A girl from Miroku's child hood appears, forcing Miroku to admit his love for Sango.
Chapter 1: Chapter 1 A Girl In The Snow
Kagome walked alongside Sango as the group moved through the snowy mountain pass. She hugged her arms tightly as she shivered. "It's so cold.. Guess I should've packed a jacket". She muttered as Sango nodded.
"Here". Inuyasha said from up ahead as he tossed his haori over his shoulder to her.
"Thanks". Kagome said as she pulled the robe over her arms, basking in the warmth of the robe and the musky scent left back from Inuyasha.
"I wonder if we're getting any closer.." Sango said staring up at the summit of the mountain.
"I hope so.. Inuyasha said there's supposed to be a village on the opposite side of the mountain." Kagome said as the wind blew a torrent of snow in their face.
Inuyasha turned staring around as his ears twitched.
"What's the matter Inuyasha"? Kagome said taking a step towards the half demon as his ears folded back on his head.
He stared around for a long while remaining silent. "Nothing". He muttered as he glanced back to the path ahead. "We've got to make camp soon.. It's getting late".
"I agree." Miroku said massaging his knee with his right hand.
Inuyasha turned away walking quickly down the path to a large ledge over looking the mountains around them. He dropped down into a sitting position as Kagome knelt beside him to set up a fire with her little electric grill.
"This stinks.. it's so cold"! Shippo complained as he squatted by the tiny blue flame.
Everyone let out a collective sigh as it began snowing on them.
Sango sat down beside Kagome's back pack scratching Kirara's neck. "Well it's only until morning.. And then we can go stay in that village."
Miroku smirked as he scooted over to her, his eyes twinkling. "You know Sango.. If you get cold I can always help you out". He said with a wink as she rolled her eyes. He let out a sigh as he stared up at the darkening sky. There was no point in pressing the issue. She wasn't gonna bite..
Kouga sprinted along the rim of the mountain top with his wolfs following close behind. "Kouga look"! Ginta yelled as he stopped pointing down the jagged edge of the cliff.
"What is it"? Kouga said irritably as he looked over the edge. "A woman"? He muttered staring down at the woman lying face down on the ground clenching a bow in her hand. "Leave her!" He said as he continued running.
"But Koga she's injured". Hakkaku said as he scaled down the side of the mountain to her.
"Who cares! We're looking for Kagome remember"?! Kouga said as he walked over to the girl. His temper was flaring, he needed to speak with Kagome and tending to this girl was only going to delay that.
"Shouldn't we at least check to see if she's alive"? Ginta said pressing his fingers to the girl's neck.
"She is really pretty actually". Hakkaku said as he turned her over staring at her face.
Kouga frowned as he stared down at her. "She's a half demon." He muttered seeing her pointed ears hidden barely by her hair.
"How can you tell"? Ginta said as Kouga glared at him.
"Because she looks human but she has a demon aura." He growled as he knelt down beside the woman. He silently pressed his hand against her cheek as her eye lids flickered open.
"What's your name"? He said coldly as she stirred.
She heaved herself onto her elbows staring up at him through one eye.
"I asked you a question"! Kouga said loudly as she closed her eyes.
"Akina.." She whispered opening her eyes slowly. "I am the earth goddess Akina".
She breathed heavily as Ginta and Hakkaku moved around Kougato look at her. "Lord.. Lord Miro..ku". She muttered as she fell back heavily onto the ground.
"Miroku?" Ginta said glancing at Kouga.
"Could she be talking about the monk that travels with Kagome"?
"Well obviously". Kouga muttered as he grabbed her beneath the arms lifting her onto his shoulder.
"Lets go"! He yelled over his shoulder as he sprinted away disappearing in a tornado of dirt and snow.
Inuyasha opened his eyes slowly staring around at the group, his ears twitched a few times as he glanced over his shoulder, staring up at the moon.
Kagome stirred beside him, her skirt ruffling as she sat up.
"Why aren't you asleep"? He muttered as she rubbed her eyes.
"I couldn't sleep.. I sensed a jewel shard." She whispered as Inuyasha's ears twitched.
"Where is it"?
