Disclaimer: I own not Inu-Yasha, Rumiko Takahashi does, nor do I own feudal age Japan…but then again who really did?
Miroku's Worst Fear Chapter Two: The Darkness"It's awfully dark out tonight," Shippou commented settling in by a rock near the fire.
"That it is," Sango said as she absent-mindedly attended to their meal. Keeping watch on the wooded area around them she waited for the others to return. Kirara came bounding back in carrying another fish in her mouth. Being close to a stream made finding food easy. But what really irked Sango was that Miroku and Kirara had left at the same time, and Kirara had returned thrice now without so much as a twig snap coming from the direction the houshi headed. 'Just what is he doing out there?'
Descaling a fourth sakana with her blade, Sango clenched her fist around the hilt in concentration.
"Ano…Sango? Are you going to leave any of that fish left to cook?" Shippou asked from the safety of the other side of the campfire.
"Eh?" Sango looked down to see that she'd been concentrating on not taking her hand off so much that she hadn't notice that she'd nearly stripped the fish down to it's bones. "This one can be Houshi-sama's," she said turning the fish over.
"What can be mine?" a voice asked from right beside her.
Having not heard him approach Sango jumped and instinctively threw her elbow into the flesh closest to her.
"Itai…" Miroku said grabbing his knee.
"Gee, Miroku what took you so long? For a while there we began to think that you'd found a pretty girl in the woods," Shippou smirked watching Miroku set down a bucket of water beside Sango.
"Oh? Have I been gone that long?" he said taking a seat by the fire, still rubbing his knee.
"Long enough," Sango said dryly under her breath.
"I've gotten too used to having Kagome's metal torches around that I've forgotten how to navigate the woods when it's this dark."
"So basically, you got lost," Shippou piped up again.
When morning came, they made sure that the fire was completely out and continued on their way.
"Can we stay in a village tonight?" Shippou asked.
"What? Gotten so used to sleeping in Kagome's sleeping bag that you can't take the ground anymore?"
As they journeyed, they heard a strange sound along the path. At first they thought it was just a random clanking noise like a seed falling from a tree onto the ground below. But as they traveled nearer and the noise became louder and more frequent they quickened their pace. Soon the noise was accompanied by scraping sounds and the occasional grunt. When they came upon a blind turn in the road a shower of stones from around the corner caused them to pause.
"Hello?" Sango ventured to call out when the stones stopped coming, as did the scraping sounds.
"Is someone there?" Miroku added edging towards the turn.
"If so could you hold your fire for a minute!" Shippou called out from his shoulder perch.
When they turned the corner, there in the middle of the path was a young woman. She appeared to be Sango's age, maybe even younger. She was sitting in the middle of the path crying into her knees.
"Ano, daijoubu ka?" Sango asked approaching the girl.
Raising her eyes from her knees ever so slightly the girl sniffled. Her eyes were bloodshot and puffy, tear tracks stained her cheeks, and Sango noticed that her hands were caked in mud and even a little blood. The girl broke down and began sobbing loudly again.
"He…he came back yesterday," she sniffled again, "and… and now I don't even have a cha-a-nce…" she sobbed throwing her arms out around Sango—as if by simply being female she would understand her plight.
Sango patted the girl's back as she cocked her head back towards her companions. Miroku looked at Shippou who shrugged, and then turning back to Sango a shrug was the best advice he could give as well. Sango sighed inwardly, but continued to console the girl. When she stopped crying so forcefully, Sango asked her if she would be all right. The girl nodded wiping her eyes in her sleeves. Looking up and past Sango, for the first time, she saw Miroku, Shippou, and Kirara.
Then as if she were manic-depressive, the girl jumped up and with the happiest expression one could imagine she ran over to Miroku. "You're a houshi right?" she said barely waiting for him to nod before continuing, "Then we're saved! You can help us, can't you?"
Miroku looked at the girl and smiled, "What's wrong, my child?"
Sango rolled her eyes rejoining the group, her shoulder soaked with this girl's tears.
"There's a horrible curse on our village. It's been slowly sucking the happiness out of our lives. Please you have to say that you can help us!"
Shippou smiled from Miroku's shoulder, "A curse you say? Well that just happens to be our specialty! Of course we can help."
"It is?" Miroku and Sango said simultaneously.
"You can!" Mari squealed with delight.
"Yep! I'm the brains of the operation," this received a look from the others, "I figure out how to break the curse and the Miroku and Sango here can break it without even trying." Shippou beamed, "We're like Curse Busters, aren't we guys?"
