November 2009 Week 2
Title:How It Could Have Been; ch 70, Lesson in Understanding
Author:petalears
Universe:AU
Rating:PG
Summary:The Lady teaches a lesson.
Quote:The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. - Henry Boye
Lesson in Understanding
Breakfast on non working mornings was a leisurely affair normally, later than usual and more informal. However it didn’t take long for the youngest pups to notice that Inuyasha was absent, moreover they had been looking forward to making friends with the dog who was also missing. Soon though Sesshoumaru appeared and without looking at his siblings he spoke with his father.
"I have done as you requested Papa and removed Inuyasha to his sister’s house. She is willing to look after him." Sesshoumaru said and his father nodded before motioning him to sit and eat. The younger pups looked at each other, what did that mean, their brother’s phrasing sounded slightly threatening. Finally Michiko asked the question;
"Inuyasha’s gone already...before breakfast?"
"Yes, I thought it best he be in his sister’s care." Inu no Taishou replied without looking up from his food.
"When will he be back?"
"It is undecided for now. Eat your breakfast Michiko; your mother will want to see you before she leaves." His words got the attention of both the boy and girl pups.
"Where is Mama going?"
"She will be visiting relatives Michiko, ones she hasn’t seen for many years, now stop asking questions and finish your breakfast." Inu no Taishou answered brusquely, he was not happy about his mate’s decision to leave the Palace, but he understood her reasons for doing so and had agreed to them. The Lady had reasoned that the only way that her youkai children would realise a small part of what was affecting Inuyasha, was if she left them for a while. And although she didn’t say so to her mate, it would help him too to understand what it felt like to yearn for someone who was no longer there.
Her accomplice in her lesson was Sesshoumaru; her son was very like her in manner and personality and was equally willing to teach his siblings to not keep upsetting his bonded brother. Something about the small hanyou brought out the protective Inu instincts in both of them, even though Inuyasha’s existence should never have been and represented a betrayal of trust. The pup himself was a delight and unassuming, and often incredibly vulnerable in ways that the full Inuyoukai were not.
The Lady said a cheerful goodbye to her pups, knowing that they would come to no harm and her mate had already had his farewell and would have to make do with a last kiss for a while, and then she was gone. Sesshoumaru had escorted her to her destination and made sure that she settled in before he returned to his duties at the Western Palace. After he had seen his father, he checked on Michiko and Hiroto to make sure they were all right.
Unlike in human noble families of the time, Inu and most other high youkai were very family oriented and didn’t leave childcare completely to others. Schooling notwithstanding, the pups interacted a great deal with both of their parents and would find their mother’s absence distressing. He found them in the same room, quietly playing together, too quietly, and he waited knowing that they had questions for him. Hiroto started;
"Is Papa cross with Inuyasha Sesshou?"
"Why would you ask that, Hiroto?"
"What he said sounded strange...like he was annoyed? So did you."
"Perhaps you should ask Papa your questions."
"No, you tell us please...Is he cross, where is Inuyasha?"
"Inuyasha is visiting his human family and is Papa cross with him, I don’t think so. He has been disappointed though with all the upheaval around."
"Well Inuyasha has been unreasonable...I think; when is he coming home?" Michiko said, but she didn’t sound very sure of herself. Sesshoumaru had to be careful of his words now, he wanted to mislead but not tell a lie.
"I was away if you remember and not privy to their conversation Michiko, but when I returned Inuyasha did confide in me. He said he had been warned that should he not be obedient and behave properly that he was to be sent away, probably to one of his school mates’ homes. As I understand it, he felt that he had done all that he was asked by everyone, but it apparently wasn’t enough, therefore he left early this morning." Sesshoumaru watched their reaction to his words, thankfully noticing that they were both shocked and upset. Therefore he carried on;
"Why would it concern you two anyway; Inuyasha told me that you had disowned him as a brother. It was because you were upset that day that he was to be sent away. Inuyasha was most distressed that he would not be allowed to see the new baby and that you felt he was not worthy of being family."
