Miroku and Sango walked along the path, sticking to the shadowy side of the trail as much as possible. It was growing warmer as the sun rose.
At first Miroku thought he would go slow, for Sango. But the woman's health had apparently returned full force, and she was back to fighting strength. Her Hiraikotsu was strapped to her back, and she carried it easily as they moved.
"Did the old woman tell you anything else about her, Miroku? How old she was, or anything?"
"No. Just that she, too, found her odd. The elder of the village has been around for quite a while, and I'm pretty sure she's seen a lot. For her to have singled out this woman...there is definately something strange."
"You're sure it's this way? I don't see any paths shooting off from this road at all."
"She said to follow this road until we pass a large boulder. Just past that there should be a path leading into the forest. That's the path this young woman is supposed to take."
"I feel sorry for her, if she's all alone way out here," Sango said softly, "Why wouldn't she ask if she could enter the village? It would be safer for her there. If she buys supplies, she knows the villagers aren't bad people."
"Perhaps she doesn't want to give up a family residence, or farm. There must be some reason she's out here. Look, there's the boulder."
They passed by, a huge dark blue rock that had obviously been there for a very long time. They started to scan the area for signs of a small path.
At first it seemed like nothing. They walked and walked until they decided they must have gone too far. Turning around, they made their way back again, and they were almost back to the boulder, when Sango paused, and pointed.
"You don't think that's it, do you?"
A very faint line in the grass angled off from the main road. It looked like nothing more than a rabbit trail, just a faint trace. There were no markers or anything else to signify it was used often.
"I suppose it's possible," Miroku said, studying the trail, "The elder said she only came here once a month, if that. Let's see how far we get."
They moved off the road, and started following the rabbit trail.

They walked for about an hour. The path tracked through the forest, sometimes barely passing through trees and shrubbery. Once Sango's Hiraikotsu got tangled in some branches, and it took both her and Miroku to yank it out. Miroku couldn't help but think that if he were still wearing the monk's robes, he probably wouldn't have gotten as far as he had without Sango's help. Sango was just about to tell Miroku she was sure they were just on some animal path afterall, when they managed to break out into a small clearing.
A small house sat, leaning back up against the forest as if it needed help to stand. And looking at it, it wasn't hard to believe it. It was badly in need of repair, holes in the side, and the wood looking rotten. Weeds filled the yard and garden. What could have once been a fence lay in disrepair, pieces falling over the place. It looked like it was abandoned.
Both Miroku and Sango opened their senses, trying to see if they could detect a demonic aura in the area. If there was, it was weak to be almost non-existant.
Sango's heart went out to the woman, "She lives here? The poor thing."
Miroku spoke softly, "Perhaps she only comes to the village once in a while to buy supplies because it's all she can afford."
They remained where they were, watching.
Miroku spoke again, "I'm sure I can talk InuYasha into coming out here with me and some men from the village...perhaps we can repair those holes..."
Sango smiled softly at him, and spoke, "That's very kind of you Miroku. But I think her house needs more than repairs. Perhaps we can convince her to move into the village."
"Her garden needs to be weeded, some seed..." Miroku seemed to be thinking, "And yes, you're right, I doubt repairs would help. But a smaller house could probably be built for her here if she refuses to leave. A smaller house would be easier to heat, if the snows ever come..."
Sango watched him, resisting an urge to reach out and touch him. Miroku's heart was good, whether he wore the robes of a monk or not.
"Come on, let's see if she's here," Sango said, and started down the path.
"I hope we don't frighten her away," Miroku said, "It would seem she's likely shy. But another woman approaching shouldn't frighten her too much."
They made their way towards the run-down house, and when they got close enough, Sango called out.
"Hello? Is anyone there?"
There was only silence from the house. A gust of wind came up, bending the weeds over as they seemed to shiver. A few dust clouds billowed, blowing away. No birds sang. Nothing moved.
She looked at Miroku, "Maybe she doesn't live here afterall."
Miroku opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by a distant voice, "Hello? Just a minute, I'll be right there."
They waited a few minutes, and a woman walked out of the dense brush.
It was the same woman Miroku had seen in the village. Sango understood now what Miroku meant when he said her clothing seemed old. Not only did it appear faded and worn, but it was an older style as well, the blues and greens faded until they were just memories of the original colors. She couldn't really tell much about it, however, as she was sure these small villages didn't concern themselves too much with latest fashion.
The woman walked rather slowly towards them, and Sango got a better look at her.
