--What if : Miroku had a rosary?--
This idea's been buggin me for a while… I guess it's finally time to put it into words. Not really smart seeing that I have 2 other stories.. the flirt and missunderstood… but yeah, I'll manage… hopefully…
--
The day started out, normal. Normal for the Inu gang that was.
SMACK"HENTAI!"
"But Sango…" Miroku was rubbing his abused cheek while watching Sango stomp off into the distance. Yup, normal…
Inuyasha and Kagome watched this scene, they had already watched it over a hundred times already, but somehow it never seemed to get boring. Watching Miroku get slapped, something he deserved for groping Sango. But did Sango get why he groped her in the first place? To eveyone else it may just seem like an unwanted perverted thing for Miroku to do, but only the monk's closer friends know the truth…
To them is was as simple as counting, Miroku was in love. He loved Sango, and would risk anything fo her. Even his life.
--
"So you see Lady Kaede, he won't stop and it's getting very annoying."
"Have ye ever asked him to stop?"
"Yes."
"I now understand the situation." There was an awkward pause.
"So… do you have any advice for me?" Sango watched as Kaede stuck her hand into a drawer beside her and pulled out a necklace. It had black beads and a fang after every 5 beads…
"Ye do know what this is, correct?" Sango eyed the necklace carefully.
"Where have I seen that necklace before? It…it's so familiar…Where have I seen that before?"
"I think I have seen it somewhere…but I don't remem-"
"INUYASHA! SIT!"
"AhHhHH!"
SLAM" Sango! I don't know how you- Oh! I didn't know you and Lady Kaede were talking!"
Sango and Kaede watched as Kagome flipped back the mat that covered the door and ran outside. They then faced each other and shrugged not really understanding what just happened. Slowly they picked up the conversation from where ever they left it.
"Come to think of it… Yes! I do know what it is!" Kaede watch Sango's face brighten when the image appeared in her memory… it would be kinda sad if she didn't know…
"This here is a rosary. Just like the one Kagome has around Inuyasha's neck. I can cast a spell on it to form around his neck if ye wishes. But ye mustn't (sp?) say the word of subdueation too many times! For Miroku is only human as Inuyasha is a half-demon."
Sango nodding understanding the rules.
"So do ye wish to use this rosary?"
"Yes."
--
Kaede chanted her spell, the beads started glowing a bright neon-green colour and suddenly, they all shot forwards, Looking for the monk they were meant to form around.
--
Miroku was hiding in the bushes, watching the water carefully eyeing every ripple that was created. Slowly and silently he made his way through the bushes, monitoring the ground for any twigs that might crack if stepped on. He got closer to the hot spring, but still he was too far away.
"Almost there… Almost there…"
Miroku took another look over the branches that hid him, trying to see the girl bathing within the water. When suddenly everything went still. It was as if time had stopped and all that could be heard was a sort of shooting sound, it was coming closer.
"URG!"
--
Inuyasha sat lazily in his tree just about to doze off when he smelt it. Magic. It was the same smell he smelt as the time when his cursed rosary was put on him.
"They aren't gonna put another one on me…are they?"
Inuyasha looked up and saw the glowing trails of the beads flying through the sky.
"Guess not…"
Underneath the Goshinboku tree Inuyasha loves, Kagome was also staring up at the sky. Wondering what those lines were.
"Are those shooting stars? Wow! If they are…there're a lot of them!"
--
"It is complete. Have ye thought of a word yet Sango?"
"I don't know… I can't think of anything right now."
"That is fine as long as you have on ready. Remember Miroku is a human. My guess is he cannot survive 5 falls continually. And only you are able to take the rosary off. The necklace itself is unbreak-able."
"Right. I don't think I would need to say the word 5 times…"
--
(Morning)
"Morning Kagome! Inuyasha! Hey Shippo!…Where's Miroku?"
"He's off sulking somewhere." Inuyasha replied rather happily.
"Oh…"
Sango walked deep into the forest and over to where they would normally set up their camp. She found him. And with the rosary on too.
"Miroku?"
Miroku looked up and saw the one person who he himself had wanted to speak to too.
"Sango…we need to talk."
--
Kagome looked up when she saw the two other members of their group approching, rather sadly that is. Her eyes darted back and forth between Sango and Miroku.
