Hi everyone! I'm soooo sorry that I didn't post this sooner... I just didn't have any time! And now school has started, and I have a lot of hard classes. Ones that actually require me to read the chapters I'm supposed to! *sigh* It's too bad, too, cause I have some other ideas on where I want this story to go. It's not just an odd collection of adventures, really I do have a point for it! And I'm sorry for all of you who were mad that I didn't make them kiss, but come on! I can't make them kiss yet, otherwise the suspense and sexual tension is gone! I think some of you will hate me for a part in this chapter too... the powers of the author are unlimited! Ha! Anyway, I do have more chapters written out after this, so hopefully I won't be as slow this time. But I can't promise anything... And, only one more review and I will have 100!!!! Whee! That'll make me really happy!!! Speaking of reviews, how about some responses?
~Review Responses~
Angel-chan3 - Huh. Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets dizzy! Though it only happens to me on long trips, apparently. It's kinda fun... It felt all weird. And fun...
NR - I know, I did that on purpose! Of course they can't kiss yet, my story isn't over and like I said up there, all the sexual tension's gone. That's no fun! You gotta have the sexual tension... And there's alitte bit of fluff in this next chapter... but you'll probably hate me even more!
exsanguination - Good! I'm glad that you didn't think I overdid it! Or that it was cheesy. I don't want to be one of those cheesy romance novel authors! Though those can be run to read sometimes just to make fun of it... My favorite was one that described a part of the male anatomy as a "root." My cousin and I laughed at that one for a good long while...
Heather - I'm glad you thought it was cute!!! Hee! Fluffy scenes are cute, aren't they? I love it whenever Inuyasha and Kagome make up... cause it's just so... cute! Muaw.... And I have played the Inuyasha playstation game, it was great!!! I like how whenever Miroku is fighting a female character, one of his special attacks is groping her. And how if Kikyo is fighting Inuyasha, she'll go up and lay her head on his chest and he gets all flustered. It's cute, really it is, even if it is Kikyo. And of course Kagome can sit him!
ejqHorseLady - I'm glad you liked it! I was hoping that it was sweet. You make me happy!
KireiHanyou - I'm glad you decided to join me! And I'm glad that you're enjoying my story! It always feels great to know that people actually like it. You're right, there are tons of Inuyasha stories now! I honestly don't mind if people want more of my story sooner, it means they want to read more! But with my schedule I might not be able to pump out chapters like I used to...
stoictimer - Well, I guess I'm glad that you haven't experienced dizziness. Cause while it can be fun... hee... it can also be kinda scary. Especially when it doesn't go away for a few days. Anyway, I am okay, and I'm glad that you liked my chapter. Yeah, I thought about that one, Inuyasha being in a car... it is quite a humorous situation.
Litoasngyrl - Of course I didn't make them kiss! For the stated reasons above. Also, everyone makes them kiss! I'm going to be original and not make them kiss! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter...
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"Miroku, are you sure? This isn't just another ploy to blackmail another rich temple man out of his valuables, is it?"
"Sango, why do you doubt my intentions? Of course not. And I do not 'blackmail.' That's such a negative word. I merely aid the common man and since I do such a good job they like to repay me well."
"You are such a louse." Sango eyed him.
"We're here," Miroku smiled at her.
A grand temple in a large village was sprawled out before them. Miroku had heard about a temple that was being possessed by a spirit that wasn't too far away. They hoped a jewel shard was involved.
"Hello, my good sir. I am a humble Buddhist monk, and I heard that you were having trouble with your temple. I could perform an exorcism if you wish. With me is Lady Sango, one of the finest demon exterminators of our time. Please, allow us to help you."
"Oh, a monk and an exterminator! But are you sure? I've had three monks already try to exorcise my temple, and all of them have been defeated. What makes you think you can do any better?"
"Please, my good man, just let us try."
"Well, fine. The spirit has been possessing a room in the west hall. It screams and knocks things about, and scares the servants. No one will go into the west wing anymore. If you can rid us of this annoyance, I will reward you handsomely."
"How long has this spirit been bothering you?"
"At least three weeks now, lord monk, maybe even a month."
"I see. Lead us to the room, please."
The temple man led Miroku and Sango to the west wing. At the end of the long hallway was a room with the door shut. It rattled and a light shone underneath. Then it flickered away.
It is best if you do not watch. It could be very dangerous. We will come get you when we have finished."
"Good luck, lord monk. It's quite a nasty one."
"Wait, before you go, has anything... unpleasant ever happened in this room?" Miroku asked after a thought.
"What do you mean by unpleasant?"
The three jumped when a shriek rang out. Sango held her boomerang alittle tighter.
"I mean, has anything like a death or fight happened in that room?"
"Ah... now that you mention it... many years ago, before we lived here, a woman was murdered in that very room. How could I have forgotten? The lord who used to reside here had a mistress. The girl was one of the servants. His wife was extremely jealous and killed the servant girl. When the lord found out he banished his wife from the palace. He died several years later, and then this area was made into a temple. Do you think this could have anything to do with the spirit?"