Without waiting for them to acknowledge Shippou's statement, the girl grabbed Miroku and Sango by the wrists and began to drag them happily back to her village. Exchanging an awkward glance the pair blushed deeply—remembering the last curse that they had broken together. The one where the found out that they were soulmates.
"My name is Mari by the way. So you're Sango," she said tugging on Sango's wrist, "and you're Miroku," she did the same to his, "but I didn't catch your names," she turned between Shippou and Kirara who were both just at her eye level.
"I'm Shippou and this is Kirara. Mari what kind of curse is your village under?"
"Well… I'd best let the village miko explain that. I would hate to get something wrong."
Miroku and Sango exchanged a glance again, and then simultaneously nodded to their captured wrists. "Ano, Mari-chan do you think you could give us our arms back?" Sango asked.
Mari stopped right outside of the jinja. "Wait right here. I'll go get the miko." Outside of the shrine sat a young man drawing in the dirt with a stick. Sango rubbing her raw wrist approached the young man.
"Excuse me. This is going to sound a little odd, but is your village cursed?"
The boy looked up at her, "Well that would explain a lot of things." Sango turned back to the others and gave them an odd look. The boy continued, "I'm sorry. I just returned home from assisting our daimyo's head samurai and nothing has made sense to me since I've been here. A curse would be a good explanation. I'm waiting for the miko myself so that I can get some answers."
"Sou ka," Sango said before returning to the others. "He didn't know much either."
"Probably the one Mari was going on about when we found her," Miroku whispered.
Sango nodded, "He's just returned home."
"This place gives me a bad feeling. Can we leave now?" Miroku asked.
"You probably should leave," an elderly voice said from the shrine entrance. Sango spun around to face the old miko along with the others.
"Miko-sama, is it true what they say? Is our village cursed?" the boy asked rising to his feet.
"I'm afraid so, Haruko. I'm afraid so." She lowered herself gingerly on the steps and walked over to the little group of strangers. "Mari should not have brought you into our troubles, but she insists that you can somehow help us. I'm afraid that if you stay you will only fall subject to the curse. Though…" the old woman paused looking them up and down, "you seem to be naturally attracted to curses." She turned back to her shrine. Upon reaching the top of the stairs she said, "I must speak with Haruko now. He has been waiting longer. If you leave I will understand, but if you wish to stay the people here will welcome you. Rika can take you anywhere you want to go," she said gesturing to a young shrine maiden in the doorway.
Rika met them at the bottom of the stairs as Haruko and the miko disappeared into the building. Bowing she said, "My name is Rika let me be of service to you."
"Well Rika-sama," Miroku said taking her hands in his.
Sango folded her arms across her chest just waiting for what was to come next. 'And with a shrine maiden, Houshi-sama have you no shame!'
"My supper last night was less than filling, would you mind taking us some place that we can nourish our bodies?" Rika smiled and nodded leading the way. Sango blinked a few times as Miroku and Shippou went past her.
"Mew?" Kirara asked.
"Who would have thought," Sango said before following behind them.
Sitting at a table with rice and sakana before each of them, Rika asked, "So Mari says that you call yourself the Curse Busters."
Nearly choking on her food, Sango shot a glare towards Shippou.
"Well we've managed to break every curse we've come up against," Shippou said shoving food into his mouth.
"Except one," Miroku corrected.
"Have faith, Houshi-sama. We will," Sango said staring straight into his blue eyes.
"So what kind of curse is your village suffering from?" Shippou asked still under the belief that he must be the one to gather as much information as possible.
Rika sighed, "One that keeps everyone from happily marrying."
"How many people in your village have been affected?" he continued
"Everyone," she smiled, "Most of the people my age have been directly affected. Actually everyone in my relative age range has been affected except me, and well Haruko. Which has in turn affected the morale of the village, which affects everything from industry to daily life. All I have to say is… if you somehow manage to break this curse I personally will be forever indebted to you." She said locking eyes on Miroku as she concluded.
Sango didn't miss this gesture either. "Well if we're going to help, perhaps we should talk to some of those directly affected." She rose from the table, and when Miroku didn't take his eyes from Rika's, she stepped on his foot on her way past him.
Rika lead them all across the town, going from house to house. Knocking on the door of Haruko's parents, Rika stepped back when his mother answered. "Rika-chan what brings you to our door?" she asked coldly.
Rika smiled sweetly, "I've brought some people who wish to speak with Jiro and Sachi."
"Hn," the older woman replied, "Sachi, could you come here a minute."
A young woman of eighteen came to the open door and escorted them to the side of the house where they would not interfere with her family's work nor draw attention from the street. "How may I help you?" Sachi greeted.
