A/N: HI THERE!!!!! *jumps with joy* I finally came out of my damn writer's block!!! hehe, needless to say I'm pretty happy about that. I have Ravage to thank for that! That e-mail sent me, for some reason, got rid of my writer's block! DOMO ARIGATO!!!!
^______^ hehe, anyway. Here's the next chapter!! I hope you like it... it introduces that mystery character, lol. It's definitely got some humor in it! So, I'll be quiet cause I know you're all dying to read this since I've taken so long to update... ^^; I hope you like it though!! Onto the chapter!!!
Chapter 10: And They Think it Could Get Worse?
"My dear child, you should have known better than to make such a move around my sister... it was sheer insanity..." Sango spoke in a soothing voice as she brushed back a few of Kagome's loose tresses. Taking a damp cloth, she wiped her forehead. "I know this is harsh, but maybe you will have learned your lesson?" Kagome's eyes hardened as those words left her step-sister's lips.
~How could she say such a thing?~ The miko reared back, removing herself from Sango's gentle grasp. "Perhaps it is not I who needs a lesson learned? I did what felt natural.... how could that be wrong?" Her voice suddenly became weaker as the tears forced their way to her eyes. "How could protecting something that's dear to you be wrong?" It was too much for the miko to hold. The tears left her eyes almost as if a dam had broken free, strolling down her cheeks in shimmering streams. Sango was once again there to provide her 'sister' comfort.
"Nothing is wrong with protecting what's dear to you, absolutely nothing. But in this family, obedience is taken highly, and that's something you subverted. Please don't take this from me the wrong way. I understand you probably imagine me as a beast right now, but I only speak the truth. Even I, a daughter to this family, find my mother's actions mortifying, but they must simply be followed." The maiden lowered to her knees, resting a comforting shoulder upon Kagome's shoulder. "My mother's actions are obscured and should be handled by higher authority, but as of now, we don't have a choice but to oblige by them."
"How can you allow yourself to be ruled by someone when obviously you're nothing like that person?" "I have learned to cope with it, and now I see it as daily routine. Kikyo suffers through the same endorsement; however, I fear she enjoys it slightly and uses them for her own sick games." Sango shuddered somewhat from the grotesque feeling. "Let us forget this conversation and move on. We have better things to look forward to... for say the ball that's coming up? Are you going to be present?" The miko let out a gentle sigh and slowly rose to her feet.
"Have you lost your mind? I am a servant to this house, and making myself present will only cause problems to arise..." ~In more ways then one... If Inuyasha were to find out my secret, he will for sure discard of me... and our love will no longer exist.~
"If you feel such a way, then I cannot redirect your opinion. However, I can ask you to assist me in picking out a gown, can I not?" Kagome's chocolate orbs seemed to lighten up towards the maiden's request. "Can I not? Once again, you have lost your mind. Of course I'm coming!" "Then let us get ready! The quicker we leave this estate, the sooner we can began our charade of finding suitable attire." Without another word, the two ran from the room and split apart, each heading towards their own quarters.
Though Kagome may be a servant to this house, and even to Sango, the maiden treated her like actual family. Not once did Sango order Kagome around, or force her to do something she wished not to attempt. In Kagome's eyes, Sango was a true sister to her, and always would be.
"Miss, I am more than certain that this exorcism will cleanse your village of any ominous spirits that happen to linger. I can guarantee my services for you." "Thank you kind sir monk. I greatly appreciate your generous services. How may I repay you?" The monk's dark navy orbs glistened with somewhat of a lecherous gleam. Taking the woman's hands into his own, he gave a dead serious look.
"Ma'am... would you consider-"
"Lady Manomi! I'm glad we were able to... find... you? Hm?" Sango approached the couple with a raised eyebrow, giving a questionable look as the monk continued to hold Lady Manomi's hands. Kagome simply followed in silence, deciding not to say anything for the best.
"Who's this? And why is he...?" "He's a monk. He was cleansing our village of any evil spirits." "Eh..." "She speaks the truth my fair maiden. I am nothing more than a simple monk, performing an exorcism for this village. However..." Before anyone could comprehend, the monk had allowed Lady Manomi's hands to fall from his, and was now embracing Sango's. Just as before, that same lecherous gleam flickered in his handsome navy orbs.