"It may. Thank you for the information. We shall perform the exorcism now."
"I shall take my leave then."
Miroku watched the temple man go, and then turned towards the door. His face was extremely serious.
"Are you ready, Sango?" he asked her.
"Yes. Miroku, do you really think this spirit might be restless because of the murder from years ago?"
"There's a good possibility. I'm afraid to say that there might not be jewel shards involved this time."
Sango nodded.
Miroku started down the hall for the door. Sango followed after him. "We must be careful. If it's immensely unsettled we may be in for a fight."
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
"Inuyasha," Kagome said weakly, "Please get me a drink. I'm really thirsty."
"That's the third time you've asked me that this morning! You didn't want me here to keep you company, you just wanted a personal servant," Inuyasha grumbled.
"Fine. I'll get it myself." Kagome tried to get up from her bed. Inuyasha watched her totter for a moment, then grabbed her just in time before she lost her balance.
"Knock it off. I'll get you the stupid drink." He plopped her back onto her bed and stalked out of the room.
Kagome tried to suppress the mischievous grin that was rising to her lips. Though she really couldn't walk, because she really did feel dizzy when she stood, it was kinda cute to have Inuyasha waiting on her like that. And it was kinda fun when he caught her, too...
Kagome settled back into her fluffy pillows. This would be a fun week. She had to admit, it was nice having a personal servant. And he was actually being somewhat decent to her. As decent as he can be, anyway... ever since he "apologized".... She thought about their moment in the courtyard.
'He was so close to me. I thought he was going to kiss me. I think he thought he was going to kiss me too. We almost did...' A tingle ran through Kagome again. 'The best part about it, was that he was seeing only me. Not like the other time we were that close, when we first met. He was looking through me then, to Kikyo.'
Kagome smiled happily. 'Maybe this means that he's finally let her go?' She felt hopeful. 'He's certainly never looked at me like that before. Or ever been that close to me... But still....' She remembered the past few times Inuyasha had been with Kikyo. That desperate look in his eyes and the fondness in his voice were still there. 'Why did I have to start thinking about Kikyo?' She let her heart fall. 'Of course he's not over her... he was really in love with her. He's certainly not in love with me. He must've just been caught up in the moment, that's all. He's probably regretting it already..."
"Here, I got you some of that funny fizzy water you always bring. What do you call it? So-da? Well anyway, here." Inuyasha pressed the cup into Kagome's outstretched hand.
"Thank you, Inuyasha," Kagome said softly.
"What's your problem? You sound... sad."
Kagome looked up at him, changing her melancholy expression to a blank one.
"I'm not. I'm just... not feeling well."
He leaned down. "You have a fever again?" He put his hand on her forehead. His eyes locked on hers. There was her scent again, and he felt dizzy himself. He forgot was he was doing. He was just staring into her eyes, and couldn't bring himself to look away. He wasn't aware that he was bringing himself closer and closer...
"Inuyasha?"
"What..."
"You're sitting on my stomach."
He looked down. He was sitting on her stomach. And when did he get this close to her face?
"Sorry." He got up and went across the room and sat down near her desk. 'Damn it... that's twice in a row. What's gotten into me?'
Kagome was trying not to shake. 'Okay... what was that all about?! He almost... again...'
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
Miroku quickly slid the door back. He pointed his staff into the room and cautiously entered. The shrieks had ceased, and the lights had stopped. Vases and other valuables lay broken and scattered everywhere. It looked as though a tornado had gone through.
"What has happened in here?" Sango said breathlessly.
"The spirit's angry. I have a feeling the servant girl who was murdered is still upset over her untimely death."
"Miroku!!" Sango yelled. She threw hiraikotsu. It shattered a vase that was coming straight for Miroku's head. He ducked.
"Was it something I said?"
Sango grabbed her weapon and then stepped in front of Miroku. "Look, just who are you? Show yourself!"
Miroku and Sango gasped as a beautiful young girl appeared before them. She looked no older than 20.
"Sango! I was wrong... She has a jewel shard in her neck!" Miroku exclaimed.
"I see it. Who are you?" she asked the girl.
"I was a servant in my lord's house. I was new and frightened, and he eased my fears. He made me head of the rest of the servants and blessed me with many privileges. He then fell madly in love with me. His wife, whom he was forced to marry, was extremely angry and jealous. She decided that I must die. One night while I lay sleeping in this very room, she crept in and stabbed me to death. As I lay bleeding, she put the knife in my hands and tried to made it look like suicide. But my lord came in before I died, and I told him that I had been murdered. My lord was crushed. He feel into deep despair... My poor poor lord..." She floated away to the window.
Miroku got up. "Why do you stay here?"
"I cannot leave. My lord will come for me someday. And until then I curse the witch who killed me. I wish for revenge upon her wretched soul!" she screamed and threw a vase at the wall.
"He's not coming back. He's dead, you do know that, don't you?" Sango asked. "Can't you join him?"
"He'll come get me. And I must seek out my revenge on the wench who killed me. You are not her, right? She knew some magic. You are not her wearing a disguise? Perhaps I should kill you just in case." The girl floated closer to Sango. She put up her boomerang, but didn't know what good it would do against a ghost.