"…Sango…Miroku…San- Hey! Did Miroku get a new necklace or something? (Gasp) Oh my gosh! That's a..a rosary! But how…?"
"Miroku when did you get-"
" –sigh- Last night."
Kagome decided this was not the nest time to talk about it so she dropped the subject. Shippo however didn't think the same way.
"Hey! Miroku! Does that mean Kagome can sit u too now?"
"no-"
" Oh! Sango can right?"
"Wel-"
"What's the word Sango? Say it!"
"Actual-"
"I'm waaiiiitting!"
"I don't think I'm going to say it."
Miroku looked up at Sango and into er eyes. He saw misery and regret. He knew it was about the rosary. Why did she do this in the first place? Has he ever done any wrong to her? No. Well…At least in Miroku's point of view.
Back in the forest they had a long talk about why Sango decided she wanted the rosary. She told him all about the conversation she had with Kaede. She also told him all the rules of the rosary. Afte the explanation though Miroku didn't seem any happier. When Sango said 'sorry'. He knew he felt bad. But then again why should he? Not only does he worry about the stupid hellhole in his hand…but now this?
--
"They havn't talked to each other all day!" Kagome whispered.
" Keh.. You finally figured it out? Amazing!" Inuyasha looked back at her, she was pouting.
"What!"
" Nothing." Kagome walked away from the distressed hanyou to her friend.
Kagome was giving Inuyasha the cold shoulder again. Nothing unusual. Happens all the time. Most of them Inuyasha still don't understand why but, they can't be stopped.
--
"Miroku-Sama! You came back for me!"
"Koharu! Nice to see you again too."
"Will you be staying with me this time?"
"I…"
--
Sango was talking with Kagome, as well as watching Miroku in the distance. It felt so good having another female to talk to. Especially one who could actually help you with your troubles and weird feelings. Sango loved Miroku. It was obvious. Just like everyone else she really wished that the one who she loves would love her back just as much. But the rosary was needed.
Kagome told Sango of the men in her time, Modern Japan. Where they expressed their feelings with love notes, chocolate, gifts and just by making you feel special. That was so much better than being groped. All the time.
"It's ok Sango, Just ignore it."
"It's really hard to."
"I know but just try your best"
"I…I can't"
It was true…how could anyone ignore it if they've just been groped? It was like if you had a very deep cut and someone is telling you to ignore it.
"But if I ignore it…wouldn't that just encourage him?"
"True….I guess you shouldn't then…whoops…my fault."
Sango smiled. Just leave it to her friends to cheer her up, always a reliable way. Kagome has always been there when Sango needed her most and she will do the same to…that's what friends are for. Right?
"Kagome…I really don't know what to do anymore…"
--
" So monk, how does it feel to have a rosary?" snickered Inuyasha ,"Has she said 'the word' yet?"
Miroku shook his head and sighed, "Not yet…"
"You lucky bastard. Kagome said the 'word' the second I got it!"
Miroku sighed again. He was always making fun of Inuyasha when he got slammed into the ground… but what would the hanyou do when it was his turn? And only Sango can take it off…
"So the only person who can take it off is the person who controls us?"
"Basically…"
"Can't we rip them off or something?" Miroku tugged the beads upwards, only to have them start flashing.
"Don't you think I already tried that?"
Miroku slumped back to his original position. There was no way to get rid of this thing unless Sango… but she just put it on. She wouldn't take it off right away.
"Is it just me or is my life getting more complicated?"
The sun was setting and the shadows grew longer and longer until they just disapeared altogether. The group was going to camp out tonight. Shippo helped Kagome start the fire while Inuyasha went off to search for firewood. Miroku and Sango just sat there in silence.
"It's ready!"
Coincidentally the taijiya and the monk both stood up at the same time, walked at the same pace, and sat down at the same time. They noticed this. Sango flushed. Why? Who knew?
--
( 2 Weeks later )
--
It had already been 2 whole weeks and Miroku was still on his best behaviour. No groping, asking other women to bear his children…etc. Sango was getting suspicious.
One night when they were both alone Sango decided that since everyone else was asleep this would be the perfect moment right?
"Houshi-sama?"
"eh? Sango? Why don't you go to bed?"
"I'm not tired yet." She answered curtly, " And besides I need to ask you a few questions."
"mmm"
Sango sat down beside the monk, and started her interrogation.
