Hanyo of Snow

Ch64 A Little Chaotic Morning

(Miroku POV - Daimyō's Manor - Right at sunrise)

Sadly it seems like the terrain around this daimyō's territory was much too flat to get any proper training done, in the physical aspect. Alongside the lingering taint in the air among it a bit difficult to concentrate on my hōkiri even if I made some effort to clear it up after the battle.

Granted never quite put that much of an effort, too exhausted from using the Kazaana to absorb an army and the fall out afterwards to truly clear it up. More or less depicting

Even after Kagome purified the shard and the suzuri no tamashii gone the taint was still strong in the air.

Honestly surprised Y/N didn't get an additional headache from the results, Kagome wad more or less safe from how strong her reiryoku reserves were.

Then again he was a bit more yokai than human at this point.

What ink we didn't freeze or destroyed had already seeped into the lands around the manor.

Either the very last traits of Kōtatsu's exiastance or this Magatshuchi's failed emergence has tainted the nature of the very nature of these grounds.

Not much, but it could give any fledgling miko or kannuishi a nasty headache and interfering with their reiryoku with the impurity permiating from the ground.

Can clear it out within the hour.

While certainly nastier, this lingering taint wasn't too dissimilar from more most yokai or curses I've had to clean up after.

Plus this shouldn't take too long.

If I didn't agree on a set price for our efforts, I could have tried to raise the price, but that would go against the Sammā-ājāiva.

Why I don't set a price depending usually, usually only for those who have very little or a roof over my head for a night or two.

Would dishonor my role as a hoshi to go back on it anyway.

Still whatever lies at Kagome's and Y/N's homeland should be morethann worth it and to sastaite my curiousity.

Walking up to the manor's entrance I stopped my pace and held my hand to hind my amused grin.

My, my it seems like someone got greedy...

I shook my head as several of the daimyo's men were using brooms to try and clean up or find Yura's hairs strung about. Guess she left them out to make a point.

"Missed a spot." I said, tapping my shakujo against one of their brooms to their surprise and into a mass of Yura's hairs. "There you go and you might wat to get your friend on the far right before he-"

One of them suddenly let out a very loud scream as they tripped over a strand, their broom handle colliding with their jaw and silencing him. Falling down and whimpering.

Looks like I was a little to late.

Yura was probably being extra spiteful.

"Never mind, but I would suggest poking around the side of the doors incase there are any more traps." I said. gesturing to a few more. Walking past as the group sprung back into action.

So someone tried to steal Y/N's and Kagome's shards. Going to need to make a replacement pouch and recreate it's protections but we figured and seemingly proven just now a good idea I continued to carry my shards.

Kagome had the congregated shard and Kōtatsu's, Shippō had the one they had before in a small pouch seemingly since I joined now when he was awake at least, and of course Y/N's was lodged in his chest. So the former too were the possible targets...think I got my answer.

Turning down the hall I turned and walked a few paces to here the sound of shouting from the most unlikely of sources.

"-you both should be ashamed, trying to rob them when you thought they were asleep!

" I heard the princess demanding, peering past the corner to see two now very bald, bruised, and their body covered in red patches of skin that looked partially like burns been cowing and shivering before her and shaking like leaves as the three of them exited the room.

Either from fear or their injuries it could be either one.

A pissed off Yura and a glaring but dead tired Kagome glaring at them didn't help asthey followed after the princess.

The princess was shaking from exhaustion as she gave them a disapproving look, both men looking rather ashamed as they wilted from her look.

Happy to see one benefit from last night, she was looking better now that that she no longer had to worry about Kōtatsu yet was still sickly. Still she had found her spine.

"Whatever punishment father has for you two should more than suffice if you want either of us to trust you both again.

" The princess said, getting them both to bow out of shame before she turned to her own father, the daimyō who withered from her and Yura's look.

"Father you are not blame free either, even if you did rescind the order or are you lying to me? "

"It better be considering they stabbed what they thought was Y/N!" Kagome yelled out tiredly, getting the daimyō to flinch.

Yet he didn't deny it and bowed his head with a dejected look.

"...I never ordered them to go that far and simply to take any jewel shards once I learned Kōntatsu had one of his own.

If not for higher power power then I could barter with for medicine or a way to cure my daughter's completely.

There are other daimyō's willing to offer a fortune for the shards, some kingdoms already lost for yokai seeking to claim them as their own further north of here.

