Dear Papa Archives

P.S. My computer supports Japanese symbols in font, so you can use that if you want.
Sincerely,
Keira

Dear Keira,
Uh, well, the "ai" sound would just be made by putting the "a" and "i" characters together. However, for "Tessaiga", that would actually be the "sa" and "i" characters put together. All hiragana letters are one syllable long and contain only one vowel sound (besides "n"). "Ai" in hiragana would be あい, but "Tessaiga" in hiragana would be てっさいが.

Dear #2,
"Like" isn't really the key word here. I'm going to guess that the dog actually doesn't have a clue what you're saying, and is just reacting to the higher pitch. I personally couldn't stand being talked down to like that, but I could also understand the words. Normal dogs are a different matter and probably don't care.

Sincerely,
Baka-Sama

Dear Baka-Sama,
A wise person once said this: "He's just not that into you."
Really, if you're going to be playing second fiddle to people other than his immediate family, then it's not worth it. I've noticed that women often have trouble breaking out of relationships they don't approve of, and I personally can't understand why. I mean, I guess they feel like they need to be supported by someone, even if it's not good for them. Can't say I've ever had any experience with breaking off relationships, since they were both "'till death do us part".

Dear Naraku-stalker,
Well, the best way to stop bullies is to make their efforts fruitless. Unfortunately, standing up for the kid might actually have a somewhat negative effect, since bullies are in it for the reaction. You and the picked-on kid have to work together to form some sort of shield of ignorance for them, thus making what they do totally pointless. If they blame the kid for something, tell the teacher about it, but don't make any sort of big deal about it. Tenacity is what does bullies in. They WANT you to run and get help. They WANT you to get mad. Simply because they get some sort of sick pleasure in having their actions affect you.

I just thought it would be a little interesting to tell you what I did on sunday. I was at a pet shelter volunteering and the first thing we did was walk the dogs. I really liked the dog I was walking and even talked to him about you, my lord. Since I didn't know the dog's proper name at the time, I either called him Inu-chan or guess what, Inu no Taisho. Was that proper? Is it okay with you? I thought it was appropiate since he was so enjoyable and very cute. What do you think?
Sincerely,
Izumi-chan

Dear Izumi-chan,
Eh? Well, "Inu-chan" would be appropriate for a cute dog, but "Inu no Taishou" would be more suitable for a dog who positions himself as the alpha male. You know, a commanding, leader-type dog. But it's not like I'm going to tell you what you can and can't name your dogs. I have no problem with it. I've gotten called weird dog names, after all, like "Fluffy" and "Pochi", and... why am I telling you this? This is blackmail material!

Dear ????????,
I believe "otaku" most roughly translates as "geek", and describes someone who is an obsessive enthusiast of something, not necessarily just anime. "Ore" and "Watashi" are both ways of saying "I", but "ore" is rougher and typically only used by men, while "watashi" is more polite and gender-neutral.

O_O I think Patches is trying to replace you, Papa-sama. Went so far as to even call self "Papa-Patches." I'd be careful if I were you. *does not want Inu Papa to get replaced* ^_^

Sincerely,
Areh

Dear Areh,
Replace me?! I thought she just translated for me! ... Granted, due to my limited knowledge of English, I have no idea how accurate the translations that she posts are, but... I don't really have any other option at this point. I trust her about as far as I can throw her... which, given that I'm a daiyoukai, is actually pretty far... However, if I become proficient enough in English and learn that there have been discrepencies between what I've said and what was posted here... We'll see what happens.

Dear Kel,
Er... I'm up-to-date with the canon and official releases of the series, but when it comes to fanworks... none whatsoever. Unless people come to me with questions that don't make any sense and I have to do some digging around the fandom to see where such an idea came from. Other than that, my only knowledge of fanworks is what people come and tell me. I have no real desire to seek them out.

Dear wondering,
I can't speak for girls' tastes myself, but I'm going to guess that girls are attracted to cleanliness, which "pretty boys" exhibit quite a bit more than the "rugged" type. A man who is well-groomed shows that he cares about what he looks like, and that he's willing to take extra efforts to make himself presentable, which to a girl would likely mean that he's not lazy and won't smell bad. A girl wants someone who will look out for her and be strong, but at the same time be someone she can confide in, and thus they can likely relate more to the more effeminate men.

Dear Kel,
Oh god, does he ever. I mean, this one time he got into my sake stash and spent the rest of the night yelling "RAVE!!" and reflecting light randomly all over the room, making this really irritating strobe effect. I couldn't see straight for days.

Dear InuYasha Anonymous,
..... Put down the keyboard and take your medications. What you just said doesn't make a SINGLE LICK OF SENSE! *eyes roll back into head and falls over, dazed*
(I'm going to go out on a limb and say they're bootlegs. Mostly because the VIZ DVDs are the ONLY official DVDs that contain English subtitling, and I have slightly more faith in their translations. Aside from translating "Houshi-sama" as "Miroku").

Dear Bish-nish-tish,
Prooooobably because she had no intention of being with him in death. When she sealed him to the tree, she suspended his soul, so he was unable to move on to the afterlife. That's why he was unaware of the passage of time when he was awakened. Kikyou, on the other hand, was aware that she had died and that she had been brought back. Kikyou wanted to drag him to hell as final justice to put her soul at peace, not so that they could be together.

Of course, I disapprove of my son being dragged to hell for ANY reason, so I'm probably warping the context of this a little.

Dear Slap Stick,
Keh. No. I'm much more refined than that.

Dear Confused,
It's the same as the difference between "tomorrow" and "tomarrow". One's spelled wrong.

Dear Punny,
I'm not really sure. I think they just stalk each other, with the occasional marriage proposal thrown around (though I was under the impression that Kuro was already married and Patches was abstinent). Patches is the one who owns this site, and has just lent me this area for my column. So, naturally, any site-related questions need to be taken up with her, not me. I just live here. I don't pay the rent.

The thing is that my mom doesn't really know about how this girl and her friends torment me. My mother is so happy and she loves this guy and I don't want to make her unhappy ( she had had a rough marrage with my own dad) And I'm afraid that by telling her about this guys daughter that it is going to cause problems between her and her fiancee ( he praises his daughter all the time) and their relationship, and I couldn't bare to see my mom have to take sides, or have my problem drive a wedge between them. Also I'm also ashamed that i can't handle this girl and her friends on my own, but the truth is I really can't, and getting help ussally resulted in more harrasment, my mom always knew that there was a grooup of girls that bothered me at school but she never knew who.

And now I feel I can't say anything, every time I get the courage to tell her about it, she just goes on about how this guy will make such a good father to me and my little sister, and I feel stuck because I want my mom to be happy, she deserves it.

I know I'm asking alot but I really don't know what to do,please, please help me
Sincerely,
Your Name Prism Power

Dear Prism Power,
Hm... I'd assume this girl is also aware that her father is dating your mother, and knows who you two are. So, have the guy ask his daughter what she thinks of the whole situation. It's an honest question regardless, and doesn't bring up your prior relationship with this girl.
Another thing you might want to consider is that a person's personality generally depends on their environment. Myouga used to say something like, "My lord is a good fellow, but give the Inu no Taishou his space." And I admit, when I was taking out annoying youkai or dealing with other unpleasant situations that came with my title, even if you were my friend, you did NOT want to cross me at that point. But if I was at ease and just being a superior in title rather than action, then I was pleasant to be around.
I've generally noticed that people who like to harass others do so because they want to prove something to the people around them. That's why I'd have to guess that you likely get picked on the most when all the girl's friends are also present, but not so much when it's just the two of you. And in a household situation, she's not going to have anybody to impress, so might just end up being a civilized human being.
Naturally, the thing you need to do is get the whole soon-to-be family together BEFORE the wedding to make sure the living arrangements can actually work out.