"It's still pretty far off.. I don't think it's anything to be concerned about". She said watching as Inuyasha stood up.
"Get up." He said roughly kicking Miroku in the side.
"What the hell"? The monk said rising up, staring at the half demon.
"There's a shard nearby.. Wake up Sango". He said crossing his arms as he walked away.
Miroku sent the half demon a cold glare as he rose up, crawling over to the sleeping demon exterminator.
Inuyasha stared into the distance seeing a familiar dust tornado approaching.
"Oi!! Kagome"! Kouga said as he jumped up knocking Inuyasha onto the ground.
"You fricken wolf"!! Inuyasha barked as he punched Koga in the back of the head.
"Kouga.." Kagome said quietly as she rose to her feet, stepping in between Inuyasha and the wolf leader. "What're you doing here"?
"I just came to see the woman I love", He said happily as he clenched Kagome's hand.
"Well you've seen her, now beat it"! Inuyasha growled as Kouga looked casually over at him.
"Shut it mutt!! She's my woman and I can see her whenever I damn well please"! Kouga snapped as Inuyasha glared at him.
"Kagome"! Ginta yelled waving to her as he and Hakkaku jogged up to the group.
"Who's that Kouga"? Sango asked seeing the woman lying on Kouga's back.
He turned his head, staring over his shoulder for a moment before turning to Miroku. "Just a chick we found on the side of the road.. She says she knows you". He muttered motioning Miroku.
"She knows Miroku"? Kagome said watching as Kouga lowered her onto the ground.
Miroku froze as he stared at the girl's face.
"Do you know her Miroku"? Sango asked as he stepped forward kneeling beside her.
"A-Akina".. He stammered as everyone looked at the girl on the ground before them.
Chapter 2: Chapter 2 From The Past
"She was a child hood friend.." He whispered running his hand across her forehead.
"He seems to have alot of female friends". Inuyasha commented as Kagome turned to glare at him.
"She was from your childhood"? Sango said kneeling beside Miroku as he looked over Akina.
"She looks to be a half demon". Kagome said sitting beside Sango as her eyes moved over Akina's ears.
"She's really not a demon at all". Miroku muttered, looking up at the two girls.
"What do you mean"? Shippo said climbing onto Kagome's shoulder.
"Her mother was an earth goddess, she controlled the forests". Miroku said softly.
"How is it you knew her Miroku"? Sango said, her eyes flashing from Akina to Miroku.
"Mushin brought her to the temple when I was a boy. She was badly wounded by a tiger demon".
"That's horrible," Kagome said shielding her mouth with her hand.
"She lived with us for a few years until she regained her mobility". Miroku said, running his hand unconsciously down Akina's arm. "She was paralyzed and could barely walk, Mushin and I nursed her back to health." He whispered, eyes narrowing as he stared at her clenched hand.
"There's a shard". Kagome said, her eyes widening, as she unfurled Akina's fingers, revealing a gleaming shard on her palm.
"She must have been attacked for it". Kouga said folding his arms as Inuyasha glared at him.
"Shouldn't you be leaving now?" The half demon snapped as Kouga flexed his fists angrily.
"Inuyasha stop that"! Kagome scolded as she watched Miroku stare softly at Akina.
"How could this have happened to her"? He muttered as Sango placed her hand on his. Kagome glided to her feet, moving to her backpack as Sango turned to Miroku.
"She's awfully pretty".
"She was one of the few friends I had as a child". Miroku said as Kagome returned with her first aid kit, untying Akina's shirt.
"She's so beaten up". She noted as she stared down at the large gashes on her abdomen and chest. "So why are you here Kouga"? She said as she uncapped the bottle of peroxide, dabbing the edges of Akina's wounds with the moist cottonball.
"Theres been alot of demons runnning rampant in our territory. It's suspected they have shards, but I don't have anyway of being sure, I need your help". The wolf said as Inuyasha glared at him.
"Why don't you chop them to bits and find it in the decaying flesh"? Inuyasha hissed as Kouga glared back at him.
Kouga ignored Inuyasha, speaking kindly to Kagome. "Can you return with me to my lands?"
"Yeah right wolf"! Inuyasha snapped, jabbing Kouga in the chest. "You just want her for your own personal uses"!