"Are you feeling ok?"
"Yes, why do you ask?"
"Well, because you havn't been your own lecherous-self lately and-"
"So you miss being groped?"
"I..No!..I..you..uh.." Miroku smiled.
"I..I think I'm getting tired now..heheh.. –yawn-"
Miroku grinned up at her, Sango's face was clearly a shade of dark magenta.
"Here lemme help you up?" he slurred.
Miroku stood up and extended his hand to the girl on the ground.
"Thanks…"
But using only one of his hands meant the other hand would be free. As he held Sango steady his other hand went towards the target closer and closer… until-
"Night Houshi!" Sango smiled and yawned again, walking off towards her sleeping bag. Miroku was confused. He just groped her without getting slapped? Now this he could get used to.
(Morning)
"Good Morning Sango! Did you have a good rest?" Miroku once again extended his arm, to help her up.
"MmmMm…" Sango reached out and grabbed his hand. At the same time though, she also felt another hand…in the wrong spot.
"HENTAI!"
SLAMSango whipped her hand but it met nothing but air. "Huh?" she looked down.
"Oh! The rosary!"
There on the ground lay a dazed Miroku with swirls spinning in his eyes. Immediately Inuyasha and Kagome appeard at the scene. Inuyasha looked back and forth between Sango and the man laying face-down on the floor. He knew what just happened.
"HahA! You got ' worded! –snicker- hahAHha Now you know how it-"
"Inuyasha- sit boy!"
"Argghmmmphh"
"It's mean to make fun of others while their down, especially since it's only Miroku's first time!"
Sango looked at the heap of robes at her feet, he was unconscious. Well what would anyone expect? A human being slammed into the ground so forcefully…With a sigh, Sango bent over to grab the purple / navy blue fabric and started pulling. Miroku wasn't exactly the lightest person in the world…Sango stopped by the goshiinboku and laid him there, in the shade.
"That should do for now."
--
When Miroku woke up he had forgotten everything that had happened up until the 'fall' but then again… he was unconscious…wasn't he?
"ehmmm…? Where…"
"Oh you're awake."
Miroku looked up, his vision was still blurry but he could still make out Sango's figure sitting by the firepit poking at the glowing ashes.
"Where is everyone else?" Miroku sat up straight, but he was still leaning against the tree.
"They've… gone…shard hunting."
" And you didn't go?" Miroku was more than a little surprised. Sango loved killing off demons. A good way to get rid of stress.
" I well… wanted to stay here to keep.. an eye on you…make sure nothing bad happens?" Sango started blushing right after she finished the sentance. Miroku looked up at her and saw a red blush staining her cheeks and smiled.
"You might want to go to sleep then Sango… Now that I'm awake I can guard us both. You go to slee-"
"It's ok I'll do it. Just get some more rest. You were knocked out really bad earlier today…"
"No. I'll stay up with you then."
"But-.. ok then." After those few words there was a very long silnce. They seem to be happening a lot lately.
--
"Are you sure there's a demon here! I don't sense anything!"
"Yeah! And If you don't beli- There! Over there!"
"Hey! I sense it now!"
Kagome rolled her eyes at his back as he wen in for the kill. The plan was to make a clean swift kill and head back to camp A.S.A.P. Just in case Miroku waked up and does something that may just cost him his life.
"It's… over there!" Kagome waved her hand wildly at the beast that was lingering in front of them. It was huge.
"No Duh! Of course it's over there!" Inuyasha snapped, " But Where over there!"
"Oh…right. UmMmm…In it's ear! The left one!"
"Alright. Got it." Inuyasha swooped down ready to slice the monster's head off.
"Iron Reaver Soul Stealer!"
WHOOSH"Inuyasha! You- …missed! Over there! It's getting away!" Inuyasha looked over from where he just swiped the air.
"OH NO YOU DON'T!" Inuyasha set Kagome down before charging at the beast, Tetsuiaga in hand.
"WINDSCAR!" Once again Inuyasha missed. "What is this thing!" Just then Kagome noticed something stringing around the thing's neck and around it's arms, legs, and just all around is body. "It's being controlled!" Kagome looked up and down both ways but the ends of the thread seemed to lead to nowhere. Just thin air.
"Inuyasha! Do you see it! The threads! The monster's being controlled!"
"What thread!"