An edge over my rivals would be nice, but I would gladly give that up to make sure my daughter lives a long and healthy life.

" He said, and I could believe him. Especially as he looked saddened as his daughter turned to look away from him.

"These two were with me when I rescinded that order, I couldn't go through with it after you all saved my lands in my absence and Kōntatsu losing his live to the very yokai he created.

Those things should not belong in the hands of man. "

At the very least he seemed sincere in telling the truth, delt with enough daimyōs and other nobles trying to pull a fast one on me occasionally.

Yura stared at him for a moment before nodding at Kagome. Their guards dropping only a little bit and still glared at him.

The princess could only shake her head and let out a sigh.

"I'm dissipointed you would even think of doing this to them father. Even before they." The princess said, getting the daimyō to wince. Nodding sadly at her words.

Wasn't sure how much shame this daimyō held before giving up his order, but the shame if dissipointing his daughter clearly weighed heavily on his heart. Probably more so then anything they could ever do to him.

"As for you two, why would you go against father's order in the first place?" She said, giving them a stern glance, before starting to cough.

Guess this was upsetting her enough to cause her health to act up.

Her father went to check up on her as both men looked at each other before shuddering as Kagome glared at them even more, trying to stiffen a yawn.

"Were you both wanted our shards for yourselves or something else." Kagome said, and both men started to break out in a cold sweat. "You have got to be kidding me..."

One of them tried to run, taking the chance I slammed the end of the shakujō in their face.

Knocking him out as they were both bound and gagged by hairs by Yura.

"Figured you were listening in monk." Yura said, flexing her fingers and both were strung up by the ceiling.

"Enough to know these two got greedy and I saw your handiwork outside." I said as I walked past them and towards the princess. "May I take a look at your condition real quick?"

She gave me a nod and I ignored the way Kagome and Yura looked at me as I gave her a quick check over.

Her breathing seemed to be normal at least and the imbalances caused by her fear and worry of Kōtatsu would do to her people was starring to clear up.

She was already a little sickly beforehand, this recent case of stress was not helping things but should soon pass once these lands return to normal.

..plus her having a talk with her father it looks like she was waiting for us to do.

"Can you extend your hand like this again please?" I asked, getting her to nod before doing as I asked.

Placing two fingers together on her wrist behind her thumb, checking her pulse. Waiting for to take a few breathes as I checked if there was any differences for last night.

So far all things seemed like better then yesterday, her pulse is a lot more relaxed and held a steadier rate then I last checked last night. While not as distressed back than, it was no longer fluttering about.

Mentally updating my list I let go of the princesses wrist and gave her a smile.

"You're condition is certainly improving princess.

" I said before turning to the daimyō. "I'll draft a list of recommendation herbs and meals for whatever you currently have your take for meals and tea.

If it lines up with whatever you currently have for her then disregard my suggestions.

You already have a good grasp on your daughter's health, these methods will certainly improve it in a few weeks after I get done treating her. "

"So you can improve it?" The daimyō asked cautiously.

"Yes, but only so much. I'm just a wandering hoshi, it would take a higher ranked monk to completely cure her. Your diligence over her health over these years ensured that it is possible." I admitted honestly.

He looked between, his daughter, and the more calmer Kagome and sighed.

"Very well, name your price. It is the least I can make up for the trouble I caused you." The daimyō said, his tone a mixture of resigned and relieved.

Well as they say, time and tide wait for no man.

"Consider my treatment of the princess to be free of charge and keep the deal you agreed with us all last night.

The price for purifying the surrounding grounds can be discussed later.

I've noticed a few spots of ink where it seeped into the earth, it will take about an hour to prepare and clear the last traces up.

Going to need the supplies I used last night otherwise healing the process now could be rendered ill effective.

A slight chance, but not one worth the risk.

" I said, getting the daimyō to nod and the princess to cover her mouth.

Might've bent the truth a little, but it was a real possibility.

"Fine, they should be in that room with the painter hanyo." The daimyō said as he pointed to a door just behind Kagome.

So Y/N was still nearby.

"They are still there. Should be ready for you Miroku." He said as he stepped out before taking a looking at the two men hanging upside down. "...Yura please don't kill them."

"I'd prefer to deal with them myself." The daimyō said

"You can have whatever is left after I get some answers." Yura said, glaring at the daimyō before walking off and dragging both men behind her as they hung upside down. The only one still conscious could only thrash about as they disappeared behind a corner.