Dear 0101100110000101-0011111000001111,
Well, even though the term is not technically correct, I can make some guesses as to why.
People likely assumed I was some sort of ruler, like a king or something, and that my power was passed on by bloodline. Therefore, they assumed that when I died, Sesshoumaru took my place by birthright and inherited my title. I think somewhere along the line, there was a combining of the terms "Dog Lord" and "based in the West", much like how "Inu no Taishou" was condensed into "Inutaisho" for my supposed "name". So, "Lord of the West" just sort of cropped up out of it and people went with it, assuming that because it was so prevalent that it must have been mentioned in canon somewhere, but they simply hadn't seen that part yet.

Thanks for answering my earlier question re: white dog myths. So there isn't anything regarding a mythical white dog falling in love with a young woman, there was just stuff about them eating young women? Hmm. Ok, I guess I'm not seeing the Sesshoumaru and Rin connection then.

I now have a Japanese honorifics question. "-dono" is an archaic honorific that isn't used so much anymore (if at all), and "-sama" is obviously still in use. My question is, back when both of these terms were in use, which one showed greater...er, respect/honor?^^ And what is the connotation when you use "-dono" as opposed to "-sama"?

My other question is: there was some mention (somewhere 0_o) that the original conception Takahashi-sensei had of you was "less wild" than what eventually appeared in the 3rd movie. I guess this is something of a fourth-wall question, but do you have any idea what "less wild" entailed?

Back to orgo studying.-_-
Sincerely,
Yayoi

Dear Yayoi,
I don't know much about legends about dog youkai falling in love with human women, since I certainly wasn't going out of my way to follow some silly folk tale, but there are stories of dogs, er, raping human women. ... Obviously, those dogs were of a lower class and had lower morals, thus giving the rest of us a bad name. ... Either that or my mother raised me slightly naiive, since I never really followed the mating patterns of other male dogs, so maybe I'm the oddball out and canines are naturally inter-species rapists... At least mine was consentual. *nods*

Ah, "-dono" vs "-sama". Though I died before it came into widespread use, I believe "-dono" is merely an archaic version of "-san", and holds more or less the same level of respect. Sort of an "I respect you, but I'm not on my knees groveling at your feet". "-sama" is definitely the title of highest respect. You use such a term to people whom you submit yourself to, or people of notable professions such as priests or doctors. "-dono" tends to be used more on people of equal or lower status whom you nonetheless respect. Basically, "-sama" places a person higher than the speaker, while "-dono" makes them equal to the speaker.

And "less wild"? Uh... I guess maybe my bangs were splayed out a little more, and my facial stripes were made more jagged. And check out the eyebrows, aren't they neat? I'll bet they were talking about my dashing eyebrows.

everyone seems to know this, except me and a friend of mine. what exactly is a daiyoukai, and what is the difference between that and a regular youkai?
Sincerely,
DWY

Dear DWY,
Well, the "dai" prefix is added to mean "big" or "great", so a "daiyoukai" would naturally be an unusually great youkai. And a great youkai would simply be one of more exceptional note than others. When it comes right down to it, a daiyoukai is one who has deeds and abilities far beyond what is normal for its type.

Dear safaia,
Uh, what you said was... pretty meaningless. Looks something like "you who was closed dangling feces guy". ... Strange that you used such a polite form of "you", there. You must like this guy.

Dear Eh,
Tell him you have Jello and are inviting a whole bunch of people over. Dorks don't like rowdy company.

Sincerely,
Me, Me and Me

Dear Me times Three,
From what I've noticed, people seem to use the terms interchangeably. Though it seems that people have a habit of using "mononoke" to refer to physical spirits such as myself, while "youkai" is used to refer to spirits in general.

Dear Ayumi,
Well, when saying "sword", it depends on what sort of sword you're talking about. One would use the term "ken" when talking about swords in general, but there are specific types such as "katana" and "tsurugi". As for weapons in general, that would be the term "buki".

"Where in the name of Myouga's whiskers did people get the idea that I'm some sort of governing official?... I just had recognition as the biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around."

well in both the anime and especially the Manga it is strongly hinted at and even mentioned (in the the manga at least) that you are the " Great LORD of the West lands". it is also hinted at if not explicitly mentioned that you were a a great youkis ruler and that Inuyasha got some how cut in some way by Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru is always always portrayed strongly as some sort of important person, and Jaken and other youkia show him alot of differance like he is kind of "lord" and the present risiding ruler of the western lands. Myoaga is constantly refered to as Inuyasha's vassal. And I believe Takahashi mentioned that you were more than your average "biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around" and that you had elavated status, and were some kind or "Lord".

Dunno, that seems like you were pretty important. So yeah maybe catch some of the earlier eppies, or read the manga, you'll see thatyou portrayed as a kind of Lord or ruler.

Sincerely,
Your Name Hope I helped to joged your memory

Dear Hope,
Are... we reading the same manga? The only descriptions the manga has ever given of me are "saigoku o nejiro ni shiteita bake-inu" and "tsuyokute ritsubana daiyoukai". These are, respectively, "the monster dog who made the western country his base of operations" and "a powerful and imposing great youkai". Neither I nor anyone else has ever specifically been called "Lord of the Western Lands" in either the anime or manga. And I'm not really sure about youkai showing Sesshoumaru "deference", considering the only youkai besides Jaken he's ever dealt with are Muonna, Naraku, Kagura, Toutousai, Bokusenou, and Kanta's father, and I'd be hard-pressed to see any "deference" coming from any of them.

Dear lightbulb,
I don't think my computer can handle many of your newfangled games. But Housenki just installed Lemmings, which has strangely tickled my fancy. Although it's somewhat disturbing when they make themselves explode...

Dear Flip,
Well, I am familiar with the idea of "Kanshasai", an event for the sake of giving gratitude, which I'm assuming is the same as the idea behind your "Thanksgiving". This "St. Patrick's Day" that you mention is completely unfamiliar to me, however. Was he someone important?

Dear Starlight,
What's wrong with looking adoreable, eh? *pulls down rim of glasses and flashes the "puppy eyes" look*

Dear Baka Neko-chan,
Actually, I'm hoping it has to do more with the fact that Inuyasha is merely younger than Sesshoumaru and will eventually grow out of it. I give his mother more credit than that.

Dear Mauz,
Nah, I just get frazzled when I get a question that I don't know how to answer. Though, admittedly, the worst case scenario of the latest manga arc has me worried as well. It would seem like a whole lot of wasted effort, wouldn't it? Dammit, Inuyasha, I didn't give you that sword to be your own personal customizable tagalong for you to add whatever peripherals you please! Learn to use the powers it's already got instead of just tacking on something new every time the going gets rough!
Agh, hees bohns aww shickking to my teef!! ... Oh well... *hug*

Dear Mysterious Miko,
Um... probably because Kagome isn't as experienced as Kikyou. They both have the same potential, is all. Kikyou spent her entire life training as a priestess, while Kagome has only had recent dabblings into the practice. You can't expect her to be her predecessor's equal overnight.

Dear Bish-nish-tish,
Although Izayoi was familiar with her family tree back twelve generations... I don't think any of them included a priestess. She was of a family of nobility, not of priesthood.

