Well I sure took my time on this one. Please don't hate me. (grins) I have a pokemon site I'm taking care of again, so my time is even more limited. This is a long chapter. Enjoy!

Chapter 8: The Village To The West

The gang entered a village a little after lunch time. The Village was bustling with activity, people selling food, clothing, and other items in the marketplace, and men toiling in the fields in the distance while women gossiped in groups as they walked.

" Are you sure it's worth it? " Inuyasha sighed. He never did like crowded villages. Too many humans that thought he was weird. It was bad enough that there were already a few that stared as they walked passed, but for them to wander around such a busy place asking weird questions would most likely attract more attention than he desired.

" Of course it is. " Kagome reassured, looking happy as always when they reached civilization. " Remember what Kaede said. "

" Yeah yeah. " Inuyasha grumbled, easily recalling the old hag's words.

" I felt a strange aura not to long after ye all left this morning. " Kaede explained after the group had returned, and after Kagome had done explaining in detail what had happened at the cave. She had taken her time, which annoyed Inuyasha. Particularly because it was then lunch time, and they hadn't even started cooking yet. " Maybe it is the demon ye are seeking. "

" It could be! " Kagome exclaimed. " Do you know which way it went? "

" It went in the western direction. " Kaede explained. " There is a village in that direction. It is large, perhaps they have noticed something. Ye should check it out. "

" Yes, we will do that- " Sango begun.

" After lunch! " Inuyasha interrupted, scowling.

" Oh, all right. " Kagome sighed.

So now they were at this busy village, and the only thing pleasing Inuyasha was his full stomach.

" We should split up. " Kagome suggested as she took in the sight of the village. " It looks too big to search together.. "

" If it'll be faster than I say go for it. " Inuyasha grumbled.

" I will go and search the far end. " Miroku suggested, walking forward.

" I'm coming with you. " Sango stated stubbornly, falling in step behind him. Miroku stopped and turned around to face her.

" You don't need to go through the trouble, Lady Sango. " He waved her off. " I'm quite capable of going on my own. "

" Oh please! " Sango spat. " We all know there's only one reason why you want to go alone. " Miroku merely stared for a moment before whipping around and walking off in a hurry. An extremely miffed look on Sango's face, she quickly followed, yelling at him for being a lecher as they both disappeared into the crowds.

" Lets start at this end. " Kagome said, walking off in a slightly different direction.

" Yup. " Inuyasha and Shippo chimed together as they followed her.

Soon the three were in the middle of the marketplace, people hurrying passed in all directions, many of which stared at Inuyasha as they walked by, causing the Hanyou to shuffle nervously behind Kagome as he tried not to let it show on his face, merely scowling fiercely at the passing faces.

" Try to be a bit more friendly, Inuyasha, " Kagome complained when she caught a glimpse of his face, " People won't answer our questions if you scare them off. "

" Just get Shippo to ask them, they like him! " Inuyasha mumbled angrily. The little Kitsune was indeed getting more adoring looks, the demon child lapping it up by grinning broadly, showing off his little pointed teeth. Kagome merely sighed at his response.

Soon Kagome spotted a middle aged man struggling to lift large basket jars of water. " Here! " She exclaimed happily. Quickly Kagome jogged over to the man, Inuyasha following her reluctantly.

" Excuse me? " She called, trying to grab the mans attention.

" Eh? " He uttered, turning around. " Can I help you, lassie? "

" We are looking for a powerful demon that we think may have passed by your town. " Kagome explained. " Have you noticed anything odd happen recently? "

" Isn't that it behind you, lass? " The man peered passed Kagome. She followed his gaze, which rested upon a deeply scowling Inuyasha, who didn't seem to find his statement at all amusing.

" Ah- no, no! " Kagome quickly uttered, turning back to the man and waving her hands in front of her as if pushing back the idea. " That is a good demon, he's helping me fight the evil one! " She explained.

" Oh. " The man merely uttered. He stared at Inuyasha for a few more seconds. " Tell ya what, lassie? How about if your demon there helps me carry this water to my shop, I'll tell you anything you need to know. " The man grinned.