"I've had enough. There is nothing more you can do in this world. Both of the people you speak of are dead. You have nothing left to stay here for," Miroku spoke up. The girl looked over at him.
"Stupid monk. I've killed three of them just like you. All trying to send me into the next world. I shall kill you just like the rest."
"No you won't." Miroku pulled out spell scrolls from his robes. "First, we must get rid of that shard that's polluting your soul." He threw a scroll onto her neck. She shrieked and wailed, and tried to pull the scroll off. She managed to peel it away, but the shard remained in her neck.
"Damn it," Miroku muttered. "I hoped I wouldn't have to use this one." He held up another scroll.
The girl was angry and flew around the room, picking up anything she could grasp and flung it at the monk. Sango covered for him with her boomerang.
"I need a clear shot at her neck! This scroll will work, but it will cause her quite a bit of discomfort..."
"I can't... do anything... she's too fast!" Sango cried between blocking projectiles.
Miroku stood behind Sango, and waited for the opportune moment. The ghost continued her assault, throwing anything she could at the exterminator and the monk. Miroku kept a sharp eye on her every move. Finally...
"There!" he cried and rushed out in front. He threw the scroll and it hit right over the shard. The girl stopped in mid throw and grabbed at her neck. She shrieked with pain. The scroll glowed bright white and the shard gleamed pink underneath. Finally the scroll popped off and the shard fell to the floor.
The girl blinked her eyes and looked around as if noticing where she was for the first time. She looked even more beautiful than before. She turned towards Miroku and smiled.
"I can leave now. I was under a spell from that shard. Thank you for releasing me. I feel at peace now, and soon I will see my lord."
"Wait! Must you go so soon?!" Miroku cried. Sango whacked him over the head with hiraikotsu.
The girl faded away. Miroku kneeled down to look at the jewel fragment.
"The shard was polluting her soul. I'm afraid to touch it, because it still needs to be purified. Too bad Kagome isn't here... Anyway, the girl's soul will be fine now." Miroku gathered the shard into a cloth and put it into his robe.
"Glad that's over," Sango remarked. "Wha... hey!"
Miroku was now looking through the debris for any valuable items that hadn't been destroyed.
"Looks like there wasn't anything left intact."
"Come on. Let's go." Sango gabbed Miroku's arm and pulled him out of the room.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~~
"You feeling better yet?" Inuyasha asked Kagome with insincerity.
"No. And I don't appreciate your tone of voice. What's gotten into you?"
Inuyasha sniffed and walked out of the room. Kagome pulled the covers up to her chin and gave a frustrated sigh. 'Why's he being like this?'
Inuyasha sat outside her door. He knew he was being meaner than usual, but he had to cover up somehow. 'That was way too close. Twice I almost... What has gotten into me?'
Later on Kagome was feeling better enough to sit downstairs in the living room. Inuyasha carried her down. "Let's watch a movie!" she grinned.
"What's a movie?" Inuyasha asked.
"You'll see," Kagome said. She didn't feel like trying to explain it.
After debating on which one to watch, Kagome put the tape into the vcr and they sat back. Kagome was enjoying herself. She hadn't seen a movie in way too long. She spent most of her time in the feudal era, so it felt nice to sit back and relax for once and take advantage of modern luxuries. Inuyasha was also relaxing. Kagome looked at him and sighed. He was sound asleep. "Trust him not to appreciate a good movie!" She shoved some more popcorn into her mouth.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
Sango and Miroku were on their way back to Kaede's.
"All of this stuff wasn't necessary, you know," Sango said reproachfully, eyeing Miroku's bulging sack of goods that the temple man had paid him with.
"Sango, have you noticed that the jewel shards have been becoming more and more scarce?" Miroku asked, ignoring her last comment.
"Yes. There aren't many around anymore. And we have to travel quite far to get word of any."
"You know what this means, don't you?"
"Naraku is gathering more and more each day. Which means he's becoming quite powerful," Sango said grimly.
"We shall have to be on our guard. He has not attempted any traps in awhile. With Inuyasha gone it makes me nervous."
"You don't rely completely on Inuyasha, do you?!" Sango said incredulously.
"Of course not. But he is a great help to us all. He is stronger than all of us, and I would not want to battle Naraku alone."
"But you won't battle Naraku alone. You have me," she said quietly.
"What?" Miroku asked.
"You have me," Sango said alittle louder. She looked at him and smiled.
"You're right. I do have you."
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
At the end of the week Kagome was feeling much better and felt well enough to go back to the feudal era.
"It's about time," Inuyasha grumbled.
"Come on," Kagome said, pulling him out to the well. 'I knew he wouldn't be nice to me for very long. He's such a jerk sometimes.' They hopped into the well.
"KAGOME!!!" Shippo launched his little body into Kagome's. "I missed you so much!!"
"I missed you too, Shippo!"
"Lady Kagome, good to see you!" Miroku waved.
"Kagome!" Sango came up and hugged her friend.
"Inuyasha, while you were gone we acquired a jewel shard," Miroku said.
