Chapter Three

Edited 03/15/2019

AN: I'm excited to see so many views so far! Thanks to everyone for reading. In this chapter we'll be looking into the others and what is happening within the first week of Kagome's absence.

….

Near Inuyasha Forest

Enjoying the free time Sango finally had since leaving Inuyasha and Kikyo to their own devices, the young woman sank into the warm water the hot springs had to offer. Taking a deep, soothing breath, Sango let her worries wash away as her tense muscles slowly started to relax. Having her best friend/heart sister leave, while the cause of Kagome's pain was flaunting his happiness around was horrible.

Leaving the new couple left her alone with Miroku. It was a difficult situation to be in. He was such a flirt, with everyone, that she had a hard time deciphering what was going on. While she loved the perverted monk, she wasn't sure he could love her back. At least not the way she needed.

The beautiful demon slayer could feel eyes on her from the bushes. "Miroku, I will kill you."

The bushes rattled, signaling the monk's departure. Sango enjoyed the water for a couple more minutes before getting out. As she was drying off, Kirara looked up from her napping spot on a bolder nearby to keep watch.

"You ready to head back tomorrow?"

"Meow."

"Me neither, Kirara. Me neither."

While Sango didn't hate Kikyo, she didn't trust her. She also didn't agree with Inuyasha taking her best friend for granted. Kagome was an important part of her life, a special part, and because of that, Sango was internally grateful to Lord Sesshomaru. This was the chance her sister needed to make her life better. Possibly her only chance.

Once Sango was fully dressed, she and Kirara made their way back to camp to find Miroku "meditating" by the fire. 'Who does he think he's fooling?'

Shaking her head, the demon slayer sat down beside the monk; ready for his innocent act.

"Why my lovely Sango, how was your bath?"

"Can it, Monk. I know you were there." She responded without taking her eyes from the fire in front of them.

In true Miroku fashion, he held his hand to his chest; looking as hurt as possible before he spoke up. "Why Sango, you wound me. I would only go near the hot springs to make sure you were safe."

Deciding it was pointless to argue with him. She decided to simply ignore him instead and got ready for bed. They'd be waking up at first light to join Inuyasha and Kikyo again. Things would be back to the new normal soon.

While alone, Sango and Miroku slept closer than they use to. Not too close, but close enough she could reach her arm out and touch him. Blushing at the thought of being so bold, Sango turned towards the first so he wouldn't see that her face was bright red.

Speaking softly while putting his hand on her arm to turn her towards him, he asked her "What is it, Sango?" The look in his eyes showed he truly cared about her and that was why he asked.

"I just miss how things used to be. Not the pain Kagome was in, but I always thought Inuyasha and Kagome would end up together. That we'd all be happy together. Now, look at us! Shippo's with Lord Sesshomaru and Rin, we're heading back out to meet up with Inuyasha, but Kagome won't even be there! We'll be stuck with him and Kikyo. I wouldn't even stay if it wasn't for Kagome. I know this whole arraignment is for the best and I know Inuyasha means well but how much can we ask of Kagome? She isn't from here, what if, what if she never comes back?"

Looking at her sad, scared eyes, Miroku knew how she was feeling because he was feeling the same. Slowly, he moved towards Sango; giving her plenty of time to push him away if he was making her uncomfortable. When she made no move to stop him, Miroku pulled Sango into his arms.

She expected him to move his hand lower but that never happened. Letting go of her nervousness, Sango leaned into his hold. The feel of his strong, warm chest under her face was already making her feel better.

"I can't say what will happen next; however, I do know that Lady Kagome is a strong person. In time, she and Inuyasha will work things out, even if it isn't how we always thought they'd be. She'll come back when she can, and we'll finish our quest to complete the jewel and defeat Naraku. It will take time but know this, Sango, no matter what happens I will be here. By your side no matter what." He heard her gasp and tilted his head down to look at her. She chose that moment to look up at him.

"Miroku," she whispered in a loving tone.

"Shh… Sleep Sango, I'll keep you safe."

Nodding her head, they rolled so he was on his back with her laying on her side. She tentatively wrapped her arm around his stomach.