"I ain't like you dog breath! I dont just drag her around because I feel like it! I have a real reason"!
"Will you two knock it off"?! Kagome said, her head whipping around as she glared at the pair of them. "I'll go back with you but we need to get something from this next village".
"You're agreeing with him"?! Inuyasha snapped at her, his eyes half burning with fury and hurt.
"He needs help, I figure we can at least go check it out". Kagome said softly as Inuyasha grunted, storming off in the opposite direction.
"I don't know about everyone else, but I'm going back to bed." Sango said, after being relatively quite throughout the entire incident.
"Me too". Kagome said as she pulled a blanket from her backpack, draping it over Akina before walking back to her sleeping bag. "Night". Kagome said as Inuyasha scoffed from the edge of the campsite. "Sit"! Kagome screamed, listening as Inuyasha crashed into the ground before rolling up in her sleeping bag.
"You two go home, alert the others". Kouga said over his shoulder to Hakkaku and Ginta as he sat down on a rock.
Miroku sat in silence staring down at Akina as all else noise disappeared around him.
Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Childhood Memories
I sat beside Akina as the others slept. I blinked looking over the cuts and bruises on her neck and face. It had been so long since I'd seen her last.. I almost didn't recognize her. She sure grew up a whole lot. I remember when we were little when I thought of her as just a little pipsqueak, following me around all the time..
It seemed so long ago.. And life was so much more innocent compared to how it was now.. My wind tunnel was not an issue and I did not fear my impending death each day when I awoke. My only duty in life was to just get up and do some chores.. That was it.. I didn't have to worry about avenging my family or finding an heir or anything like that. I was free to just be a kid. And Akina was my only friend. Though she took a while to learn how to walk again, we still played together everyday and spent every night talking about our plans for the future..
I stared down at her for a long while.. She did become quite a beautiful woman..
Though I'd seen this long before… when I was just twelve years old I began to notice how fast she developed and how beautiful she became every day.. I guess Kagome would call it a crush.. I had a "crush" on her until the day she left our temple.. Sometimes I wondered if she ever felt the same as I..
I turned staring at Sango who slept curled up in her sleeping bag beside Kagome.
Though I still cared for Akina, I loved Sango.. It was difficult to see both of them in the same place.. Akina's appearance back into my life was so sudden.. I hadn't even thought about her since we parted last.. And seeing her now brought back many memories.. Some better than others.
I closed my eyes remembering a time when her and I sat beside the river.. And we talked at lengths about our hope and dreams and our futures. I remember how she told me about her family and her struggles of being a half demon in a world of humans. She was on the edge of tears.. Yet she did not cry.. She told me the hardest thing you can do is to live.. To love.. I believed her words.. And they've stayed with me as I grew.
I blinked wearily as she stirred. My heart jumped as her eyes flickered open turning to face me.
"Hey you". She whispered with a weak smile..
"Hey". I muttered as she raised her head up. "How've you been"?
"Fine.. And you??" she said casually shrugging.
"Been keeping myself out of trouble.." I said with a smirk.
"I figured you'd be in all sorts of trouble.. I guess that's more me than you eh"?
"Apparently." I said watching as she sat up on her elbows. "So what happened"?
She shook her head as she turned staring out into the distance.. "The usual.." She muttered darkly as I nodded.
"Still got the hole"? She whispered as I nodded.
"Still got the attitude"? I said sarcastically as she laughed.
I glanced out of the corner of my eye seeing Sango stir. No doubt she was probably listening to our conversation..
"You should rest". I muttered as she turned to face me.
"Don't baby me.." She said shaking her head.. "I am a big girl you know.. I can tie my own sandals and everything".
"It's not babying.. It's concern.. From one friend to another."
"Thank you.." She whispered swaying slightly.
I reached out placing my hand firmly on her back forcing her to lay back down.
"Night.. Roku." she muttered as I smiled.
"Good Night Aki". I whispered as she closed her eyes falling back into sleep.
I let out a sigh as I rose up moving over to Sango. I laid down on the ground beside her watching as she tensed. So she had been listening.. I smirked knowingly as she pulled her blanket up to her chin and turned over so her back was to me. I took a long breath as I closed my eyes finally allowing myself to fall asleep.