"Ma'am, would you consider bearing my child?" "Eh...?" Her face flushed a bright red, almost as red as the kimono Lady Manomi was wearing. Faster then she knew possible, her hand struck the monk's cheek, sending him crashing to the ground. "You damn pervert!! Who do you think you are touching my hands like that, and asking such a ridiculous question?! Get a life you lecher!!" The maiden was definitely furious, for as she walked away, Kagome and Lady Manomi made room for her.
As for Kagome, she was pretty stunned from the monk's question. Though she was shocked, she found herself helping him to his feet. "Sir monk, what were you thinking when you asked such a question? She doesn't even know you for crying out loud, and then you go asking "Would you bear my child?" That's utterly ridiculous." "...would you?" Her chocolate orbs widened. Too bad for the monk, that question landed him with the same fate. Now, not only was he lying face first upon the dirt, he had two pretty big hand prints written across his cheeks.
"You lecher!" ~If Inuyasha were here and he heard you say that, your butt would be torn apart right about now.~ The miko marched away with a sour, yet embarrassed expression caressing her features.
"Lady Sango! Please forgive the monk's..." Lady Manomi gave him a cold stare, causing him to move back slightly. "...perverted actions. I assure you that it will not happen again. Now please, come inside. Obviously you wished to see me for something?" Behind Lady Manomi, the monk had risen to his feet, dusting the dirt from his robe. ~As my luck has it, I happen to run into three of the most beautiful women, and none wish to bear my child. How long must I keep up with this?~ Almost a saddened look filled his navy hued eyes as he turned towards the hut the ladies had wandered into. "I suppose it wouldn't hurt."
"So, you're looking for an elegant kimono to where at the ball tomorrow night?" "Yes I am, and Lady Kagome has accompanied me to help as well. It's nice for us to get out of the house and spend some friendly fun with one another, is it not?" Kagome nodded towards the two, a bright smile written across her face. "Yes, of course it's nice to be able to do something like that."
"Pardon ladies. I don't mean to intrude, but I feel we got off on a bad start. Let me reintroduce myself. My name is-" The monk came to a halt as he noticed all three women on the other end of the room, leaning up against the wall. He sweat-dropped slightly. "Eh... please forgive my previous actions. It was very wrong of me, but if you understood... ah, never mind. It's no time for sentimentality. My name is Miroku, and I am nothing but a simple monk."
"Feh, more like a lecherous, 'simple' monk.." You could tell that Sango already wasn't going to get along with Miroku. "Well, you've definitely made yourself noticeable." The monk sweat-dropped even more. "Ladies, I give you my sincerest apologies. Please accept them so we can began on friendlier terms?" His navy orbs were emitting almost a plea type of gleam, one showing just how sorry he was.
Letting out a heavy sigh, Sango simply nodded her head. "If you lay a hand in the wrong place, I will be sure to remove it from your limb. Don't test me." Her chocolate orbs narrowed on the monk as he took a seat, acting totally innocent... too innocent. "I won't make any more that I shall regret Miss..." He didn't promise.
"So, Lady Sango, you wish to have a gown picked out for the ball. I believe I bear the perfect attire your heart desires.... This... way... please?" The woman noticed that Sango's eyes and attention was focused else where.
The maiden was making sure that the monk didn't make any wrong moves, and to achieve that her chocolate orbs continued to send cold glares towards him. As response, he continued to act innocent, sweat-dropping every now and then.
~Is it me, or does she continue to throw bitter looks my way? Man... what a beautiful start...~ Miroku sighed somewhat, those saddened orbs returning to him slightly. However, he made sure that no one else caught sight of his actions. He didn't quite feel like answering any questions at the moment.
Though, unlucky for him, Sango caught a brief image of his sorrowful look, but she decided to keep it to herself.
"Um, Lady Sango? Lady Manomi is waiting for you. She already picked out a few kimonos, but is simply waiting for your arrival. I'll stand out here so I can tell ya what I think." Kagome smiled softly as the woman rose to her feet, somewhat of an 'oh, sorry I was paying attention' look written across her features.
"I'm coming!" With that said, Sango disappeared behind a set of curtains, ready to try on the kimonos chosen for her.
"So, Miroku... are you really a monk?" Kagome knelt down by a small fire centered in the middle of the room, her jet-black tresses falling over her shoulders.
The monk simply smiled, tilting his head so his eyes could meet hers. "You guys don't trust me, do you?" The miko sweat-dropped, feeling that was enough to answer his question.
"To tell you the truth.... yes, I am a monk.... however, there is more to it."