The daimyō look very pale, no doubt figuring if he hadn't rescinded that order he would be joining them.

He had nothing to fear...but none here really have the heart to tell him.

"I should check with the rest of my men and the kunoichi after she gets answers.

Hoshi Miroku I will expect the terms of payment for your services later.

..there is a talk I need to have with my daughter.

One she seems to think is long overdue." The daimyō said, getting the princess to smile as the two started to walk away.

She looked back and waved at us with a smile which me and Y/N returned as they walked down the hall.

Kagome yawned as her started to sway before Y/N caught her.

"Want me to being you back to the room Kagome?" Y/N asked, getting Kagome to shake her head.

"No I'm already changed...you brought the pillow in with?" Kagome yawned out, rubbing her eyes as I followed after them.

"I did, wasn't sure if you were going to crash or not." Y/N said as Kagome half hugged him and smiled.

"Thank you..." She yawned out.

Have to say she made looking tired being cute effortlessly. Definitely was not an easy look pulled off, I have seen a few attempts...well all of those were more alluring then cute.

But if I say anything probably will draw Kagome's ire right now.

Following them into a guest room of the manor I saw the supplies used last night on the table alongside one of those pillows they both and Shippō seem to use I guessed from their homeland.

On the otherside of the room were two large sheets of paper I've usually seen reserved to larger paintings.

To my surprise one of them was already partially painted of.

"You've been quite busy Y/N for someone almost stabbed." I said, noticing the painting.

More of a partially finished yet realistic looking sketch of the daimyō and the princess.

Could only be the start but I've seen quite a few pieces by the families of nobles and clans. High-quality materials used, but even if this is unfunished they looked more life like then most attempts I've seen.

"Woke up before hand, honestly Yura and Inuko warned me something was up." Y/N said as he and Kagome sat at the table and I sat where the supplies were.

"They woke me up two, more or less switched pillows for where he was and they got the drop on them. I'm too tired to remember all that much except kicking one of them." Kqgome yawned out. "Inuko went back to sleep and Shippō and Takechiyo immediately curled up on her."

"Wish I could have seen all that." I said honestly, putting a sutra infront of me. "Glad you or Yura know that trick as well. Comes quite in handy."

"Of course you know that trick as well..." Kagome said blandly, before noticing what I was working on. "So we missed some spots then?"

"A few, without the jewel shard they are nothing more then ink mixed with human blood. The taint of their creation is still there, but as I said something that I can deal with...or you as well Kagome with some training." I said with a shrug. "You have the reiryoku but not the precision."

"Try having part of your soul ripped out, but I do know a thing or two at least like using purifying salt." Kagome sighed out as she rested her head on the pillow.

I nodded and smiled at that, at least that is a good start.

"You could ask your grandfather or Kaede if you want. Maybe that can help?" Y/N suggested.

Kagome looked like she thought about his words for a bit before nodding.

"Perhaps, did tune out most of what Gramps was trying to teach me." Kagome said, before smiling. "Or I could ask you Y/N. You're no longer creating any frost right now, or leaving freezer burn on anyone."

Freezer burn, don't think I heard that term before.

Judging by him looking away and the pinkish marks on both men's bodies were this 'freezer burn'. Did resemble one.

"Speaking of which, I didn't see you with the others when I first came in Y/N?" I asked, finishing a sutra.

"Yura and Kagome were the ones that suggested I start painting, both of them wanted to had words with them and the daimyō.

Especially when the princess wanted answers as well.

" Y/N said, giving Kagome a small smile as he leaned in closer.

"But I think for the most part you're still mad at them for us having to wake you up early. "

"Damn right!" Kagome shouted without hesitation, before slumping on the pillow. "Another chaotic morning, can't wait to go home for a bit. Could use a few calm days..."

Y/N leaned over and kissed her forehead, getting Kagome's face to flush a bright red.

"We got a quiet night, a few days would be nice. A chaotic morning or two would just make them more enjoyable afterwards." Y/N said, giving Kagome a reassuring smile as his face turned a little red.

Kagome just mumbled something and buried her head in the pillow, nodding.

...Well both of them seem like a load had been lifted off their shoulders, especially Y/N.

Perhaps they talked about it...they did say the Shikon no Tama was reincarnated into her body.

Maybe what happened with Kikyō severed that connection to Y/N's power.

Meaning aside from sensing them, Kagome is effectively unaffected by them.