The group awoke the next morning to Kouga and Inuyasha's bickering.. Kagome let out a loud sigh of frustration as she rose from her sleeping bag and walked over to the arguing demons. "Inuyasha sit". She muttered as the half demon slammed into the dirt. She turned slowly to Kouga promptly slapping him across the face. The wolf demon gaped at her as she turned walking back to her things and sitting down.
Miroku rose up looking around as the group fell into getting ready.
He blinked wearily seeing Akina rising slightly from the ground.
"She's awake," Kagome muttered as she walked over kneeling beside the girl.
"W-who are you"? Akina said as Miroku knelt down on her other side.
"That is Kagome.. She's the one whom bandaged your wounds." He muttered as Kagome waved. "That's Inuyasha, Shippo, Kirara, Kouga and this is Sango". He said motioned the demon slayer beside him.
"Are you feeling better"? Kagome said as Akina nodded.
"Yes.. Thank you". She whispered glancing around.
"How'd you get so hurt"? Sango said as Akina turned to look at her.
"I was attacked.. Defending the shrine."
"Are the others ok"? Miroku said softly as everyone turned to look at him.
"Yes.. They're fine. I lured the demons from our forest".
"What do you mean others"? Kagome said as Miroku and Akina turned to look at her.
"Akina lives with several hanyou children.. Whom lost their families in battle."
"Oh". Kagome muttered falling silent.
Akina rose up onto her knees shakily.
"So Kouga.." Kagome said jumping to her feet. "You're gonna come with us to the village?" She said as the wolf nodded.
Inuyasha scoffed loudly as he walked away. Kagome let out a long sigh as she walked forward placing her hand on his shoulder. "This ought to be interesting." Sango muttered as she hurried forward following after Kagome and Inuyasha.
"Miroku! Let Akina ride Kirara! So she doesn't hurt herself". She said over her shoulder as Miroku nodded.
The turned staring down at Akina as she smiled. "That girl is awfully nice."
"Yes she is.. Kirara usually doesn't allow people to ride her unless she trusts them.. Sango must believe that Kirara trusts you". He said placing a hand under Akina's arm and helping her to stand.
Kirara tilted her head to the side as Akira clenched her mane. She heaved herself onto the cat's back cringing slightly. Miroku watched her patiently as she steadied herself on the demon cat's back. "So this is the group you're traveling with"? Akina said as he blinked.
"Yes.. This is the group. How did you-"
"Mushin told me".
"When did you see Mushin"? Miroku said as they started walking following the others.
"I went there about two weeks back.. I was looking for you."
Miroku fell silent as his brows furrowed together.
"I wanted to give you this". She muttered as she reached into her robe pulling out a pendant.
"Is that"?
"Yup… it's your mother's pendant", she said as she dropped the necklace into his open palm. "A demon I killed had it.. Apparently it defiled her grave.. I figured you should have it".
Miroku rolled the pendant between his fingers as he let out a sigh.. "I hadn't seen this since she died".
"I am sorry". Akina whispered as he shook his head.
"Thank you though". He said smiling weakly.
"So how have things been"? She said as Miroku shrugged putting the pendant into his robe.
"Good.."
"Do you like traveling with these people"? Akina said eyeing Inuyasha as he ran along the mountain side trying to compete with Kouga.
"Actually I do.. I like it a lot.."
She nodded. "Better than traveling alone eh"?
"I wouldn't have been alone if someone hadn't left me". He muttered sending her a hard look.
"You know very well that I couldn't travel with you.. It would've been much too dangerous." She said staring at the sky.
"It would've been nice if you actually said good bye". He muttered clenching his fists.
Akina fell silent staring at the sky. "I'm sorry Miroku.." She whispered as he nodded.
"So Sango". Kagome said walking alongside the demon slayer. '
"Yeah"?
"How you doing"?
"Good… why"? She said cocking one brow.
"I don't know.. Just thought I'd ask".. Kagome said walking with her arms behind her back.
"I'm not jealous if that's what you were going to ask". Sango said coldly as Kagome turned to her. "I honestly don't care".
