Rain fell heavy on the weary travelers. The dark clouds rolled quickly on in the same direction as the group, despite their prayers for it to stop. The dirt road under their feet slowly turned to mud the further they continued along. Villagers were tucked away in shacks along the way, bright fires beckoning the misfit group of friends and companions. Sango's dark brown hair was slowly turning the color of Kagome Higurashi's and starting to feel heavy on the back of her neck. She reached to grab her white ribbon only to realize it was gone. She sighed heavily. Kirara, her furry best friend meowed up at her and Sango smiled when she saw that the ribbon was in her friend's mouth. She gently took it and retied her hair back.
Kagome's umbrellas all had broken from the sheer force of the wind as the storm initially blew in and settled upon them. For hours it seemed they were walking in a torrential downpour. Her favorite wicker hat hit her leg with every step. It needed to be repaired after smashing into a tree when the storm first began. A loud sneeze erupted from her and it shook her whole body. She couldn't take it anymore.
"This rain just refuses to let up. We may need to stop in the next village." Sango's soft but demanding voice filtered over the heavy downfall. She knew that Inuyasha and Shippo at least heard her protest.
"We need to keep looking for jewel shards and that ugly bastard Naraku. They won't just magically show themselves to us." Inuyasha argued, glancing back at his companions. Sango saw Kagome reach for the half-demon with no hesitation. Kagome sighed rather loudly as she pulled on Inuyasha's sleeve.
"I think Sango is right, Inuyasha. We're all going to get sick and then we definitely won't be able to look for jewel shards or Naraku."
"Just listen to reason Inuyasha. Besides we haven't had a good few days' rest since I can't remember." Miroku chimed in as he tightly squeezed part of his purple robes, trying to rid himself of the cold rain that more than likely was seeping into his under robes now. Sango was happy to hear that everyone was finally voicing their opinions on the matter. If only I had spoken up earlier, she thought to herself and shook her head in defeat. Shippo jumped from Kagome's bicycle basket onto Inuyasha's shoulder.
"Come on Inuyasha. It's almost dark too. I heard creepy things live in this part of the forest." Shippo begged. He squealed when an owl swooped overhead.
Inuyasha scoffed, "nothing I can't handle."
"Inuyasha come on. I'm sure my homework has disintegrated by now." Kagome complained looking solemnly at her soaked yellow backpack. Sango's ears rang like she had heard music when Inuyasha sighed deeply, finally giving into his friends.
"Fine but only a few days. Then we're back on it double-time." He stated almost harshly.
The village coming into view made Sango feel as if she never would see one again and she started to walk a little quicker. Her friends picked up pace as well, all definitely eager to get dry and possibly enjoy a hot springs.
"You think the inn will have a hot springs inside? I can't stand being in this rain anymore." Shippo asked as if reading everyone else's minds.
"I hope so."
"Why get wet again though? What's the point of stopping?" Inuyasha asked with anger bubbling over slightly.
"Warm water Inuyasha is way better than cold." Sango answered and patted him on the shoulder with a little bit of power behind it. Inuyasha looked at her and rolled his amber eyes. Kirara meowled in agreement.
"Whatever you say Sango."
"Oh my, do you feel that aura?" Miroku asked getting in front of everyone.
"Not this again Miroku." Sango scolded. Miroku winked at her and made it to the village gates while pulling sutras out from his pocket.
"Will they still work if they're wet?" Kagome asked, peeking around the monk.
A villager pulled the gate open and stared menacingly at the new comers.
"We don't want demons in our humble village. We have already had enough trouble with your sorts." The elder man sneered, his white hair falling over his eyes due to the rain. Inuyasha snorted.
"We came to help you. We aren't like other demons." Inuyasha stated proudly.
Kagome leaned over to Sango and whispered, "he wants a room more than any of us do." The girls giggled as Inuyasha's ears twitched in their direction.
"You are with these demons, monk?" The old man asked, scrutinizing the bunch of strangers before him.
"I am indeed. These three are great companions of mine. We had rumors of your village being plagued by terrible nuisances. Is this true?"
"Yes monk, it is true. This way please."
An hour or so passed and the gang were all gathered in a cozy dining area, a fire burning brightly in the middle of them.
"Ah thank goodness. My clothes were starting to soak all the way through." Kagome exclaimed. She immediately slipped off her shoes and her socks.
"We're also lucky they have a bath house." Sango added, shedding her Hiraikotsu and the top part of her traditional kimono. Two young women knocked gently on the doors and presented the friends with a meal.
"This is so great!" Kagome and Shippo shouted in unison while both grabbing pieces of grilled fish. Mumbles of appreciation followed from Inuyasha. Sango laughed. It was nice to sit and not worry about everything for a second. Immediately after the thought crossed her mind she caught Miroku's indigo eyes, glistening in the flames. The hair on her arms stood up but she shook it off as being cold from her wet clothes. He slowly went back to having a conversation with Inuyasha about the young women who brought them their dinner but Sango sat with her eyes trained on him.
Ever since they left Kuranosuke's home in search of more jewel shards and Naraku, Miroku had been strange towards her. It wasn't in a negative way, just different and it irked her to no end. He continued to be lecherous in their traveling times since then however the secret glances and soft grins were starting to get under her skin. She could feel her face heat up in remembrance of Miroku wishing her happiness with Kuranosuke.
The pitter-patter of the rain on the roof above them calmed her nerves. Sango was undoubtedly happy with her decision to move on from that noble house despite the possible happiness she could have found there. The possibility of peace. But what would life be without the risks? Without the silly lecherous monk sitting across from her, his bangs still dripping from the rain fall, and with that sly look in those strange indigo irises that she had come to adore?