Disclaimer: Though it saddens me to say it, I don’t own anything relating to Takahashi-sensei’s Inuyasha. However, the plot and/or ideas of this drabble series do belong to me, and a nod of recognition goes to the creator of this challenge.
Chapter 3: Lanterns
“Jeez, Kagome, how many kabocha do ya got in here? This weighs almost as much as Shippou’s statue thing!” Inuyasha groused, hefting a large bag over his shoulder as he and the priestess began their stroll back to the village from the Well.
Kagome tugged on his sleeve. “First off, they’re pumpkins, but not the kind you’re used to. And secondly, there are enough for all the kids.”
“What are they gonna do with `em anyway? Eat `em?”
“No,” she told him exasperatedly, lugging behind her own backpack filled with pumpkins. They were much smaller though. “We’re going to hollow them out and make them into lanterns!”
“Keh… Sounds weird to me. What’re they for?”
Kagome winced when a particularly pointy stem dug into her back. “They’re supposed to guide spirits and lead them away from our homes.”
“These things?” Inuyasha said incredulously, amber eyes wide. “How?”
His companion shrugged. “Not sure. All I know is that we carve images on the outside and put candles inside.”
The half-demon hummed under his breath. “Your time’s got hella strange traditions, y’know.”
“Yeah,” was her simple reply. “I wonder what the kids will come up with.”
“By `kids’ you actually mean the runt and Sesshoumaru’s brat, right?”
“Don’t call them that,” Kagome chided. “They have names.”
“Still. I don’t see why he’s hangin’ around today. He shoulda left by now.”
“What this one does is none of your concern, little brother.”
Kagome smiled when the Lord of the West appeared from the forest. “Hello, Sesshoumaru-sama,” she greeted with a short bow. Her heavy backpack didn’t allow her to do much else.
The male nodded at her. “Miko,” he stated, eyes narrowing on her current burden. “The whelp has made you his pack mule?”
Inuyasha snorted, ears swiveling atop his head. “More like the other way around, bastard. But if you’d get outta the way, she wouldn’t have to carry it anymore.”
Kagome shot him a glare. “Be nice, Inuyasha.”
“What the– Why are you taking his side!?”
“…Surrender your bag, miko. The pups anxiously await your arrival.”
Kagome blinked as he reached for one of the straps and easily held it aloft. “O-oh, okay. If you’re sure… Thank you, Sesshoumaru-sama.”
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A/N: Kabocha is an Asian, winter squash. It is commonly called Japanese pumpkin, especially in Australia and New Zealand. In Japan, the word “kabocha” may refer to either the aforementioned squash or to the Western-style pumpkin.
It. Is. Delicious. :)