"Not even a little"? Kagome asked as Sango shook her head.
"Not in the least." Sango said matter-a-factly as Kagome shrugged.
"Miroku doesn't seem all that happy to see her". She said glancing over her shoulder.
"I wonder why". Sango muttered.
"Maybe something bad happened between them."
"Perhaps".
"Did he say anything to you"? Kagome said looking up at Sango.
"Why would he say anything to me"?? Sango said as her voice cracked slightly.
"Well I just thought.. He'd come to you to talk about it".. Kagome said dropping her voice.
"Why? I've got nothing to do with it". Sango said pulling at the strap of her hiraikutsu.
"But you must!! You're the woman he loves"! Kagome said loudly.
Sango shot her a angry look as she reached her hand over covering Kagome's mouth. She glanced back hesitantly as Miroku smirked perversely.
"You just had to say that out loud"! Sango said angrily as Kagome shrugged.
"Sorry", She said as Sango lowered her hand.
"I don't want Akina knowing anything.. So don't talk about it in front of her." Sango whispered as Kagome nodded.
"What you should do is try to make her jealous"! Kagome said as Sango shook her head.
"No.. we're just not gonna say anything more about it, right"? She said softly as Kagome nodded.
"Fine.." She frowned as she folded her arms.
"What are you planning"? Sango asked spotting the twinkle in Kagome's eye.
"Oh.. Nothing". She said with a smirk as Sango rolled her eyes.
Kagome turned looking up as Inuyasha leapt down landing in front of her.
"We're close to the village." He muttered as the girls nodded.
He turned looking over his shoulder at Akina and Miroku. "You'd think that Miroku would be all over that girl.. Considering he's always all over every other girl he sees."
Kagome looked up at him as Sango shook her head.
"What ever.. He's probably just waiting for the right moment."
Inuyasha turned staring at Sango with eye brows raised. "Jealous"? He said as she turned glaring at him.
"No I am not jealous.. I already told Kagome.. I don't care."
"Sure you don't". He muttered as Sango's eyes narrowed viciously.
"Inuyasha stop". Kagome said giving him a stern look.
They walked into the village just as the sun began to set. Inuyasha growled deeply as they walked through the town followed by the villager's leering eyes.
"They're all staring cause of you wolf boy". He hissed as Kouga clenched his fists.
"No.. they're staring at your ugly mug." He snapped back as Kagome stood in between them.
Sango let out a sigh as she walked on the opposite side of Inuyasha. She turned glancing back over her shoulder at Miroku who looked up slowly meeting her gaze. She turned her head back quickly as they neared the hut on the farthest outskirts of the village. Kouga leapt up onto the roof with a grunt as the rest of the group entered the shabby looking hut.
Kagome began to set up the fire as the others sat down.
Akina looked around feeling slightly out of place. She rose slowly to her feet moving out the door onto the porch. She heaved a long sigh as she sat down staring at the village lights.
Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Betrayed
Akina's POV:
I opened my eyes slowly as a firefly danced around in front of me.. It felt very lonely sitting out here, while all the others were in the hut.. I've felt out of place before, but never like this.. It felt even worse because I had at least one friend in the group yet we were on such awkward terms. It was difficult to talk to him because it'd been so long.. And so much had happened since our last meeting.
I guess it was partially my fault.. I did betray him.. I thought I'd been doing the right thing but I guess I was wrong..
I closed my eyes tightly as the wind blew my bangs back.
I jumped slightly feeling someone appear behind me. I turned staring up into a pair of dark eyes.
Sighing I turned away as he sat down beside me..
"You don't have to stay out here.. You're not an outcast". He said softly as I shrugged.
"I know.. It's just I feel out of place."
"Well you shouldn't.. they're my friends, and they're willing to be you friends if you let them".
He muttered as I turned slowly to face him.
"I'm sorry for abandoning you Miroku.. I thought I was doing the right thing". I said as tears burned in my eyes. "I didn't know I would lose a friendship out of it.. I'm so, so sorry". I said as he placed a firm hand on mine.
"It's not that.. It's just.." He paused staring at the grass. "You've never lost my friendship".