"Hm?" Kagome lifted her head as his words filled her ears. So, he was a monk, but that wasn't everything. What kind of secret could he be containing behind those gentle, navy orbs of his? Was it something dark? Or could it be something else?
"I... I have a curse..."
There was a moment of absolute silence, only the crackling of the flickering flames could be heard.
"Ah, Lady Sango! This kimono suits you beautifully! I didn't imagine that silver and white would contour along your features, but I suppose I was wrong. Now, why don't you go show Miss Kagome and see how she likes it, ne?" Lady Manomi smiled softly as her eyes twinkled, the colors of the kimono really bringing out Sango's eyes.
It was a mixture of white and silver. The top was a shade of pure white, so beautiful it appeared as freshly fallen, unstained snow. The part around her midriff held close, a beautiful golden sash wrapped around her waist. The sleeves were different however, and were not connected to the remainder of the kimono. Instead, shimmering silver lace held the material on her arms, and blended in with the white. The pants to her kimono were a soft shade of silver with white lace intertwined at the feet. Her shoes were elegant Japanese sandals with a silver lace embracing her ankle, keeping the shoe at bay.
"I must say, I am truly amazed with this Lady Manomi. I didn't imagine that such a wonderful kimono existed. I am forever in your debt. Now, to show Lady Kagome..." Sango twirled slightly in the light fabric, enjoying the feeling of the wind brush against her skin. "Hey, Kagome! I think I found the right kimono. I would like for you to come and see. Eh?"
When she received no response, the maiden moved forward slowly, as if for no one to hear her. When she peeked around the corner, she gazed in silence towards the two talking. Whatever it was, they were both deep into conversation– and she wanted to find out more.
"Is it a deadly one?"
"After awhile, yes... it will consume my life if the cure isn't given right now. You see, in my right hand... there is a hole, a dark vertex, and it acts almost like a black hole." The monk lifted his hand to reveal a glove, and a set of prayer beads embracing the limb. "These beads keep the hole sealed, otherwise you and Lady Sango would no longer exist."
Kagome gasped slightly, more than stunned from the truth about his curse. "Is there a way to rid yourself of the curse?"
"Yes there is... but as of now, I have not succeeded in that solution," he let out a deep sigh and continued. "My only option to rid myself entirely of this burden is by ending the life of the one whom cursed me. If I fail in that attempt, then I wish to have a son so he may carry out the task. This curse will travel within the blood of my family until there is no longer anyone to wield the wretched fate.... If I do not end the curse in time, the hole in my hand will eventually grow larger, so big that it will swallow me... instantly ending my life."
Kagome was absolutely speechless, not knowing anything to say. How could she respond to something like that? She couldn't just say, "Oh, don't worry; everything will be all right and you'll find a way," when she wasn't even positive he would? Simply... she didn't know what to do.
"Lady Kagome, I ask you not to worry yourself about my damned fate. It is something I must deal with, and with alone." "Don't say that!" The maiden turned her head and snapped at him, hating the words she just heard.
"Never say that you'll do something alone! You told me about everything, so naturally I'm going to help you! No one in their right mind deserves such a horrid fate, not even a lecherous monk like you. I'm going to help you find this person so you can end the curse."
"Lady Kagome... I... thank you... If you truly wish to assist me, I fear I cannot argue with a Lady's decision. However, what of your friend, Lady Sango?"
Throughout the whole conversation, Sango was listening to every spoken word. When Kagome snapped back, she was stunned to find tears welling up within her chocolate orbs. The whole story about his wretched fate was definitely eating her up– in more ways than one.
~What a horrible future he has to face. He'll never know if he may wake up the next day and only find the horrid vertex sucking him in. Basically, he has to live every day of his life in fear, never knowing if it may be his last...~ The tears grew even more as her fist tightened in a ball near her chest. Sango continued to listen to their conversation.
"I imagine Lady Sango would assist us as well. Even though it appears she doesn't approve of you too much... and I know why..." She sent him somewhat of a playful glare, merely happy that his frown slowly began to fade. "I'm sure she will help. She isn't cold hearted the least bit, and is truly a wonderful person. You simply must give her a chance."
"Aye..." Miroku smirked slightly, though it went unnoticed by Kagome, and Sango who was no longer eyeing in on their talk.
Now, the maiden had returned to her dressing room in silence, gradually wiping away the remaining tears. Once she was satisfied that you could no longer tell of her crying, she began to undress herself. The part of the kimono around her midriff was her first task. Once removed, her hair was free to rest against her bare, smooth milky skin.