"I never said all that...I was just angry with him for hurting Mama...I said he was only half of a brother. I was angry...I didn’t mean it, I didn’t." Michiko was near to tears.
"Mama told me and Papa that Inuyasha scratched her by accident because she had startled him, she does not hold Inuyasha to blame. But Papa thought Inuyasha had upset you on the day that Mama told you she was having another pup"
"I’ll go and tell Papa that Inuyasha should come home, he didn’t make me upset...it was the other way around."
"Certainly you should clear that up Michiko and I think Hiroto should shoulder some of the blame as well, he was complicit in the misunderstanding. You agreed with her Hiroto." Sesshoumaru explained as his younger brother looked blankly at him, unsure still of some of the words his oldest brother had a tendency to use. But he nodded and the pair went to find their father. Inu no Taishou was pleased with the explanation and that they had admitted that they were at fault and not Inuyasha, but he wouldn’t tell them when their brother would return.
For the next week everything was strange, no one told them what to do; not to get up, or dress for dinner, bathe or even go to bed. It would have been great but for the fact that every time they wanted to do something for themselves, be it play, read or any other pastime, either Papa or Sesshoumaru would call for them to do something else. Neither could plead off the chores at any time, often being compelled by the force of the elders’ youki, and by the end of the week they were both tired and fractious.
"You two only lasted a week of being treated like a slave with no time to yourselves; Inuyasha put up with it from you for two weeks without complaint." Inu no Taishou explained when Michiko finally objected to being treated worse than a servant.
"Why didn’t he say anything then?" She replied sulkily.
"You knew you were being unkind didn’t you Michiko? You and Hiroto felt powerful over Inuyasha and you enjoyed the feeling." Inu no Taishou watched as his daughter blushed with the shameful truth, but she asked again, this time genuinely wanting to know; why hadn’t Inuyasha complained to someone?
"Inuyasha interpreted my admonition to be good and obedient to mean he would be without a pack and home if he caused any fuss at all, or caused you two to fuss. Unfortunately for him, his human family too added to his belief. Your brother misunderstood and it caused him a great deal of unhappiness, for which we are all to blame. Inuyasha may be Beta by birth and nature but he is not your servant, you are all my children and I love you equally; you will do well to remember that in future." He said solemnly and dismissed the pair to their freedom.
However that freedom soon palled. Of course their father was around and so was their elder brother; there were also servants everywhere so no danger would befall them. But it was only when she wasn’t there that they noticed just how much they still relied on and needed their mother. It was she who made sure that her pups had proper routine for bathing and bedtime when at home; it was she who would come to make sure they had settled down and kissed them goodnight.
Mama was always there at breakfast time, deciding what was to be done during the day, then again at the evening meal, where she made sure that any problems were being sorted out properly and during the day she was always approachable. Michiko particularly enjoyed learning in the same room as her mother; she would sew and embroider or paint while Mama read aloud from her collections of poetry or stories, although her dry wit was far above Michiko’s head still.
While Hiroto especially missed the stories his Mama told when he went to bed, stories about his father’s youth and early battles; she was enthusiastic and told a good yarn. She also was always ready for a cuddle as if she had all the time in the world and never made him feel that he was too old for such comfort. All in all, the two pups felt neglected in a way, their freedom soon equated to no one caring.
Eventually, Inu no Taishou realised what was happening and that no one was taking responsibility for the daily routines of his pups’ lives. It had always been His Mate’s domain and one she refused to delegate, the pups were hers and hers alone; she was no aloof lady only fit to birth the pups and leave them to another’s care. But now it was noticeable, both of the pups looked worse for wear, their hair was messy and there were definite smudges of dirt visible.