"I didn't want to abandon you.. I just couldn't stay with you.. You would've gotten killed."
Miroku stared out intently as a firefly landed on the ground in front of us..
"I just thought.. I thought that you would've at least said goodbye". He whispered closing his eyes.
"I'm sorry". I whispered laying my head against his shoulder. "You're right.. As always". I whispered a he laughed.
"You're right". He said as I giggled.
"Do you remember Miroku, when we were kids"? I said turning to look up at him.
"Of course".
"Do you remember when we would sit in your room at night and talk about what we'd do when we got older"?
Miroku nodded as he placed his hand on his chin.
"I do remember you said that you would marry a handsome young lord and become fully human". He said as I smirked.
"I remember you said you'd be dead before you were twenty.. And if not you were going to be in love with a beautiful young lass who had no particular interest in you, though you could not keep yourself from thinking of her."
Miroku laughed as he draped his arm over my shoulder.
"Is that true"? I asked cocking a brow.
"Partially", He muttered looking down at me. "I am not dead.. And there is a lass that can't stop thinking about".
"Who might that be"? I asked straightening up slightly.
"I'm not telling". He muttered as I frowned.
"Do I know her"?
Miroku paused smirking. "You may."
"Oh.. Really?" I said staring up intently into his eyes. "Tell me about her".
"Why do you care"? He teased as I frowned again.
"Well I gotta make sure she's good for you first.. Since Mushin isn't here to do it".
Miroku laughed heartily. "Oh really?? You're not going to kill her if she isn't are you"?
"I may." I said clenching my fists. "After all.. You're still my little Roku". I said as Miroku chuckled.
"I miss this." I whispered wrapping my arms around his waist laying my head on his chest.
"And what is that"? He said resting his head on top of mine.
"I miss just sitting here.. Like this.. I miss us just talking and laughing."
Miroku nodded as he stared out into the distance.
"If you hadn't left we could've". He muttered as I closed my eyes.
"I know.. I was foolish.." I whispered as Miroku clenched my shoulder. "Can things ever go back to the way they were"? I asked tilting my head up.
Miroku paused as he continued to stare out into the darkness. "I'm not sure.."
I sighed as I clenched his waist. "I'm sorry Miroku.. I'm sorry I hurt you.."
He nodded as I sighed again.
"I wish I could take it back". I whispered.
"Me too." Miroku mumbled as he lowered his hand from my shoulder. "Now come inside.. And join us". He said quietly as he rose to his feet holding out his hand.
I nodded slowly as I stood up taking his hand as I lifted myself up.
Miroku turned walking back into the room as I followed behind. Kagome and Inuyasha turned staring up at him as we entered the room.
"Where'd Sango go"? He asked glancing around the room.
"She went for a walk". Kagome whispered looking up from her book. "She didn't want to bother you two so she went out the back." She said motioning the door opposite of them.
Miroku sighed as he turned staring over my head. Now I understand.. I thought as I moved past him sitting down against the wall.. So she was the one he loved.. I can see it in his eyes..
He loved this girl.. I sighed heavily as I turned away staring at the floor.
Sango's POV:
"Thank you very much". I said to the old woman as I left the shop.. "Come on Kirara". I said looking over my shoulder. I walked down the path at the lanterns shined down on me. I walked quickly past the tea house feeling the eyes of many drunken men on my back.
I sighed as I looked up seeing the hut in the distance. Were Miroku and Akina done talking? They're not outside anymore.. I wonder what had they been talking about earlier... I shook my head furiously trying to drive the thought from my mind. Who cares what they were talking about! Its none of my concern.. I thought as I passed a couple of houses. But still… She's still an old friend of his.. And he never said much about their history.. had they been together? Were they in love??
I blinked as Kirara meowed hopping onto my shoulder. "You're right.. I'm just over thinking things." I whispered massaging her neck. But still.. I couldn't shake the feeling of uneasiness I got when I was around Akina.. She obviously had some influence over Miroku.. And if they were as close as I think they were…I shook my head again. What's wrong with me tonight?? Why do I care so much about this stupid girl! Who cares if her and Miroku had history together.. That was long ago right??