"Really? How?"
Sango and Miroku told the story.
"But Inuyasha, the shards are becoming scarce. We fear Naraku is collecting most of them," Miroku said.
"Well that's fine with me. Saves us some work."
"But he's also getting more powerful. I'm not sure we can beat him."
"Don't worry about it Miroku. We'll beat him," Inuyasha said confidently. The monk was not so sure.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
The group set out again. They had made camp near a bed of hot springs. Sango and Miroku had gone off gathering more firewood, and Shippo and Kirara were checking out the scenery.
Kagome and Inuyasha sat near the fire.
Inuyasha looked at Kagome who was reading intently.
"Hey Kagome, whatcha readin'?"
"A book for school," she said shortly.
"You're always reading for school," he complained.
"I have to or I'll get behind in my classes."
He stared at her for awhile. "You're boring when you read."
Kagome didn't answer and kept her nose in her book.
"Kagome?"
She still didn't respond. Inuyasha watched her for another second, then got impatient. He snatched away her book. "Gimme that!"
"Hey!" Kagome cried. "Inuyasha, give that back you jerk!"
"Make me!" he taunted. Kagome jumped on top of him and the two wrestled for the book. She grabbed for it, but his arms were longer than hers and he kept it just out of reach.
In the mean time Sango and Miroku were approaching the campsite and heard the commotion.
They stopped in the bushes and watched what was going on.
"Inuyasha has an odd way of flirting, doesn't he?" Miroku observed.
"Hmm, as opposed to you who is blatantly obvious?" Sango said drily.
Miroku gave her his famous innocent look. "My dear Sango, whatever do you mea- ow!"
Sango slapped Miroku's also famous wandering hand which was making its way towards her lower regions.
"GIVE IT BACK JERK FACE!!!!"
"Make me, ya stupid girl!"
"You are such a dweeb!!"
"Stupid!"
"What is going on here?" Miroku asked as he and Sango came into the camp.
Inuyasha and Kagome's faces turned bright red. Inuyasha half shoved and Kagome half scrambled out of his lap.
"He took my book," Kagome said in a small voice.
"Cause she wasn't listening to me," Inuyasha shot back.
"Cause I'm trying to study!"
"Who cares?! I've told you to just give up your stupid school!"
"I can't do that! I-"
"Enough! You guys are acting like five-year-olds!" Sango exploded.
Inuyasha and Kagome were silent.
"Hey everybody! The hot springs look great!" Shippo and Kirara had returned.
"Good. Come on Miroku, let's go." Inuyasha grabbed his arm and tugged him along to the springs.
"Fine with me! I need to study!" Kagome called after them. "Hmph!" She picked up her book. But after the whole ordeal she couldn't concentrate. She set it down again.
"That jerk. He makes me so mad-" Kagome stopped for a minute. Then she got a mischievous grin. "Sango, why don't we play a little trick on the boys..."
"What do you mean?" Sango asked bewildered.
"Miroku been trying to grope you lately?"
"Well, now that you mention it, yes." Sango rolled her eyes.
"I've got an idea to get back at them."
"How?"
Kagome whispered into her ear. Sango grinned.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
"Really, Inuyasha, Naraku is getting more powerful. And I'm worried that with every shard he gets he becomes even more unbeatable."
"I'm telling you, you worry too much monk. With all of us we're sure to defeat him, no matter how many shards he has."
"Right..." Miroku sighed and sat back against a rock. He glanced over the beautiful scenery. Then he did a double take. The girl's clothes were lying on some rocks near the springs. Miroku sat up quickly.
"Inuyasha. Look over there. It's the girls' clothes!"
"So?"
"Don't you see?! If their clothes are there... it means they're in here somewhere!" Miroku grabbed Inuyasha's arm and dragged him over to the rocks that separated the spring from the others.
"Wait a minute Miroku... we can't spy on them! Do you know how many times Kagome'll sit me?! And weren't our clothes sitting there? Where's our clothes-augh!"
"Shh! Quiet! You don't want them to know we're here," Miroku shushed him. He peeked over all the rocks, but didn't see the girls.
"Where are they?! These hot springs aren't that big..."
Suddenly they heard a giggle behind them.
"Uh, Miroku..." Inuyasha and Miroku turned around.
Kagome and Sango were wearing their clothes!
"Hello there!" Kagome waved.
Miroku and Inuyasha fell over.
Kagome and Sango giggled again and ran away. Kagome had to pull up Inuyasha's pants which were much too long for her and Sango had to hold up Miroku's robes.
"That's great, that's just great," Inuyasha muttered while getting up, his hair drenched. Miroku shook his head.
"Come on, let's get them," Inuyasha said, wading over to the bank.
"You forget one thing, my friend," Miroku said. He pointed to the bank with the girls' clothes on it.
"Oh no.... I'm not wearing that! Damn it! Kagome!!!"
"I don't know Inuyasha, you could get away with it... you have the legs for that skirt..."
*Whap* *splash*
"Just- kidding," Miroku gasped.
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Uh oh... What will Inuyasha and Miroku do now?! Kagome and Sango have their clothes...