Unlike Miroku, Sango thought the young woman was rather pretty in a pale sort of way. Her hair was only shoulder length, a mix between dark brown and lighter black. It was a plain, simple style. She seemed thin, and the kind hearted demon slayer wondered if she was getting enough to eat.
"Hello," she said, almost shyly, "I hardly ever see people out here. What can I do for you?"
"Actually, we were wondering if there were anything we could do for you," Miroku said.
"I'm sorry?"
"Forgive us for seeming bold, but I saw you in the village today, and I heard that you visited there once in a while. That you were...maybe having some trouble," Miroku gently lied, "We came out to see if there was anything you needed help with."
"Oh. No, that's fine. I'm ok."
Sango looked at the run-down house, and tried to keep her voice neutral - she didn' want to embarass the other woman, "Do you live here alone?"
"Just me and my grandmother. We've been here a while now."
This is worse, Miroku thought, Alone with an old woman in that ramshackle house?
"I...uh...can't help but notice that your house is...in need of repairs," he said lamely. The three of them turned and regarded the ruin of a building in silence. The young woman spoke, "Yes, but there's no one around to do it. I'm afraid I don't know how, or have the materials."
"What will you do when it starts to snow?" Sango asked gently, "Or rains hard? Forgive me, but your house doesn't look like it could stand up to a storm."
The young woman spoke softly, "I don't mind. I hardly notice it now."
Miroku and Sango exchanged glances, and he spoke to the woman, "What's your name?"
The woman seemed startled at this, and turned, seeming to really see Miroku for the first time, "Oh. I'm Subai."
"Subai," Miroku said gently, "Perhaps you and your grandmother should leave this old house. I don't think it's a good idea for you stay here. It's not shelter, and it's probably not safe."
"No, this is my home. I can't leave."
Sango spoke, "Why don't you move into the village? I'm sure the others wouldn't mind at all. You'd have other people around you to help."
"I don't have a house there."
Miroku spoke, "I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to build one for you and your grandmother to live in. The villagers there are all very kind hearted, I'm positive the menfolk would all lend a hand. We could set you up with a small garden..."
Subai watched Miroku closely, "You would do that for me?"
"Well, forgive me for being blunt, but," - he motioned with his hand - "I don't think you can stay here anymore."
Sango watched as Subai studied Miroku's face. Her eyes, now that Sango could get a much better look at them, somehow seemed strange. It was difficult to put her finger on. They were clear and focused, if somewhat pale, but still...something seemed very strange.
Sango also didn't like the way the young woman seemed to be looking at Miroku so closely. Subai seemed to searching Miroku's face for something, something she was looking for intently. For his part, Miroku didn't really seem to mind.
"That's so very kind of you," Subai said softly, and she suddenly seemed so young and helpless that Sango actually felt ashamed for searching her for some demonic presence. This was just a young woman in desperate need of help.
"If you like," Miroku said, "I could head back now, and talk to the men of the village, get started on something. They probably have an abandoned hut or two you could spend the night in - it's what we're doing. You could come with Sango, or..." Miroku suddenly thought of the grandmother.
"Your grandmother...is she capable of making the journey?" he looked at Sango, "Perhaps we should return to the village, borrow a horse and cart?"
"Maybe I should go check on her," Sango offered, "Just to make sure she doesn't need any extra help."
"No, that's ok. Grandmother is shy. She..." Subai spoke softly, "She hasn't spoken in a very long time now. The cart will be fine, if you can get one."
"Do you need help packing anything?" Sango offered.
"I have very little," Subai said, "But I do have something out back that I would like to bring with me, if that is ok. Something personal to me."
"Of course," Miroku said, "Is there anything you would like us to do?"
"No, please, you have done enough," Subai said softly, "I can get what I need."
The young woman turned, and lightly ran back the way she came, disappearing into the badly overgrown backyard.
Sango rested her Hiraikotsu on the ground, "I'm so glad we came out here, Miroku. She has nothing."
"I know," he agreed, "I'm glad I saw her in the village today."
He looked at Sango, saw her smiling at him. Miroku blinked, then returned her smile.
"How are you feeling, Sango? Not tired from the walking or anything, are you?"
"Of course not, Miroku. A simple walk like that just strengthened my legs. It was good to get out of the hut and move around some."
"Yes, well...don't overdo it. Your wound..." Miroku faltered for a second, "Your wound was rather severe. You probably won't be up to your usual fighting form for a while."
Sango smiled, "Well, I'm sure I'll be ok."