Dear My P-chan,
Obviously it's because they only inherited half of my dashing good looks. ... I'm not saying their mothers were ugly or anything, but... it does dilute the specimen. Not to mention I've got plenty of years behind me to show my experience and maturity, while the kids are still just... well... kids.

Will Jaken be in Movie 4?

Sincerely,
Miss Piggy

Dear Buta-chan,
Sources say "yes", but only time will tell.

I was just wondering.... And PLZ! Don’t get mad at me! did you and Izayoi ever get into a big fight with one other? And how did it make you feel when you found out that someone desired your mate (Izayoi)? Because I figured Sesshomaru has you good look and Inuyasha has some but he must have your personalty because when Kouga the wolf demon (I don’t really like him all to much) kidnaped Kagome Inuyasha got real pissed off, for evan him liking her well loving and evan Sesshomaru got pissed when Rin (She’s a sweet heart!) Got kidnaped from Naraku and was held by Sango’s little brother he got pissed. And plus someone once said you call tell they are related by their tempers (meaning from you). I think it was that sword smith I’m sorry I can’t spell his name. And who said that you have bad taste in names? Because you don’t I like Sesshomaru’s and Inuyasha’s name....It would be weird in my time if someone name their kid that but not in that time. Oh and what do think of Rin? You know the little human child that travels with Sesshomaru.

Well See ya *Hug*

Sincerely, TheHellChild

Dear HellChild,
Oh, Izayoi and I certainly had our little spats, but the bigger ones were at the beginning of our relationship when we didn't know each other very well, but looking back on it they were mostly due to silly misunderstandings. ... Mostly. We did have a few valid qualms with each other, but we learned to accept them.
For the most part I didn't care that people "desired" Izayoi, because she had absolutely no interest in them. The only times I ever got upset about it was if people attempted to take her by force. I did get carried away sometimes and killed a few of her suitors, but... ah, she didn't like them anyway.

oh and one more thing....

How you could you have parents if you are a diety that fell from the heavens? Inutaisho means "dog lord" so you are a deity. So it must mean YOU started the pelt tradition. XD
Sincerely,
Kyatto

Dear Kyatto,
... What? .... Just a second....
*consults with interpreter*
.... I reiterate: ... What? "Inutaisho" means, if anything, "Dog Large Writing", and has no relevance to me. My title, "Inu no Taishou", can indeed mean "Dog Lord", but it was a title I merely acquired once I affirmed my position as the strongest youkai in the land, not something I was born with. According to my English dictionary, your word "lord" means "a man of high rank in feudal society or of reknowned power and authority", which is a decent description of myself, but I guess I don't understand where the "divine" aspect comes in. I mean, Jaken refers to Sesshoumaru as "Lord" in English, but I can personally attest to the fact that Sesshoumaru had parents.

Dear Amber,
Try as I might to always be the bearer of positive news, this, unfortunately, is one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations, and I honestly can't offer any advice either way. You're going to have to decide on your own what you think is best, then come to terms with that decision without constantly wondering what would have happened if you'd gone the other way. So, at the moment, all I'm good for is a hug, if you'd like one. *hug*

First off, I'll give you your milkbone and wiffle ball after my question.

No, it's not lack of interest, cuz he loves the shows Inuyasha and Yu Yu Hakusho, trust me, when I'm not talking about them, he is.

What the problem seems to be, is that when *I* specifically bring up those 2 animes in particular, he suddenly becomes kind of quiet and doesn't seem very interested. But when he talks about it, he seems all fired up and is like "it's the coolest thing since sliced bread!"...... are you SURE it's not a case of jealousy? Cuz he only acts that way when I in particular talk about the shows, and/or those select few characters (Inuyasha, you, Sesshomaru, Hiei, Kurama, etc.). I'm sure by all means it's not lack of interest...

Oh yeah, whozah good boy??? Yezzu are! Herezah ball!!! *throws giant wiffle ball and leaves milkbone for later*
Sincerely,
Fluffy Dog Ears

Dear Fluffy Dog Ears,
I still contend it's a lack of interest. He may like the same show as you do, but he likely doesn't like the same aspects of it. For example, you'd probably zone out if he started rambling about how hot Kikyou was or something, because I assume that you don't find Kikyou attractive enough to warrant getting an earful of how great she is every single time you have a conversation. And it's not because you're jealous, it's because you simply don't care. And I'm going to guess that he doesn't care that my kids are hot and sexy and all that, because he doesn't lean that way.

I suppose you've heard of an advice collumn entitled "Dear Abby" hhhmmmm?? You better have because I'm famous!Well let me tell you! You're driving me into the ground! Since you've started helping people incoming letters have dropped by more than 63.12%! I may go out of business if you keep this up! Just leave the advising to the big dogs. Scratch that... You know because you are literally a big dog... But just know that this letter is in no manner complimentary to you or your collumn. In fact, consider it a threat on your life! Except that you're already dead... All I have to say is that you better sleep with one eye open... If you actually sleep that is... O hell... Just take care of your fluff or something bad might happen to it.

P.S- All fluff threats aside do you think you can introduce me to your son? Just have him call 555-9543 or send him over to 123 Fake street. I'm a sucker for doggy ears.
Sincerely,
Abby

Dear Abby,
Um... what's the point in having a monopoly in advice-giving? As long as it helps them confront and rectify their problems, why should it matter who people go to for help? Although, I admit, I didn't start this column to give people social advice, given that we're from totally different worlds and I have no experience with most of what they ask. But... if people find solace in it, I'm not one to tell them that they can't confide in me.

Dear Blackrose,
.... "Burp"?

Sincerely,
Punny

Dear Punny,
I'm not horribly well-versed in human food, but I thought it was simply a pot of hot water containing a variety of vegetables and fish. You know, a boiled medley of... whatever.

Dear Fluff fan,
Well, it's from my dad, so I'm guessing... dog?

Dear Inugurl7354,
Er... no, I had no intention of them fighting whatsoever. It was merely Sesshoumaru's stubbornness that kept him searching for Tessaiga in those years after my death, when I hoped he would have given up on it. The barrier on the sword was an added dissuasion but... he is stubborn, after all. Stubborn to a fault. I don't remember dropping him on his head as a kid, but honestly... he doesn't know when to give up.

Dear Snuggles,
I might if I could decide which tail to chase.

Dear Pogo Puppy,
I really have no idea how that darn well works. It seems to simply be some sort of fated thing that Kagome was supposed to go back in time and perform all these tasks to ensure her own future. You know, a predestination paradox sort of thing. It's just a logical loophole that only allows her and Inuyasha to use it, I guess. Granted, there was mention that Shippou and Souta, the only other two people who have even attempted to use the well, weren't powerful enough to activate it, so... I have no idea. Just smile and nod.

I am hoping you can explain a few things to me from the series that has me puzzled (maybe I'm slow or maybe I don't understand Japanese culture.

Well first - it's all about Kikyo. In the beginning she was all "Inuyasha must die with me" Mwahhhahaha. I just saw the english episode the return of Onigumo. In the last episode she says (okay this is from the english version) "I understand now - I am Kikyo but I am not Kikyo. That is why I resisted. why does my heart resist so? Inuyasha..." Okay ... explanation please? What is she talking about? In the later mangas/episodes (spoiler here) Inuyasha sees her after Kagome saves her (the rat section) and he seems uninterested in following and Kikyo doesn't seem interested in seeing him. Not interested in each other now? What about that promise back in episode 47/48?