"Also, Miroku... don't do anything stupid." Kagome pointed her finger on the last comment; however, she blinked several times afterward. "Eh? Miroku? Lord Miroku! Where'd you... gah!" The miko toppled over with a huge sweat-drop as she noticed the monk creeping around the dressing room, his peeping-tom eyes ready to get their fill.
Jumping to her feet instantly, her eyes tightened as she began to holler. Though soon, that wouldn't be necessary. "Miroku!! Get your grimy butt back over here!!!"
"Ahh... this is too easy." The monk smiled in satisfaction as he situated himself for a perfect view of the undressing maiden. Taking a deep breath, he was capable of seeing her bare back– and oh what a heavenly sight that was for his navy orbs. He slightly squealed as she began to turn his direction, getting closer to giving him a full view.
"Oh lord... this isn't going to be pretty..." Kagome dropped to the ground and covered her head, almost as if an earthquake were to occur.
"Lady Kagome?" Lady Manomi blinked in confusion as she gazed upon Kagome. When the miko gave a few hand signals, she was next to her in split seconds. "What does he think he's doing? All hell is going break loose within the next few moments." "....yep.... poor guy....." They both swallowed heavily and remained silent, waiting for the queue of the monk's nightmare to begin.
"Everything's so quiet... too quiet." Sango wrapped her fingers delicately around her silky brown tresses, removing the hair from her skin. As she turned around (revealing her whole upper body as well), her mouth dropped to the floor.
Miroku's navy orbs were practically glued on the maiden's open upper form as she turned his way, his peeping-tom eyes getting more than what he had originally hoped for. "Oh wow... front row seats.... oh crap..." He immediately shrunk back when a flame of sheer anger engulfed her, plus that of embarrassment.
"MMMIIIRRROOOKKKUUU!!!!!"
That was enough to knock him off his feet, not too mention quitea ways back. "Oh dear..." His eyes widened slightly when he realized his new fate bestowed upon him. "Perhaps the hole in my hand is a more desirable fate then facing the wrath of a girl?" He sweat-dropped somewhat as the angered maiden towered over him, bringing even more fear. "Crap..."
The only thing you could hear after that word was the entire room being turned upside down. Crashes and explosions were heard here and there, plus several whimpers and pleas for an apology; none were ever excepted.
Kagome and Lady Manomi winced when they heard silence. They both decided to lift their heads and take a look, but boy was that a bad move. The instant they glanced up, removing their bodies from their shelter, they cried in horror as the monk glided through the air, his crash landing heading right for them.
"Holy crap! Sango!!" The miko and store owner managed to dodge the 'holy baseball' just barely, both women watching as he crashed through the wall. Several items fell as the wall crumbled, burying him beneath it. Standing feet away, Sango was breathing in heavily, her eyes still filled with anger.
"Oh boy..." Kagome sweat-dropped as she rose to her feet, bringing a sash to wrap around the angered maiden. Once her personal female parts were covered, the miko let out a sigh of relief.
"I don't care if he has that damn hole in his hand... he has NO right watching me while I undress!!! Then that 'front row seats' comment totally sealed his fate around me. If anything suspicious is done by him around me, a HUGE war is going to break loose."
"Heh, I promise to keep an eye on him Sango. Besides, from that beating... I don't think he'll be making any unnecessary moves." The maiden slightly gasped when she realized just how much damage she had caused. "Oh dear... do you think he's even alive?"
As if on queue, a small white flag was seen rising from the rubble that concealed the monk. "I'm.... okay......"
The two women couldn't help but chuckle softly from his actions.
However, poor Lady Manomi gazed in sheer shock at remained of her shop. "It's all gone.... everything...." In time, she began to sway back and forth from the shock.
"Eh... Lady Manomi? I'm so sorry for the damage... I'll find someway to buy you a new one... that's my promise."
"....rrrriiiigggghhhhttt....."
"I'm glad you came with me Kagome. It really means a lot. And besides, if you weren't there... a certain someone would probably be dead by now..." Sango glanced over her shoulder, sending the meandering monk a hateful glare.
"I'm happy that I was able to assist you." Kagome smiled softly towards her sister as they walked down a path.
"As for now, we'll get by with Miroku." The miko sighed somewhat, but shook off the thought of what Miroku was doing. "Right. We need to get home before mother get's angry." "I agree with you there." "What are we going to do with Mr. Innocent Monk over there? He can't come home with us...." Sango pointed towards him, using her other hand to block him from hearing.