Miroku walked towards her, "I'm serious, Sango, take it easy. You lost a great deal of blood."
"I'm fine, Miroku."
Miroku softly smiled, and reached out, touching Sango's cheek with his fingertips, "Perhaps. But I'd rather we didn't risk anything."
Sango blushed brightly, but forced herself to stay still, not back away from him. Miroku didn't say anything, just smiled at her softly, looking into her face.
"Excuse me?"
They turned to see the young woman peering out from the brush, "Sir, could I please have your help back here? I fear I can't lift this."
Miroku nodded, and looked back to Sango, "It's probably a part of a small family shrine. Shouldn't be a minute."
Sango nodded, and watched as Miroku turned, walking towards the young woman.
Her heart was still beating as she watched him push his way into the brush.
He's a good man. He was always concerned about other people. Anyone in need, he was there for them.
Miroku, if you truly want to give up the ways of the monk, I'll support you, but I think you will be unhappy. It was always such a part of you. You'll always feel like you failed at something so important.

She sighed.
Behind her, the sun slipped below the horizon.

InuYasha was on Kirara's back when the change took him. He grunted in disgust as he felt his sense fade, dissapearing, as if he were suddenly wrapped up in cotton. His hearing lessened, his vision was reduced to that of a normal human. His sense of smell completely vanished. He watched in a quiet sense of dismay as his good, strong claws vanished, shrinking back. His hands suddenly felt weak. Now he could feel the slight chill of the air around him as Kirara flew through the sky.
He sighed.
Kagome's voice suddenly came to him, from the other night, "Why are you always warm? Are hanyou naturally warmer than humans?"
InuYasha closed his eyes, remembering how it felt to hold Kagome again, her scent warm in his nose.
Kirara sensed InuYasha's change, and made a somewhat sympathetic groan. InuYasha half chuckled.
"At least it's only one night, Kirara!"
She roared in agreement.
A short while later, the giant feline angled down, coming to a landing in front of the hut they shared. He frowned as he dismounted, noticing right away there was no light inside. He wondered if Miroku and Sango had left to be alone together, and sighed again as he realized he'd probably face a night in the hut by himself.
Well, with the exception of Kirara.
He pushed back the door hanging, looking around. There was enough light from torches in the village to see there was a piece of paper sitting on his bedroll. Walking over, he picked it up, walking back outside to read it by torchlight.
"Huh. Gone to check out some strange woman, huh? Thanks for waiting, guys," he muttered.
"Hey Kirara! Looks like we've been abandoned. Want to chase them down and give them a piece of our minds?" he grinned at the cat demon.
Kirara made a mock growl, and he laughed, "You do the tracking, I can't smell a damn thing like this." InuYasha hopped back up onto her back, and she took to the air.

Miroku followed the woman as she walked an even fainter trail, "This is very kind of you sir. Most people wouldn't go out of their way to help a woman in need."
The sky was a brilliant crimson, the sun below the horizon now. It had the strange appearance of the sky being full of blood. Birds sang in the distance.
Miroku smiled, "Well, we're all put here to help each other, after all."
She looked over her shoulder at him, her expression very serious, "You sound very kind. And wise. Are you a sage?"
"No, no sage, I'm - " Miroku tripped over his words, verbally stumbling for a second. The words "I'm a monk" came to him so easily, "I'm just a man." he finished.
I never deserved that title, he thought, a little angry with himself, The sooner I stop shaming it, the better.
Subai paused, and pointed towards a rather overgrown area of the yard, "It's in there, if you could go get it, please."
Miroku walked on ahead, "What is it exactly I'm looking for?"
He pushed back some of the weeds, pushing his way in.
"You'll know it when you see it."
Miroku frowned. That was an odd thing to say. He stopped, looking back at her, "I'm sorry?"
She said nothing, just stood there, looking at him.
Miroku suddenly realized, in the low light of the setting sun, she seemed to be glowing somewhat.
What? Why didn't I sense a demon?
Miroku turned, getting ready to move quickly should she rush at him, his hands in fists. He suddenly realized he hadn't even brought his walking staff with him, and was unarmed.
But the woman didn't move, she just stood there, watching him quietly. There was a strange look on her face, almost of sadness. But there was also an intense one as well, that made him uneasy.
Seeing she wasn't moving, Miroku started to move back towards her slightly, wanting to get where he was unlikely to trip on weeds.
He only managed to take two steps before he felt the ground give way beneath him, and with a startled shout, he vanished from sight.