Ok - last question - in the episode of Inuyasha & Kikyo's beginnings (A Fateful Love Song Before We Met) - what is the meaning of Kikyo taking a cold bath after she meets Inuyasha? It must mean something - Kaede brought it up. Is this something from Japanese culture for priests/priestesses?

Thanks for your answers. Here is a wiffle ball and a box of milk bones. Bye for now.
Sincerely,
Wondering In Seattle

Dear Wondering,
Um... to me, it means just what it sounds like. Inuyasha has come to the realization that even though she is Kikyou, she is not the real Kikyou because she's merely dirt and bones, so he's slowly been drifting away from her. The real Kikyou is, for all intents and purposes, still dead, and he's come to accept that. Besides, the boy's allowed to change his mind, isn't he? I'd have to have a word with him if he's gone through all of this yet learned absolutely nothing.

And you're talking about mizuabi, right? It's a purification ritual where you douse yourself with water from a river, which is, naturally, cold. It strengthens the spirit, so I'm told.

Dear Vash,
Probably because she actually knows how to use a bow. I mean, if she's already proficient at it, why bother re-learning a new weapon, especially when the battle's gotten so heated? Not to mention that, if what I've been told is true, firearms were outlawed in Japan following the second world war. And the only guns in the Sengoku Jidai were clumsy one-shot rifles. Naturally, the bow is her best bet.

Dear Blackrose,
Of course he does! Named, of all things, Housenki (and you people accuse ME of having bad naming sense). He's taken over the family business, but hasn't nearly achieved the level of his father, so his gems are much less powerful.

I need someone to talk to....you see I hope I’m not annoying you..I feel like no one notices me anymore..ever since my Brother moved out (from being on drugs)...and now it’s like no one seems to care for me. No one cares anymore...they wouldn’t care to see me dead on the ground bleeding I’ve tried to take my own life I know it might sound silly a stupid..but I can’t something is stopping me and I wish it wouldn’t I really want to die! I have nothing to live for...everyone thinks I’m annoying, ugly, hopeless, dumb......Sometimes I wonder if God or Gods just put me here just to laugh at me...and make my life a living hell. My parents they don’t care and I know it...they just throw every little fault I have in my face and blame me for everything. My one friend called me annoying and she says I follow her like a lost little puppy......And I don’t evan talk to the girl....I really have nothing to live for no one evan cares for me.....My dad doesn’t care anymore....he just think I’m worthless......... Sometimes I wish someone out of no where could just end my life....I don’t want to be save hell I don’t know what I want anymore..........everything is so messed up....I don’t know what to do....please I need your help....I know your gonna pass throw this letter and not evan read it. But it was a try! ......(I need a hug)

P.S I know your very busy....but please read
Sincerely,
Overwhelmed With Tears

Dear Overwhelmed,
Well, if no one notices you, why don't you just go up and start talking to people? No one notices a candle until its lit. The best kind of attention is positive attention, so you're going to need to do something to garner that. Pick up a hobby like art, music, acting, writing, singing... whatever. And don't you dare tell me you're not good at anything, because I can't possibly believe that to be true. If you want to be cared about, you have to show YOU care. Try volunteering for something. Having a good heart is all that's required for that, and people appreciate it immensely.

Right now, it seems to me that you're just hung up on the bad things in your life and totally miss the good things. What you need to do is grasp onto the good things and let them outshine the bad. I know there have to be good things in your life, else you wouldn't be seeking help. And it's good to seek help, because that means you're strong enough to admit you can't do something on your own, but still want to try to succeed. And I know you'll succeed. You just need the right motivation to give you a push in the right direction. 'Kay? *hug*

Okay, I'll give it another try.

Um... If you didn't have a type of caste, where did you (to put it tactfully) MATE?????

P.S. Please DON'T kill me!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Tatiana Lee

Dear Tatiana Lee,
What do you mean "no type of caste"? Social hierarchies were all the rage in my days. Yes, I know I said I had no political position, but that didn't mean people didn't treat me as if I were a superior class. I know I sort of broke caste when I started getting interested in Izayoi, given that humans were generally considered inferior to youkai, but since I was born into a low-class society, social rank didn't matter much to me when it came to making friends.

I'm not really sure what this has to do with location of mating, but to answer that question... wherever was convenient. *shrugs* It's not like it's something that requires a specific setting.

Dear fhjhu,
A what? Just a second. *consults English/Japanese dictionary* Ah, it's a...
....
....
.... *cringe*
It's... um... it's apparently a man who... is missing a part...
On that note, what is a "fhjhu"?

Dear confused,
Well, wouldn't a fangirl logically be a... girl who's a fan? You know, a girl who obsesses over someone or something, going to the extremes in anything that relates to her obsession. However, there's generally a negative connotation with the meaning, because fangirlism is usually a blind love, and they don't tend to realize when they're being annoying.

Dear Iris,
... I guess it's just the thought that counts. ... But thinking about that makes me sad. Let's just pretend I'm a warm body, 'kay? I mean, I've got this fluff draped over me and spend the day absorbing radiation from a computer screen, not to mention I'm closer to Hell than you are, so that means I've at least gotta be sort of warm, right? I'm not really sure how warm, though, considering I'm a dog and am therefore averse to getting my temperature taken. *shudders*

Dear lightbulb,
Naturally, it's because gravity is negated in dramatic battles.

Dear Flip,
Even so, questions about myself or the show are ones I am most likely more able to answer. I'm not horribly familiar with the modern social lives of Westerners. All I can do is make an educated guess on something that seems to make sense.
Even so, your friends are allowed to do things without you, aren't they? And if they'll have fun without you, why can't you have fun without them? Have you tried confronting them about it? I know it's easier to complain about a problem than actually doing anything to right it, but unless you take that first step, nothing will ever get accomplished.

Dear Shouri,
Well, he met that yama-inu that was possessed by the Hitoukon, even though I guess that wasn't technically a dog youkai. But, no, Inuyasha hadn't really had many dealings with other youkai until the whole Shikon no Tama thing. He was afraid of his own perceived weakness and tended to avoid both humans and youkai alike.

Dear Inuyasha,
Good. Now take his advice once in a while.

P.S.: Can I have a hug?
P.P.S: Wow...I haven't written in a while
Sincerely,
Fluffy Dog Ears

Dear Fluffy Ears,
I doubt it's jealousy. Believe it or not, it's probably lack of interest. I know I completely zone out whenever Housenki starts talking about his stones, since really, I don't care. If he's not interested, then it's no surprise that he'd get annoyed at you tirelessly rambling about such things. Here, have a hug... *hug*... and find some common ground to talk about if you really want to communicate with him.

Dear Sen,
Oh sure. The more women, the more chances to have heirs. And they're only legitimate heirs if you're married, so lords often took multiple wives.
I personally didn't care about "heirs" since I had nothing readily-inheritable. Plus, I was one of those crazy people who thought women's feelings mattered, too, so I married out of love rather than political motivation.

Dear Ghong Zhu Ling,
... No .... no, she didn't and... I don't really want to talk about that. Sorry.

Dear #2,
Oh, she's here, and she knows I'm here, too. And, yeah, she's a little irate about the whole Izayoi thing, so she spends a lot of time hanging out with my dad. Dad is sort of okay with the human thing, but he thinks I should stay with my own kind, which is why she's all hung up on him. Mom, on the other hand, was totally ecstatic when she found out I got cozy with a human. Two different worlds, those two, two different worlds...