This would not do, their father thought, and he sent for Takara to come. She was most experienced in childcare, remembering Inu no Taishou as a pup and she also had spoken to The Lady before she left. Takara agreed to take the pups in hand as long as she had the full backing of their father; he was only too willing to back her, the pups were beginning to look a disgrace. So once again the pups were got up on time in the mornings, had structure for their daytimes and baths and proper bedtimes.
But this too was a source of contention; the nurse was not the same as Mama, although they soon learned that Takara would stand for no nonsense. Her threats of leaving them for their Mama to deal with when she returned, while she still made sure they were looked after, soon had the pups toeing the line, albeit sulkily. However there was a line Takara would not attempt to cross, she was a servant and not their mother; those special times they enjoyed with their Mama could never be duplicated.
After three weeks of missing their Mama, the two youngest pups were nearly at the end of their tether and both crawled into their father’s lap one evening very miserable and asked him to make their mother come home. He rocked them gently and wondered if the lesson had been learnt; he hoped so because he too missed his mate greatly, they had never spent so long apart since they first mated. He also had come to realise just how possible it was to miss someone enough to cause a physical pain and was humbled to recognise his own arrogance in feeling that Inuyasha should have been getting over his mother’s death far sooner than he was doing.
"Perhaps we will understand Inuyasha a little bit better now My Pups; at least your Mama will be coming home."
Meanwhile Inuyasha had been taken to his sister’s house by Sesshoumaru before breakfast on the day after he had been given Little Bitch. She trotted beside the boy watching him carefully all of the time because he was still surrounded by a confused and unsettled aura. The older brother too was aware of Inuyasha’s unease, but he knew that nothing he could say would make it better; the pup had to learn for himself. Inuyasha was still not completely trusting that he was wanted; he had the feeling that he was being shunted around from place to place because nobody knew what to do with him.
Sesshoumaru could only keep up a low grumble to ease the pup’s youkai and keep a hand on the small shoulder in offering comfort, but he was well aware that Inuyasha was still suspicious of almost everything. However when they arrived at the house, Chouko was already waiting outside and she held open her arms and Inuyasha rushed to her and immediately buried his nose in her neck to gain her familiar scent. His youkai brother and human sister exchanged glances before she invited both of them indoors. Sesshoumaru would not stay for long and declined any food, he had to get back; but it didn’t matter, he had explained and asked for the help of Chouko, Yuri and Sora on the previous evening.
"That just leaves all the more breakfast for us doesn’t it Inuyasha?" Chouko said laughing as she chivvied her little brother over to the table. Sesshoumaru stayed long enough to see Inuyasha settled before returning to the Palace. Once they were alone and Inuyasha had a plate of his favourite foods, Chouko told him that they would have a house full and a party the next day. For the time being though they were on their own until her husband came home from working; and after breakfast Chouko wanted to be introduced to Little Bitch.
Sesshoumaru had also explained about the dog and that she was a youkai and could understand if not actually use human speech. He had also asked that the bitch would be given shelter in the home if possible, she would not cause mischief, but she was obligated to protecting their brother. Neither Chouko nor her husband was averse to having a guard dog in the house, there was always a warm fire she could sleep beside. Cho didn’t need to quiz Inuyasha on what had happened, Sesshoumaru had been very thorough and although she was angry for the young boy, she too was a parent and knew how easy it was to make mistakes where your children were concerned.
After lunch though, Cho sent Inuyasha out to play wanting him to run and be free, but she spoke to the dog and told her not to let the boy sit and brood, and as he was safe because his guard was around, so she too could relax and play. So all the time Cho was preparing the evening meal and doing her housework, Inuyasha was outside getting the colour back in his cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes. He was also getting quite filthy; there were puddles to jump in and small holes to explore and he hadn’t made mud pies for the longest time, in fact, not since his siblings were small too.
