Chapter 2: Spread of News

The injured man was in his convalescence. He was entirely Sango’s responsibility as Kagome was only days out of her pregnancy and was yet to regain her full strength to even walk. Kaede was busy gathering medicinal herbs and her old age wasn’t helping either. It was on Sango and Rin to help the man during his recovery period. And the duo was doing just fine.

The man went by the name Sato. He had divulged it when Sango had asked for it. He talked with Sango and Miroku whenever they visited him or brought him food. From what they had come to know, from the conversations with him, it seemed quite clear that his family was killed by an attack of demons and his village was destroyed as well.

He spoke of demons charging into his village, at the coast, directly from the sea, right after the storm that had taken place three days back. He had told them everything that transpired that day.

He was returning from the coast when he saw six human-like figures flying above him. In seconds he had heard shrieks and screams from his village. Right after that the fires started. Panicked, he didn’t have the courage to go to his village. Afraid of what might have caused such a thing, he didn’t for once think of his family. He ran away.

“I’m a coward! I was so afraid I didn’t even think of my parents. They’re old and helpless and I being their son didn’t even think of helping them. Do I deserve to live, Houshi-sama?” he asked, to Miroku in particular and the others, present in the room of Inuyasha’s hut, in general.

“Everyone has a right to live. Life is Kami’s gift to humanity. You should cherish every moment, not torment yourself with self-destructive thoughts,” Miroku replied.

“Why are you blaming yourself, Sato? There was nothing you could’ve done.” Kagome added to what Miroku said. She was lying on her futon with her new-born babies beside her.

“But I didn’t even try to.” Sato’s head lowered a bit. Keeping his gaze fixed to the floor he added, “I should’ve at least gone in and tried to get my parents out of their hut. It was on fire! Those demons scorched them – the entire village – to ashes!” his hand thumped on the wooden floor.

“Keh, you’re lucky they left you alive.” Inuyasha huffed irritably from the door where he was sitting. He earned a glare from Kagome and grunted in reaction.

“I might be...but my parents weren’t...”

“What is past is gone and can’t be brought back. Now tell me, do you want to take revenge for your family?” Sango asked him, earning everyone’s attention on herself.

“I do. It would be my last service to my family, my friends and to all the villagers.”

“You have every right to live,” Miroku said, “We’ll leave for your village when you’re fully fit to travel.” He rose up and turned to Inuyasha and added: “Will that be okay, Inuyasha?”

“Keh,” was all he said.

“I’ll take that as a yes.”

It was time for Miroku to take his kids for their afternoon walk. He’d take them to the fields where they’d play with the other kids and he’d just sit and watch over them.

After he left Sango left as well, then Sato followed her. He had been staying at Miroku’s place for the last ten days. Since they had two rooms there wasn’t any problem.

Inuyasha moved from his place at the door and sat beside Kagome, keeping his hand on her forehead and stroking it.

“Do you think Sango’s sad, Inuyasha?” She asked her husband.

“She must’ve remembered her own village’s destruction.”

“You’ll help Sato, won’t you?”

“You want me to?”

“You would’ve helped him even if I hadn’t asked you to.” She smiled at her hanyou.

“So you were going to ask me after all, weren’t you?”

“No. I knew you’d help him.”

“Don’t worry about a thing, Kagome.” He leaned forward and kissed his miko on her forehead.

“Hush! You’ll awake the kids.”

“They’re sleeping. They won’t get up.” He readied for another kiss but a sudden cry from one of the infants drew out a grunt from him, “Damn!” he moved away from Kagome.

The miko giggled like a school girl at the hanyou’s reaction.

******

Since Sango’s marriage to Miroku and the birth of her kids, Kohaku had only rarely visited his sister. He had been training all the while to become a strong demon-slayer like his father and to help people with demon related problems. News of a whole village being scorched down by a band of demons had reached him as well and the messenger was none other than Myoga.

Totosai, with whom Myoga had been staying with, had gone to the coasts for gathering shells of oyster demons to help in his forging works. It was then that he had witnessed the incident.

Five demons, having human-like appearance, had wrecked havoc in the coastal village – burning everything to ashes – before disappearing among the clouds, probably flying off to their new destination.

Totosai had asked Myoga to visit Kohaku and inform him about the incident and also to inform Inuyasha.

“Hurry, Kohaku! We have to reach lord Inuyasha as soon as possible. Totosai says there’s an emergency.”

Perched on the shoulders of the young taijiya, Myoga repeated the same thing for the umpteenth time.

“We’re almost there, Myoga-jiji.”

******

Lady Taisho, Sesshoumaru’s mother and Inuyasha’s step-mother, also became aware of the incident. The daily patrols of her demon soldiers had brought the news to her. The soldiers weren’t allowed to engage in battles unless otherwise ordered by her and thus they didn’t go after the band of five.

“Five demons, you say? Hmm, interesting,” she became engrossed in thought for a while, “do any of know where my son, Sesshoumaru, is?”