Dear Pissed,
... Huh? So... you got into a potentially dangerous situation and your parents cared enough to berate you for it in an attempt to not have it happen again, while your brother does the same thing and they completely ignore his plight. And... somehow this puts you in a lesser position? I guess I don't understand. Unless your or someone else's life is at stake, generally nothing is worth fighting over. Your parents are just trying to help you make smarter decisions than him.

Can I have a hug?
Sincerely,
yoyo-kiko

Dear yoyo-kiko,
"Geisha" I believe literally means "artisan", but they are, for lack of a better term, professional hostesses. Basically, it's their job to make a guy happy through service and entertainment. There's generally no hugging involved, though, unless you pay extra. Good thing my hugs are free. *hug*

Dear yo mama,
I guess I don't understand the question. "Youkai" and "yokai" are totally different.
*consults interpreter* ... Oh, really? Huh.
Okay, apparently English doesn't have this sort of thing, so let's see if I can explain it. I suppose you could call those "long vowels", where the vowel sound is held an extra beat. A long "o" sound is generally represented as "ou". Think of it... in a musical sense, where each syllable represents a beat. "Youkai" is four beats long; a half note plus two quarter notes, so it's like "yo_-ka-i", whereas something spelled "yokai" would only be three quarter notes, "yo-ka-i". If you think there's no difference, just remember that while "taishou" means "leader", "taisho" means "large font".

Dear @___@,
Look young? By your standards, I'm nearly 40. I'm not young and prefer not to be called such.

Do you wear the same clothes/armor/bows/ribbons/fur etc. everyday of the year? no matter what the weather? I've always wondered at how it would feel...

plus, what do you do when it rains?

Sincerely,
ripples

Dear ripples,
Well, it's not like I have a wardrobe stashed away somewhere of a bunch of different outfits. What I wear is what I've got. I mean, I'll take the armor off if I want to relax a little, but other than that, yeah, same outfit every day. And when it rains, I get wet. That's all there is to it.

PS: Do you think the lack of "cat youkai" in the Inuyasha-verse is due to Takahashi-sensei's desire to avoid stereotypes, or were cat youkai just kind of foreign to Japanese mythology?

PPS: (I am just full of questions tonight.0_o) What exactly is the white dog legend? The one where a mythical white dog has some sort of relation with a young woman...or something? People kept bringing that up in defense of the whole Sesshoumaru/Rin pairing (@_@), so I was curious to know what the actual folklore was. If it's what I think it is, I kind of feel that your relationship with Izayoi might fit better.

Thanks for reading. I wish Takahashi-sensei did side/past stories.;_;
Sincerely,
Yayoi

Dear Yayoi,
Actually, I had instructed Sesshoumaru not to participate in that battle. Ryuukossei was my arch-rival, and his goal was to kill me and my entire family to make sure no one came back for revenge. So there was no way I was going to allow any of my children to confront him while I was still alive. Ryuukossei didn't kill me outright, so after I sealed him, I still had a little time to drag myself elsewhere before my wounds overcame me.

I don't think the lack of cat youkai is an avoidance of stereotypes, given that the dog/monkey rivalry was taken advantage of. It likely has more to do with the fact that cats are not native to Japan, and thus their relatively short history here makes them scarce in legend. Dogs, on the other hand, have lived in the Japanese mountains since ancient times. And, naturally, we were considered very intelligent and were looked upon as protectors, but for some reason it was also said that we required young maiden sacrifices. I personally didn't, but I also wasn't exactly raised in prime dog society, so I'm sure there are quite a few things about my race that even I don't know. I just let my own feelings guide me, not what some story says.

You said you used staples to keep your fluff on. Do you suppose you could show me how? Because, you see, I would like to master the art of staplegunning myself to... certain things.

Sincerely,
Serious Staplegunner

Dear Staplegunner,
Well, first of all, you have to make sure you only attach it to the clothing, because if you go deeper than that.... It's not horribly comfortable. Sure, it's much more secure, but... ow. Whatever (or whoever) you're trying to staple yourself to probably wouldn't appreciate that.

"Where in the name of Myouga's whiskers did people get the idea that I'm some sort of governing official?... I just had recognition as the biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around."

"occasionally getting temporarily cozy with other people in order to secure a treaty or contract"

So why does a non-governing official who is the biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around need to secure treaties or contracts (or geisha)?
Sincerely,
Mikomiki

Dear Mikomiki,
Oh my... did I use the wrong word? Or did my interpreter translate it ambiguously? *thumbs through English dictionary* Umm... "arrangement", "bargain", "commitment", "pact"... why the hell does English have so many words for the same thing? Do any of those things make sense? Basically, some lord would seek me out and ask me to protect his castle or take care of an annoying youkai or something. Youkai or not, a lot of those lords were under the mindset that they could order anyone around with enough money. And generally I didn't mind, since I was all for protecting the peace and all, so often took up jobs as "guardian diety" of various towns and castles, and in return they'd generally present me with livestock sacrifices. Hey, a dog's gotta eat. But sometimes instead of giving up a bull or something, they'd bid me come to a geisha house and look at all the pretty girls. Really, I wasn't much interested in that sort of thing, but the lords insisted that being entertained by a geisha was worth an entire pasture of bulls.

P.S Sorry if you can't read my letter because the spelling. I think I did a really good job of the spelling.......... I think.
Sincerely,
BunnyTstar

Dear BunnyTstar,
I wouldn't know about the spelling since I can't read English, anyway. But I'm sure you did a fine job, since the translated letter I received on my end seemed coherent enough.
Hm, and if you're striving to lead your friend down the right path, I suppose you're... inspirational? But, really, why do you only want one word to describe you? Don't limit yourself to just one. If it's anything, it would be "BunnyTstar", or whatever your real name is. That's the only all-encompassing description there is, and the only all-encompassing description there should be.

Papa, I was wondering if you didnt make your clothes, who did? Did Housenki If he did he's and very good semstes- thing and could help me on my cosplay outfit. I think they're lovely and suit you very well. Like I said I'm a polite fangirl and wont blurt out "YUR SO HAWT CAN I RAPE YOU!?"

Oh! whats your favorite type of milkbone so I can ready for next time!
Sincerely,
Hikari-chan (Can I have a hug? ^^;)

Dear Hikari-chan,
"Can I rape you"? Isn't that, like, an oxymoron?
And I have no idea who made my clothes. Some things I just find, others I go out and purchase. I have no qualms with keeping human merchants in business. And I don't know if I have a favorite type of Milkbone. I'll eat pretty much anything. When you're dead, it doesn't matter much. Thanks for the offer, though. *hug*

Sorry for asking so many questions, but I am unquenchable. Now, here are my inquires:
Did you inherit a considerable amount of your power from your parents?
Which style of fighting do you think is most effective, Sesshoumaru's (cool, calm, calculating) or Inuyasha's (brash, reckless, blunt)?
How did Sesshoumaru react when you died?
Do you think Sesshoumaru would be able to wield Souunga without being possessed?
Why did you name your older son 'killing perfection' and your younger son 'dog demon?' What thoughts were running through your mind at that time?
Thanks for your thoughts on these subjects! I just love wondering about these things!
Sincerely,
Tatiana Lee

Dear Tatiana Lee,
Well... my parents weren't exactly that strong. I mean, I don't take my relationship to them for granted for a second, it's just that I think it was more personality and life outlook that I inherited from them rather than actual power, considering I surpassed them thousands of times over.
You know the style of fighting that keeps you from losing? That's what's most effective. It depends on the situation.
And how does Sesshoumaru react to anything? He was pretty much just "...".
Well, yes, Sesshoumaru could definitely beat Souunga's possession, but... what would he want with that sword? Yay, a zombie army? He has enough trouble keeping the two minions he already has. He doesn't want his own personal brainless army.
Hm, what was I thinking when naming my kids? Well, when Sesshoumaru was born, I was pretty much, "Oh, wow, my son's alive but my wife is dead! Sesshoumaru!" And when Inuyasha was born, I was pretty much, "Wow, he's got those cute puppy ears and puffy white hair! Inuyasha!" ... Look, I forget my own name on occasion, so I admit naming things isn't particularly my strong point.