I sighed wearily rubbing my eyes as I walked up the steps of the hut. I looked up slowly seeing as Kagome met my gaze. She jumped up to her feet and walked over to me. "Did you get the things you need"? She asked brightly as I nodded.
"Yup.. And I got the things you wanted also". I said handing her the bags.
"Cool". She muttered as she walked back over to her backpack and sat down.
I looked up slowly meeting Miroku's gaze. He smiled softly at me as he rose to his feet moving to stand in front of me.
"Sango.. Can you come with me"? He whispered leaning into my ear.
"Huh?" I said turning to him.
"There is something I need to say.. It's very important". He whispered clenching my hand suddenly.
I blinked blushing slightly as he led me by the hand from the hut.
"Where are we going"? I asked as we walked down the steps.
"Somewhere.. I want to be alone with you". He muttered as I blushed once more.
"What is this all about"? I asked looking up at him.
He shook his head as he turned walking down the dirt path behind the hut. I stared up at him feeling slightly uneasy. What was he planning? Why did he want to be alone? What could he have to say to me that couldn't be said in front of the others? I thought as my stomach twisted in to knots. I waited for a moment before speaking up.
"Miroku", I whispered as he turned staring down at me. "Is this bad"?
He chuckled lightly as I stared up at him. "Of course not.. I just wanted to spend some time with you". He muttered as we walked down a hill facing the rice fields.
He released my hand as he sat down motioning me to do the same.
Hesitantly, I sat down next to him staring out into the fields. It was very quiet and neither of us spoke for a long while. I glanced up at him for a moment quickly looking away as his eyes turned to me. I took a long deep breath as I spoke again.
"What is this about Miroku"?
He paused for a moment as he stared from me to the moon.
"There's been something on my mind for quite some time now." He muttered as I shifted anxiously. "Its hard to actually say what it is I'm feeling." He said softly. "Though I feel it needs to be said."
I turned staring at the grass as he spoke.
"How do you feel about Akina"? He said suddenly.
I froze for a moment as my heart sunk into my stomach. "I- I don't know.. She seems nice and would probably be a good addition to the team." I stuttered as Miroku stared at me intently. His eyes bore into my face as I shifted nervously.
"Is that really how you feel"? He said softly.
"Yes.. If you want her to join us then I'll just have to get used to her being around".
Miroku remained silent still staring at me. "I never said I wanted her to join". He whispered as I blinked.
"But- isn't she a close friend of yours"?
"Well yes she is.. Though I do not think her traveling with us would be the best thing".
I frowned slightly not sure what to think.. Why did he not want her to join? What happened? I took a deep breath. I know I'm going to regret asking this.. Though I really do want to know the answer.. I paused for a moment collecting my thoughts.
"Miroku", I began as he stared down into my eyes. "D-Do you.. Do you L-love Akina"? I stammered clumsily. That didn't quite come out the way I thought it would.. I stared at him expecting the worse as he fell silent.. So he does!! He does love her.. I thought as I turned away.. I was right.. I sniffed loudly as I raised my hand to rub my eye. I could feel Miroku's eyes on my back as I tried hard not to cry. He does love her..
"Sango". He whispered as I turned staring at him weakly.
I jumped slightly as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder pulling me to his chest. I blinked as he placed his hand on my head.
"Love is complicated.." He whispered as I frowned not really understanding what he meant. "Some times.. You feel like you know someone and you feel as if they understand you in the same way.. You think that the words your heart is telling you are true and real… And yet.." He paused running his fingers through my hair. "It becomes imminent that you were wrong." He muttered as I straightened up.
"What are you saying Miroku"? I said staring up into his eyes. "Do you love Akina"?
He shook his head. "At one point in my life I did.. And I thought she felt the same as I.. but.." He paused and I saw a tear rim his eye lash. "It could never be.." He muttered as I laid my head back onto his chest.
She must of broke his heart.. He did love her yet she must not have felt the same.. what was it that happened between the two? I thought as I glanced up at him. "Would you still give your life to be with her"? I asked soon regretting the fact that those words left my lips. I waited for a moment as Miroku closed his eyes gathering his thoughts.