And, I must give credit where credit is due. My idea was for Kagome and Sango to steal Miroku and Inuyasha's clothes. When I was telling my friend, Myr Halcyon about it, she expanded on the idea and said the girls should wear the boy's clothes and Miroku should look for them in the springs. It really did make the scene so much more funny... So, thank you Myr for the great idea!
~Review Responses~
Angel-chan3 - Huh. Well I'm glad I'm not the only one who gets dizzy! Though it only happens to me on long trips, apparently. It's kinda fun... It felt all weird. And fun...
NR - I know, I did that on purpose! Of course they can't kiss yet, my story isn't over and like I said up there, all the sexual tension's gone. That's no fun! You gotta have the sexual tension... And there's alitte bit of fluff in this next chapter... but you'll probably hate me even more!
exsanguination - Good! I'm glad that you didn't think I overdid it! Or that it was cheesy. I don't want to be one of those cheesy romance novel authors! Though those can be run to read sometimes just to make fun of it... My favorite was one that described a part of the male anatomy as a "root." My cousin and I laughed at that one for a good long while...
Heather - I'm glad you thought it was cute!!! Hee! Fluffy scenes are cute, aren't they? I love it whenever Inuyasha and Kagome make up... cause it's just so... cute! Muaw.... And I have played the Inuyasha playstation game, it was great!!! I like how whenever Miroku is fighting a female character, one of his special attacks is groping her. And how if Kikyo is fighting Inuyasha, she'll go up and lay her head on his chest and he gets all flustered. It's cute, really it is, even if it is Kikyo. And of course Kagome can sit him!
ejqHorseLady - I'm glad you liked it! I was hoping that it was sweet. You make me happy!
KireiHanyou - I'm glad you decided to join me! And I'm glad that you're enjoying my story! It always feels great to know that people actually like it. You're right, there are tons of Inuyasha stories now! I honestly don't mind if people want more of my story sooner, it means they want to read more! But with my schedule I might not be able to pump out chapters like I used to...
stoictimer - Well, I guess I'm glad that you haven't experienced dizziness. Cause while it can be fun... hee... it can also be kinda scary. Especially when it doesn't go away for a few days. Anyway, I am okay, and I'm glad that you liked my chapter. Yeah, I thought about that one, Inuyasha being in a car... it is quite a humorous situation.
Litoasngyrl - Of course I didn't make them kiss! For the stated reasons above. Also, everyone makes them kiss! I'm going to be original and not make them kiss! Anyway, I hope you like this chapter...
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"Miroku, are you sure? This isn't just another ploy to blackmail another rich temple man out of his valuables, is it?"
"Sango, why do you doubt my intentions? Of course not. And I do not 'blackmail.' That's such a negative word. I merely aid the common man and since I do such a good job they like to repay me well."
"You are such a louse." Sango eyed him.
"We're here," Miroku smiled at her.
A grand temple in a large village was sprawled out before them. Miroku had heard about a temple that was being possessed by a spirit that wasn't too far away. They hoped a jewel shard was involved.
"Hello, my good sir. I am a humble Buddhist monk, and I heard that you were having trouble with your temple. I could perform an exorcism if you wish. With me is Lady Sango, one of the finest demon exterminators of our time. Please, allow us to help you."
"Oh, a monk and an exterminator! But are you sure? I've had three monks already try to exorcise my temple, and all of them have been defeated. What makes you think you can do any better?"
"Please, my good man, just let us try."
"Well, fine. The spirit has been possessing a room in the west hall. It screams and knocks things about, and scares the servants. No one will go into the west wing anymore. If you can rid us of this annoyance, I will reward you handsomely."
"How long has this spirit been bothering you?"
"At least three weeks now, lord monk, maybe even a month."
"I see. Lead us to the room, please."
The temple man led Miroku and Sango to the west wing. At the end of the long hallway was a room with the door shut. It rattled and a light shone underneath. Then it flickered away.
It is best if you do not watch. It could be very dangerous. We will come get you when we have finished."
"Good luck, lord monk. It's quite a nasty one."
"Wait, before you go, has anything... unpleasant ever happened in this room?" Miroku asked after a thought.
"What do you mean by unpleasant?"
The three jumped when a shriek rang out. Sango held her boomerang alittle tighter.
"I mean, has anything like a death or fight happened in that room?"
"Ah... now that you mention it... many years ago, before we lived here, a woman was murdered in that very room. How could I have forgotten? The lord who used to reside here had a mistress. The girl was one of the servants. His wife was extremely jealous and killed the servant girl. When the lord found out he banished his wife from the palace. He died several years later, and then this area was made into a temple. Do you think this could have anything to do with the spirit?"
"It may. Thank you for the information. We shall perform the exorcism now."
"I shall take my leave then."
Miroku watched the temple man go, and then turned towards the door. His face was extremely serious.
"Are you ready, Sango?" he asked her.
"Yes. Miroku, do you really think this spirit might be restless because of the murder from years ago?"
"There's a good possibility. I'm afraid to say that there might not be jewel shards involved this time."
Sango nodded.