In Tenka Hadou no Ken, So'ounga has that "Dragon Destructive Wave" or Kokuryuuha (did I spell that right?) thing right? So..what's that "Soryuuha" (once again, did I spell that right?) that Sesshomaru-sama keeps using with Tokijin? The subtitles translate it as "Dragon Destruction" or "Dragon Destructive Wave" like So'ounga's attack...of course those same subtitles translate Izayoi's name as some name starting with a "J", and translate "Tenseiga" as "Tenshoga". So maybe the subtitles are messed up, but either way I'm still a confused little dog demon. Can you help? And if you have no earthly idea what subtitles are, I'm sorry.
Sincerely,
TaiYoukai of the South

Dear Taiyoukai,
"Gokuryuuha" I believe brakes down as "Hell's Dragon Attack". Sesshoumaru's original attack, "Souryuuha", is "Azure Dragon Attack". I have no idea what the movie writers' obession with dragons in that movie was, since "Bakuryuuha" is "Explosive Current Attack". Maybe Souunga was created from a Hell Dragon's fang or something. I honestly don't know, since I only acquired the thing. I never commissioned it. That wouldn't explain Toukijin's attack, though. By that logic, it should be "Shikiha" or something, or "Purple Oni Attack".

Konnichiwa! Ongeki desu ka? Ome ni kakarete, koei desu. Nihongo ga, sukoshi hanasemasu. Omoshiroi desu. Teineinano wa taisetsu desu.

Kyoto to Tokyo to, dochira ga suki desu ka? Kyoto no ho ga suki desu.

Okay, that's enough japanese for me, *lol* You may remember me from a previous letter, I'm Kyatto =^-^=

Hopefully my lame attempt at typing Japanese didn't bore you. I probably messed up a lot of words. If I accidently said anything insulting, Gomen ne!

Okay, my questions:

1.- Is it likely Rumiko Takahashi will finish the Inuyasha manga? Because right now she is very sick and is already having other people help her. I can tell because I've talked to other people and her latest chapters aren't her usual style. The circumvents are different.

2.- Do you think Inuyasha (a.k.a. "Muttface" in my case >_>) takes after you, with the fact that he loves both Kikyou and Kagome?

Arigato gozaimasu! ^_^ *hug*
Sincerely,
Kyatto

Dear Kyatto,
*nod nod* I take your apology in advance. In response, no, I am not musical theater, nor do I particularly have plans to pursue such a career anytime soon. However, I'm going to guess that you meant "ogenki" in place of "ongeki", in which case... well... I guess I'm about as "lively" as one can be for being dead. Also, while I agree that being polite is important, I'm confused as to why a girl such as yourself would address me with such a vulgar, masculine, Inuyasha-esque term as "omee". I'm just saying, it sounds really... really weird. Might I suggest something like "anata" or the more informal "anta" for your case. And the Kyoto/Tokyo question isn't terribly fair, since I died before Tokyo ever came to exist.

As for the other questions... what makes you think Takahashi-sensei is ill? High-profile manga artists almost always have assistants do artwork for them, especially for something that comes out on a weekly basis. It's simply not possible for a single person to have that sort of output, even in prime health. Not to mention art style changes over time. Just compare the early manga to the current one. It hardly even looks like the same series.
And loving two people isn't something I'd consider hereditary. Like I've said, I had centuries separating my lovers, while Inuyasha has them both at once. It's nothing like my situation.

Dear Flip,
Not usually, because it's counterproductive to have a previous life influence a current one. You can't start from scratch if you still have contamination from a previous attempt.

Dear Inuyasha,
Why, ask your fellow Underdog, the Shoe Shine Boy!

Dear sesshomaru,
Hold it, maybe, but use it, no. It takes benign blood to hold Tessaiga, but it takes a benign youkai aura in order to use it. And while you'd indeed have Toutousai's blood influencing it, your own aura would still be there.
I'm not suggesting you try, mind you.

Dear fluff fan,
Staples.

Dear Sen,
He wasn't referring to Tenseiga. He was referring to a youkai's ability to manipulate the souls of the dead. He was also bluffing. Inuyasha hadn't had much interaction with Sesshoumaru up until that point, so all Inuyasha knew was that Sesshoumaru was powerful, but didn't know the full extent of his abilities. And since there do exist youkai that can call forth dead souls (such as Urasue), it seemed plausible at the time. It was merely a ruse in order for the Mu-onna trick to work.

Dear Kite,
If I was a selfish bastard, maybe that would sound like a good idea. But, no, I kind of like the idea of my kids being alive.

Dear sqweebles,
Considering I'm both fictional and deceased, I'd say "probably not". You can beat a dead guy who doesn't exist, right?

Dear michael,
... That depends on what the definition of "cheat" is. If it means "running off with various other women for the sake of physical gratitude", then no. If it means "occasionally getting temporarily cozy with other people in order to secure a treaty or contract", then... sometimes... Generally some lord would send me a geisha as "payment" for a service, but I was never interested in taking advantage of these women, so it never led to anything more than a few "touchy-feely" moments, mostly so that the geisha could feel like she was performing her duty successfully.

Sincerely,
michael

Dear michael,
It runs on SOUL POWER!!!

.... No, really, with Hiten and Manten down here now, we've got enough electricity to go around.

Dear Chaya,
Oh, I was well over 500 years old before I met my first wife. I spent most of my life getting stronger, defeating other youkai, defending my title as the strongest youkai in the land... I didn't have much time for romance, really. When you've got half the youkai population eager to overthrow you, you tend to not want to drag someone else into it. It just complicates things. Not to mention that most women interested in me only wanted my influence. Therefore, it took me a long, long time to ever become interested in anyone. Really, there's no way to keep them off you, so you just have to keep refusing. *hug*

Dear anonymous,
It's a vulgar way of saying "you". Generally you would use it to refer to people who really tick you off. Or, in Sesshoumaru's case, to everyone. ... I really need to talk to him about that.

Dear Flip,
As far as I know, yes. As a child, he'd get beestings, snakebites, and would occasionally eat toads, and none of that would ever slow him down. I really have no idea where he got the ability from, since while I can tolerate poison better than most, I'm still not immune to it. I'm not about to blame his mother for all his weird abilities, but it's practically the only explanation besides divine(?) intervention.

Dear doom!,
It came with the house.

Dear Kagmoe's Friend,
Learning as many forms of communication is useful when you live in a world where everyone and his mother is trying to kill you, so naturally Sesshoumaru learned to read, partially by my teaching, but mostly on his own. Although I don't believe human women were generally educated, Izayoi was in fact taught by her father to read, so I'm assuming she passed at least some of that knowledge on to Inuyasha. If he knew what was good for him, he'd strive to be literate.