Chouko though, was also prepared for a grubby Inuyasha, she well remembered her own children when they played outside and had needed a bath, and her little big brother too on many occasions had to join them. The bath was ready and waiting when the boy came back and without argument he waited patiently while his sister scrubbed off the grime before he was allowed to soak in the clean water of the tub. Last of all his hair was washed and that reminded Cho that the dog had also been outside.
While Inuyasha was wrapped up to dry and sat near to the fire, Cho beckoned to the dog to come over. Little Bitch stood shaking in the doorway, she hated water; water and humans usually meant them trying to drown her. Inuyasha reassured her that she wouldn’t come to harm and went to sit near to the tub before ordering her to bathe. Using Inuyasha to translate the dog’s answers, Cho was horrified to learn that she had never had a bath or been groomed in her life. Chouko went to get some of the brushes they used on the horses and set to work.
She was careful and caring and after a long process of soaping and rinsing a few times, then brushing her knots out until she was dry, Little Bitch was a completely different dog. Her hair was long and silky and was no longer the dull grey colour, but a very pretty cream with silver highlights. Chouko remarked to Inuyasha how her coat was very like their mother’s special necklace that had been passed down to her only daughter. Didn’t Inuyasha think that his special friend deserved a nice new name to go with her new discovered beauty?
"Won’t Shu mind if I changed her name though?"
"I don’t think so, it wasn’t really a name he gave her was it, more of a description that she has answered to. I think she deserves a proper name, ask her if she would prefer a prettier name?"
"She says I may call her what I like Cho."
"Well what do you think of naming her after Mama’s pearl necklace? Do you like the name Shinju?"
"Yes Cho, it is just right...OK she is now Shinju." Inuyasha was jubilant, his eyes were truly happy for the first time in months and he remained so for the rest of his visit. He was able to relax and start to trust his instincts again and when it was time to go and stay with his Aunt, although he was nervous, he was not afraid. The Lady thanked the human family for the quiet excitement of her stepson instead of the trepidation she was expecting, when she took him for his visit with her family. Soon he was off and waving them goodbye with a much better spirit, and Shinju gracefully took to the sky in her transformed state.
Author:petalears
Universe:AU
Rating:PG
Summary:The Lady teaches a lesson.
Quote:The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. - Henry Boye
Lesson in Understanding
Breakfast on non working mornings was a leisurely affair normally, later than usual and more informal. However it didn’t take long for the youngest pups to notice that Inuyasha was absent, moreover they had been looking forward to making friends with the dog who was also missing. Soon though Sesshoumaru appeared and without looking at his siblings he spoke with his father.
"I have done as you requested Papa and removed Inuyasha to his sister’s house. She is willing to look after him." Sesshoumaru said and his father nodded before motioning him to sit and eat. The younger pups looked at each other, what did that mean, their brother’s phrasing sounded slightly threatening. Finally Michiko asked the question;
"Inuyasha’s gone already...before breakfast?"
"Yes, I thought it best he be in his sister’s care." Inu no Taishou replied without looking up from his food.
"When will he be back?"
"It is undecided for now. Eat your breakfast Michiko; your mother will want to see you before she leaves." His words got the attention of both the boy and girl pups.
"Where is Mama going?"
"She will be visiting relatives Michiko, ones she hasn’t seen for many years, now stop asking questions and finish your breakfast." Inu no Taishou answered brusquely, he was not happy about his mate’s decision to leave the Palace, but he understood her reasons for doing so and had agreed to them. The Lady had reasoned that the only way that her youkai children would realise a small part of what was affecting Inuyasha, was if she left them for a while. And although she didn’t say so to her mate, it would help him too to understand what it felt like to yearn for someone who was no longer there.
Her accomplice in her lesson was Sesshoumaru; her son was very like her in manner and personality and was equally willing to teach his siblings to not keep upsetting his bonded brother. Something about the small hanyou brought out the protective Inu instincts in both of them, even though Inuyasha’s existence should never have been and represented a betrayal of trust. The pup himself was a delight and unassuming, and often incredibly vulnerable in ways that the full Inuyoukai were not.