" How could you not see that coming! " Inuyasha growled at Kagome, who merely nodded to the man.

" Ok. " She agreed. " Come on, Inuyasha, this will be a breeze for you, your so strong! " She smiled sweetly.

" No! " Inuyasha snapped. " I'm not helping this useless smartass. "

" Please, Inuyasha! " Kagome begged. " We need the information! " Inuyasha growled.

" Fine! But you owe me! " He barked. Inuyasha walked over and easily lifted the two large jars of water. " Where do you want them? " He asked the man rudely.

" Follow me, it isn't far! " The man grinned. He walked off into the crowd, Inuyasha following behind, grumbling to himself. Kagome walked behind him, praising him for the deed, though it didn't lift his spirits.


" Well? " Sango asked Miroku irritably. The two had been walking for a while, and still it didn't appear they were any where near the other end.

" Well what? " Miroku replied. He was busy scanning the buildings, searching for a tea-selling shop with a pretty female worker, though so far he had found none. Plus Sango was with him, so he probably wouldn't get far even if he did find one..

" Well should we start asking around? " Sango answered. " Weren't you listening!.? "

" No, I haven't been paying attention since we started. " Miroku replied without second thought.

" What?.! " Sango snapped. Now Miroku realized what he said.

" Uh- well, you weren't really saying anything! " He protested, turning to her with apologetic eyes. " I figured our search was more important. " His words only seemed to anger Sango further.

" I know what your searching for, you pervert! " Sango yelled.

Uh oh, I've done it now! Miroku sighed. " Why are you so irritable, Lady Sango? " Miroku asked, trying to change the topic. " I haven't done anything yet! " Miroku expected her to retaliate, to yell at him again, but instead Sango merely.. sighed.

" I'm sorry, Lord Monk. " She uttered after a moment. " I am still fuming about what Naraku said earlier. " Unhappily she turned away and began walking again. Miroku followed behind her, a look of concern on his face.

" Lady Sango. " He called to her, though she merely ignored him, not even turning her head slightly in acknowledgement. Sango has been acting strangely all afternoon.. Miroku noticed. He followed behind her, watching her as she moved slower than usual, her feet dragging slightly.

Surely she couldn't have been affected so much by an idle comment from Naraku.. Miroku thought, remembering the statement Naraku made about Kohaku, Sango's little brother, and only ' living ' family. Indeed it angered her... But is it what is upsetting her now? He pondered. Or perhaps.. she is more upset than she is letting on about the current situation with my Kazaana..

Quickly Miroku covered the distance between them and jumped in front of Sango, clearly surprising her and bringing her to a halt. She looked up at him with wide, surprised eyes. Though Miroku also noticed agitation at his action... and a deep, hidden sadness. A sadness that seemed to grow the more she stared at his face, as if her misery was because of him.
" Lady Sango.. " He spoke softly, his voice ringing with concern. " What is wrong? " Though Sango didn't answer. She merely looked away, blinking rapidly, as if trying to hold back.. tears? Was Sango crying? His thought was confirmed when glistening tear drops formed at the edge of her eyes. Miroku felt panic well up within him. Oh no, He gasped, did I do this?

" L-lady Sango, " Miroku stammered, raising his hands as if trying to comfort her, " Don't cry, what did I do? " Suddenly Sango's eyes flared with anger. She turned her head to face him, glaring at him as if he had tried to grope her. More tears welled up in her eyes.

" You are such an IDIOT! " She shouted, her shrill, sobbing voice attracting the attention of many passersby. Angrily she rammed Miroku's shoulder as she pushed passed him, stomping away while desperately wiping away fallen tears.

" Wha--.. What just happened...? " Miroku asked himself. He was absolutely stunned. He had only asked what her had done wrong, though Sango had shouted at him for it. What did he do?.!

" Oh ho ho ho! " Cackled an old voice behind Miroku. " Now aren't you a silly young man! " Miroku turned around. Standing in front of him was a small old lady, a dark blue kimono draped over her arm, which stood out well from the light pink kimono she wore.

" Excuse me? " Miroku asked.