Dear Kira,
Well, I can chalk up Izayoi looking like Sango to the fact that most of Takahashi's female characters look alike. There are only so many hairstyles to choose from before you start repeating. As for how I died, well... Ryuukossei wasn't exactly jealous that I had a girlfriend, but was more jealous that I was more powerful than him. And, yes, I WAS more poweful than him, it's just that he... didn't exactly catch me at my best when he managed to kill me.

Dear lil glomper,
I believe it's some sort of "tackle hug". Sort of like when you'd say "Oh, it's so cute!" and run up to it and hug it.

Sincerely,
Puppy ears

Dear Puppy ears,
"Sankon Tessou" breaks down as "shattering-soul iron claw". I have no idea why it's called this, given that Inuyasha's claws are not iron, nor do they shatter souls. I guess it's just for intimidation's sake. "Blades of Blood" sounds like "Hijin Kessou", which breaks down as "flying blade blood claw".

Dear at-underscore-at,
"Bishounen" literally means "beautiful young man", and generally refers to a well-groomed or otherwise attractive male in his early to mid teens. Therefore, you would not categorize me as a "bishounen", given that I'm much too old. Sesshoumaru's age is likely beyond "bishounen" as well. Inuyasha still qualifies for "bishounen" status, though. Sesshoumaru and I would likely be more suited to the term "biseinen" ("beautiful adult man").

What's your opinion about the relationships between Sesshoumaru, Rin, Jaken, and Ah-Un?
What do you think about Sesshoumaru and Naraku's alliance?
When Sesshoumaru was little, did he go through training in the fields of fighting and governing? (He seems to have superior *calculating* fighting skills)
Did you ever punish Sesshoumaru for his actions?
Did your followers naturally accept Sesshoumaru as their next ruler? (He never seems to be around to govern his domain.)
Did you have a sort of "castle" in your domain?

*Sorry for all these questions. I like to wonder about all the loose ends of a story.*
Sincerely,
Tatiana Lee

Dear Tatiana Lee,
... I know you people are supposed to be asking the questions here, but this has gotten me insanely curious. Where in the name of Myouga's whiskers did people get the idea that I'm some sort of governing official? People keep mentioning this "castle" or "Lord of the West" or "followers" and other such things that I'm completely at a loss for. Can someone refer me to the chapter in the manga that says I have a castle, subjects, or am royalty or something? I think I missed that part.
I was the Inu no Taishou. A ruler by force. I went around and beat up the people who bugged me, and those who survived said "Wah, we're not worthy!" and left me alone. Those whom I saved said "Hey, you're cool" and also left me alone. I didn't require servitude, I didn't have "subjects", I just had recognition as the biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around. And since this was a position acquired by force, there was no way I was going to "train" Sesshoumaru to overthrow me, nor was it something I was just going to hand over on a platter by birthright. If he wanted title of "Inu no Taishou", he'd have to prove himself to be the biggest, strongest sunnovabitch around all by himself.

Dear Inuyasha,
I have no idea, since his mother didn't have one, either. I guess it's just some weird birthmark, though Toutousai insists it's the mark of the devil on his forehead. But... you know how Toutousai is.

I have two questions: Since when Sesshoumaru was borned, he was in his 'real form' -the giant dog- and then he learned how to take a human one; what would happen if he had a kid with a human looking creature (either human or youkai). Would it be born with an humanoid form? Would that be the only shape it could take?

And the other one: Is there day and night in the afterlife? If not, how can you tell when time passes by?

Thank you for your time!
Sincerely,
Curious human

Dear Curious,
Naturally, a child would be born in whatever form it was conceived in. So, if it was born in human form, it would have to learn to assume its natural form. A youkai born of two parents capable of taking human form is naturally capable of the shapeshifting, as the human and natural forms end up being two sides of the same coin, neither dominant over the other. A hanyou child, on the other hand, would be more prone to staying in its human form.
And, no, there is no passage of time in the afterlife. Everything just is.

Dear Blackrose,
It's hard to say whether I would have had other children. I was convinced I wouldn't have any children after Sesshoumaru, given that I was paranoid that the same thing would happen to future mates as what happened to his mother. But, then Izayoi came along and gave me the courage to take another chance, and that time things turned out... well... marginally better, I guess. At least she didn't die. However, given my duties to protect my family and my territory, I wasn't able to be around much, meaning that Izayoi was typically left alone to care for Inuyasha. Given that, I didn't want to burden her with other children until Inuyasha reached adulthood, which for a hanyou, would take longer than a human has fertility.
I did worry about Inuyasha constantly, which is, of course, why I gave him Tessaiga. It was the best I could do to protect him when I wasn't around. Just because he couldn't wield the sword yet didn't mean it didn't protect him. It still had a barrier, which tended to be enough to ward off anything weak enough to bother itself with a child.

Dear Nikkic87,
I've noticed that a lot of people tend to go through this "phase" when they're ten to thirteen years old. Now, what this "phase" is depends on the person, but it usually involves a total personality shift, whether it be a sudden bout of anti-socialness, the need to be destructive, trying drugs, hurting oneself... I don't know why it happens, but for most people, it does. Now, writing it off as a normal thing doesn't mean you shouldn't do anything about it. Whether you're consciously doing it or not isn't the issue here, because whether you realize it or not, you're the one holding yourself back from communicating. You talked to me just fine, after all, so you're obviously capable of it in other settings. Just project a comfortable setting onto your current one.

Most people who have trouble speaking have a subconscious fear of sounding foolish. I mean, think about it. Fear is the only non-physical restraint. And obviously there's nothing physically restraining you from speaking like a hole in your throat or something. Think about anything else you would be reluctant to do. Why wouldn't you do it? You're afraid of some sort of consequence, right? I'm willing to guess the speaking thing is the same way, only in this case you don't consciously know what sort of consequence you're afraid of.
Like your fear of going to school, you'll get over it. All it takes is one valiant attempt on your part. The first time is always the hardest, but things tend to get easier after that.

What's Izayoi like when she gets angry?... If she did of course... Oo Cause really, not everybody is 'happy-go-lucky' their whole lives...

Did Sesshomaru or Inuyasha ever do anything really 'stupid' when they were young?... Just wondering...
Sincerely,
May-chan

Dear May-chan,
Izayoi was forgiving to a fault, which was somewhat unfortunate at times. I've seen her frightened or upset plenty of times, but the extent of her anger at anything was pretty much "I don't like things the way they are." If there's one thing that bothered me about her, it's that she never acted on her negative feelings by trying to get back at anyone who hurt her (although... most of the people who hurt her didn't live long enough FOR her to get back at them... which was mostly my fault... *ahem*). So, I guess in a way, I channeled her anger for her, and she was just left to be calm and content with everything.

And what do you mean "'stupid' when they were young"? They do stupid things even now!

Ok, I have two questions here:

1. If Inuyasha and his friends are able to eventually kill Naraku and he goes to the afterlife. What do you think you'd do with him? He would cause problems if left alone.

2. Do you think Rin could be Kagome's ancestor? They do share a lot of things; their looks, their purity, their courage, friendship and their love for dog demons

Those are the only doubts in my mind at the moment
Sincerely,
The mailer formely known as nobody

Dear former nobody,
Well, since Naraku was artificially created, he would come in his base parts. All the youkai he absorbed would break apart and Onigumo would go to Hell. So, rather than one annoying Naraku to deal with, we'd just have a couple million random wimpy youkai bugging us. But they'd probably be glad to be out of Naraku, anyway, so wouldn't cause much trouble.