The Lady said a cheerful goodbye to her pups, knowing that they would come to no harm and her mate had already had his farewell and would have to make do with a last kiss for a while, and then she was gone. Sesshoumaru had escorted her to her destination and made sure that she settled in before he returned to his duties at the Western Palace. After he had seen his father, he checked on Michiko and Hiroto to make sure they were all right.
Unlike in human noble families of the time, Inu and most other high youkai were very family oriented and didn’t leave childcare completely to others. Schooling notwithstanding, the pups interacted a great deal with both of their parents and would find their mother’s absence distressing. He found them in the same room, quietly playing together, too quietly, and he waited knowing that they had questions for him. Hiroto started;
"Is Papa cross with Inuyasha Sesshou?"
"Why would you ask that, Hiroto?"
"What he said sounded strange...like he was annoyed? So did you."
"Perhaps you should ask Papa your questions."
"No, you tell us please...Is he cross, where is Inuyasha?"
"Inuyasha is visiting his human family and is Papa cross with him, I don’t think so. He has been disappointed though with all the upheaval around."
"Well Inuyasha has been unreasonable...I think; when is he coming home?" Michiko said, but she didn’t sound very sure of herself. Sesshoumaru had to be careful of his words now, he wanted to mislead but not tell a lie.
"I was away if you remember and not privy to their conversation Michiko, but when I returned Inuyasha did confide in me. He said he had been warned that should he not be obedient and behave properly that he was to be sent away, probably to one of his school mates’ homes. As I understand it, he felt that he had done all that he was asked by everyone, but it apparently wasn’t enough, therefore he left early this morning." Sesshoumaru watched their reaction to his words, thankfully noticing that they were both shocked and upset. Therefore he carried on;
"Why would it concern you two anyway; Inuyasha told me that you had disowned him as a brother. It was because you were upset that day that he was to be sent away. Inuyasha was most distressed that he would not be allowed to see the new baby and that you felt he was not worthy of being family."
"I never said all that...I was just angry with him for hurting Mama...I said he was only half of a brother. I was angry...I didn’t mean it, I didn’t." Michiko was near to tears.
"Mama told me and Papa that Inuyasha scratched her by accident because she had startled him, she does not hold Inuyasha to blame. But Papa thought Inuyasha had upset you on the day that Mama told you she was having another pup"
"I’ll go and tell Papa that Inuyasha should come home, he didn’t make me upset...it was the other way around."
"Certainly you should clear that up Michiko and I think Hiroto should shoulder some of the blame as well, he was complicit in the misunderstanding. You agreed with her Hiroto." Sesshoumaru explained as his younger brother looked blankly at him, unsure still of some of the words his oldest brother had a tendency to use. But he nodded and the pair went to find their father. Inu no Taishou was pleased with the explanation and that they had admitted that they were at fault and not Inuyasha, but he wouldn’t tell them when their brother would return.
For the next week everything was strange, no one told them what to do; not to get up, or dress for dinner, bathe or even go to bed. It would have been great but for the fact that every time they wanted to do something for themselves, be it play, read or any other pastime, either Papa or Sesshoumaru would call for them to do something else. Neither could plead off the chores at any time, often being compelled by the force of the elders’ youki, and by the end of the week they were both tired and fractious.
"You two only lasted a week of being treated like a slave with no time to yourselves; Inuyasha put up with it from you for two weeks without complaint." Inu no Taishou explained when Michiko finally objected to being treated worse than a servant.
"Why didn’t he say anything then?" She replied sulkily.
"You knew you were being unkind didn’t you Michiko? You and Hiroto felt powerful over Inuyasha and you enjoyed the feeling." Inu no Taishou watched as his daughter blushed with the shameful truth, but she asked again, this time genuinely wanting to know; why hadn’t Inuyasha complained to someone?