Miroku started down the hall for the door. Sango followed after him. "We must be careful. If it's immensely unsettled we may be in for a fight."
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
"Inuyasha," Kagome said weakly, "Please get me a drink. I'm really thirsty."
"That's the third time you've asked me that this morning! You didn't want me here to keep you company, you just wanted a personal servant," Inuyasha grumbled.
"Fine. I'll get it myself." Kagome tried to get up from her bed. Inuyasha watched her totter for a moment, then grabbed her just in time before she lost her balance.
"Knock it off. I'll get you the stupid drink." He plopped her back onto her bed and stalked out of the room.
Kagome tried to suppress the mischievous grin that was rising to her lips. Though she really couldn't walk, because she really did feel dizzy when she stood, it was kinda cute to have Inuyasha waiting on her like that. And it was kinda fun when he caught her, too...
Kagome settled back into her fluffy pillows. This would be a fun week. She had to admit, it was nice having a personal servant. And he was actually being somewhat decent to her. As decent as he can be, anyway... ever since he "apologized".... She thought about their moment in the courtyard.
'He was so close to me. I thought he was going to kiss me. I think he thought he was going to kiss me too. We almost did...' A tingle ran through Kagome again. 'The best part about it, was that he was seeing only me. Not like the other time we were that close, when we first met. He was looking through me then, to Kikyo.'
Kagome smiled happily. 'Maybe this means that he's finally let her go?' She felt hopeful. 'He's certainly never looked at me like that before. Or ever been that close to me... But still....' She remembered the past few times Inuyasha had been with Kikyo. That desperate look in his eyes and the fondness in his voice were still there. 'Why did I have to start thinking about Kikyo?' She let her heart fall. 'Of course he's not over her... he was really in love with her. He's certainly not in love with me. He must've just been caught up in the moment, that's all. He's probably regretting it already..."
"Here, I got you some of that funny fizzy water you always bring. What do you call it? So-da? Well anyway, here." Inuyasha pressed the cup into Kagome's outstretched hand.
"Thank you, Inuyasha," Kagome said softly.
"What's your problem? You sound... sad."
Kagome looked up at him, changing her melancholy expression to a blank one.
"I'm not. I'm just... not feeling well."
He leaned down. "You have a fever again?" He put his hand on her forehead. His eyes locked on hers. There was her scent again, and he felt dizzy himself. He forgot was he was doing. He was just staring into her eyes, and couldn't bring himself to look away. He wasn't aware that he was bringing himself closer and closer...
"Inuyasha?"
"What..."
"You're sitting on my stomach."
He looked down. He was sitting on her stomach. And when did he get this close to her face?
"Sorry." He got up and went across the room and sat down near her desk. 'Damn it... that's twice in a row. What's gotten into me?'
Kagome was trying not to shake. 'Okay... what was that all about?! He almost... again...'
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
Miroku quickly slid the door back. He pointed his staff into the room and cautiously entered. The shrieks had ceased, and the lights had stopped. Vases and other valuables lay broken and scattered everywhere. It looked as though a tornado had gone through.
"What has happened in here?" Sango said breathlessly.
"The spirit's angry. I have a feeling the servant girl who was murdered is still upset over her untimely death."
"Miroku!!" Sango yelled. She threw hiraikotsu. It shattered a vase that was coming straight for Miroku's head. He ducked.
"Was it something I said?"
Sango grabbed her weapon and then stepped in front of Miroku. "Look, just who are you? Show yourself!"
Miroku and Sango gasped as a beautiful young girl appeared before them. She looked no older than 20.
"Sango! I was wrong... She has a jewel shard in her neck!" Miroku exclaimed.
"I see it. Who are you?" she asked the girl.
"I was a servant in my lord's house. I was new and frightened, and he eased my fears. He made me head of the rest of the servants and blessed me with many privileges. He then fell madly in love with me. His wife, whom he was forced to marry, was extremely angry and jealous. She decided that I must die. One night while I lay sleeping in this very room, she crept in and stabbed me to death. As I lay bleeding, she put the knife in my hands and tried to made it look like suicide. But my lord came in before I died, and I told him that I had been murdered. My lord was crushed. He feel into deep despair... My poor poor lord..." She floated away to the window.
Miroku got up. "Why do you stay here?"
"I cannot leave. My lord will come for me someday. And until then I curse the witch who killed me. I wish for revenge upon her wretched soul!" she screamed and threw a vase at the wall.
"He's not coming back. He's dead, you do know that, don't you?" Sango asked. "Can't you join him?"
"He'll come get me. And I must seek out my revenge on the wench who killed me. You are not her, right? She knew some magic. You are not her wearing a disguise? Perhaps I should kill you just in case." The girl floated closer to Sango. She put up her boomerang, but didn't know what good it would do against a ghost.
"I've had enough. There is nothing more you can do in this world. Both of the people you speak of are dead. You have nothing left to stay here for," Miroku spoke up. The girl looked over at him.
"Stupid monk. I've killed three of them just like you. All trying to send me into the next world. I shall kill you just like the rest."