Saw and still amazed she was able to purify that shard last night instantly without any backlash.

Unless she probably decided to use one's powers in any way, but I doubt it.

I can only image that such an issue would have weighed heavily on their hearts.

Could have there been more going on last night...no.

As much as I wanted more details and even if nothing happened, didn't want to step on the tiger's tail to encourage Kagome's wrath.

Heavens know I've had a few partners who weren't much of being morning people, interfering in their sleep or efforts to return to it could have been met at their own peril.

"Agreed, but take it from my experience sometimes relaxing for too long could make everything restless after something like last night." I said, finishing a sutra and getting their attention. "Out of curiosity is the area of your homeland as mountainous as around here?"

"In places, the Higasrashi Shrine is located on a hill." Y/N said, before it looked like he was thinking of something. "You said that you did this daily, you were training for or had undergone Kaihōgyō?"

I stopped briefly and let out a small chuckle as I put down my brush.

"Good guess, but not quite." I said as Kagome sat up a little bit straighter.

"You were training for that, doesn't that take seven years for the 1000 day?" Kagome asked, glancing at my right hand.

"Not quite, when I started training I considered myself lucky if I live to see those seven years. And I still do." I said while shaking my head. "So you both know about Kaihōgyō, but do you know of another alternatives?"

"Think I do, there is one that is literally about a little over a third of the time.

Two years and 270 days." Y/N said, getting Kagome to tilt her head at him.

"Less risky and still requires the supervision of a jūshoku instead of an entire monistary.

Plus it can be taken place anywhere aside from Mount Hiei.

Did hear there is still a risk of death from a mistep or something, it is still physically and spiritually demanding.

No rest between days instead of sleep or meditation, though the reward at the end is a toss up. "

"If you succeed on fulfilling every condition of Kaihōgyō you become a living Buddha. Then what happenes at the end of this method?" Kagome asked.

"Simply either you receive a divine blessing at the end or you don't. It does strengthen the body and hōkiri from the expiernce, but a divine gift or power rarely comes out of it.

Figured I'd prepare my mind and body to undergo it.

Even got Mushin sober enough to accept being the one to watch over my progress. " I said with a smile at that memory.

Oh that was fun, especially seeing his hangover the next day.

Kagome gave me a bland look before shaking her head.

"Take it you never underwent it?" Kagome asked.

"Nope, I was but rumors that Naraku had resurfaced had emerged. The last time anyone had seen them was when I was an infant. I spent about four weeks deciding to go after them without starting." I admitted honestly.

"Either a way to might give you a chance to seal or get rid of the Kazaana or a guaranteed way to get rid of it. Those were your choices." Y/N said, getting me to nod.

"Yes, I try to keep my training every chance I get or adjust it. Has helped quite a bit." I said happily.

"Like being able to almost out run Inuko." Kagome said, and I gave her a small grin.

"The physical aspects of my training have been beneficial. But I can only do so much, and I intend to keep at it up until one day I can undergo the training for real. Preferable after I can get rid of this curse." I said, rubbing my left hand over the nenju suppressing the Kazanna.

"You intend to go through with the training even after that?" Kagome asked.

"About the only thing I truly thought about after I get rid of the Kazaana.

Even if I do not get a blessing or anything, it's still something I want to achieve and something I would like to finish after preparing for it.

Either way at the end it would help me make sure to do my duties better and allow those lost souls to rest. Something to do without the Kazaana affecting my life for once.

That and something new to focus on and want to finish.

..maybe a bit into the future." I said, frowning a little.

"Honestly before meeting you all never really thought all that much besides making sure either the curse ends within my lifetime hopefully. Never for my self."

Granted partially I had mostly thought to comfort women all over these lands with my body and soul like I had been with my wanderings.

But it's only been two days since I started to travel with them...for the first time in years I'm starting to gain some hope of killing Naraku. Knowing full well the risks of my curse and all.

Honestly after last night I'm still figuring how much time I had left. If we hadn't planned ahead for Kōtatsu's armies and thinned the numbers I'm pretty sure that would have shaved at least a year or two off my life. Less so but the gap in my palm has expanded slightly.

Already I'm seeing together they can stop myself from relying on this damned curse so much after so little time.

It could change, but I was glad to have not made the wrong choice...

"There will be plenty of time to figure out what you want Miroku." Y/N said, breaking me from my thoughts as I saw both him and Kagome smiling at me.

