Come morning Miroku walked into the main compound. It was still early on and not many of the slaves had come out from the quarters to begin work for the day.
If it had been his decision he would have waited until late on but did so to put Kagomes mind at ease. Clutching his prayer staff he made his way towards the sectioned off area where the demons were forced to stay.
"Hey monk!" A woman's voice called out. Stopping and glancing he saw the owner approaching him with the sun peeking over the horizon behind her giving her a glow.
He knew who she was. Ruthless, merciless, and cruel to the slaves he wanted nothing more than for her to know and learn the wickedness of her ways. He reasoned, all in due time. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Good morning my lady. In light of recent events the energy of the household has been significantly tainted. I am taking it upon myself to see which demon is the cause of it."
"Is that so?"
"Yes."
"I have not heard anything about this."
"It is a matter for a monk such as myself to carry out. Now, if you will excuse me Lady Sango." Tilting his head to her he knew he would have to tread lightly.
Entering the slaves rows of neglected housing Miroku made his way towards the hut where the demon metal worker Sesshomaru lived. Kagome had instructed him which hut the dog demon inhabited with the half-breed, imp, and small dragons.
Rapping on the panel outside the door opened revealing the tall demon. Narrowing his eyes for a moment Miroku saw the instant fury and fire behind them.
"Good morning. Recently there has been a disruption in the mansion. I have been dispatched to investigate what may have been the cause. May I come in?" Miroku said.
Sesshomaru stepped aside allowing Miroku to enter. Closing the door the monk turned to him. "Pardon my intrusion, you are Sesshomaru whom is aquatinted with the Lady Kagome?"
"Yes." Being handed a folded piece of paper he looked at it curiously.
"If you cannot read I will gladly read it to you." Sesshomaru took the paper from him opening it. It was a note to him from Kagome. "My name is Miroku. I am a monk from a sect in the northern mountains. There are many things to discuss Sesshomaru and I believe you are the demon to discuss them with."
"Sesshomaru, you can trust Master Miroku." Shippo said coming out of hiding in the dragons blanket.
"Shippo." Miroku sighed relief as the young kit jumped onto his shoulder. "Thank the heavens you are safe my friend."
"Thanks to Sesshomaru and Jaken I am. Is Kagome okay?" Shippo teared up and sniffled.
"Yes. Beside herself with worry for all of you but she is alright. May we sit?" Miroku asked. Waiting for Sesshomaru to sit down he did as well.
"What do you want?" Sesshomaru questioned warily.
"The sect I belong to has always believed in equality and fair treatment to all beings. Recently our elder master passed on with his wish to be to free all demon kind so that they will know freedom once again." Miroku explained. "The current elder, Master Mushin has placed quite a few of us strategically within the main houses of the most spiritually inclined families with the idea being to dismantle the seals they possess that seal your demonic energy."
"I came here under the guise to tutor Lady Kagome. While I have done that I have been chipping away at the seal that keeps all of your people subjugated. It takes time, the seal is incredibly strong but you will all begin to see a return of your energy."
"That's why I was able to use my fox magic." Shippo said.
"As time goes on and more of the seal is broken you will all begin to feel its effects as well as your demonic aura regaining strength." Miroku said keeping his gaze steady on the other.
"There are many here who have never felt what their demonic energy is let alone how to use or control it." Sesshomaru said glancing at Rin.
"Are you one of them?" Miroku questioned.
"Do you have any idea who you are speaking with monk?" Jaken nearly shrieked.
"Jaken." Sesshomaru commanded.
"That. Right there." Pointing at him pleased Miroku smirked. "You are a natural leader. When you speak your people will listen. When they need help managing their abilities, you'll be able guide them."
"So say you break the seal and we all regain demonic energy along with our abilities and powers. This place will become a blood bath. You are aware of that, yes?" Narrowing his eyes Sesshomaru gaged his reaction.
"I for one will not tell any of you how to go about gaining your independence once my work is done however if you raze the mansion and burn the land you will only be reinforcing what they feared to begin with, what started all of this."
"Has Kagome been aware of this plan?" Sesshomaru questioned looking at the note again and her flowing penmanship.
"Not until tonight."
"Kagome possess's spiritual energy, I have felt it but I do not believe she is aware she has it. Perhaps with your guidance and help monk…"
"Yes. She could help me break the seal more quickly. I will inform her of this, our meeting and what transpired here tonight." Miroku nodded satisfied. "I am to leave by tomorrow morning back to my monastery to gather supplies and check in with my master. I can take Shippo with me, he will be safe."
Taking a breath Sesshomaru heard Rin moan. Looking back at her she winced as her light garment clung to the wounds on her back. Turning back to Miroku the human was taken aback by the intensity of his piercing gaze.
"Will you take Rin as well?" Sesshomaru asked softly.
"Will you help us?"
"If I say, 'no', will you deny my request?"
"No. It will be dangerous to travel with them, let me make that clear but I will protect them both with my life until they are safely with my master and brothers." Miroku matched his stare. "I need to tell my master that we have you on the inside,!aware of what is happening if you agree to work with me."
"Yes." Sesshomaru sat back feeling his head buzz and his heart sing. "I will."
Miroku called Kagome into the main room that day to conduct their tutoring. Kneeling with him in front of the Higurashi family crest he handed her a folded piece of paper.
Grasping it she quickly opened it. In her handwriting she read what she had wrote. 'Can you communicate with me?'
Underneath in what appeared to be soot was written simply, 'Yes.'