I don't know about Rin being Kagome's ancestor, though. You can't go by looks, since all of Takahashi's girls look alike. And you can't go by personality, since Inuyasha and Sesshoumaru are related, after all. Therefore, aside from an actual geneology survey, I don't think there'd be any evidence one way or the other.

Dear Slap Stick,
.... Maybe she just reacts differently to humidity? I mean, look how wavy her hair gets when she gets wet!

P.S, my younger sister "long live the dead miko" is forever fighting with me, because we both are routing for different realationships to happen in the series, and is constantly puting down my oppion, help please
Sincerely,
Sit Boy

Dear Sit Boy,
I've sometimes wondered myself why youkai bother donning human form. I guess its for the same reasons humans bother donning animal pelts. For protection, since it's easier to blend in as a human. For convenience, since human form is more suited to holding and using weapons, and not to mention speaking. And for status, as clothing, armor, and other accessories can signify power and abilities better than mere size can. Granted, I wasn't there at the advent of human forms, so this is nothing but an educated guess.

Don't people scare you sometimes?
Sincerely,
gn

Dear gn,
Only when they don't exercize self-restraint or common sense. ... So, yeah, sometimes.

Dear Flip,
Yes, he did have a fluff, but it wasn't "mega" by any standards. The pelt-wearing is a tradition from my father's side of the family, and it grows with age and power. Since I am much older and stronger than my father was when he died, naturally mine is bigger than his was.

Dear Sit Boy,
Well, even though the sword was untransformed, it still has a barrier. It rejected Sesshoumaru while untransformed, after all.

Dear kill myself,
Yeees? Not at the same time, but yes, I did.

And don't kill yourself. It hurts.

is it true that Sesshoumaru was born on Christmas, Dec 25?

Sincerely,
ripples

Dear ripples,
Um... I don't know. What's a "December"?

Sincerely,
Justin

Dear Justin,
Putting a hamster in her shirt would temporarily cure the lazy problem, but it would likely escalate the grumpy problem even more. Sorry, man, given that I'm dead and therefore do nothing BUT lie around, I can't give much advice.

Dear Inuyasha,
I think he has some sort of speech recognition program. Either that or he inputs everything in Morse Code.

Dear Kami,
Sure, it happens on occasion. It's just the sheer number of youkai that merged with Onigumo that made him stand out. Because of Kikyou's notoriety, there were a lot of youkai itching at the chance of getting revenge. Not only that, but Naraku had 50 years in which to gain even more power, while other youkai-infused humans tend to go mad and destroy themselves or otherwise find some way to get themselves killed rather quickly.

Thank you.
Sincerely,
Not so alone anymore

Dear Not so alone,
*hug*

Dear Kite,
Why in the name of heaven would you think I'd be HAPPY if they died? I mean, I know they inevitably will at some point, but at the moment... I'd kinda like them to live.

Dear Nikkic87,
Calling yourself "kono [name]" is indeed a general way of elevating yourself above your peers. It's a way to make sure that everyone knows what your name is, for one thing. True, it's often a presumptuous thing to do, but it's a way of giving off an air of arrogance and superiority.
... Personally, I never use it. Because then you'd know my name, and we just can't have that, now, can we?

Well, there's this guy I know. And actually...he's my ex-boyfriend. A little more than a year ago we broke up.

But see...I still like him. A lot. A WHOLE lot...*sighs* And I don't know if he likes me back or not. I'm scared to tell him because I'm scared of getting hurt if he doesn't like me. And yet, I also want to tell him cuz I think about him everyday and I don't wanna keep this secret from him.

Here's the clincher in this whole affair: I have never seen his face or heard his voice. I talk to him through e-mail and Instant Messaging, and he has my phone number but can't call me for a couple more years. He visited my friend's school a little more than a year ago to see if he was gonna go there, and my friend told him about me. He was interested and he even admitted to me that he liked me alot, even though he'd never seen me (other than a picture). He was going to visit my school the next day, but something to do with his dad's job made him move to Canada. Then he moved to Alabama. This year, he moved back to Georgia and now lives about and hour away. We have, of course, stayed in touch with each other.

It took me a while after the break up to realize my feelings for him, and then more time to admit them to anyone but myself. Now everyone knows except him, as far as I can tell.

I guess my question here, other than "What should I do?", is...

Am I completely crazy for liking someone whose face I've never seen? Am I insane for liking someone who's voice I've never heard? Should I give up on him? I mean, there are a whole lot more guys that I actually have seen out there...I just really don't know what's going on or what to do.

P.S.: Can I have a hug?
P.P.S.: I know some of those place names might not make any sense to you. Just think of Canada was way far away from Georgia, and Alabama as right next to Georgia.

Sincerely,
Torie-san

Dear Torie-san,
There's nothing wrong with liking someone whom you've never seen nor heard, else characters in novels would never be appealing. But there's a caveat in that. Characters in novels are fictional. And real people whom you've never interacted with in person can sometimes be just as fictional. The internet is a wonderful place, as its impossible to discriminate people for their race, gender, age, or other affiliations, because such things just aren't apparent. The problem is, because they're not apparent, they're easily falsified. You can never be sure until you meet this person face-to-face. That is the time to pass judgement.

Dear Arilyn,
Naturally, the difference in size illustrates a difference in power. We "alpha males" aren't powerful because we're the leaders, we're the leaders because we're powerful. There's no such thing as a natural-born leader in youkai society. You have to fight your way to the top. Just because you're the son of someone strong doesn't mean you'll be strong yourself (though you've got a much better chance of it). Those with power are the ones who make it to the top, and they also tend to be quite large, sort of like how heavier leaves will sink to the bottom of a lake while lighter ones still float on the surface, even though they fell from the same tree.
No, not all dog youkai have silver fur. Black, auburn, and spotted fur are also common. Sesshoumaru was born in dog form, as the ability to turn into a human is a learned ability, not a naturally-occuring one.
And I suppose I could eat any kind of dog treat. I just prefer the ones that are better for my teeth and bones.

Dear Wanting to know,
Well, "Mom" and "Dad" can be various things, depending on who's saying them and how respectful you want to get. Sesshoumaru calls me "chichi-ue", which is sort of out-of-fashion in the modern era. Inuyasha calls me "oyaji", which merely translates as "old man". Myouga and Jaken call me "chichi-gimi", which is an archaic way of referring to someone else's father. Nowadays, people are likely to use some variation of "otou-san" to refer to their fathers. In the case of Mothers, there's the archaic "Haha-ue", which also doesn't get used much anymore, along with Inuyasha's "ofukuro" that he uses to refer to his mother. Nowadays it's generally some form of "okaa-san".

Dear Alone and Depressed,
You go for it, girl. If you need a more one-on-one style of conversation rather than this public forum, just send a letter with an e-mail address or something and I'll see what I can do.

Oh yeah, and thanks so much for trying to help Alone and Depressed. I don't know her, but THANK YOU.
Sincerely,
Yayoi

Dear Yayoi,
He already knew of its abilities before I died, which is why he desired Tessaiga instead. I gave it to him shortly before my battle with Ryuukossei, and I guess he assumed he was only supposed to hold onto it temporarily, so he could bring me back to life should something go wrong. Unfortunately, he learned the hard way that Tenseiga doesn't work on me, since I'm the one supplying its power. Therefore, he figured Tenseiga was absolutely useless, which is likely why he was so surprised when it worked on Rin.

And, hey, if I can't cheer people up, what good am I?

Dear michael,
Last time I checked. I haven't been paying as much attention after I died, since I figured my corpse wouldn't randomly start siring more offspring on me.

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