"We're here to investigate the curse on this town. We understand that you've been affected by it," Shippou began.
Sachi laughed, "I guess you could say that."
"Would you mind telling us how it has affected you?"
Sachi smiled and stole a glance to Rika. "Well I was to be wed to Naosuke, but only a week before our marriage was to take place the matchmaker arrived on my door and informed me that due to unnatural circumstances I would not be able to marry Naosuke."
"You poor girl," Miroku said taking in her sleek figure. "So because of this curse you are not happily married?" he said holding her hands.
"No I am not," Sachi replied not at all offended by his touch.
"Save it, Houshi-sama," Sango said grabbing him by the shoulder, "We need to speak to everyone if we're going to get to Kaede's by nightfall tomorrow."
Miroku released the girl's hands and allowed himself to be dragged off. Sachi smiled and waved him—er them—off.
Most of the meetings went much the same way—Shippou asked the questions, which were all vaguely answered, no one is happily married which apparently gave Miroku the right to hit on every one of them and Sango grew more impatient with him as they went on—and the hours of the day passed quickly. When Rika saw Haruko sitting outside the shrine waiting, she led them back to speak to the miko. The sun was already descending in the sky to the west. Rika took them inside before leaving to speak to Haruko, alone.
"Miko-sama," Sango said getting the old woman's attention.
"So you've decided to stay," the elderly miko said turning to greet her guests.
"We have little better to do," Sango said dryly, clearly peeved about staying.
"Sou ka," the old woman croned, "Have you eaten?"
"This morning," Miroku informed her.
She nodded walking out of the shrine. "Join me for supper then and I shall tell you what I know."
**~**
"I can't stay long," Haruko spoke softly looking at his feet.
"Did the baa-baa tell you about what's been going on?" Rika asked.
Haruko nodded. "Everyone, even Jiro, has been affected. That's why you're the miko-in-training?"
"There's no one else." Rika sighed, "You're not going to stay are you?"
"Miko-sama has asked me to return to the daimyo," he said. "I'll never make it there tonight, but I'm to set out in the morning."
Rika nodded, "So that's it. You get to just run away."
Haruko finally lifted his eyes to meet hers, "I don't want to. I left the castle because I was sick of training. They told me that if I stayed with them another five years I could probably be granted a low samurai status."
"Oh… aren't you special," she remarked snidely.
"Apparently," he replied ignoring her tone.
The water filled log clanked near by.
"Take me with you," Rika whispered.
"What?" Haruko said lifting her head with his hand.
"I don't want to be a miko. I'm not asking to be your wife or anything, I just… I just don't want to stay here."
Haruko nodded in understanding. "Where would I take you?"
"Anywhere." Her eyes pierced his as the sun sank in the sky.
A pang crossed his heart, "I have to go. It'll be too dark if I don't go now."
Rika nodded; a solitary tear streaked down her cheek.
Haruko gently brushed it away with his thumb. "I'd take you away if I could…" and with that he was gone.
'Now that you're back…If I stay I'll surely be cursed too…' Rika thought sadly before turning to head into the shrine house where the smell of food wafted from.
**~**
"It all began when I was a young shrine maiden. The village seemed to be suffering from a horrible curse. Everyone who married was quite unhappy and for some reason very few were blessed with children. At first we thought that it was the fault of the matchmaker and exiled her from the village, but then these problems still continued. So, we asked advice from a wise, neighboring miko." The elderly woman paused, "She came in and did a purification ritual and then gave offerings to the kami. The couple that she married on that day had many children and led happy, fulfilled lives. So naturally we repeated her rituals at each marriage henceforth. It was about four years ago now when things started going wrong again."
"How so?" Shippou asked while blowing on his hot soup.
Rika breezed into the little room. "You're sending him away to keep me here, aren't you!"
"Rika," the woman said closing her eyes as a way of gesturing to her guests.
"I don't care if they're here or not," Rika proclaimed
"This is not a proper way for a miko to act," the old woman said sternly.
"I am not a miko! I don't want to be a miko!" Rika lowered her voice a little, "I don't see why we even have mikos. It's not like any of us have gifts and powers like the girl from the village up the road did."
'Does she mean Kikyo?' Miroku and Sango both thought.
"It's our tradition to have a miko in the village."
"And look at where our traditions have gotten us. We're doomed to repeat the mistakes of our ancestors no matter what we do."
"Rika, I do wish that you would calm yourself. Get us some sake to help us relax, and I shall continue to explain this curse."