" You young men are all the same. " She cackled, an amused look on her withered face. " You never understand what the lady's think! "

" So.. you know what just happened? " Miroku asked, still confused.

" Indeed, mi'boy! " The old lady clapped her hands giddily. " That young lady of yours is quite mad at you! "

" I can see that. " Miroku sighed.

" You must pay more attention, lad! " The old lady continued. " Do you want to know why she is mad? It is because you fail to see the obvious! "

" What? " Miroku uttered.

" Silly boy. " The old lady cackled again. It was clear she was amused by Miroku's blank look. " It is obvious you did nothing wrong, yet you still asked. It is obvious she is upset over something else, yet you still believe it is about you! That is why she is mad. "

" You.. think so..? " Miroku asked after a moment, turning to look back in the direction Sango had headed. Though now she was no where to be seen, blended into the crowd. The old lady walked up and stood next to him.

" Go find her, lad, " She said, " And while your at it, try and figure out what it really is that she's upset about! "

" Mmm.. " Miroku mumbled in agreement. But what could it be..?


" There! " Inuyasha growled angrily. They stood behind the counter of a store, the water jars placed neatly near the back of the store cover. But that was not what Inuyasha had just finished. He had done that ages ago. Apparently the man had found a few more jobs for him to do before he told them the information they were seeking. Inuyasha had put up the shop cover, repaired a hole in the shop counter, and many other pointless jobs for the man, and all the while Kagome was right behind him, yapping on about how well he could do it, and how easy it was. Well if it was so easy, Inuyasha grumbled, why didn't I see her doing it?.!

" Ah, well done, lad! " The man grinned. " That's everything, for ya. "

" Good! " Inuyasha snapped. He stood up and brushed himself off angrily.

" Well if that's everything, do you mind telling us what you know now? " Kagome asked politely. Inuyasha was amazed at her patience. He would have killed the man by now. And he almost decided to, but Kagome had given him the Look. The ' if you make a move I will sit you' look.

" Of course, lassie! " The man said cheerily. " As part of the deal, I will tell you everything I know. "

" Well?.! " Inuyasha hissed.

" Right. Absolutely nothing out of the ordinary happened this morning, or yesterday, or any time this week. " The man said. Inuyasha's eye twitched.

" I'm gonna kill him. " He said, raising his talons menacingly.

" Inuyasha! " Kagome pushed him back. She turned back to the man. " Are you sure? " She asked. " Nothing strange happened? Like speedy aging, or many deaths? Nothing? "

" Nope. " The man confirmed. " Absolutely nothing. Matter of fact, I only came here this morning! "

" Why didn't you tell us that? " Kagome asked, irritation finally in her voice.

" I needed to set up shop. " The man said simply. Kagome sighed angrily. " Look, " The man added, " I'll tell ya what, Lassie. Since you and your demon did such fine work, I'll pay ya for your trouble. " The man pulled a small collection of coins out of his kimono and handed them to Kagome. " This is all I have left from the travel. " The man said. " Though you both saved me a lot of trouble, ya did, so it's worth it. " Kagome sighed again.

" Well, at least we got something.. " She muttered. " Lets go Inuyasha. " She grabbed the neck collar of Inuyasha's Haori and yanked him away, picking up Shippo who had fallen asleep on a bundle of old cloth.

" Bye, sir. " She waved to the man before walking off.

" Please, Inuyasha. " The dog demon repeated in a mock, whiney voice. " We need the information. Well we sure got a lot, didn't we!.? " He snapped, rage clear in his voice. " Why didn't you let me kill him?.! "

" At least we got some money. " Kagome reassured. " And besides, Miroku and Sango are probably getting better luck. "


He is so simpleminded, sometimes.. Sango thought glumly as she stared absentmindedly into the distant woods not far from the edge of the village, Kirara in her arms. She hadn't had to run far before the crowds thinned, and not long after that to find this quiet, lone place. She leaned against a single, gnarled tree not far from the last stall where only a sleeping, elderly man stood. The old mans head rested on the bare counter. It seemed he had fallen asleep while packing up his shop. Though it didn't matter to Sango. It was just nice that his snores faded away into the air before they reached her position, so it seemed there were no one around.

