Yes, I know, I really need to get a move on, don't I? Well, hold your horses; I'll try to get a move on right now, in this chapter. But no guarantees, okay? I really have no idea where I'm going with this fic. I have nothing planned out what-so-ever, and I think I'm going through a period of writer's block. Hope not, I want to get more chapters up ASAP.
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Inu Yasha, but sooner or later, I WILL own a Miroku key chain!! MWA HA HA! What? Don't believe me? I will, really! Eventually…….
Kirara was soaring hastily over the tree tops as hordes of creatures; big and small, demon or not; tore through the forest below them. Sango was trying her hardest not to glance at the monk positioned behind her, even as she heard his soft moans. Kimi stared in wonder at the creatures darting here and there beneath her feet.
"What's causing them to do that?" The girl asked curiously. "I've never seen demons run frightened from something."
"Naraku sent along some of that damned Miasma," Inu Yasha growled, scanning the ground briefly.
Sensing an on-coming question, Kagome began to explain to Kimi what exactly the Miasma was.
"Will someone please tell me what's going on?"
Everyone turned to Miroku in shock. The monk's eyes were closed, and sweat coated his bare chest, making his creamy skin gleam in the moonlight. The blood staining his flesh gave the man's body an eerie glow.
"Miroku, you shouldn't worry about that, you need to rest," Kagome said.
"Just tell the man what he wants to know," Inu Yasha stated, crossing his arms and sliding his hands into his sleeves.
"Naraku attacked while we were asleep," Sango said quietly, refusing to face Miroku.
The monk's eyes widened and he clenched his right fist tightly. The man glared at the prayer beads encircling his wrist, his whole arm shaking with anger.
"Miroku-sama, what's wrong?" Kimi asked, noticing the man's knuckles going white.
The monk started, and lowered his hand. He turned his head to the side, his breathing seeming even more un-even and ragged.
"Nothing, did Naraku kill the Lord?"
"Yes, both the Lord and all the men in the palace are dead. Inu Yasha and I tried to stop him, but he disappeared before we could do much damage, as usual," Kagome sighed.
"So, it was the real thing, not one of his puppets?"
"That seemed to be the case," Kagome replied.
"Damn it Naraku, when I get my hands on you, you'll be sorry you ever cursed my grandfather. That is, if I can hold out that much longer…"
Miroku's vision began to become blurry, and darkness tinted the edges of his vision. The monk dug his hands into Sango's shoulders, and the woman yelped.
"Houshi-sama, what was that for?!"
The man fought the approaching void as best he could, but in the end, he was just too weak…
~
"Munshin, how long do I have to live?"
The old man paused thoughtfully, looking long and hard at the young monk before him.
"Your father was 20 summers when the wind tunnel consumed him. Your grandfather, he was 21. The time it takes for the curse to devour you will vary, but only slightly. You have roughly until the coming winter. I doubt you will be able to see the spring. I am truly sorry."
Miroku brought his eyes to the ground, not wanting to believe what the old monk was telling him. Only until the coming winter? That was hardly enough time. He had to defeat Naraku within 4 seasons? It seemed the fates were against him. Perhaps they even hated him. The monk thought it impossible, almost knew it was, that he and the others would kill the half demon within the allotted time.
Miroku nodded to Munshin, and turned to follow Inu Yasha and the others. They were headed back to the village they had left to search for Miroku after the monk had suddenly disappeared yesterday. The rest of the group wasn't aware of the dilemma the man was facing. They had no idea that Miroku had until winter to live, that when spring came, his existence would no longer be so. The monk saw no reason to tell his companions of his troubles. It would only cause them worry, and make it even harder to collect the fragments of the Shikon jewel. They couldn't be distracted by the curse! Besides, they would probably be happier once he was out of their lives. Sango especially.
"Sango…"
~
Miroku woke, startled and shaken. He hadn't dreamed in years, yet lately, he couldn't escape the haunting memories. The monk slowly calmed his breathing, and realized he was outside. The sun was warm on his face, and the air was warm for fall. The man slowly sat up. Fall…He only had a couple of moon cycles until…
"Miroku, you're awake!"
The monk turned to see Kagome walking towards him, bandages and herbs gathered in her arms.
"How are you feeling?" The girl asked, coming to sit beside the man.
"Alright, as far as being poisoned goes."
"I already gave you some herbs while you were unconscious. I didn't want to wait until you woke up because…"
Miroku nodded in understanding as Kagome trailed off. The monk decided to change the subject.
"Where are we?"
The man gazed upon his serene surroundings. He noted that he was on a rock face of some sort, and a small stream was trickling peacefully below him. Before him was a boundless view of mountain peaks strewn along the horizon.
Kagome looked around as well, sighing. "It is beautiful, isn't it? I don't really know where we are exactly, but Inu Yasha said it was safe, so we stopped. We were afraid to risk your health on the long journey back to the village."
Miroku smiled weakly, then turned to observe the dazzling sight of the chain of mountains. He didn't realize Kagome was saying anything for a few seconds.
"I'm sorry, Lady Kagome, I didn't hear you."
"Is there something that's been bothering you? You seem a little distracted lately."
"Did Lady Sango mention this to you?"
Kagome blushed a little. "Yes, she's the one who told me to ask you. I didn't really think there was a problem…is there?"
"No, you needn't worry, I've just been thinking."
"About the curse? Here, lay on your stomach so I can re-bandage your wound."
Miroku complied, and rested his head on his arms before replying.
"I'm just worried that we won't be able to kill Naraku in time. I still don't have an heir, someone to continue fighting if I don't make it, and the thought…troubles me somewhat."
Kagome peeled away the bandages she had put on the monk earlier, while he was unconscious, and began to rub a balm into Miroku's back as gently as she could. The girl was obviously not gentle enough, because the monk bit his arm to keep from crying out.
"Sorry, I should've warned you. And don't worry so much, Miroku, you aren't the type of person to act so down! We'll defeat Naraku soon, and you'll be curse-free!"
The monk grimaced as Kagome got a little too rough with her application of the ointment, and then grinned at the girls' enthusiastic and up-lifting talk.
"Lady Kagome, I fear you are much too happy for your own good."
"And I fear you're too depressing for your own good!" the girl mocked, "Now, turn over please."
When Sango, Inu Yasha, Kimi and Shippo returned from their search for food in the forest, Kagome was done tending to Miroku and he was once again asleep. Sango came to sit next to the other woman, examining the monk as she did so.
"Did you ask him?"
Kagome smiled. "Yep, he said he was fine."
"And you believe him?"
"He said he's just been thinking…"
"That's what he told me a few days ago. I think he's hiding something."
Kagome shook her head and rose to help Inu Yasha build a fire; the hanyou was having a less than peachy time creating a flame. Sango turned towards the monk, and absently ran a hand through his hair shyly.
"What are you hiding…"
Oh yeah, I finally put of chapter 5!! Yes, it's short, I know. I'm sorry it took me so long, I've been enjoying my week off from school thoroughly! I'll try to post the next chapter soon, but since I have school on Monday, there aren't any guarantees. I'll also try to make the next chapter longer, but that means I won't post as soon as I hoped. Oh, it's all so very confusing! Please review!
