an emergency down at the office requiring my immediate attention. Be sure to update me when I return, I want to know exactly what it is we're dealing with here,” said Taisho-sama, hurrying for the door.

The four of us watched him go, then turned back around to stare at the Shikon no Tama.

It was InuYasha who broke the silence. “Uh, is it just my imagination or is that thing startin' to glow?”

Thank you so much to my reviewers Salome Wilde, SEXY SESSHY, Sage, Vyperbites, Aysha, TwistedHilarity, and Snowfall. Your encouragement keeps a smile on my face!