Why do men always think it is about what they did? Is it really the only thing that crosses their mind? She sighed. Miroku has probably gone off in search for pretty young women, now that I'm not there. Sango's tears had dried a while ago, leaving only a sad expression and a heavy heart. Miroku didn't even seem upset about the new curse on his Kazaana, except when something happens. Sango knew it worried him, probably more so than it worried her, or the others, but it seemed as though he was the only one not trying to do something about it, outside of her, Kagome's, and Inuyasha's attempts. Kagome is lenient on Miroku. Inuyasha tries to get revenge for him. And I do my best to help. Though the way he acts.. it's as if he doesn't think it a problem.. or perhaps he is trying not to make us worry. It would definitely effect Kagome and I, at least, if Miroku panicked.. Still, why must he be so dense!

Sango sighed angrily. She was sure Miroku was really only trying to calm them, though he should at least try a bit more! It is like he doesn't think he is going to die! Has it even crossed his mind today?.! Once again Sango felt tears welling up in her eyes. Desperately she tried to calm herself down. Kirara mewed softly, sensing Sango's misery.

" You understand, don't you, Kirara? " Sango whispered into the cat demons ear, choking back sobs. Kirara mewed again, nuzzling Sango's shoulder. The action brought a smile to her sad face, lighting the Demon Slayers eyes with affection for her feline friend. Felling a little better, Sango squeezed Kirara in a hug as she returned her gaze to the far woods. Suddenly she heard a distant, familiar voice.

" Lady Sango! " She could hear Miroku calling for her. He sounded worried. Sango turned her head slightly, glancing in the direction of the voice. In the corner of her eye she could see Miroku. He was coming closer, dodging people as he walked, though it appeared her hadn't seen her yet, mere luck bringing him this far. " Lady Sango! " He called again. He stopped walking and scanned the area. Sango turned back, no longer watching him. It won't be long before he spotted her. He wasn't that careless to see passed her. Soon she heard rapid footsteps approaching, along with the familiar clinking of Miroku's staff. They quickly slowed to a walk.

" There you are, Lady Sango. " He said. She did not look up, but Sango could imagine a relieved smile on his face. Though he did not say anything after that, merely standing there, watching her. Is he waiting for me to speak? She wondered, daring to sneak a glance from the corner of her eye. His eyes were filled with concern. It seemed like he was trying to think of something to say, something that meant more than a simple apology. She looked back at the tree's, lowering her head slightly. Suddenly Miroku stepped forward, moving into her vision. Startled at the movement, Sango looked up at him, who stared down at her. In a swift movement he gripped her shoulders, as if trying to comfort her.

" I'll be fine. " Miroku smiled. He yanked her forward in a hug. " I promise. " Finally Sango could no longer hold back her sobs, tears welling up in her eyes.

" B-.. but what if we can't find her..? " She whispered, her voice quivering.

" We have plenty of time. " he replied confidently. " And we have Inuyasha and Kagome. It will be easy to find and defeat Taimu, and Naraku in due time. " Sango sighed.

" Thank you, Miro-" She had begun to whisper, but stopped abruptly. One of Miroku's hands were no longer hugging her, and was now stroking a new spot. Angrily she shoved him away.

" PERVERT! " She shouted.

SLAP!!


" What was that? " Shippo asked as a loud, short noise seemed to echo through the village.

" What was what? " Kagome asked. Shippo hung onto her shoulder as she and Inuyasha walked through the marketplace.

" It was just Miroku and Sango, probably. " Inuyasha grumbled. " Sounded like it, at least. "

" What sound? " Kagome asked again.

" You probably can't hear it, Kagome, " Shippo replied, nodding. " It was too quiet for human ears. " Oh. " Kagome replied. " I wonder if they are having better luck. " She sighed.

Shippo had fallen asleep while Inuyasha helped the old man, but when he had woken up Kagome had explained to him how the man was no help, and they only got money for the effort.

" Maybe if we stop picking people who need help, we won't have to go through so much trouble for nothing! " Inuyasha fumed.