"He's right, you can figure out what you want to do as we try and track Naraku. We all want the same thing, so maybe you can finally start to dream of a live without the Kazaana." Kagome said sincerely.

I stared at them for a few moments before smiling and picking up my brush, shifting my gaze away a little.

Those smiles...

I let out a sigh while shaking my head.

"You both have given me more hope then I've had in years, but I suppose it is natural. But Y/N, Kagome thank you." I said, giving them a small smile as I started to work on the sutra again. "Maybe I could start to think about it in your homeland?"

"Could be..." Kagome said with a yawn, rubbing her eyes as she started to nod off. "I think I'm at my limit..."

"I'll be here when you wake up." Y/N said, getting Kagome to nod happily as she plopped her head on the pillow.

Smiling at her before I focused back on preparing the sutras, moving to create the next one.

I know it's unbecoming of a hoshi, but I suppose I'm a little envious of Y/N and Kagome. Of what they have.

Would prefer to be I either of their place, or maybe right in the middle.

Together they are probably more dangerous than they are apart...

Kind of my goal to reach after the Kazaana is gone for good is what they have and more. Way more if my guess about Yura is correct, but dwelling on that now would be of no help or use.

Being close to these two who cared for me was good enough for now...

(Inuko POV - 2 and a half hours later - Dawn)

"You still not awake cub?" I asked Shippō as I walked through the halls, following Y/N's and Kagome's scents. Tapping Shippō on the head as he cling to my shoulders.

"No..." Takechiyo groaned out, still sounding half asleep like Shippō was.

I tried not laugh at his reply.

How he slept through those two idiots earlier is beyond me. Considering I spotted no one else after waking up again and inspecting around the manor there was no corpses I can only assume they were alive. No sign of Yura, so probably making sure they regretted being alive.

Well at least can't smell any ink surrounding this place any more, could explain why Miroku's scent was all over the place.

No longer feel like the need to gag at least.

Honestly probably would have joined them and Yura in getting answers, but didn't want to leave those two alone alone and fell back asleep with him...woke up to find the kit and tanuki cub curled up on my back...

Then again I suppose that is partially true...

I didn't want to face Y/N or Kagome as much as I had to last night...

For the first time in weeks I dreamt about Kikyō, the good times at least. Only made the pain of loosing her again hurts. Especially with his ability affecting her soul...

Hopefully it isn't affecting Kagome and Yura too...

And how I didn't want to lose Y/N too.

Can't imagine how Kagome would feel too, by Yomi can't imagine loosing her as well...

Wait-

I flicked my head to clear those thoughts away, wincing and rubbing my forehead.

"Inuko..." Shippō yawned out as he rubbed his eyes.

"Mosquito." I lied, getting him to nod titedly.

Great, think this week is starting to take a toil on me aswell...we definitely need a break as well.

Shaking my head I found the room I could smell Y/N and Kagome's scent from and threw open the door. Finding Kagome asleep on a pillow on the table. Miroku's and Yura's scents were also here, but with how faint they were they had left some time ago.

Y/N was still here, along with the smell of ink and paint.

Did he make an agreement to paint or something again, too tired to recall.

Looking at the otherside of the room, my eyes widened at what I saw.

By Amaterasu...

I saw him working on two paintings.

The first one to the side was a painting of the daimyō and the princess, the former looking surprise while the latter smiling brightly. Guess he used his phone to capture the image before painting it again.

But the second one, the one he was working on was styled more like an actually painting from this era. Capturing one moment from the battle last night.

Specifically me and him against Kōtatsu ant that uwabami he summoned. Yet this image looked very different. Y/N and Kōtatsu were more off to the side.

Front and center was the uwabami thrashing about, breathing flame clouds from all to try in vain to escape of the most completed part of the painting.

An inugami looking exactly like my bitch of a sister's true form except it was smaller with golden eyes and a red jagged line marking under each eye.

One of the uwabami's necks was in the inugami's jaws, claw and paws trapping the other two necks and heads while the rest of the snake like yokai was stuck underneath it.

This was me, or at least how I would look as a full inugami daiyokai...

He was trying to figure out how I would look as a full yokai...

"Is that you?" Takechiyo said, snapping me from my thoughts to see the tanuki cub rubbing his eyes as Shippō stared at the painting in awe. "Thought that you were a hanyo?"

"It's what I wish to become...at least partially. Am I right Y/N?" I asked with a smirk as Y/N stopped painting and sighed. Setting the brush down and turning to face us.