"What do you mean what thread! It's everywhere! Around the thing's neck, arms-"
"I can't see anything!" Inuyasha continued to desperately swing at the beast, but it was way too fast. It was as if it could predict what he was about to do next. "Another Goshinki?" Then Kagome realised, " Only I can see them! …Just-Just like with Yura! And the Hair!"
"Auh!" Kagome pulled out her arrow and took aim. This was going to be the hardest challenge yet… Kagome took a deep breath, steadying her arrow once more she quickly released. The arrow flew piercing the air, the magic contents of the arrow surrounding it in a pinkish colour.
SNAP
She did it. Kagome did it. She snapped the thread! But that was actually not good because…the arrow was now heading straight for Inuyasha.
"INUYASHA! WATCH OUT!"
"Huh! AhHh!" Inuyasha immediately jumped out of the way, the arrown rushing past him. Just as it did he noticed a very thin piece of…string? It was attached around the arrow and it was…pulling the arrow… That's when he understood. "That's the thread Kagome was talking about!" He stared off for a moment, watching the arrow fly off. Inuyasha didn't expect it to take a sharp turn and suddenly come flying back at him!
"UGH!" Once again Inuyasha barely dodged the piece of wood that could purify him on contact.
--
Miroku tensed. There was a weird aura in the air. Sango turned to watch him but saw the way he suddenly stiffend, then she felt it too.
"Miroku..? Do you-"
"You can feel it too? I think they're in trouble. We have to go check!"
"Mm!" Sango nodded in agreement and called to her pet, " Kilala!" Right away the small demon cat jumped out of the bushes and in a burst of flame transformed into the giant cat it is. Sango and Miroku jumped on it and they flew off, going as fast as Kilala could handle.
When they got there they saw a scene, but it was nothing like they had imagined…Inuyasha dodging…Kagome's arrows? And Kagome… running…with a beast chasing after her.
"Probably for the jewel shards…"
--
Inuyasha dodged again, it wasn't fair! Four arrows to one hanyou? He had told Kagome not to shoot anymore of the wretched tings…but nooo she just had to. The moment the arrow left the bow thread seemed to shoot out and grab it.
"Ugh!" The silver-haired hanyou nearly missed yet another arrow. "DIDN'T I TELL YOU TO STOP- K-K-Kikyo?"
The priestess smirked, " Good Afternoon to you too Inuyasha." She walked forwards, and thread shot out to bind around the limbs. But the second the string touched her, it disolved. Kikyo looked down at the sizzing black gunk at her feet and continued walking towards Inuyasha, who was still dodging theoncoming arrows. She could see it, the thread. She could see what Inuyasha could not. For if he did, then he could have finish off the demon ages ago. Inuyasha swiped, trying to split the strip of wood in half. But the one manipulating the arrows was way to smart to let that happen.
--
(Somewhere in the shadows)
"Soon that stupid half-breed will get tired. That, will be the moment I can come in for my kill."
--
Miroku and Sango swooped down and landed some distance away from Kagome, who was still running for her dear life. Miroku stepped forward and gave Sango the steps to is plan.
"You get Kagome to safety, I'll suck the demon in with my wind tunnel."
"MmM."
Miroku sprinted towards kagome and gave her a 'get over here quick' motion with his hands. Kagome saw the signal and changed directions so suddenly that the giant beast couldn't stop itself in time, it collided with a tree.
"Kagome! Go to Sango! Get on Kilala with her and leave!"
"Got it."
Once again the school-girl broke into a run, while Miroku charged in the direction of the monster.
"WIND TUNNE- what!" Miroku squinted her saw thin lines –the thread. They had a weird aura surrounding them…"They're…They're POISONOUS!" Miroku covered his hand with the beads and griped his staff tighter.
--
"Kikyo! Get out of here! It's dangerous!" Inuyasha looked over at the un-dead girl and saw her glaring. At a particular tree, that is.
"There Inuyasha. It's in that tree." Kikyo pointed a finger at the tree.
"Alright."
Inuyasha paused, how was he supposed to get rid of the arrows first? Where was Kagome? Is she ok? Just before he was able to jump up into the air yet another arrow whizzed by, nearly taking off his nose!
"Whoa!"
But this time it didn't take a sudden turn and come right back, instead a sickening snap was heard. Inuyasha whirled around just in time to see an arrow shot just at the right moment (while the other four were aligned) going right through. The thread that had attempted to surround that last arrow was all melted away into the balck gunk on the ground.