"Inuyasha interpreted my admonition to be good and obedient to mean he would be without a pack and home if he caused any fuss at all, or caused you two to fuss. Unfortunately for him, his human family too added to his belief. Your brother misunderstood and it caused him a great deal of unhappiness, for which we are all to blame. Inuyasha may be Beta by birth and nature but he is not your servant, you are all my children and I love you equally; you will do well to remember that in future." He said solemnly and dismissed the pair to their freedom.
However that freedom soon palled. Of course their father was around and so was their elder brother; there were also servants everywhere so no danger would befall them. But it was only when she wasn’t there that they noticed just how much they still relied on and needed their mother. It was she who made sure that her pups had proper routine for bathing and bedtime when at home; it was she who would come to make sure they had settled down and kissed them goodnight.
Mama was always there at breakfast time, deciding what was to be done during the day, then again at the evening meal, where she made sure that any problems were being sorted out properly and during the day she was always approachable. Michiko particularly enjoyed learning in the same room as her mother; she would sew and embroider or paint while Mama read aloud from her collections of poetry or stories, although her dry wit was far above Michiko’s head still.
While Hiroto especially missed the stories his Mama told when he went to bed, stories about his father’s youth and early battles; she was enthusiastic and told a good yarn. She also was always ready for a cuddle as if she had all the time in the world and never made him feel that he was too old for such comfort. All in all, the two pups felt neglected in a way, their freedom soon equated to no one caring.
Eventually, Inu no Taishou realised what was happening and that no one was taking responsibility for the daily routines of his pups’ lives. It had always been His Mate’s domain and one she refused to delegate, the pups were hers and hers alone; she was no aloof lady only fit to birth the pups and leave them to another’s care. But now it was noticeable, both of the pups looked worse for wear, their hair was messy and there were definite smudges of dirt visible.
This would not do, their father thought, and he sent for Takara to come. She was most experienced in childcare, remembering Inu no Taishou as a pup and she also had spoken to The Lady before she left. Takara agreed to take the pups in hand as long as she had the full backing of their father; he was only too willing to back her, the pups were beginning to look a disgrace. So once again the pups were got up on time in the mornings, had structure for their daytimes and baths and proper bedtimes.
But this too was a source of contention; the nurse was not the same as Mama, although they soon learned that Takara would stand for no nonsense. Her threats of leaving them for their Mama to deal with when she returned, while she still made sure they were looked after, soon had the pups toeing the line, albeit sulkily. However there was a line Takara would not attempt to cross, she was a servant and not their mother; those special times they enjoyed with their Mama could never be duplicated.
After three weeks of missing their Mama, the two youngest pups were nearly at the end of their tether and both crawled into their father’s lap one evening very miserable and asked him to make their mother come home. He rocked them gently and wondered if the lesson had been learnt; he hoped so because he too missed his mate greatly, they had never spent so long apart since they first mated. He also had come to realise just how possible it was to miss someone enough to cause a physical pain and was humbled to recognise his own arrogance in feeling that Inuyasha should have been getting over his mother’s death far sooner than he was doing.
"Perhaps we will understand Inuyasha a little bit better now My Pups; at least your Mama will be coming home."
Meanwhile Inuyasha had been taken to his sister’s house by Sesshoumaru before breakfast on the day after he had been given Little Bitch. She trotted beside the boy watching him carefully all of the time because he was still surrounded by a confused and unsettled aura. The older brother too was aware of Inuyasha’s unease, but he knew that nothing he could say would make it better; the pup had to learn for himself. Inuyasha was still not completely trusting that he was wanted; he had the feeling that he was being shunted around from place to place because nobody knew what to do with him.