"Figured at least, of your wish for the jewel goes well I'm sure the only change that might be your ears at least. Human form at least." Y/N said before looking at Shippō and Takechiyo. "Good morning, you two."

"Morning." Shippō said with a wave.

Takechiyo just yawned before he jumped off of my shoulder and onto his. Half laying off his body as he tried to wake up.

I just shook my head and brought my hand to my head, briefly feeling my ears before lowering my hand.

"Right that is going to take some getting used to." I said before shaking my head. "So how are you considering..."

"Better, me and Kagome figured that my ability isn't connected to her anymore. Everything might get some used too, might take a while." Y/N said with a shrug. "One day at a time more or less."

"Story of my life." I grumbled out quietly. "So I figured Yura and Miroku would be around here. Their scents were faint."

"Think she is currently on the other side of the manor working on the princess's health after finally purifying these grounds.

" Y/N said simply, looking like he was thinking about something before sighing.

"No clue about Yura, she was here a while ago after she got her answers.

Said something about making sure there were no more traces of the 'damned painter' left in this world.

..think I heard one of the servants mentioned smoke a bit ago. .."

"Pretty sure between the both of you and Kagome all made sure the only things left of him is a grave maker and that painting." I said, looking past him.

Sounds like Yura was burning whatever hideouts or possessions Kōtatsu had remaining.

Between his entire being consumed by this Magatshuchi and Yura destroying whatever possessions he has left in this world, pretty sure Kōtatsu is all but erased from existence.

A pretty fitting fate for thar damned painter.

"Correct, though this painting would be sold off at the earliest convenience.

Seems like our reputation with Tatsu's village has came here this morning, plus he heard of us saving another daimyō from Tsukumo no Gama weeks ago.

Should have seen his face when he connected the dots an hour ago.

" Y/N said, smiling a little as I smirked trying to picture that reaction.

Judging by Shippō's laughter I guess he was thinking of it was being pretty hilarious.

"He's more then happy to keep the first painting but seemed a little dissipointed to lose this painting. "

"Guess you're starting to make a name for yourself in this era." I said teasingly as he nodded.

"This era?" Takechiyo asked tilting his head at Y/N.

"I'll give you double the sweets I promised if forget about this til tomorrow." Y/N said.

Takechiyo just yawned, but the way his tail was wagging eagerly was all the answer either of us needed.

From the corner of the eye I could see that Shippō was pouting.

"Don't, you'll be getting plenty later." I said, getting the kit to turn his face away from me.

"I know..." Shippō said as I shook my head.

"So why chose this, plus I figured you would include Yura in some way?" I asked, deciding to move on before the tanuki cub figures anything else out.

Then again bribing him with candy seems to work, but not taking any chances.

"Actually I already asked her about that, she only cared that about the true version that I will create when I chronicle it down." Y/N said to which I just shrugged. "Now what do you think? Anything I should change to it Inuko?"

Tough one, this was tough one.

Looked perfect as it is too me.

Honestly I loved it...

I had wanted to be a full yokai for so long, yet I have never really given it much thought...or maybe I did and had given up when Kikyō proposed to us both becoming ordinary humans...

But what Y/N has painted so far might actually be the closest thing I could imagine turning into a full yokai.

Definitely took some inspiration from Sesshōmaru and perhaps my father...I can already see a few differences like the ear shape and a smaller height to set me apart from her.

Plus the way I kind of see myself and him in this painting.

Either fighting together as partners or what I personally like to think ferociously defending him.

..Kikyō would have liked this painting too at least. Probably would have mentioned when she first truly fell in love for me, defending her sister after so many fights and confrontations before. ..

When I become a full yokai, that is the kind I want to be. My body and blood might be different, but I'd still be me.

Even if I will never admit it...maybe not that much but that is the part of me that I don't want to lose when I become a full yokai.

The side that allowed me and Kikyō to fall in love in the first place, that part that allowed me to bond with Kaede and I suppose now Shippō, and the part Y/N is trying to capture in this painting as a full inugami.

The part of which I had almost lost thanks to Naraku...just another reason to spit on that damned pest's ashes.

I swear to Amaterasu it was perfect, but I did have one question.

"Honestly it's perfect, but I do have to ask about the red line markings?" I asked with a small smile.

"Those are kind of a personal touch. Inugami daiyokai from what I know those kind of facial markings and seeing Sesshōmaru kind of confirmed it.

