A Rare Bloom by kaoruhana

A Tanabata Story

               Shippo waited quietly with Kagome in the clearing; they were waiting for Sesshomaru’s party.  Last night Kagome had received a note via Ah-Un when Inuyasha was away that asked them to meet up here.  Seeing it to be relatively safe, she had done as the note requested.  As they waited Kagome decided to entertain Shippo with a story. 

                “Which one are you going to tell me Kagome?” Shippo asked excitedly. 

                “Hmm, you know Little Red Riding Hood already, how about the Italian legend about The Canary Prince?” 

                “You told me that yesterday!”  Kagome bit her lip as she thought about it.  Finally, she settled on an old Chinese tale that she was sure Shippo hadn’t recently heard. 

                “Have I ever told you the story about The Night of Seven’s?”  Shippo shook his head but before Kagome could continue there was a rustle among the trees.  Moments later Sesshomaru arrived with his party.  He looked as composed as usual but it was obvious Rin needed a bath. 

                “Hello!”  Kagome greeted them jovially ignoring Jaken’s glare.  “What can we help you with Lord Sesshomaru?” 

                “This one wishes to seek an alliance.”  At Kagome’s confused glance he continued.  “This one has recently received information from Myoga that Naraku’s power is growing much stronger and the final battle will be upon us soon.  He also informed me that the same concept used to destroy Sounga may be effective against him.” 

                “Oh, that would be a great idea!”  Kagome enthused before frowing.  “But Sesshomaru-sama, how do you expect to let Inuyasha deal with this?”  Sesshomaru it seemed had already thought this out. 

                “This one will talk to the half-breed when we arrive at camp.”  Kagome thought about it and then decided it wasn’t her problem.  Whatever had gotten Sesshomaru to step down from his high pedestal even just a little was worth it. 

                A few hours later everyone sat around the campfire.  Inuyasha was sulking in the corner, he had accepted his brother’s presence but only after a long verbal battle between him and Sesshomaru and a short lived physical one between him and Kagome.  Kagome had taken Rin, Shippo, and Sango with her for a bath and was tucking the two children in to her sleeping bag.  As she tucked them in Shippo asked her if she could tell him the story from earlier. 

                “Ah, that’s right. Hold on and let me think about it.  The Night of Seven’s Story right?”  At Shippo’s nod she made to continue when a male voice interrupted her. 

                “The festival you talk about- I have heard of it.”  Kagome was surprised, how had Sesshomaru heard of it- it wasn’t supposed to be popularized in Japan till at least the 1600’s. 

                “It is called Tanabata and is celebrated in the Shiro today.  How do you know of it?”  Kagome flushed but told him nonetheless.  He’d already found out that she was from the future earlier. 

                “In the future we celebrate Tanabata all over Japan.”  Kagome asnswered slowly.  She suddenly wondered- was she doing things that might alter history? 

                “Hn.”  Sesshomaru left and went back to his seat leaving her to tuck the children in again and finally tell them the story. 

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A/N: Prompt: Night of Seven's