"No you won't." Miroku pulled out spell scrolls from his robes. "First, we must get rid of that shard that's polluting your soul." He threw a scroll onto her neck. She shrieked and wailed, and tried to pull the scroll off. She managed to peel it away, but the shard remained in her neck.
"Damn it," Miroku muttered. "I hoped I wouldn't have to use this one." He held up another scroll.
The girl was angry and flew around the room, picking up anything she could grasp and flung it at the monk. Sango covered for him with her boomerang.
"I need a clear shot at her neck! This scroll will work, but it will cause her quite a bit of discomfort..."
"I can't... do anything... she's too fast!" Sango cried between blocking projectiles.
Miroku stood behind Sango, and waited for the opportune moment. The ghost continued her assault, throwing anything she could at the exterminator and the monk. Miroku kept a sharp eye on her every move. Finally...
"There!" he cried and rushed out in front. He threw the scroll and it hit right over the shard. The girl stopped in mid throw and grabbed at her neck. She shrieked with pain. The scroll glowed bright white and the shard gleamed pink underneath. Finally the scroll popped off and the shard fell to the floor.
The girl blinked her eyes and looked around as if noticing where she was for the first time. She looked even more beautiful than before. She turned towards Miroku and smiled.
"I can leave now. I was under a spell from that shard. Thank you for releasing me. I feel at peace now, and soon I will see my lord."
"Wait! Must you go so soon?!" Miroku cried. Sango whacked him over the head with hiraikotsu.
The girl faded away. Miroku kneeled down to look at the jewel fragment.
"The shard was polluting her soul. I'm afraid to touch it, because it still needs to be purified. Too bad Kagome isn't here... Anyway, the girl's soul will be fine now." Miroku gathered the shard into a cloth and put it into his robe.
"Glad that's over," Sango remarked. "Wha... hey!"
Miroku was now looking through the debris for any valuable items that hadn't been destroyed.
"Looks like there wasn't anything left intact."
"Come on. Let's go." Sango gabbed Miroku's arm and pulled him out of the room.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~~
"You feeling better yet?" Inuyasha asked Kagome with insincerity.
"No. And I don't appreciate your tone of voice. What's gotten into you?"
Inuyasha sniffed and walked out of the room. Kagome pulled the covers up to her chin and gave a frustrated sigh. 'Why's he being like this?'
Inuyasha sat outside her door. He knew he was being meaner than usual, but he had to cover up somehow. 'That was way too close. Twice I almost... What has gotten into me?'
Later on Kagome was feeling better enough to sit downstairs in the living room. Inuyasha carried her down. "Let's watch a movie!" she grinned.
"What's a movie?" Inuyasha asked.
"You'll see," Kagome said. She didn't feel like trying to explain it.
After debating on which one to watch, Kagome put the tape into the vcr and they sat back. Kagome was enjoying herself. She hadn't seen a movie in way too long. She spent most of her time in the feudal era, so it felt nice to sit back and relax for once and take advantage of modern luxuries. Inuyasha was also relaxing. Kagome looked at him and sighed. He was sound asleep. "Trust him not to appreciate a good movie!" She shoved some more popcorn into her mouth.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
Sango and Miroku were on their way back to Kaede's.
"All of this stuff wasn't necessary, you know," Sango said reproachfully, eyeing Miroku's bulging sack of goods that the temple man had paid him with.
"Sango, have you noticed that the jewel shards have been becoming more and more scarce?" Miroku asked, ignoring her last comment.
"Yes. There aren't many around anymore. And we have to travel quite far to get word of any."
"You know what this means, don't you?"
"Naraku is gathering more and more each day. Which means he's becoming quite powerful," Sango said grimly.
"We shall have to be on our guard. He has not attempted any traps in awhile. With Inuyasha gone it makes me nervous."
"You don't rely completely on Inuyasha, do you?!" Sango said incredulously.
"Of course not. But he is a great help to us all. He is stronger than all of us, and I would not want to battle Naraku alone."
"But you won't battle Naraku alone. You have me," she said quietly.
"What?" Miroku asked.
"You have me," Sango said alittle louder. She looked at him and smiled.
"You're right. I do have you."
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
At the end of the week Kagome was feeling much better and felt well enough to go back to the feudal era.
"It's about time," Inuyasha grumbled.
"Come on," Kagome said, pulling him out to the well. 'I knew he wouldn't be nice to me for very long. He's such a jerk sometimes.' They hopped into the well.
"KAGOME!!!" Shippo launched his little body into Kagome's. "I missed you so much!!"
"I missed you too, Shippo!"
"Lady Kagome, good to see you!" Miroku waved.
"Kagome!" Sango came up and hugged her friend.
"Inuyasha, while you were gone we acquired a jewel shard," Miroku said.
"Really? How?"
Sango and Miroku told the story.
"But Inuyasha, the shards are becoming scarce. We fear Naraku is collecting most of them," Miroku said.
"Well that's fine with me. Saves us some work."
"But he's also getting more powerful. I'm not sure we can beat him."