“My lady, we do not know where Lord Sesshoumaru is, however, we have news from the patrols in the east that he went to the eastern mountains to fight a strong demon.”

“Oh,” When will that insolent pup stop running after demons? “You can go now.”

“Is something the matter, my lady?” the chief of the patrolling group asked.

“I have a bad headache.”

“Oh.”

Thinking it futile to progress the discussion, the veteran demon soldier went away. Having worked under Lady Taisho for centuries, he knew how she was and how unpredictable she could be. Her unstable state of mind was known to him and even the low ranking soldiers of her army.

******

Shippo was still taking his fox demon exams to become a full fledged fox-demon, not only in name but in skills as well. He had, through his rigorous training sessions with Inuyasha and his own efforts, surpassed his father and also most of his fellow fox demons.

Generally fox demons could only grow up to a certain height and have a certain physique, but Shippo was different. And apart from the usual kitsune magic, he knew a bit of bare-hands fighting like Inuyasha and also knew how to use a sword. He couldn’t harness Tetsusaiga’s higher powers but he could still swing it and do physical damage – whatever damage the rusty sword could inflict.

“Oi, Inuyasha, I’m off to take my tests. Tell Kagome that I’ll return after four days, okay?”

“Return as soon as it’s over, runt. Otherwise, wench will get mad.”

“I’ll return right after the test is over.”

“Keh, whatever,” was all Inuyasha said.

Shippo transformed into his flying form and made for the sky, he soared for a bit before colliding with another flying demon and falling down to the ground as a result.

“Oh, sorry about that, Shippo,” Kohaku said as he got down from Kirara’s back.

Stop being so clumsy, idiot. Shippo didn’t put voice to his thoughts.

His thud was followed by Inuyasha’s slap.

“It’s been a long, long time, Inuyasha-sama...”

Inuyasha’s old retainer, floating like a feather, fell from his nose-tip.

“What brings you here, brat?” turning to Kohaku Inuyasha asked.

“Myoga-jiji had something to tell you. Actually, he’s bringing some urgent news from Totosai-sama.”

“Spit it out, Myoga-jiji.” Holding the flea in between in his index finger and thumb, Inuyasha said.

Clearing his throat a bit, Myoga began to speak, “My lord, I’ve heard you had twin sons a few days back,
I wish to see them.”

“What about you, whelp?”

“Inuyasha-sama, I’d like to see them.”

Inuyasha grunted in agreement.

Shippo rose up from the ground and flew off to his destination.

******

Miroku returned with his children just before twilight. The kids, it seemed, were very happy from their visit to the fields. But something bothered their mother. And the houshi was just in time to find out what.

Having left the kids in Rin’s care, Miroku entered his and Sango’s room. He had heard from Rin that she hadn’t spoken much with anyone since the conversation with Sato.

“Sango, is something wrong, my dear?” the monk kept his warm hand on her shoulder. “What is it that keeps you from speaking to others, dear?”

“It’s nothing, Miroku...” she turned to face him. “Wait, I’ll get your tea.”

As she rose to go, Miroku held her hand and brought her to a halt.

“You are sad, aren’t you? I know how it might feel – to remain away from your brother.”

He had got a grasp on her now; she knew it and she won’t deny it.

“Miroku, that boy doesn’t love his sister anymore. It’s been ages since he came here last. Does he not think of his sister even once?” She complained.

“He has been rebuilding the slayer’s village as I’ve heard from Hachi the last time we met, and he’s also been undertaking several extermination missions of late. He’s just busy with his work, dear. You must keep that in mind. But then again, he could’ve visited you once in a while -”

“Who could’ve visited ane-ue, houshi-sama?”

Sango didn’t need to think as to who could’ve said it; none but Kohaku addressed her as ‘ane-ue’ and she knew it. Her heart forgave him then and there but she’d still not stop being upset with him.

“If it isn’t my dear brother-in-law Kohaku...” Miroku pulled the young slayer in a brotherly embrace.

Returning the affection Kohaku added, “It’s been a long time, houshi-sama. How’s my sister doing?”

“Ask her yourself, Kohaku. But she was angry with you. I doubt she is so now.”

“Indeed – ane-ue, I’m sorry, I didn’t come before.” The taijiya went to his sister and prepared to embrace her.

But she turned away from him, indicating her displeasure with him. Her brother was equally aware and it was all up to him to get his sister’s affection again.

“I’m sorry, Sango, I didn’t visit you before. I won’t give any excuses though; you’re free to punish me.”

Miroku was inwardly smiling for he knew the feud between the siblings would soon be over. Sango wasn’t a woman to begrudge her brother for long.

“Yes, I’ll punish you, Kohaku. And your punishment would be to look after your nieces and nephew tomorrow.”

“And...?”

“And you have to endure my embrace.” Saying she hugged her brother tightly and finally broke into tears.

It had been six years since her brother came to visit her last; he’d changed a lot in his physical appearance but his face still held the boyish innocence. To Sango, her brother was the same he was before.

