Chapter 4

A/N: Here's chapter 4. Thanks for all that have followed so far! S*** goes down here. Also, I notice I have been spelling Houshi-sama wrong... orz. Sorry, I've been forgetting the u. Anyway, please enjoy~

The day had ended, forcing Sango and Miroku to stay another day at the village of flowers. They stayed with Kirumo in an open room, though Sango was strongly reluctant to. She didn't trust this girl. Her awkward sense of telling the story along with everything else. But knowing Miroku, he wouldn't believe her suspicions. He would forever trust the young innocent girl.

Sango decided not to press the matter for the time. She would watch the girl from aside, but wouldn't bother informing Miroku. It would just end up in an argument or so. That wasn't what she was trying to accomplish here; she needed to hurry and rid of this Ritsuko woman.

If that wasn't a lie anyway.

"Houshi-sama?"

Miroku groaned and opened his eyes weakly. It was early morning and the sun was just rising. All he could make out in his blurry vision was a small figure hovering over him, something in their hands. A tray. Kirumo. He cleared his throat and rubbed the morning grit from his eyes before sitting up. "Good morning..." he yawned. He looked at the tray she had placed on the floor for him. It was simple, but well made. White rice with a small sauce bowl to the side. He couldn't tell what. To the left, a small platter of omelets and pickled vegetables. He smiled warmly at her, still sleepy. "Why thank you Kirumo-chan."

She returned the smile and nodded. "It's the least I could do. You're trying to help us."

"I'm not just trying. I will. Both Sango and myself."

The mentioning of Sango's name made the Kirumo's expression sadden. "Sango-san... I don't think she likes me at all."

Miroku patted her shoulder. "Don't say that, now. Sango is just a little rough around the edges. She gets suspicious easily." he looked at his meal. "And besides, once she tries the food you made here, I'm sure she'll warm up."

Kirumo gave a small smile. "Yeah..."

Sango stirred slightly before opening her eyes slowly. Kirara mewed quietly and licked her master's cheek. Sango sat up, petting the demon kitty. She let out a quiet yawn before preparing to head out again. Today she planned on getting information from the other villagers. It was unsettling how none of them have even come outside since their arrival.

Sango slid out of bed, before noticing a small plate to the left of her. All that sat on it was a black roll of burnt bread.

Knock knock.

Sango peeked inside of a nearby hut's window. "Hello? Is anyone here?" Silence, followed by a small murmur. She rose an eyebrow, gripping Hiraikotsu's band tighter. "Hello?" Another small murmur followed.

"Are you a demon...?"

Sango shook her head. "No... I'm a demon slayer. I'm here to help your people."

The person inside pulled the door aside. It was an elderly woman. She was short in stature, and practically had Kaede's body type. She looked around hesitantly before hurrying Sango inside. "Come child, quickly." Sango entered, closing the door behind her. She turned, surprised by the sight inside. A family sat close together. Three small children, a younger woman, the mother no doubt, and an older boy. Around twenty years old, Sango presumed. The fire was out and the family members all look purely terrified.

Sango placed her weapon against the wall before sitting in front of the people. They all looked at her intently, silent. The elderly woman sat beside Sango, smiling at the others. "She is here to help us, all. Do not be afraid."

With that reassurance, one of the children, a small boy, stood up and approached Sango cautiously. "Miss... why did you come here?" Sango noticed fading tear stains along his cheeks.

She smiled. "A villager from here came to find me. He explained the situation and requested my aid."

"Who?"

"A man who called himself Ryuu. He's Kirumo's and Ritsuko's father if I remember correctly."

The elderly woman to Sango's right gave a perplexed look. "What? Those names do not sound familiar... are you sure that's what he called himself? And that other one... Kirumo?"

Sango looked at her in confused silence.

What?

A/N: Thank you for reading. Kirumo is full of secrets, it seems. I'd love to hear what you're thinking! :)