Inuyasha pulled her to her feet and shrugged out of his haori. When he turned to give it to her, she was already starting to walk away, much to shippo's distress. He was pulling on her leg to try and stop her. Miroku was too busy staring so Sango covered his eyes and rolled her own.
"Hey! Put some clothes on!" Inuysha shouted after her, chasing her down. He threw the haori over her shoulders. She just looked at him and shook her head before slipping into it. She tied it closed and let the sleeves cover her arms.
"Better?"
"Much better!" Shippo told her jumping up and down. "Now Miroku won't keep staring at you!" Miho tilted her head.
"Who are you guys?" She asked, first looking at Shippo then the others who flanked Inuyasha. She looked to Inuyasha for an explanation. He smirked and nodded to his friends.
"These are my friends." He explained. "We've been traveling around, looking for jewel shards when we ended up at our old place." Miho tilted her head to the side confused.
"That place is still standing?" She asked, surprised. He nodded with a smirk.
"Well yea. We built it after all." He boasted proudly. "Not even a typhoon could knock it down!" She shook her head and kept walking, hopping over rubble, not bothered by the heat and burning wood. "Hey! Wait! Where are you going?" Inuyasha shouted after her.
"She's weird." Shippo mumbled, jumping onto Kagome's shoulder.
"Yeah, she's not really what I exected." Kagome admitted. "But she seems nice."
"She doesn't seem like she's all there." Sango mentioned. "I'm honestly surprised she's even walking on her own right now."
"What? What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked. They all started walking, following behind Miho enough that she couldn't hear them.
"I haven't seen a spell like that before, but I have heard of one." She explained. "It's very old and was once used by priests and demon slayers almost a hundred years ago. The technique was draining on those who used it, but it was very effective. It would suppress a demon's powers, essentially rendering it mortal."
"That sounds familiar." Miroku added, remembering his teachings. "The monks and priests had agreed it was not to be used any more, deeming an exorcism or immediate killing to be more merciful."
"How is killing someone more merciful?" Kagome asked.
"If a demon is under that kind of spell, they are most likely being used by the person who bound them, forcing them to act on their behalf." Sango explained further. "And on top of it, when you suppress a demons spiritual power like that, it weakens them significantly. The longer they are under the spell, the weaker they get. Some even perish under the pressure of the spell."
"Some perish?" Kagome repeated. "Who on earth would do something so cruel?" Kagome shouted, outraged.
"So you'd have to be a pretty strong demon to last as long as she did." Inuyasha boasted with a smirk, crossing his arms as he walked.
"That is true." Miroku told him, "but that kind of pressure can weaken any demon, even a little." Inuyasha looked ahead at Miho. They were in the woods now, following the path back to the smaller village. She was all over the path, wobbling on her legs, unable to walk in a straight line. Inuyasha made a small growling noise in the back of his throat and sped up to catch up to her.
"Inuyasha!" Kagome shouted after him. "What are you doing?" Inuyasha didn't respond. He walked over to Miho. He was a few feet from her when she collapsed onto the ground. He could smell the vomit before he saw it. He stomach emptied and he wrinkled his nose. She began to dry heave and inuyasha stood next to her, letting Kagome and Sango flank her, asking if she was alright. Miho braced her hands on the dirt and hung her head low. Even though her skin was naturally tanned, she looked pale. She was shaking and fighting to stay awake.
"Are you alright? Sango asked her gently. Miho looked at her and chuckled.
"I still don't know who you are." She pointed out as she sat there for a minute. Sango offered a smile.
"My name is Sango. This is Kagome." She introduced. Miho nodded, trying to fight away the dark that was creeping into her vision. Sango pointed to Miroku and shippo. She introduced them and Miho barely registered the names. Her eyes were closing but she fought as hard as she could. She felt like she was falling forward, but she didn't hit the ground. She could barely think, she couldn't see. She was exhausted.
Inuyasha lifted her off the ground, shaking his head. Kagome and Sango stood as well.
"Stubborn woman." He mumbled. "Come on, lets go, maybe we can get back before sunset."
"I don't think we should bother trying to rush." Miroku pointed out. "At this point, we are just going to make it after dark." The group took it into consideration. They kept walking but set up camp when the sun fell below the horizon. A small fire was lit and they gathered around it. Kagome provided some food and water from her backpack. Miho was still asleep. They tried to wake her to feed her, but she rolled over, still sleeping. Kagome looked at her with concern and felt her forehead. She was warm, but Inuyasha assured her that was normal.
The next day she still slept as Inuyasha carried her through the village. He didn't want to stop until he took her home. It took them a full day to pass through the village and make it back to the little shack they lived in. Inuyasha went on ahead and the group stayed behind, getting supplies such as food and medicine. He set her down on an old tami mat and watched her. He began cleaning up a bit, trying to stay quiet. The small home was going to house him and his friends as well as Miho. He got a small fire going and pulled out her old kimono. He thought about draping it over her as a coat, but it was so torn and moth eaten he decided against it. His friends arrived a small while later and shared the food they got. They remained quiet but still chatted amongst themselves, mostly asking more questions about her, most of which Inuyasha couldn't answer. They all wanted to know what happened to her over the past years but they had to wait until she woke up.