" Maybe if you stop being so mean, people who don't need help will talk to us! " Shippo complained. Indeed, since Shippo had woken, Inuyasha had scared off quite a few people with his empty threats. One woman giving him a death glare when her baby started crying because of him.

" Maybe you should keep your mouth shut! " Inuyasha snapped.

" Inuyasha, don't be so rude! " Kagome yelled. Shippo poked out his tongue. Suddenly his vision went wonky as Inuyasha smashed a balled up fist against his skull.

" OOOWWW! KAGOME, INUYASHA'S PICKING ON MEEE! "

" Inuyasha! " Kagome shouted. " Sit! "

" Augh-! " Inuyasha grunted as his face slammed into the ground. " Attract attention, why don't ya! " Inuyasha screamed, his voice muffled by dirt.

" Well maybe people should see that you can be restrained! " Kagome screamed back.

" Why you-! " Inuyasha shouted, though was cut off by another sit.

" Hey Kagome, " Shippo asked while Inuyasha was still down. " It doesn't seem like anyone noticed anything strange. Maybe that demon woman didn't come this way? "

" I'm sure she did, I trust Kaede's senses. " Kagome replied, " But maybe she just didn't come near enough to this village for anyone here to notice. "

" Excuse me.. " A woman approached them. Kagome looked over at her.

" Can I help you? " She asked.

" I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear your conversation with the little child just then. " The woman bowed. " But I may be able to help you. "

" I'm not a child, I'm a demon! " Shippo protested, opening his mouth wide. " See the fearsome fangs? " He pointed to the little pointed teeth he had.

" Yep, a big and fearsome demon. " Kagome laughed. She then turned back to the woman. " So you can help us? Do you know anything about strange happenings? "

" I do. " The woman replied after smiling adoringly at Shippo. " West of here, quite a distance away though, is another village. I just came from that way yesterday. On my way here though there seemed to be something wrong with the surroundings. All the tree's were dying, and my nails and hair were growing unusually fast. Is.. this what your after? " She asked.

" Yes! " Kagome exclaimed. " It's exactly what we're looking for! "

The woman smiled. " If you keep heading that way, " She pointed to the far end of the village, " You will eventually come across the village I came from. I don't know if what ever it is has effected it also, but the woods between it and here were certainly strange. "

" Thank you so much! " Kagome bowed. " You have been a great help. Is there anything I can do to repay you? "

" I have family in the village to the west. " The woman replied. " I just want to make sure they are all right, I have grown concerned. "

Kagome nodded. " If there is anything wrong, I promise you we'll fix it. " She smiled.

" Thank you. " The woman said gratefully. As she walked away Inuyasha finally managed to get to his feet.

" So what was that all about? " He asked as he brushed himself off.

" There has been evidence of Taimu to the west of this place, near another village. " Kagome uttered happily.

" Well then lets get Miroku and Sango and head off! " Inuyasha exclaimed.

" We'll have to find them first! " Shippo stated warily.

" Feh. " Inuyasha grunted. " I can smell them. This way! " He stormed off, leaving Shippo and Kagome to follow.

" He can smell them from here? " Shippo wondered in amazement.


" So you say Taimu may have passed by the next village? " Miroku asked. He had spotted Inuyasha, Kagome and Shippo only minutes ago, and now as Inuyasha urged them to the edge of the village Kagome explained what she had found.

" That's great! " Sango exclaimed.

" Yeah. " Kagome agreed. " Though now it's late afternoon, we aren't going to get far before night fall. "

" Then we'll camp in the woods. " Inuyasha stated stubbornly. Kagome sighed.

" I suppose we'll have to. " She groaned.

" Indeed. " Miroku agreed. " We'll travel until it grows dark, then wait for morning. Do you all still wear those rosaries I gave you? "

" Yes. " Sango replied.

" Yup. " Shippo nodded.

" Good. " Miroku smiled.


I don't like the ending, but I'm tired, so I'm stopping here. It's almost the end of the school year, so I will probably be able to post more often, hopefully. Until next chapter!