Sesshoumaru could only keep up a low grumble to ease the pup’s youkai and keep a hand on the small shoulder in offering comfort, but he was well aware that Inuyasha was still suspicious of almost everything. However when they arrived at the house, Chouko was already waiting outside and she held open her arms and Inuyasha rushed to her and immediately buried his nose in her neck to gain her familiar scent. His youkai brother and human sister exchanged glances before she invited both of them indoors. Sesshoumaru would not stay for long and declined any food, he had to get back; but it didn’t matter, he had explained and asked for the help of Chouko, Yuri and Sora on the previous evening.
"That just leaves all the more breakfast for us doesn’t it Inuyasha?" Chouko said laughing as she chivvied her little brother over to the table. Sesshoumaru stayed long enough to see Inuyasha settled before returning to the Palace. Once they were alone and Inuyasha had a plate of his favourite foods, Chouko told him that they would have a house full and a party the next day. For the time being though they were on their own until her husband came home from working; and after breakfast Chouko wanted to be introduced to Little Bitch.
Sesshoumaru had also explained about the dog and that she was a youkai and could understand if not actually use human speech. He had also asked that the bitch would be given shelter in the home if possible, she would not cause mischief, but she was obligated to protecting their brother. Neither Chouko nor her husband was averse to having a guard dog in the house, there was always a warm fire she could sleep beside. Cho didn’t need to quiz Inuyasha on what had happened, Sesshoumaru had been very thorough and although she was angry for the young boy, she too was a parent and knew how easy it was to make mistakes where your children were concerned.
After lunch though, Cho sent Inuyasha out to play wanting him to run and be free, but she spoke to the dog and told her not to let the boy sit and brood, and as he was safe because his guard was around, so she too could relax and play. So all the time Cho was preparing the evening meal and doing her housework, Inuyasha was outside getting the colour back in his cheeks and the sparkle in his eyes. He was also getting quite filthy; there were puddles to jump in and small holes to explore and he hadn’t made mud pies for the longest time, in fact, not since his siblings were small too.
Chouko though, was also prepared for a grubby Inuyasha, she well remembered her own children when they played outside and had needed a bath, and her little big brother too on many occasions had to join them. The bath was ready and waiting when the boy came back and without argument he waited patiently while his sister scrubbed off the grime before he was allowed to soak in the clean water of the tub. Last of all his hair was washed and that reminded Cho that the dog had also been outside.
While Inuyasha was wrapped up to dry and sat near to the fire, Cho beckoned to the dog to come over. Little Bitch stood shaking in the doorway, she hated water; water and humans usually meant them trying to drown her. Inuyasha reassured her that she wouldn’t come to harm and went to sit near to the tub before ordering her to bathe. Using Inuyasha to translate the dog’s answers, Cho was horrified to learn that she had never had a bath or been groomed in her life. Chouko went to get some of the brushes they used on the horses and set to work.
She was careful and caring and after a long process of soaping and rinsing a few times, then brushing her knots out until she was dry, Little Bitch was a completely different dog. Her hair was long and silky and was no longer the dull grey colour, but a very pretty cream with silver highlights. Chouko remarked to Inuyasha how her coat was very like their mother’s special necklace that had been passed down to her only daughter. Didn’t Inuyasha think that his special friend deserved a nice new name to go with her new discovered beauty?
"Won’t Shu mind if I changed her name though?"
"I don’t think so, it wasn’t really a name he gave her was it, more of a description that she has answered to. I think she deserves a proper name, ask her if she would prefer a prettier name?"
"She says I may call her what I like Cho."
"Well what do you think of naming her after Mama’s pearl necklace? Do you like the name Shinju?"
"Yes Cho, it is just right...OK she is now Shinju." Inuyasha was jubilant, his eyes were truly happy for the first time in months and he remained so for the rest of his visit. He was able to relax and start to trust his instincts again and when it was time to go and stay with his Aunt, although he was nervous, he was not afraid. The Lady thanked the human family for the quiet excitement of her stepson instead of the trepidation she was expecting, when she took him for his visit with her family. Soon he was off and waving them goodbye with a much better spirit, and Shinju gracefully took to the sky in her transformed state.