"Don't worry about it Miroku. We'll beat him," Inuyasha said confidently. The monk was not so sure.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
The group set out again. They had made camp near a bed of hot springs. Sango and Miroku had gone off gathering more firewood, and Shippo and Kirara were checking out the scenery.
Kagome and Inuyasha sat near the fire.
Inuyasha looked at Kagome who was reading intently.
"Hey Kagome, whatcha readin'?"
"A book for school," she said shortly.
"You're always reading for school," he complained.
"I have to or I'll get behind in my classes."
He stared at her for awhile. "You're boring when you read."
Kagome didn't answer and kept her nose in her book.
"Kagome?"
She still didn't respond. Inuyasha watched her for another second, then got impatient. He snatched away her book. "Gimme that!"
"Hey!" Kagome cried. "Inuyasha, give that back you jerk!"
"Make me!" he taunted. Kagome jumped on top of him and the two wrestled for the book. She grabbed for it, but his arms were longer than hers and he kept it just out of reach.
In the mean time Sango and Miroku were approaching the campsite and heard the commotion.
They stopped in the bushes and watched what was going on.
"Inuyasha has an odd way of flirting, doesn't he?" Miroku observed.
"Hmm, as opposed to you who is blatantly obvious?" Sango said drily.
Miroku gave her his famous innocent look. "My dear Sango, whatever do you mea- ow!"
Sango slapped Miroku's also famous wandering hand which was making its way towards her lower regions.
"GIVE IT BACK JERK FACE!!!!"
"Make me, ya stupid girl!"
"You are such a dweeb!!"
"Stupid!"
"What is going on here?" Miroku asked as he and Sango came into the camp.
Inuyasha and Kagome's faces turned bright red. Inuyasha half shoved and Kagome half scrambled out of his lap.
"He took my book," Kagome said in a small voice.
"Cause she wasn't listening to me," Inuyasha shot back.
"Cause I'm trying to study!"
"Who cares?! I've told you to just give up your stupid school!"
"I can't do that! I-"
"Enough! You guys are acting like five-year-olds!" Sango exploded.
Inuyasha and Kagome were silent.
"Hey everybody! The hot springs look great!" Shippo and Kirara had returned.
"Good. Come on Miroku, let's go." Inuyasha grabbed his arm and tugged him along to the springs.
"Fine with me! I need to study!" Kagome called after them. "Hmph!" She picked up her book. But after the whole ordeal she couldn't concentrate. She set it down again.
"That jerk. He makes me so mad-" Kagome stopped for a minute. Then she got a mischievous grin. "Sango, why don't we play a little trick on the boys..."
"What do you mean?" Sango asked bewildered.
"Miroku been trying to grope you lately?"
"Well, now that you mention it, yes." Sango rolled her eyes.
"I've got an idea to get back at them."
"How?"
Kagome whispered into her ear. Sango grinned.
~~~~*~*~*~~~~
"Really, Inuyasha, Naraku is getting more powerful. And I'm worried that with every shard he gets he becomes even more unbeatable."
"I'm telling you, you worry too much monk. With all of us we're sure to defeat him, no matter how many shards he has."
"Right..." Miroku sighed and sat back against a rock. He glanced over the beautiful scenery. Then he did a double take. The girl's clothes were lying on some rocks near the springs. Miroku sat up quickly.
"Inuyasha. Look over there. It's the girls' clothes!"
"So?"
"Don't you see?! If their clothes are there... it means they're in here somewhere!" Miroku grabbed Inuyasha's arm and dragged him over to the rocks that separated the spring from the others.
"Wait a minute Miroku... we can't spy on them! Do you know how many times Kagome'll sit me?! And weren't our clothes sitting there? Where's our clothes-augh!"
"Shh! Quiet! You don't want them to know we're here," Miroku shushed him. He peeked over all the rocks, but didn't see the girls.
"Where are they?! These hot springs aren't that big..."
Suddenly they heard a giggle behind them.
"Uh, Miroku..." Inuyasha and Miroku turned around.
Kagome and Sango were wearing their clothes!
"Hello there!" Kagome waved.
Miroku and Inuyasha fell over.
Kagome and Sango giggled again and ran away. Kagome had to pull up Inuyasha's pants which were much too long for her and Sango had to hold up Miroku's robes.
"That's great, that's just great," Inuyasha muttered while getting up, his hair drenched. Miroku shook his head.
"Come on, let's get them," Inuyasha said, wading over to the bank.
"You forget one thing, my friend," Miroku said. He pointed to the bank with the girls' clothes on it.
"Oh no.... I'm not wearing that! Damn it! Kagome!!!"
"I don't know Inuyasha, you could get away with it... you have the legs for that skirt..."
*Whap* *splash*
"Just- kidding," Miroku gasped.
______________________________________________
Uh oh... What will Inuyasha and Miroku do now?! Kagome and Sango have their clothes...
And, I must give credit where credit is due. My idea was for Kagome and Sango to steal Miroku and Inuyasha's clothes. When I was telling my friend, Myr Halcyon about it, she expanded on the idea and said the girls should wear the boy's clothes and Miroku should look for them in the springs. It really did make the scene so much more funny... So, thank you Myr for the great idea!