Rika sighed heading over to a small cabinet. A square object with a rounded top and handle sat on top of said nearby cabinet. Opening the cabinet she pulled out four small, flat, cups and a little flask. Then she proceeded to lift the round portion out of the center of the square pot. It was a sake warmer. Filling the flask with warm sake she turned back to the table and began filling the cups repeatedly and offering it to everyone present—not forgetting to take some herself.
"Rika-chan how is it that you have not fallen subject to the curse?" Sango asked.
"Probably because I'm too willing."
"What?"
"Everyone who is miserable is so because the one that they love cannot be theirs. I am not so picky. I would have been happy with anyone. This curse purposely chooses those who will be most unhappy with the outcome."
"Sou ka."
As the miko began talking again Rika began pouring sake like her life depended on it. She especially attended to Miroku's cup, making sure it was never dry. After an hour she was beginning to get hot, so she loosened her robes a little. "Whew!" she said fanning her exposed neck with her hands. "I should know better than to drink so fast," she smiled. Leaning on the table without fixing her robe she began eyeing Miroku's cup across the way, "Can I fill you up?" she said coyly.
Miroku blinked. He'd downed a few too many cups to avoid looking below her face. He didn't exactly agree, but since he didn't refuse Rika reached across the table and began pouring again. Spilling slightly she giggled.
"Okay. I think that's enough of that," Sango said placing her hand over Miroku's cup and moving it out of Rika's reach. "Rika-chan. I think we've had enough sake to last us all the entire week. If you're hot, why don't you open the window?"
"Because I'm not worthy of him," she said drunkenly.
"Who?" Shippou asked still quite sober. Sango insisted that he only have one cup.
Slowly getting to her feet she continued, "He's the town's golden boy, and I'm the black sheep."
"Now that's what I'd call true love," Miroku whispered to Sango as Rika turned towards the window.
More stable than one would think she walked from the table and opened the window to let in some air. As she did so a shudder passed through her. She felt as if she'd just been touched by something very dark. Feeling odd and lightheaded she sat down quickly.
"Rika-chan, are you okay?"
"Cold… It felt so cold…"
"It's fairly warm outside, perhaps you're getting sick," Shippou offered.
Looking out the window Miroku noticed that there was no moonlight. 'Tonight's the new moon. Wonder if it's new in Kagome's country tonight too.' As he continued to ponder this thought a wave of unnatural cold hit him.
The elderly miko sat back from the table watching Rika shudder on the floor. 'It has begun…'
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Author's Dictionary:
Sakana: fish (usually for eating)
Itai: Ouch. Or an expression of pain.
Ano: Excuse me, Umm… it's either an attention getter or a verbal utterance.
Daijoubu ka?: "Are you alright?"
Jinja: a Shinto Shrine
Samurai: warrior(s) that served the daimyos; the samurai pretty much enforced the laws and therefore ruled the land.
Sou ka: "I see" (it has many translations… this is the one I'm using)
Kami: god/goddess of Shinto
Sake: wine made from rice, traditionally served warm.
Author's Notes:
Yes, I know the "dictionary" was rather long last chapter. That was because I had no historical notes for the rather short chapter so figured I'd play the name game for those who are oblivious. I've italicized all the Japanese words in the text and then listed them in chronological order at the end of the chapter… only to keep dictionaries short I'm not repeating the words after defining them in the last chapter… at least not when they're miko and houshi… and other really, really commonly used words.
So this Chapter could be more aptly titled "Shippou's Power Trip," but hey he doesn't get many chances to actually take charge…and get away with it. ^_^
I promise… I will reveal what the kanji read before the story is over. You aren't supposed to know what it says until that point in the story comes around again. Remember I said that the prologue was in media res… meaning it came from the middle of the story… Chapter One is actually about three days before the prologue (sorry if I didn't make that clear enough before).
Well… I could give you all this grand scale history lesson on daimyos and samurai… but I'm really tired and it's probably not necessary to follow the story. Um…I was thinking about writing a brief history of the village here… but… I haven't finished writing Chapter Four…and I might include most of it in there so I'm going to hold off for now.
Questions, Comments, Nasty Remarks?
Leave me a review to let me know what you think… the more reviews the sooner I will finish the unwritten chapters. It's called motivation, and sometimes inspiration. Well Tune in next Saturday for the next installment…and don't forget to read Sango's Ordeal if you haven't already, this is a sequel after all. ^_^.
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Coming up next week: Chapter Three: The Curse
"Houshi-sama!" Sango said sinking further into the water before balling up her fists. But Miroku didn't even glance her way.
"Gomen nasai, Sango," he said before racing past her.
"Houshi-sama?" Sango whispered watching him go, 'Something's wrong. He purposely didn't look at me at all.'