Not sure if they were any other colors but I thought red would fit.

It looks good on you." Y/N said honestly with a warm smile, getting me to try and hide my face as it flushed a little.

Damn it, not this again!

Took a calming breath and I was able to regain my composer and gave the painting a look over quickly enough hopefully before he suspected anything.

"That it does, maybe now that I think about it how about adding some more of those flame clouds around the uwabami." I said, and Y/N's eyes widened before he smiled.

"Actually that is a great idea Inuko. Adding some more and mixing some black lines into the flame clouds surrounding you should create a tonal

contrast that will make you stand better stand out." Y/N said, a little excitement in his tone.

Honestly I was just coming up with an excuse to change the subject.

Still it worked, and I kind of liked this idea.

"What would that do?" Takechiyo asked as he tilted his head, now looking fully awake.

"Make Inuko look even cooler, no the coolest!" Shippō said excitedly, throwing his hands up.

"Like the sound of that kit." I said happily with a smirk, getting him to beam me.

Takechiyo looked between me and that painting before nodding with a smile.

"She would look cool. But it would be even cooler if she could transform too." Takechiyo admitted, I let out a little chuckle at that.

"Not going to deny that, but I can't do it yet. Even then I have no idea how." I admitted.

"But I do!" Shippō cheered out, getting me to wince a little as my ear ringed from the volume of his voice as he jumped off my back.

Landing right on the table and scampering right into the center as he smiled at me and Y/N.

"Just like this." Shippō said, before a large puff of smoke enveloped his body.

Clearing away a few moments latter to reveal Shippō now looked like a fox kit on all four legs wearing his clothes, his hands now cream collored paws, and his head now a fox's head with the underside of his snout and neck also creamed colored fur but the rest of his head and ears a more copper colored.

Guess this might be his true form.

"See, like that!" Shippō said, puffing up his chest

"We couldn't really see anything Shippō." Y/N said, getting me to nod in agreement.

He only pouted until jumping up as Kagome started to moan and shift from her pillow.

Of course that is what wakes her up, why am I not surprised...

Kagome lifts her head up from the pillow, rubbing her eyes as Shippō slowly started to back away. Letting out a yawn and stretching her arms behind her.

Blinking a few times once she caught sight of the transformed kitsune.

"Shippō?" She asked him tiredly, probably thinking she was still a sleep or something.

Kit if you wanted to survive this-

"Y-Yes, it's me Kagome." Shippō said nervously.

And now he had sealed his fate.

She blinked once more as the kit froze, being far too late as Kagome caught him in her embrace.

"Is this what you really look like, you look so adorable!" Kagome practually gushed over him as Shippō tried to break free.

My lips started to twitch and my body started to shake as a puff of smoke envolped him as Shippō transformed back to what he usually looked like. Struggling in vain to worm or pry himself out of Kagome's arms.

"I'm not adorable!" Shippō protested as he turned to look at Takechiyo. "Takechiyo help me!"

The tanuki cub wisely hid behind Y/N's back in fear as Kagome briefly glanced his way. Not even daring to poke his head back out as Kagome just returned to gushing over Shippō.

"Traitor!" He declared as he still struggled to get out. "Y/N, Inuko help me!"

Y/N just sighed and shook his head as he went to help Shippō as I tried my hardest not to laugh. I just shook my head and smiled warmly at Y/N and Kagome as the former tried to pry Shippō out of the latter's arms.

(Yura POV - Coastal Town - Mid Afternoon)

Of course this would be a wealthy town, and the monk would pick the wealthiest looking manor for us to stay the night, under the excuse of black looking ominous clouds floating above...

At the least master, Kagome, and Inuko were giving the monk a deadpan look as she placed a sutra on the nearby pillar talking with the elderly owner.

Shippō was off near the entrance if the manor, looking at the sun starting to set on the ocean in awe. The kit had been mostly quite when Takechiyo had to leave earlier, but was happy when he imagined getting to play with Kagome's brother again.

He had been looking at the sunset quite intently for a bit, can't figure out why but I didn't care as long as he didn't run off without me or someone else keeping an eye on him.

Thankfully for my sanity after those two idiots pulled that stunt on master the rest of the day had been quiet.

Burning down the remaining traces of that damned painter had also lifted my mood considerably.

Master was able to complete his paintings and I have to admit the one with the bitch turned out pretty well.

One of the better ones I've seen him make including the works in his home.