Miroku held her close and put his chin atop her head. Fidgeting with his beads, he made a silent vow that he'd kill Naraku so he could finally tell Sango how he truly feels and hopefully make her his wife.

With a small squeeze, he let his eyes fall shut to join her into the world of sleep. 'One day Sango, you'll be mine as I'll be yours.'

Inuyasha was sitting in a tree, thinking over everything Kikyo had told him before disappearing, again. She would always leave when they picked a place to sleep for the night. Never tell him why or where he was going, just leave.

'I wonder if this was why Kagome was always so upset with me when I would leave… Feh! It doesn't matter. What is going on with you, Kikyo?'

Flashback

"Inuyasha, why do you follow me? You know I am no longer of the living. Are you truly willing to follow me to Hell?" Her questions caught him off guard. They were traveling towards a rumor of a shard, making great time since she wasn't alive and didn't need to stop like his last group of humans did.

Inuyasha had no idea what to say, so he said what he thought was right. "Yes, I'll follow you anywhere, Kikyo. I love you," and he truly did.

That was the problem. When Kagome came into his life, he was ready to never think about Kikyo again, but Kagome reminded him of Kikyo. When they found out they were stuck working together he figured he'd get used to her, what he didn't expect was to start falling for her.

Kagome was a breath of fresh air; she was strong, independent, and loyal. She also loved him for who he is. Half human, half demon. Then Kikyo was brought back. Once he learned the truth about Naraku tricking them he could never be with Kagome. He loved Kikyo and owed her everything, even if Kikyo went away, every time he was with Kagome, he'd think of Kikyo. It wouldn't be fair to the future miko either, every time they touched, talked, kissed, she'd never know who he was truly seeing.

That wasn't the way either of them wanted to live. Gods, he wished he could say all that to her, explain why he couldn't be with her. He wasn't strong enough, all he could do is hope Kagome would understand.

"Inuyasha? I am not alive. I will never be alive, why not find someone to love?" Kikyo had to make sure his loyalty was solid before she moved forward with her plan. His whole pack would need to die for her plan to work, including Kagome.

The half-demon grabbed her cold, clay hands and pulled them to his chest. Looking into her eyes he wished, not for the first time, Kikyo's eyes would be able to look back at him with life. "I'm with you because I want to be."

He started to lean in, closing the distance between them but before he could kiss her, the dead miko pulled away and started walking again.

End of Flashback

It was another day's walk to reach the village that may have a demon with extra abilities, thanks to the jewel. Inuyasha needed this to pan out. Kagome had been gone five days now. He wanted at least one shard before going back to get her to prove he was right. After all, she broke the damn thing, so she needs to be the one to fix it.

Plus, they'd already be done if Kagome didn't go home all the time. Inuyasha was sure of it! He wanted to go after her right away but figured she'd be back in a few days. However, the next morning his half-brother took the kit with him. Miroku claimed it was what Kagome wanted but who'd trust that icy Lord?

'What the Hell were you thinkin', Wench? Letting that asshole take Shippo. What was wrong with me?!' Thinking about Kagome and Sesshomaru was pissing him off. It was clear he'd miss something while he was off with Kikyo, but what all happened? How close did they get? Why did she trust him? Didn't see realize Sesshomaru would kill her as soon as he got his hands on Tessaiga?!

A smirk crossed his face at that thought. 'Can't kill her once you get your hands on Tessaiga since you only have one left.'

It had gotten late so Inuyasha decided to give up on Kikyo coming back any time soon. Closing his eyes, he nodded off until she came back, or the sun came up. Whichever came first.

It would be a full week by the time he got back to the well to get Kagome. Miroku and Sango left two days ago to see if Kagome was back or not. They'd be back together by night fall tomorrow.

Knowing Kagome, she'd be with the others so he wouldn't even need to get her. Everything would be back to normal; his pack would be solid, he'd have a great dinner full of ramen, his brother and the annoying kit were gone, and best of all? He now had two mikos to find shards!

Life was about to be amazing, or so he thought.