When Miho did finally wake up, her eyesight was fuzzy. It was dark she knew that, and she didn't know where she was. Wherever she was, it smelled familiar. She blinked away the blurriness and found she was in a hut. She rolled her head to the side and saw Inuyasha and his friends all sleeping. Miroku and Inuyasha were sitting up, but Kagome, Sango , and Shippo lay on the floor, Kirara curled against Sango. The fire had all but burned out, only a few emebrs left. It was late. She looked around and smiled. She was home. He was right, it was still standing.
Miho saw up and grimaced. She was sore and stiff. She quietly snuck out of the hut and stretched, walking down to the creek. She looked up and saw the sun was thinking of rising. She removed Inuyasha's haori and set it on a rock. She stepped into the water, going waist deep. It was cool on her skin and she loved every minute of it. She dipped under the water, letting it wash her hair. She ran her fingers through her hair, removing ash and dirt. She surfaced and smiled, breathing in the fresh air. After so many years, she was free. Miho stood in the water for a while, enjoying the quiet of the morning.
"You're up early." A voice said to her. She looked and saw Inuyasha standing near the water. She smiled and made her way over to him. She put his haori back on and sat down on the grass. He sat next to her, his sword resting on his chest. The sky was getting lighter, but the sun still wasn't up.
"You've grown, little boy." She said to him, leaning against him.
"You haven't changed." He told her. They sat in silence for a while before he broke it. "Miho…I called to you. You never came. I…I thought you had abandoned me, that you didn't want me." He admitted quietly. She sat up, looking at him with sorrow.
"I heard you." She answered. He looked at her confused. "I heard you, every time. I tried, Inuyasha. I tried everytime. But this spell, this spell was old, and it was too strong." She paused and Inuyasha could see it in her eyes. He always believed her, he never doubted her, and this was no exception. "I am so sorry."
"Hey, don't worry about it." He said, elbowing her gently. "You're here now, that's all that matters. And now I'm strong enough, I can protect you next time." He teased.
"Just don't throw me in a river." She joked.
"Yeah, I didn't really like that." He pointed out and she laughed. They sat in silence again for a bit and she leaned on him again. The sun started to crest over the mountains and Inuyasha spoked again.
"Miho," He began, getting her attention. "You've been under that spell for almost a hundred years. What happened to you? I need to know." She looked away from him with a frown. "Miho, tell me."
"I don't want to talk about it." She answered. "Let it go." Inuyasha didn't like this answer.
"You can't just brush it off like that!" He scolded. She sat up, no longer leaning on him, not looking at him. "We heard rumors from villagers. You were sold as a slave. What happened? Why did they try to kill us?" He shouted at her. His friends were awoken by the shouting, confused, they looked outside.
"shut up." She hissed under her breath.
"They spoke like you miscarried a lot, too." He continued on. "Just how many did you have? How did you keep getting pregnant? Why the hell were you losing them?"
"Shut up." She growled this time.
"Just tell me, Miho!" He shouted at her, "Why are you keeping this a secret? What are you hi-" He was cut off with a loud slap in the face. It struck him so hard it turned his head and almost knocked him over. Confused, he looked back at her. She was standing above him, but even though she towered over him, she looked small, frail.
"Just shut up!" She shouted back at him. "Mind your own business and just leave it alone!" She shouted, tears falling down her cheeks and she turned and stormed away. He sat there stunned. He was used to Kagome shouting at him, but Miho was always steady, calm, even when they fought when he was kid. She never struck him, not like this.
"That was really mean of you." Kagome told him quietly. He looked at her, confused. She sat next to him, taking the place Miho was sitting in.
"I didn't mean to upset her." He explained, "but she can't just keep stuff like that from me."
"Inuyasha," Kagome told him gently. "There are some things you just can't talk about, not right after they happened. And it's not like you're an open book either. Did you tell her about Kikyo? Or how she stuck you to a tree?" Inuyasha looked away, embarrassed. Kagome smiled a bit, knowing she made her point. "She might never open up and tell you everything," Kagome continued, "but I feel like she would tell you something at least."
"Yeah." Inuyasha agreed. "It's just been so long since I've seen her. I guess I got a little carried away." Kagome offered a warm smile as he stood.
"Where are you going?" She asked.
"To find Miho, where else?"
Sesshomaru stood before the rubble of the palace. The flames were gone, but there were still wisps of smoke rising from the ashes. He could smell her as though she were standing next to him. This was her work, there was no doubt about it. But he could smell others, specifically Inuyasha. He chided himself for not expecting it. Of course she would team up with a weak half demon like him. He was probably the reason she was in such a predicament anyway. Her compassion would get her killed one day. She was a fool for concerning herself with the welfare of other.
He walked away, back towards where he left Rin and Jaken. A small breeze brushed past him and tugged at his hair. He could smell her still. He should have known better. As he reached his group, he kept walking. Rin and Ah-Un followed diligently, but Jaken was throwing questions at him. Why had they turned around yet again? Did something happen? And other questions were launched at Sesshomaru until he punched him on the head. Jaken didn't ask anymore questions.
