Opaline by Aviel
Pandora's Folly
Disclaimer: Though it saddens me to say it, I don’t own anything relating to Takahashi-sensei’s Inuyasha. However, the plot of this drabble series does belong to me as well as any OCs that may show up along the way.
A/N: This and the next chapter take place after the whole Onigumo-Manten incident. Or more specifically, the following events occur simultaneously with the period in which Sesshoumaru analyzes his own character and contemplates our odd heroine.
Chapter 7: Pandora’s Folly
The den was warm but not uncomfortably so.
The floor was littered with a pile of furs that Kagome had skinned and cleaned herself, courtesy of her friend’s many successful hunts, and there were woven baskets that were filled to the brim with dried fruits and meat. Sharp tools hung from makeshift hooks in the walls as well as a few treasures Kagome had collected out in the forest. The aforementioned walls were also lined with rocks and dirt and roots hung from the ceiling, but to her, it was home.
While it surely wasn’t like the hut she’d shared with Kaede in the village, it had the one thing she cherished the most in the world: Shippou.
The kitsune was her best friend. It didn’t matter that he was a youkai and that she was a miko, and she honestly didn’t care for any of the prejudices her village tried to brainwash her with. She and Shippou shared a bond no being could ever hope to break.
In her childish mind, they were family.
. . .
Kagome.
The small girl paused in her cheerful humming and glanced at her companion. His body was suddenly rigid, and she saw a tremor ripple down his spine.
A crease formed between her brows. “What’s wrong, Shippou?”
I’m not sure… the fox admitted, sitting back on his haunches. But I think we need to leave. It’s not safe here anymore.
Sapphire eyes filled with worry. “Where can we go? I don’t want to go back to the village!”
Shippou’s tail curled around her trembling frame and brought her closer to him. He nuzzled the side of her head comfortingly when she wrapped her arms around his body, whimpering softly.
Don’t worry, little one. I won’t let them take you. You’ll never have to return to that place ever again.
At his promise, Kagome pulled back to gaze into his emerald orbs and smiled. “I love you,” she told him, her face flushing with the shy confession. His eyes seemed to glow with amusement, and he licked her cheek.
I know. Now go get your things. We must leave as soon as possible.
“Okay.” Kagome quickly did as she was told, gathering a good amount of rations from their food supply along with a gourd of water and a spare set of clothing. She stopped only to check the items in her satchel before facing Shippou with a resolute expression. “I’m ready.”
The red fox nodded but didn’t make a move to leave the den. Instead, he turned around and headed toward the deeper part of the room, his tail swishing gently behind him.
“Shippou?”
His ears swiveled in her direction, but he continued on, intent on accomplishing his task.
I almost forgot something. It’ll only take a moment.
Figuring that it was better to observe him rather than ask inane questions, Kagome followed him to the back corner of the den and watched as he began to dig. In no time, he was three feet deep in the hole he made, and Kagome had to squint slightly to see him. He continued to dig furiously until his paws hit the top of a large wooden box. With the girl’s help, they lifted the box and placed it on the ground.
“Are we taking this along with us?” Kagome asked.
In a sense… he answered vaguely, causing her to frown when he didn’t elaborate. Open it.
“No.”
Surprised, Shippou arched a furred brow. Why not?
“It’s not mine,” she said. “I’ll carry it for you, but I won’t open it.”
What if I said that it was a gift for you?
“I don’t need it.”
You don’t even know what it is! Aren’t you even a teensy bit curious?
Kagome’s expression wavered for a split second, but Shippou caught it. He nudged the box closer to her and gave her a sad look, ears drooping pitifully.
Please, Kagome?
Sighing softly in defeat, the girl lifted the lid…
…And wept.
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Original Posting Date: June 28, 2013
Prompt: For Phae’s Word Prompts, Tender
Words: 675
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A/N: It’s been so long since I’ve updated this! My muse disappeared a while back in order to work on other things…since I wasn’t sure if this story was well-received or not. I finished this chapter before that happened though, and it’s just been sitting on the back burner for the most part. Hopefully, I’ll find some inspiration and work on this again soon. I’d really appreciate your feedback! :)