"I cannot.. Between her and I.. there is just too much pain". He whispered as I saw a tear move down his cheek.
I closed my eyes tightly as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I felt him tense up as I hugged him to me. "I'm so sorry Miroku… I didn't mean to bring up such a painful memory.." I whispered as he placed his hand on my back.
"It's not you Sango.. It's just me.. Dwelling in a sea of old memories and what ifs.." He muttered.
"What had happened"? I asked glancing up into his eyes. "What did she do"?
I took a long deep breath as he opened his eyes slowly.
"We had parted long before it happened.. Our second meeting was when I was working on an exorcism in a small town." He said softly as he stared out at the moon. "She had become a member of a demon lord's council.. And they attacked the village that I was in.." He whispered as his brows furrowed together. "When I saw her.. She was no longer the sweet little girl I remembered.. Instead she was a hardened thirteen year old assassin. She attacked me and gave me this scar".
He whispered as he pulled down his robe revealing a large scar across his stomach. "She cared not that I was her old companion and she had every intention of killing me.. Though she didn't.." He muttered darkly as he closed his eyes. "She left me for dead in the center of the destroyed village. And disappeared into the night".
"Miroku". I whispered as he smiled weakly down at me..
"It is not your place to apologize for the past.. Akina knows what she did and its fine now.. Though she will always have a place in my heart, you Sango are the one who has it all". He whispered as I began to tear up.
"Miroku"! I cried out as I clenched his waist. "I know it's not my place its just.. Just.." I stammered as tears began pouring down my cheeks. "I never want to see you hurt! And just know I would never do anything to cause you pain"!! I cried out as he smiled down at me. He placed his hands firmly on my shoulders as he held me to his chest.
"Thank you Sango".. He whispered as he leaned his head against mine. "I know you will never cause me pain".
"Miroku.." I whispered as I closed my eyes. My body began to feel weak all of a sudden and my eyes felt dry with fatigue. I breathed deeply as I relaxed in his arms allowing myself to drift as sleep.
Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Outcast
The group left the hut early the next morning, taking to the path from the village just as the sun was rising. Kagome, Inuyasha, and Kouga led the way, arguing back and forth over petty issues. Miroku and Sango followed, Akina took up the rear alone.
Her eyes moved over the group slowly, her heart sinking lower and lower in her chest. She was truly an outcast, even if the others were so kind to her. No one really made an effort to speak to her or go out of their way to include her. It was just as her life had always been. She was on the outside, looking in. Her gaze traveled to Sango as she walked silently beside Miroku.
Why did this girl seem so familiar to her? It was as if she had seen her face before yet couldn't think of where.
Akina slowed her steps as her vision began to blur. The sounds of the world around her melded together as she squeezed her eyes shut. She closed her hands over her ears as a loud scream tore through her mind.
In her gaze, she saw a small hut, a girl laying in the center on a mat. An old woman rubbed a wet cloth over the girl's forehead as she continued to scream, her body twisting and contorting under the thick blanket over her. Her hands clenched to the bed around her as her screams pierced the air. The people in the room tried to comfort her, but it was of no use, she continued to cry out. A mumbled name echoed from the girl's lips that pierced Akina's heart.
She squeezed her hands tighter over her ears as the vision continued. A last, prolonged scream echoed as the mattress around the girl became stained with blood. Shrieks erupted from the other humans in the room as they rushed to seal the hemmorrage. The girl's head tilted back as her eyes rolled beneath her lids, her jaw hung slack.
The girl collapsed on the bed as her attendants screamed loudly.
Akina's eyes snapped open as the vision faded, the dirt path appeared before her eyes. Miroku was at her side, his eyes filled with concern as his hand clenched to her wrist. Sango was on her other side, her brown eyes wide with fear. Akina jerked her head away from Sango, her lips quivering.
"What is it Akina"? Sango said as the hanyou girl shook her head.
Miroku examined her silently as Akina regained her composure.
"It was nothing". She stammered, throwing her shoulders back as she looked between the two humans.
Akina looked up as Inuyasha, Kagome and Kouga stopped. "We are close, we better hurry along". She said, wiping the sweat from the back of her neck as she broke away from Miroku and Sango.