They continued to walk until dark, only making it to the base of the mountain. He let them set up camp and watched them as they ate and fell asleep. While they slept, he looked at Rin. He was her protector, her guardian. Yet he had spent so many years hating humans, despising them for their weakness. She was of no particular use to him and he struggled to admit to himself he did care for her. What was worse was that he didn't know why. He never really cared why, just accepting it for what it was. However with Miho's return to his thoughts, he couldn't help but remember that day.
Who are you? He heard loud and clear as though she was standing before him once more, on her knees, her arm bleeding from the wound he inflicted on her.
When Inuyasha found Miho, the sun had already set and fireflies danced around them in the woods. She was sitting in a tree, just resting. Her head rested against the trunk and she was breathing deeply. Inuyasha stood under her and tossed a bundle up to her. She caught it without having to open her eyes, but once she felt the fabric, she looked at it curiously. She unfolded the fabric and saw it was a short yukata. It was beautiful but simple. She lifted it to her nose and almost teared up. This was created from the kimono Cho had given her. She could see where it had been mended and over the left chest, a small butterfly was embroidered in scarlet red. Cho. She looked down and saw Inuyasha sitting against the tree. She leaned her head back and breathed, running the fabric between her hands.
"The villagers told me what had happened." He explained. "The told me about Cho and the others, that they blamed us." Miho didn't say anything, just listening. "My friend's granddaughter stitched the butterfly for your friend. They told me how you found her and they blamed you. And that after we left people still went missing." He paused and looked up at her. She was still. He was waiting for a response but got nothing. "Look, Miho. You don't have to say anything. I just want to say sorry. I was way out of line earlier. I should have trusted you to talk to me when you were ready." He didn't say anything else, this time determined to wait for a response. A breeze brushed past, rustling the trees.
"After you were gone, I was taken to the village and was bound to a post next to the priest's home. After a few days or so, I was sold to the lord of the village you found me in. He was a cruel man. While under the spell, I was bound to his will. I was used as a weapon, stripped of my humanity. I was a monster. He used me to fight enemies, to punish those who defied him, to maintain rule over the village." She paused there and Inuyasha listened. "His son was kinder. He hated his father and so took control of the spell. I'm not sure how it works, but the next thing I knew, I was standing over his father's body, under his instruction. This man, I almost befriended. I kept him at a distance, but he never gave me cause to fear him. He had actually tried to find a way to release me. He was a good man."
"What happened to him?" Inuyasha asked.
"The same thing that happened to his father." She answered. "His son gained control over me and killed him. I wasn't with him long. His son wanted me in every way. He was by far the cruelest. Once he was done using me to murder those who spoke against him, those who opposed him, he turned me into his wife." She could hear Inuyasha growling. She smiled to herself without humor. "Calm down. I'm here now. It doesn't matter." They fell back into silence until Inuyasha spoke again.
"Do you remember, after I'd fallen into the lake." He started. Miho looked down at him. "We were talking and you said one day, I'd fall in love?" he looked up at her and watched her nod. He looked forward again. "I met a woman, a priestess who was protecting something called the shikon jewel. I wanted it, I wanted to be a full fledged demon. But then I met her." He paused. "I loved her. But a demon named naraku tricked us and turned us against each other. She struck me with an arrow, pinning me to a tree for fifty years. She died and was burned with the jewel."
"I'm sorry." She whispered down to him. She climbed out of the tree and sat with him.
"Kagome came through the bone eater's well in the village. She's from the future." Miho's jaw dropped but listened. "She had the jewel with her, but a demon stole it. She shot at it with an arrow, but shattered the jewel in the process. Now we are looking for the pieces. Each one of us has been harmed by Naraku. Miroku with his wind tunnel that will once day consume him, and Sango's entire village and family was slain by Naraku. Her brother is alive, but is being used as a puppet by naraku." He looked at her with a smirk. "We all have a job to do. What do you say, Miho. Want to come with us?" She sat and processed the information. The demon he described sounded pretty terrible. Besides, it's not like she had anything better to do.
"Sure." She smiled and nodded. Inuyasha smiled and stood, stretching out his hand.
"Then let's go." He told her. "I think they got dinner ready. And you know you have to give my haori back, right?" She took his hand and stood. She smirked at him and started undressing. "Hey! At least go behind a tree!" He shouted at her as he looked away, hands up to make sure he couldn't see anything. She just laughed at him and slipped on the yukata. It was a dull burgundy, almost brown, and almost reached her knees. The sleeves weren't as long wich gave her the ability to move easily.
"What's for dinner?" She asked as she walked past him. He caught up easily and crossed his arms with a smirk.
"Fish." He told her. "Lot's of fish."
As they were walking away, joking around and briefly catching up, they didn't notice they were being watched. A slight buzzing sound hovered above the trees. What it saw was reflected back to a mirror. Naraku sat back and laughed darkly at what he had just learned.
"Does his really think enlisting the help of a little enenra will help him?" He said aloud, mostly to himself. "Let us keep watch over this one. Perhaps she will prove useful in time."
