CHAPTER THREE

*

"I see," Miroku said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm. Are you sure that this description is correct?"

"Yes, it is." The old man bowed deeply. He wore a threadbare monk's robe and a cloak that had seen better days. He clearly couldn't afford to pay much for the services of Miroku and his friends. But, Miroku pondered, if he was correct, then it would be worth it.

"They have ravaged our humble orchard and have driven away many of us from the temple. We are living in the woods." Tears had come to the old man's eyes. "If you and your friends cannot drive them away, we shall be forced out permanently."

Miroku smiled and patted the old man's shoulder. "Do not fear. Travelling with me is a reknowned demon-slayer. She will be more than happy to assist."

"We have little to offer as payment-"

"We can settle that later. Often we will offer our services for the sake of a night's shelter and a single meal."

The older monk thanked Miroku profusely before he left. Perfect, Miroku thought with a sly smile. Simply perfect.

*

"Demon bees?" Inuyasha asked, resting his chin on his fist.

"An infestation in an old temple," Miroku said, taking a sip from one of the cans Kagome had brought from her era.

Inuyasha felt a warm thrill at the idea of attacking the creature he hated most in the world. His claws began to sharpen without him even thinking about it. "Are they Naraku's? If he's anywhere nearby-"

"Calm down, Inuyasha," Miroku said, holding up a hand. "Bees, not wasps. From the sound of it, they don't kill when they sting; moreover, they are merely a nuisance rather than a true threat. I don't think Naraku is involved at all."

Kagome paused in her knitting to think it over. "Well, I suppose we could go deal with it," she said. Shippo, who was tangled up in her yarn, poked his head out.

"Since when did I agree to start dealing with everybody's problems?" Inuyasha said peevishly.

"Well, that's fine," Miroku said, smiling. He pointed at Sango, who was polishing her poison mask. "Sango and I can deal with it quite well?"

"Excuse me?" Inuyasha said, astonished. He was always around when they were fighting demons; the idea of staying behind seemed outright bizarre.

"Well, if you think about it, there's no reason for you to come," Miroku said. "The threat is minor enough that your strength isn't needed. Nor is Kagome's archery."

Sango shrugged. "He is right. Especially since I might use some poison smoke to drive the bees out of the temple, and Miroku could simply suck them away once they were in the open air. Remember what happened last time I used that around you?"

Inuyasha swallowed, looking uncomfortable. He remembered it vividly -- he had ended up sprawled on the ground, retching uncontrollably. "And why exactly are you doing this again, Miroku?" he asked, his eyes narrowed to slits.

"A favor to an elderly monk who is in need of aid."

Inuyasha jumped up. "Aha! I knew it! You're up to something, aren't you?"

"Quiet, Inuyasha," Kagome said, picking up a dropped stitch. "You could probably use a day or two of vacation time. And I need to stay in one place for a little while or I'll never get this scarf finished. You should be GLAD that Miroku's offering this."

Sango stood up and dusted herself off. "I'll go get my things." She went off to Kagome's bicycle, with Kirara trailing behind her.

Miroku pulled the fox-demon out of Kagome's yarn. "Shippo, are you coming?" he asked.

"Nope. Kagome told me she'd teach me how to knit," Shippo said.

Miroku tried to hide his dismay. Shippo had been travelling with Kagome and Inuyasha nearly all the time they had known one another. It had to be cramping the potential for pleasure if a small child was tagging along all the time. But if they were left completely alone, Inuyasha just might get over his shyness with Kagome...

"There's a village near the temple," he whispered into Shippo's ear. "How about some sweet dumplings?"

"I'm coming!" Shippo said, dashing over to Sango and Kirara. As the two humans sat on the demon-cat, Shippo bounced onto her head.

"Whatever you're planning, I'm going to find out what it is!" was the last thing Inuyasha yelled as they rode Kirara into the sky. Miroku just smiled.

TO BE CONTINUED