******

(A/N: Different fans like to pair Rin to different characters, 2 characters actually: Sesshoumaru and Kohaku. I’ll be doing both for this story. Of course, both will lead to different endings and different sub-plots but the main plot of the story will remain the same. In this chapter I’m doing Rin X Kohaku. There won’t be any Rin X Sesshoumaru in this chapter but that doesn’t mean I’m plotting a triangle among the three here. In other words think of this chapter’s Rin X Kohaku as a prelude to further content on this pairing.)

There was another person who was upset with Kohaku for not visiting them and Kohaku would soon have to think of a way to confront that person.

After spending the afternoon with his sister and her family, Kohaku decided it was about time he paid a visit to his old friend and traveling companion, Rin.

It was twilight, but Kaede was still out of her hut, collecting herbs. Rin had been staying with the elderly miko ever since Sesshoumaru left her in the human village. She was rather busy the whole day; having to look after the injured Sato, and Sango’s kids she didn’t have enough time for herself. Inwardly she was upset though; as her long time friend had visited the village but didn’t visit her yet.

Kohaku’s entry to the hut caused a shift in the mat hanging at the door; it made the crimson light enter the hut.

“Kaede-sama hasn’t returned yet, Inuyasha-sama. She’ll visit Kagome-sama soon after she returns.” Without turning to look who’d entered the hut, Rin said.

“I’m not Inuyasha-sama, Rin. Inuyasha-sama has already gone to get Kaede-sama.”

“Is that you, Kohaku-kun? It’s been a long, long time since you visited us... You came only because Myoga-jiji had to visit Inuyasha-sama, didn’t you?”

Rin wouldn’t be hiding her displeasure with Kohaku, and she made him aware of it.

“Umm...Uhh...”

“You only thought about yourself, never about Sango-sama or ...”

“Or...?”

“Never mind, sit here and have some tea.”

“Okay.”

Kohaku had always found Rin amusing, he didn’t know about her, but he always had a certain liking for her. After staying away from her for a long time, he had developed a certain kind of longing for her.

The young girl poured tea for the slayer and throughout the time he had his tea, neither of them spoke. Both of them had been thinking what to say next to each other. Kohaku expected cold behavior from Rin although it was highly unlikely for her to be cold to anyone.

He finished the tea and Rin took the glass, and was about to keep it away when he began to speak.

“I’ve missed you, Rin...”

Whatever hatred Rin had harbored for him, disappeared at those words. The thought of him missing her, even made her happy.

“You were rebuilding the slayer’s village, weren’t you, Kohaku-kun?”

“So you know that already?”

Rin had overheard the conversation between Miroku and Sango so she knew the entire thing. That added to Kohaku’s confession quite diminished her anger for him.

“And,” Kohaku spoke while looking down at the wooden floor, “I’m sorry for not visiting any of you.”

“It’s okay, Kohaku-kun... I’ll have to see Sato-sama now...I’ll return in a while.”

She was blushing furiously all the while she spoke to Kohaku but the inside of the hut being dark, Kohaku didn’t notice it. But the way she ran out of the hut, gave him some hints; he had a smile to show for it.

“Better talk with houshi-sama about this...”

******

(A/N: Chapter would look this way without Rin x Kohaku.)

Rin had missed Kohaku a great deal. He was always a good friend to her during their days of travelling with Sesshoumaru and even at present he was as good a friend. She was quite upset with him for not visiting her in the six years he had been absent from her life. But she let all her anger get washed away when he paid her a visit in Kaede’s hut.

“How are you, Rin-chan? It’s been a long time since we met last.”

“I’m fine, Kohaku-kun. How’re you?”

“I’m a bit tired from all the travelling I have to do. I’m glad I could take a break from all that for a few days.”

“You can always come here. This is your sister’s home after all.”

“Of course I can, Rin-chan. Oh, I almost forgot, I have a present for you, here,” he handed her a cloth, which resembled a Kimono.

“Thank you very much, Kohaku-kun!” Rin was delighted with her gift.

“It was only for you, imouto.”

Even Kohaku didn’t know how ‘imouto’ slipped from his mouth. But as he had said it, he waited for Rin’s reaction.

“Imouto?” she was confused at first, but then she accepted it with delight. “Thank you, nii-san!”

Kohaku had always cared for Rin as his little sister and he was glad he could admit it.

“I guess I have more than one reason to visit this village, then?”

The young girl giggled and the slayer joined in as well.

******

Everyone seemed happy save for one. It’s not that he was sad; he just couldn’t bring himself to smile like the others did. He’d get his revenge first and only after that would he smile again.

“I hope you remain in the village. I’ll be going back there soon...You’ll regret for your deeds.”

He was a mere mortal, a petty human, but his will, determination and vengeful mentality were enough to spur him on to fight with demons. He had been promised help from people he found reliable and he would definitely take their help in taking revenge for his family.

Definitely he would.

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A/N: Emiko means Blessed, Beautiful Child. Keiko means Blessing. Akio means Bright boy. I've changed the children's names! XD