Chapter Ten

'Miroku'

It was a perfect day so far for travelers. The sun was shining and the birds were chirping. Tiny morning dew drops made the air seem fresher than usual. It made last night seem unreal. Inuyasha stretched out his muscles and yawned, "What's wrong with you? You seem unusually quiet."

Kagome made inhaled her portion of their fish. She didn't realize how hungry she as until she'd taken her first bite. All the while trying to forget her dream, she realized she had to tell him, but couldn't put her feelings to words, "Nothing's wrong, I'm just a bit tired." She forced a smile that warded off Inuyashas question.

Kagome took a deep breath, "I had a dream last night."

"Good for you," Inuyasha said simply.

Kagome gulped and continued, "It was about a woman, a woman that, that, doesn't exist anymore." She trailed off at the last part.

"That's nice."

"It's actually my fault, but I didn't mean it!" Kagome added quickly feeling her heart pound.

"Of course."

He's not even taking me seriously! Kagome blocked his way and looked at his in disbelief, "Of course? I killed someone and all you can say is of course?!"

Inuyasha sighed and snapped back, "Look! I don't know what planet you come from but people die and kill all the time. If everyone acted like you every time someone got killed then the world will stop turning!" He circled around Kagome and continued walking. Geez, who knew using the girl, to get to the jewel, would be so much work.

Kagome gritted her teeth, "You wouldn't be saying that if you knew who I was talking about."

"Whatever."

Kagome kept her back turned to him. Well, it certainly worked. He forgot her clean. I should be happy right? Then how come I feel so sorry for them. Her mind flashed back to all those times, happy times Kikyo and Inuyasha were together. She died for him. Their relationship was so strong and meaningful. "Something that deep, how did it get torn apart for something so silly like the jewel?" Kagome asked herself quietly feeling hot tear coming again.

That caught Inuyasha's attention. His ears perked as he spun around, "Did you say the jewel?"

I forgot he had sensitive hearing. Kagome clutched her fists, "OH! So when it comes to the jewel you care!"

Inuyasha didn't have a comeback for that, "Look, if you know something about the jewel then tell me or I'll have to…"

"SIT!" Kagome stomped away. Inuyasha! You're so hopeless! You haven't changed one bit! Hopeless, hopeless, hopeless!

Their village was amongst those that haven't get been devastated by demons. It was hidden well in the ominous mists of mount Agura. They always welcomed any traveler who needed a place to stay and became popular for the refugees that fled from the war, though they weren't far from the battlefield.

As Kagome and Inuyasha made their way into the village, people stared at them. Women shrieked seeing that Inuyasha was demon and men guarded their families as the two of them walked. Kagome couldn't blame them for being cautious. Still, she missed the good old days when they were always welcomed.

Oh my. The monk peered up from the leg of the boy he was bandaging. What an unusual pair. He walked up to them in the middle of the road and spread his arms out to block their paths, "This village is pure and will not be contaminated by ominous spirits." He stated loudly for everyone to hear. The monk took a sutra from his sleeves and mumbled a few spells, "Be gone, evil spirit!"

Kagome looked at him confused. But knowing Miroku, that wasn't that unusual. Kagome smiled and looked over to Inuyasha. He appeared to want to kill him.

The monk was one of the most trusted protectors of the village. Its villagers valued his opinion deeply. Even when the monk turned to them, waved his arms around and announced proudly, "The evil spirit of these passers have been demolished! We can rest in peace tonight!" Surprisingly, people started cheering for the monks successes. He looked at Kagome and took them aside to his cabin.

"Miroku?" Kagome just wanted to make sure.

"Yes, that's correct my lady, Monk Miroku. I see I'm quite popular around these areas." Miroku widened his smile to show off his pearly white teeth. He ran his hand through her hair.

Kagome sighed. Miroku doesn't have his wind tunnel anymore. I'm so glad. He doesn't have to live with the pain of knowing there might not be a tomorrow. "Miroku? Why did you help us out back there?" He didn't answer, "Miroku?"

Such beauty. Miroku felt her hair between his fingers. Look at that, there's not tangled, not even a split end. And her body is well cared for. Just look at those legs. Our children will be the most fortunate for they'll have my good looks and her silky hair. He held her hands gently, "My lady, I'll present you with the honor of bearing my children."

Kagome laughed nervously and let him down easy. "Thanks but no thanks." I see you haven't changed either. She took back her hands. Come on Miroku. You don't have to worry about having a son to carry out your vengeance anymore so why are you still so perverted? She gave him an odd look.

"I must ask you my lady, why do you travel with a demon?"

Kagome smiled, "Half demon actually."

"Hey! Watch it! It's bad enough you have to know but you don't have to go spreading it around!"

"My name's Kagome, Kagome Higarashi. And he's Inuyasha."

"Stop it! I don't need any publicity!" Inuyasha yapped behind her.

Miroku looked concerned by Inuyashas outbursts but Kagome reassured him, "And don't worry. I can control him. Sit boy." Inuyasha crashed to the ground on Kagomes command, "See?"

"Why you…!" Inuyasha dug his head out of the ground. It left an imprint in the wooden planks.

Once Inuyasha calmed down, Kagome continued, "So, you still didn't answer my question. Why did you help us back there?"

Miroku put on his 'wise' face, "These good people are is great despair at the moment. The least I could do for them is allowing them to rest assured that they're safe here in the village." He held out one of his sutras, "It did nothing to Inuyasha, but at least they can rest their mind to one more thing."

He's like a guardian to the people here. I guess Miroku does have a pleasant side to him sometimes. Kagome consulted him, "You're doing a good thing Miroku." Even if you have a perverted mind. As his hand slowly met her backside...