Personally though I was always more of a fan of the ones he makes of our journey so far.

..he has been behind on making everything that has happened during this past week.

Rightfully so, it's been especially taxing for him and Inuko.

Other then that seems like yet again the monk has surprised me.

The princess was doing a lot better before we left when I had last saw her hours before.

That and the peace of mind it will bring her with the damned painter gone.

Honestly couldn't care less about her father besides the news what he'll do to those two idiots who got greedy.

All that matters was just a quiet day of traveling.

No sign of Naraku, no sign of Kirinmaru's followers, no shards of that accursed gem, and no other yokai.

Can't exactly relax yet until we're in Kagome's and master's era.

"Hopefully you can make sure the clouds don't menace my home any more. Thought we were through when they finally cleared up." The old man sighed out, breaking me out of my thoughts.

Don't tell me the monk was right again?

"Truly, we've not been through this area in a while. When did these clouds first start appearing?" Miroku questioned.

"Earlier this week, the sky grew thicker and darker with black ominous clouds hanging over this part of the coastline for three days.

The yokai grew more erratic, we thought the oni woke up or something.

" The old man said with a sudden before shaking his head.

"Thankfully things soon cleared up and returned to being quiet.

A few samurai have check around the area and couldn't find anything as far as I'm aware. "

"Oni?" Y/N asked as the old man sighed.

"A giant onion slumbering nearby. I've lived here a few decades and no one has been stupid enough to try and provoke it's wrath. Things the size of the mountain." He sighed out as master gained a concerned look before shaking his head.

"Could be another yokai, I take it this oni is far from here?" Y/N asked.

"Would've moved to the otherside of the bay if it was close to this town." The old man said, with a shrug.

Guess as long as it was asleep the people of this town could careless as long as the oni stays asleep. Then again most villages and towns were like that around these parts.

Then again I did my best to keep to the forest and out of the way of Kaede's village. Was more comfortable for me back then.

Also didn't have that much to worry about, a bit of what I heard about the village was the didn't seem to mind the senbiki ōkami that claimed the area as his territory.

..at least he was part senbiki ōkami I think.

We both more or less cared little about what the other was doing aslong as no one got in the other's ways.

There was also the fact he wouldn't mind scavenging on the occasional bandit corpse was the worst he'd do to humans in his territory besides chasing them out if they overstepped his bounds.

Also made it easier to dispose of the bodies minus the heads for my original nest.

Yet a giant oni sleeping and a mystery yokai that passed by, that didn't sound like much. But it seemed like the way everyone else was looking at the old man seemed like something to investigate at least before settling for the night.

"Can you sense anything?" I asked Kagome, peering down at the others from the roof.

"No, so it doesn't have anything to do with the jewel shards." Kagome said as Miroku places another sutra on a pillar.

"But there should still be a samurai or two in town. If there is anything they might know." The old man said with a smile. "How about I start the meal you asked for payment lord hoshi, it is the least I can do for the exorcism."

"That should be more than alright, I should be done soon." Miroku said, Kagome giving the monk a bland look as Inuko just shook her head.

"You need any help?" Y/N asked, getting the old man to shake his head.

"I'll be alright, I'm just happy to have some company for a meal. Never thought I'd be sharing one with yokai and hanyo for once." The old man said as Shippō perked up.

"Do you have any tofu?" Shippō asked.

"Sadly no, but I have plenty of ingredients to make dumplings." He said, getting Shippō to nod happily.

Before he stopped and turned towards Kagome.

"Can we check if there is anything on that mountain right there?" Shippō said, pointing to a nearby mountain that could be seen from the manor's door and located right on the coastline.

Odd, figured he would have asked master or Inuko that first. And it looks like she was the same thing.

"Probably, you can get a view of the best sunsets from there." The old man said with a smile.

Ah, that makes more sense.

Kagome chuckled a little and just nodded at Shippō.

"Of course." She said, getting the kit to beam at her.

"Then the rest of us will check the town later then." Inuko sighed out, getting master to nod in agreement.

Honestly better to put this issue to bed before we can figure out if this was simply more trouble heading our way or not.

I was about to jump down to join the others when I spotted something else on the otherside of the roof.

A small white macaque, staring right at me before promptly running off...right off the fence.

Wait, wasn't that....

No, I could be overthrowing things. But if I'm right we might have a lead on who can tell us what has been going on here.

And if really was some trouble here...well we would be more then ready to leave.

(Chapter 64 ending)