"Ohhh.. I think I have an idea..." Sango stood back somewhat from the 'evil' type of gleam present in Kagome's eyes. "I have a perfect idea."
"Are you sure there's no harm in doing this Kagome?" The monk questioned as he walked forward, wearing a very interesting set of attire. The two girls had dressed him in a females kimono, a very revealing one. However, he wasn't aware of his clothing, for they kept him blindfolded.
Kagome and Sango couldn't help but chuckle as they moved away from him, continuing their journey home. "He's going to get at you for this." "Ah, consider it payback for taking a peek at you. Heh, I can't wait to hear what Inu- eh, Prince Inuyasha does when he finds Miroku at his door dressed like that."
"Oh, I can imagine... something pretty bad." "The poor guy..." Kagome and Sango burst into a fit of laughter as they disappeared into the horizon, the monk's pleading voice echoing throughout the air.
"Ladies... this isn't natural. I just know you did something stupid to me!! Please, I beg of you... set me free?!" Miroku continued with his pleas, hoping they would reconsider.
"Ladies? Hello? Oh..." He reached out a free hand, feeling something rather soft against his fingers. Too bad, if the blindfold wasn't so tight, he'd be unable to free himself. Then again, if he knew exactly what he was running his fingers through, he'd be scarred for life.
"Such silky hair... is that you Lady Sango?"
"A-hem..."
"No, no. The voice is far too deep to be Lady Sango... and it couldn't be Kag-" The monk blinked several times as the cover concealing his eyes was removed. Standing before him was quite a shocking sight... someone very irritated... not too happy.
"Eh.... why hello there...." Miroku had a LARGE sweat-drop as he stood back, watching the annoyed person before him. "I am terribly sorry for that... I assure you it won't happen again."
"Let's hope not. If someone saw you in those clothes, they would die of laughter, or sheer shock. Damn, what the hell were you thinking walking out like that?!"
"Like..." It was then that Miroku realized exactly what he was wearing. The poor monk. He was embarrassed half to death, cold, shocked, and definitely understood the reasons for this. "I suppose I deserve this... but did they have to include the clothes?"
"Get your ass inside and change those ridiculous clothes."
Miroku nodded quickly, walking past the man. As he did, his face tightened up even more. Seeing the ears upon the man's head revealed his identity.
"In front of the Prince..... oh please let this nightmare end."
"Like you said, you did it to yourself.... hm? What's this?" "What's what? Why are you approaching me like that?!" The monk gasped as the hanyou tried to pull something from his back. "Stand still!!"
"Right!" Not flinching a muscle, he watched as the Prince began reading a sheet of paper.
Inuyasha:
This is my friend Miroku. He's a monk, but don't let his innocent
appearance fool you. Please take him in and help him? After this,
he'll definitely need it. Thanks a lot!
Love,
Kagome
~Kagome...~ "Miroku! Get your ass upstairs and change those clothes. You're my guest, and I don't want to hear any arguments about it, agreed?"
Miroku simply nodded in awe, wondering why the Prince was acting like this towards him, and how he knew his name.
"The name's Inuyasha, and welcome to my home. Now before I change my mind on anything... get going."
"Uh-huh..." The monk treaded up the stairs slowly, his eyes wide open with the confusing thoughts still lingering in his mind.
~I know I missed something....~
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A/N: So... *blink blink* How was it? Did you enjoy the humor? Hehehe... poor Miroku.. Sango and Kagome just couldn't resist! lol.
Anyway, I will try to get the new chapter us as fast as I can.... another character get's introduced!!! I can't remember exactly when this part is during the movie... but I had forgotten entirely about it! *slaps hand* Bad Kitty! BAD Kitty.... ^^; I'm ok... really!! Anyway, if it's too late into the storyline... *sighs* Oh well, I'll make it work. ^^
Well, that's all for now!!! I want to begin that next chapter! Ja ne! ^~
..oh... hehe, one more thing. *glances at reviews* You all really like this story!!!! *sniffles* I feel so special!! I've never had this many reviews for any of my stories!! Thank you so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so.... *continues on*
Toya: I think they get it Kitty...
Kitty: so, so, so, so, so, so....
Toya: ...much... that's what she's trying to say... ^^; We'll see you in the next chapter! Ja ne! ^~
Kitty: so, so, so, so, so, so, so, so...
Toya: ¬_¬ I don't know her.....