"Go Inuyasha! Go while the spell holds!"
Inuyasha jumped up clear into the air and landed abruptly in the tree Kikyo had mentioned earlier. And there lo' and behold, the puppeteer, handling all the strings in both his hands , making him not able to attack. Inuyasha smiled .
"TETSUIAGA!"
Inuyasha sliced the 'thing' in half. The body of the puppeteer, along with the threads disolved into a fine dust, and got carried off by the wind. Inuyasha jumped out of the tree, when he landed the first thing his eyes met, were Kikyo's.
"K-Kikyo……Thank-you."
Kikyo looked at him as if he said something amazing. Well then again he did. How many thank-yous has anyone ever heard him say? Kikyo walked forward , towards Inuyasha.
"Inuyasha…I-"
--
Sango looked around with Kagome sitting behind her. Miroku had suddenly gone missing! Right after Kagome got on the demon-cat it seemed as if he disapeared. But no. he has to be out there…
"Where's that stupid monk? I..I hope he's ok."
As the two girls –and the cat- flew over a field, Kilala growled.
"What's wrong? Is something there? Kilala, Take us down."
There was no need for that request, seeing that the cat was already desecending from the sky. There in the middle of all the wheat, and oats there was a person. He was lying face-down, wearing blue and purple robes…a monk's staff beside him…snapped in two…
"Miroku!" Sango jumped off Kilala and ran directly to Miroku. He looked fine, no scatches, cuts,brusies… "Miroku…? Please be ok.."
As if it was an answer to her question, Sango suddenly felt a hand on her backside.
"HENTAI!"
SLAM"Oh yeah…forgot about that." Sango smiled evilly as her and kagome started walking away. Leaving the monk in the crater he made.
"Uuggghhhhh"
"Are you coming or not!"
"C-C—Coming…" Miroku ground out painfully as he lifted himself off the floor. Miroku limped his way to his ride, seeing as Kilala probably woulndn't come to him without Sango's orders. After he painfully dragged himself onto Kilala's back, they all took off. Despite the extra weight, the demon still managed to get into the air.
--
"Inuyasha? Where are- oh.." Kagome watched from her hiding spot. She was watching them talking. He was spilling his heart out to her, telling her everything he felt, everything he hopes for. Everything that he wouldn't tell Kagome. But it didn't matter, 'cause she was listening from the bushes…
"Inuyasha, I must be leaving now. Leaving…to the next world. I have been a wandering soul for way too long. I'm afraid even I cannot stay around as long as I had originally wished for. And so, this will be our last meeting."
"Kikyo…why? Don't…go…"
"I'm sure you are going to be fine here with my reincarnation." She said rather coldly. "Inuyasha, since this is my last goodbye to you, you must know that I died hating you. But I have been here in this world long enough to know that…I can never hate you anymore." Kikyo smiled, an actual smile!
"Kikyo…" Inuyasha was speechless, a world without Kikyo? That was way too much…
"Inuyasha…before I leave.." Around her anyone could visibly see the soul stealers skimming through the air. Ready to pick her up one last time…
"Kikyo…don't go."
"Inuyasha… you don't know what it's like to be a wanderer. No purpose in life.."
"No..Kikyo…"
"Inuyasha…I love you. Always remember that."
"Kikyo..I ..-"
"It's ok Inuyasha, your heart now belongs to my reincarnation, Kagome… But, just promise me one thing?"
"Anything"
"Never forget me Inuyasha."
"I don't think I could."
The silver coloured snake-like creatures slowly tangled themselves around her body lifting her ever so slightly off the ground. The unused souls of the dead women were escaping from her body.
"I love you Inuyasha!"
Inuyasha couldn't say the words back to her. He felt guilty and pain, but he couldn't. Because he doesn't mean it. Kikyo was right. He loved Kagome now. No matter how hard he tried to deny it, it's… just not possible. He established that way back too.
--
Miroku was laying down on a straw mat inside kaede's hut. The slap, brusies…well at least no poison!
"Houshi-sama? You ok?"
Now there was a change in attitude. No longer than 3 hours ago she was still ranting and raving about what a pervert he was… and now she was tending his wounds…
"Sango…We need to talk."
"A-Again..?"